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Itinerary
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Edenton
Known as the “South’s Prettiest Small Town,” historic Edenton is situated on the Chowan River and Albemarle Sound, a picture-perfect setting for “The Rescue.” The novel is one of Sparks’ more personal stories and was inspired by his son Ryan. The novel’s main character has a home on the Chowan River, which is easy to envision as you cross the bridge into town. Two of the novel’s characters are volunteers with the Edenton Volunteer Fire Department. See the town library and Episcopal Church that play “roles” in the book on a guided walking or trolley tour.
Williamston
Set along the Roanoke River, Williamston pairs small-town warmth with timeless scenery — historic buildings, a revitalized downtown and quiet river views that feel straight out of a Sparks-inspired love story. Nearby trails and wetlands add the kind of calm beauty that inspires reflection.
Washington
On the Pamlico River sits Washington, a town with historic streets, riverside promenades, boutique shops and a riverside museum filled with estuarine wonders. Its quiet waterfront glow, boardwalk reflections, moss-hung oaks and river marsh edges evoke the kind of intimate, emotional backdrop Sparks often crafts.
New Bern
New Bern on the Neuse River is next, and it’s best to stay awhile. Nicholas Sparks certainly did — the town has been his home for many years. The staff at New Bern’s Convention & Visitors Center is happy to share the self-guided "A Walk to Remember" walking tour with fans of the writer’s popular books and numerous resulting movies. The tour also provides a way to see many of the city’s sights, and New Bern plays a role in three Sparks novels: “A Bend in the Road,” “The Wedding” and “The Notebook.” Highlights of the walking tour include Union Point Park and the docks behind the waterfront DoubleTree by Hilton (both featured in “A Bend in the Road”), the Alfred Cunningham Bridge (in “The Notebook”), the Masonic Theatre and Centenary Methodist Church (both in “The Notebook”).
Ocracoke
Ocracoke, one of the southernmost islands of the Outer Banks, can only be reached by water or air and is the location of “The Wish.” Hop on the early morning ferry from Cedar Island to visit the remote island where 16-year-old Maggie was sent to live with her aunt for a summer. Make sure your camera is ready as you explore — Maggie was introduced to photography in Ocracoke, and the passion turned into a career as a travel photographer. With the abundance of opportunities for stunning photos nearby — like Ocracoke Lighthouse, Springer’s Point and Banker Ponies — it’s clear why. Walk around the village, where you’ll find shopping, restaurants and coffee shops, and entertainment.
Swansboro
Swansboro serves as our next set-jetting locale. The “Friendly City by the Sea” sits at the confluence of the White Oak River and the Intracoastal Waterway (including a scenic walkway). Just a few blocks in size and featured in “The Guardian,” Swansboro’s historic district includes quaint shops, many historic houses and buildings, and popular restaurants.
Wilmington and Beaches
The romantic riverfront town of Wilmington provided yet another ideal NC setting for a Nicholas Sparks novel and resulting film. “Safe Haven” — the romantic thriller starring Josh Duhamel and Julianne Hough — debuted on Valentine’s Day 2013 after being filmed exclusively in Southport and Wilmington. In Wilmington — often referred to as “Wilmywood” and “Hollywood East” because of all the film work done here — the characters strolled by the Wilmington Convention Center and the Carolina Apartments on Market Street during a visit. Down at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, the couple shared a romantic kiss on the wide, deserted beach.
Southport
Another “Safe Haven” setting, the possibilities in and around Southport include: the ferry between Fort Fisher and Southport; Southport’s city blocks where the dramatic Fourth of July scenes were filmed; Ports of Call restaurant, where a romantic dinner was shot and actor Josh Duhamel learned to shuck an oyster; and American Fish Co. restaurant, where the character Katie (Julianne Hough) worked as a waitress. Along with their fictional roles, the cast and crew also took advantage of other area offerings during filming, including: Julianne Hough’s 23rd birthday celebration at Ports of Call; popular Fishy Fishy Cafe, a favorite with Sparks and the cast and crew; and a guided paddling trip with Adventure Kayak Company.
Kindred Spirit Mailbox
End your vacay with a visit to an enchanting mailbox on Bird Island. Kindred Spirit Mailbox, the inspiration behind “Every Breath,” sits a half-hour walk from the nearest public access point, nestled between sand dunes. Grab a notebook from the mailbox, take a seat on one of the benches and pen your innermost thoughts, dreams and prayers as you reflect on a perfect trip.
Snapshot Module
Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Edenton
Stop 2
Williamston
Stop 3
Washington
Stop 4
New Bern
Stop 5
Ocracoke
Stop 6
Swansboro
Stop 7
Wilmington and Beaches
Stop 8
Southport
Stop 9