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The Omni Grove Park Inn
Ruth and Ira, the older couple in Nicholas Sparks’ story, honeymooned in Asheville. With their unerring taste, they booked a room at the The Omni Grove Park Inn, as famous for the notables in the guest book as for the grand stone structure and majestic mountain views. Stay elsewhere, if you like, but come to dine or enjoy a sunset cocktail and you’ll understand its enduring appeal.
LaZoom
Hop on a LaZoom bus tour for a quirky history lesson, then explore the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center and the Asheville Art Museum for a deeper dive into the area’s creative legacy.
Lake Eden
From Asheville, follow Interstate 40 to Old US Highway 70 and approach the Black Mountain College campus as Ruth and Ira would have done. Edwin Grove, who built the Grove Park Inn, originally developed Lake Eden and several buildings that remain to this day. After the college closed in 1956, the Camp Rockmont era began. Though the lake is visible from the road and worth a drive-by, the best time to see the grounds is during the Lake Eden Arts Festival, a twice-a-year event that channels the old college spirit with an expansive celebration of arts worldwide.
Pilot Mountain State Park
Drive to Pilot Mountain State Park, whose centerpiece is a US National Natural Landmark, a dome rising nearly half a mile above the landscape below. Even the easy 0.1-mile Little Pinnacle Overlook Trail is rewarding, though Luke and Sophia probably chose one of the longer, more strenuous routes to the summit. To channel the novel’s equestrian theme, explore the park or nearby trails on horseback.
Mitchell River House
Overnight in a cabin at a winery, or check in at the Hampton Inn at Shelton Vineyards in Dobson or the honeymoon chateau at JOLO Winery & Vineyards in Pilot Mountain. More romantic yet: Rent the Mitchell River House outside Dobson. This three-bedroom farmhouse served as Luke’s residence in the movie.
Wake Forest University
To connect with places in the novel, drive through King and Pinnacle on your way to Winston-Salem, home of Wake Forest University (notable faculty and alumni include Maya Angelou, Arnold Palmer and Tim Duncan). Sophia attended this private university on scholarship and majored in art history.
Old Salem Museum & Gardens
Old Salem Museums & Gardens, a Moravian settlement that embraced the arts and education, warrants a leisurely exploration of food, gardens and traditional arts such as Scherenschnitte. On the Winston side, the “Downton Abbey”-era Reynolda House Museum of American Art is full of compelling drama as well as exquisite art. And the North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem and the Weatherspoon Art Museum in nearby Greensboro match Ruth and Ira in adventurous artistic spirit.
Graylyn
Unique accommodations include the Brookstown Inn, The Zevely Inn and Graylyn Estate. Travelers need not look far for indulgent dining, though “The Longest Ride” pilgrims will undoubtedly opt for sushi at Sakura or the seasonally changing menu at Spring House.
Wallace
On your way to Wilmington, stop in Wallace, which played the role of 1940s Greensboro in “The Longest Ride.” Spot Ira’s father’s haberdashery, the old soda shop, and more.
Cameron Art Museum
Stroll along the Wilmington Riverwalk, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, and hunt for movie locations. For “The Longest Ride,” look for Temple of Israel, the Union Station Building, St. Mary’s Catholic School and homes in historic neighborhoods fanning out from the riverfront. Browse the galleries at the Cameron Art Museum for their own sake while noting that they represent multiple museums in the movie.
Caswell Beach
Complete the trip with a drive to Caswell Beach, the seaside stand-in for the Outer Banks, where Ruth’s family spent the summer. It’s just across the Intracoastal Waterway from Southport, the undisputed star of “Safe Haven.” You’ll want to stay as long as time allows, or at least start planning a return visit.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Stop 2
LaZoom
Stop 3
Lake Eden
Stop 4
Pilot Mountain State Park
Stop 5
Mitchell River House
Stop 6
Wake Forest University
Stop 7
Old Salem Museum & Gardens
Stop 8
Graylyn
Stop 9
Wallace
Stop 10
Cameron Art Museum
Stop 11