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A Walk to Remember movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was A Walk to Remember filmed?

2002

City Locations

North Carolina (USA)

Location Types

House, School, Restaurant, Church

Location Styles

Colonial, Manufactured Home, Rustic, Retro

About A Walk to Remember

Embodying the atmosphere of melodramas from the '50s and early '60s, A Walk to Remember is a 2002 romantic drama film. It is directed by Adam Shankman and features a star-studded cast including Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote, and Daryl Hannah. The film, based on a sentimental period novel by Nicholas Sparks, contemporizes the storyline. The film depicts Southern, small-town youth life undisturbed by the intrusive issues of sex, drugs, social conflict, and racism.

The film follows Landon Carter (Shane West), a popular high school student sentenced to community service after participating in a hazing incident that paralyzed another student. As part of his sentence, he joins the school's drama club, where he meets Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the daughter of a Baptist minister. Landon and Jamie are drawn toward each other despite being from different worlds. Together, they must deal with the obstacles their relationship brings - for Landon, this means facing ridicule from his peers, and for Jamie, this means defying her father while keeping a vital secret hidden from everyone else.

A Walk to Remember received mixed reviews upon its release. However, it went on to gross over $47.5 million at the box office worldwide against its modest budget of $11.8 million. It also received two Teen Choice Awards for Mandy Moore as a Choice Breakout Movie Actress and Choice Movie Chemistry.

A Walk to Remember Locations

A Walk to Remember was mostly filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. The beautiful coastal city of Wilmington served as the backdrop for many of the movie's key scenes. Wilmington was ideal for this classic romance, from its lush green landscapes to charming historical buildings. Moreover, some additional scenes were filmed in Southport and Orton Plantation in North Carolina.

Visitors to Wilmington can still see some of the film’s best locations, such as Jamie Sullivan's house at 1716 Chestnut Street and Trinity United Methodist Church, where Jamie (Mandy Moore) and Landon (Shane West) get married. Other notable filming locations include Old Smithville Burying Ground, which serves as a cemetery location, Cape Fear Restaurant, where the restaurant scene was shot, and Jamie and Landon’s school and hospital, where Dawson’s Creek TV show was filmed.

For fans of A Walk To Remember, a trip to these filming locations would be an unforgettable experience. They can take photos with iconic spots from their favorite movie and take in all that Wilmington has to offer by exploring its museums, beaches, shopping centers, and much more.

The Beaufort church scene in A Walk to Remember

Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St, Southport, NC

Reverend Hegbert Sullivan (Peter Coyote), Jamie's father, serves as the minister of the Beaufort church. Viewers may recall an early scene in the film where we witness a sermon and a choir performance, marking the first time Landon (Shane West) sees Jamie (Mandy Moore) singing. The church setting plays a significant role as it embodies Hegbert's ethical standards and profound religious convictions.

The scene's setting is Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport, North Carolina. The church's establishment dates back to 1798. The exterior of this church is iconic and memorable. With its clapboard siding and shingle-style detailing, it stands out from other buildings in town. Inside, viewers can notice two beautiful stained glass windows that light up the sanctuary and bring attention to its diagonal pine-paneled walls plus beaded ceiling.

Fans visiting this location can find it at 209 East Nash Street in Southport, North Carolina. It’s just a few minutes from local attractions such as Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitor Center and Old Yacht Basin Park Marina. To get here by car, one should take River Rd SE from Wilmington and go east until they reach Nash Street in Southport.

Landon talks with his friends in front of the school scene in A Walk to Remember

Atkinson Town Hall, 300 W Henry St, Atkinson, NC

The opening school scene is set in the small town of Hampstead, North Carolina. We see Landon (Shane West) and his friends seated on the grass in front of Atkinson Town Hall. The autumnal sunlight filters through the red brick exterior of the building, creating a warm atmosphere that reflects the good-natured mood shared between them. It's a peaceful moment with the group chatting and laughing before Landon's prank goes wrong, setting off a chain of events that will change his life forever.

This iconic scene has become one of the most famous from A Walk to Remember. It speaks to the feeling of young teenage life, carefree and full of possibility despite all its challenges. Atkinson Town Hall is at 300 W Henry St, Atkinson, NC 28421. Fans can come and visit this area and take pictures at the exterior of Atkinson Town Hall. It sits across from Atkinson Academy but is also close to other places, such as eateries or stores within walking distance for fans looking to explore more than just the site itself.

To get there, you can take US-421 N from Wilmington until you reach W Henry Street, where it’s easy to spot since green fields and trees surround it. Once you arrive at Atkinson Town Hall, fans can enjoy its exterior and park nearby for a picnic lunch or take pictures with friends or family.

Landon and Jamie practice lines for the play scene in A Walk to Remember

1716 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC

Landon (Shane West), struggling with his script lines, seeks Jamie's (Mandy Moore) assistance. They start rehearsing together at her place after school hours. This leads to the budding of a cautious friendship between them. Landon discovers that Jamie has a bucket list of experiences she hopes to have in her lifetime, including getting a tattoo and experiencing being in two places simultaneously.

The exterior of Jamie Sullivan's house features a quaint wrap-around porch with white railings and muted colors, which give off an old-fashioned vibe. The scene was filmed at 1716 Chestnut Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. This area is well-known for its use in many films over the years, including Maximum Overdrive (1986), Dream a Little Dream (1989), and more recently, Iron Man 3 (2013). Please remember that this is private property, and refrain from trespassing or engaging in irresponsible behavior.

You can drive to this filming location using Oleander Dr and S 17th St until you reach Chestnut St. You can also take public transportation buses 101, 105, or 108 to get to this location from downtown Wilmington.

Landon and Jamie's first date scene in A Walk to Remember

Oliver's on the Cape Fear, 101 W Bay St, Southport, NC

During the play, Landon (Shane West) is deeply moved by Jamie's (Mandy Moore) performance, which stirs his feelings. He invites her to dinner and shares a dance with her - a first-time gesture for him. When he learns about Jamie's wish list, he becomes dedicated to helping her achieve them. The dating scene depicts Landon and Jamie exchanging affectionate glances amidst a romantically charged environment. The restaurant, bathed in soft lighting and adorned with candlelit tables, sets the scene for an intimate setting for the couple.

This scene was shot at Oliver's on the Cape Fear in Southport, North Carolina. This restaurant offers guests a unique experience of upscale American cuisine and beautiful views of the Cape Fear River. They offer a selection of local seafood dishes, fine wines, and spirits to be enjoyed on their outdoor terrace or inside the dining room. The restaurant has been featured in several movies and TV shows due to its beautiful location and picturesque views.

If you're starting from Southport and wish to visit Oliver's on the Cape Fear, follow S Howe Street until it transitions into W Bay Street. This route will take you directly to Oliver's entrance, located at 101 W Bay Street. If you're coming from Wilmington, you can drive to Southport in a private vehicle and then catch a bus within Southport to reach your destination.

The stargazing scene in A Walk to Remember

Old Smithville Burying Ground, 401 E Moore St, Southport, NC

The memorable scene occurs in a cemetery and is a unique and romantic experience for Jamie (Mandy Moore) and Landon (Shane West). In the scene, Landon takes Jamie to the cemetery, where the two stand beneath a star-filled sky. He presents her with a star chart, which he created himself, that shows her which star is named after her. Jamie’s face lights up as she admires the beautiful sight of stars twinkling in the night sky and learns of Landon’s sweet gesture.

The location of this memorable scene was filmed at Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, North Carolina. The 1792 cemetery was founded before the town itself and contains the graves of some of its earliest inhabitants. It features old trees that shade the grounds and have been standing since before anyone can remember. The place is open for public visits, so you can explore it yourself if you’d like to experience a piece of A Walk to Remember.

To get to Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, North Carolina, you can drive or take public transport via River Rd SE from Wilmington. After that, you just need to head southeast on US-17 until you reach Southport city center, where you will find signs leading you directly to Old Smithville Burying Ground.

The wedding scene in A Walk to Remember

Orton Plantation, 9149 Orton Rd SE, Winnabow, NC

Landon (Shane West) creates a telescope for Jamie (Mandy Moore), through which she marvels at the beauty of a comet. It's during this moment that Landon proposes to her. Overcome with emotion, Jamie accepts, and they wed in the same church where her late mother was married. They spend an unforgettable summer together, falling deeper in love than ever. However, as summer fades, so does Jamie.

The poignant wedding scene was filmed at Orton Plantation. Unlike other locations in North Carolina, Orton Plantation resides in Smithville Township of Brunswick County and is private property. Renowned for its near-perfect representation of Southern antebellum architecture, Orton Plantation dates back to 1735, making it one of Brunswick County's most ancient structures.

Orton Plantation is not open to the public, but you can visit the gardens and chapel if you get permission from the property owner. To get there, take NC-133 S/River Rd SE from Wilmington towards Southport. Then turn onto Orton Road SE and follow it until you reach the plantation entrance, which will be on your right side near the lake.

Conclusion

A Walk to Remember showcased North Carolina’s exquisite filming locations through its innate love and openness. The movie was so genuine, heartfelt, and optimistic that it needed the pristine backdrops of North Carolina to bring Landon and Jamie’s love story to life.

Wilmington's New Hanover High School was the iconic setting for Landon and Jamie's high school. The captivating Orton Plantation Gardens near Wilmington provided the enchanting garden scene where their relationship blossomed. Buxton's majestic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse made a notable appearance, symbolizing hope and guidance. Beaufort, a charming town in the Crystal Coast region, featured prominently, with its historic streets and waterfront as a picturesque backdrop for emotional moments.

Through its carefully chosen locations, A Walk to Remember captured the diverse beauty of North Carolina, adding to the film's timeless allure.