Where was Nights in Rodanthe filmed?
2008
City Locations
Rodanthe, NC (USA)
Location Types
Hotels/Motels, Retail, Beach/Oceanview
Location Styles
Beachfront, Beach House, Gothic/Victorian, Cape Cod, Hotel/Motel Style
About Nights in Rodanthe
Nights in Rodanthe, directed by George C. Wolfe and adapted from Nicholas Sparks' best-seller, is an unabashedly contrived yet moderately successful Hollywood romance. The screenplay, skillfully written by John Romano and Ann Peacock, brings this story to life. The film features Hollywood veterans Richard Gere and Diane Lane in the lead roles.
The plot revolves around a doctor, Paul Flanner (Richard Gere), on a mission to reconcile with his estranged son. His journey leads him to a quaint beach-town inn in North Carolina, where he crosses paths with an unhappily married woman (Diane Lane) contemplating divorce. As they navigate their struggles, they find themselves drawn into a passionate affair, bringing a sense of hope and renewal to their lives.
Despite the film's compelling narrative and the charisma of its stars, critical reception was less than favorable. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film is deemed "derivative and schmaltzy," mired by contrivances that even the charm of Richard Gere and Diane Lane couldn't salvage. The film holds a "rotten" rating with a score of 30% based on 132 reviews. Furthermore, Nights in Rodanthe was included in The Times' list of the 100 Worst Films of 2008. While Nights in Rodanthe may not have been a critical success, it showcases its lead actors' emotional depth and undeniable chemistry, making it a notable entry in the romance genre.
Nights in Rodanthe Locations
Nights in Rodanthe is a romantic drama that beautifully showcases the charm of North Carolina's coastal regions. The film was shot primarily in the small seaside village of Rodanthe, the northernmost inhabited area of North Topsail Beach and Hatteras Island. These areas' unique flavor and picturesque landscapes made them irresistible to the producers, resulting in much of the movie being filmed on the Outer Banks.
The town of Manteo serves as the starting point for the movie trail, with some scenes set at the boat slips downtown. Further south on Highway 12 are two more filming locations in Rodanthe: JoBob’s Trading Post, where exterior shots of residents buying storm supplies were filmed, and Rodanthe Pier, where the villagers' post-storm party scene was shot.
Wilmington and its island beaches, home to over 400 film-related productions since 1983, also played a part in the production of Nights in Rodanthe. Several interior scenes were shot at EUE / Screen Gems Studios in Wilmington, one of the largest movie studios outside of California.
The scenic beauty, rich history, and unique character of these North Carolina locations make a trip to the filming locations of Nights in Rodanthe worthwhile. Whether you're a film fan, a Nicholas Sparks enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates stunning coastal landscapes, these places offer a rewarding and immersive experience.
Paul travels to the island scene in Nights in Rodanthe
Hatteras Ferry Terminal, 59063 North Carolina Hwy 12, Hatteras, NC 27943, USA
There's a scene where Paul Flanner travels to the island from Raleigh. Wilmington and its islands served as the backdrop for these scenes. Notably, aerial and ground shots depict Paul arriving on Hatteras Island via ferry.
The Hatteras to Ocracoke ferry is free and departs every 30 minutes from May through October, providing a scenic route featured in the movie. Hatteras Village, known for its Outer Banks offshore charter fishing, offers several attractions, including the NC Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn about shipwrecks and maritime history, and local marinas, where they can watch offshore boats offload their daily catches.
After a one-hour ferry ride, you'll reach Ocracoke Island. The 16-mile drive on the island offers beautiful views and a chance to relive scenes from the movie. Some scenes were also shot in Ocracoke Village, which boasts attractions such as the Ocracoke Lighthouse and the Banker Pony Pens.
To reach the ferry station, you can start your journey in Ralegh, North Carolina. From there, you’re looking at a drive of around 250 miles to the east.
People buying supplies to prepare for the storm scene in Nights in Rodanthe
Jobob's Trading Post, 23202 North Carolina Hwy 12, Rodanthe, NC 27968, USA
There's a pivotal scene where characters are seen buying supplies in preparation for an upcoming storm. This scene was filmed at Jobob’s Trading Post, located in the quaint village of Rodanthe in North Carolina's Outer Banks. In addition to serving as a filming location, this trading post was also the site for scenes featuring Adrienne (Diane Lane).
While Jobob’s Trading Post is no longer operational and fans cannot visit it, its exterior remains as portrayed in the movie. This allows fans passing by to get a sense of the atmosphere that the film captures.
Nearby, you'll find Corbina Drive Beach, a pristine sandy beach known for its natural beauty. Here, visitors can partake in various activities such as sandcastle building, volleyball, fishing, and seashell collecting, all while soaking up the same ambiance experienced by the characters in the movie.
To reach this location, head towards the village of Rodanthe in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Even though Jobob’s Trading Post is closed, you can still appreciate it from the outside.
Adrienne and Paul’s romance blossoms scene in Nights in Rodanthe
Inn At Rodanthe, 23288 Beacon Rd E, Rodanthe, NC 27968, USA
The movie brings to life the romance between Paul and Adrienne, which blossoms in a charming inn on the edges of the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina's Outer Banks. The inn, set in the picturesque village of Rodanthe, plays a crucial role in the film, serving as the backdrop for the evolving relationship between the two protagonists.
The inn portrayed in the movie underwent significant remodeling for the film. This included the addition of new windows, blue decorative shingles, a weather vane, a new sign, extra porches and railings, extra decking, and shrubbery. Adrienne and Paul spent several days filming scenes at this location, with some shots involving a helicopter.
After filming concluded, the house was moved to higher ground to prevent damage from its proximity to the ocean. Today, the Inn at Rodanthe, as it's known, is a vacation rental property. Fans of the film, or those simply seeking a tranquil getaway, can rent the home and experience a slice of Hollywood magic.
To reach this iconic destination, you’re looking at a 120-mile drive south from Virginia Beach.
Party on the pier scene in Nights in Rodanthe
Rodanthe Pier Place, 24251 Atlantic Dr, Rodanthe, NC 27968, USA
In the aftermath of a storm, the villagers come together for a celebratory party. This memorable scene was filmed on the Rodanthe Pier, known technically as the Hatteras Island Pier. The cast and crew, including about 400 extras, had to endure the effects of Subtropical Storm Andrea during the filming process, adding a layer of authenticity to the on-screen depiction.
The Rodanthe Pier has a rich history. Built during the tourism boom of the 1970s and 1980s on Hatteras Island, it was one of three fishing piers constructed to attract East Coast anglers. For numerous years, it boasted an extensive parking area, a quaint tackle shop, and a spacious restaurant and bar nestled within the Pier House.
Despite weathering numerous hurricanes, including Sandy, the pier has significantly recovered and continues to serve as a popular spot for fishing. Visitors can expect to catch various fish, such as sea mullet, bluefish, spot, mackerel, trout, and small flounder during the season.
To get to this iconic location, head towards Hatteras Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks. The Rodanthe Pier is a well-known landmark and will be easy to find. Visitors can relive the film's memorable scene while enjoying a day of fishing and soaking up the natural beauty of the area.
Paul and Adrienne share a date on the beach scene in Nights in Rodanthe
North Topsail Beach, North Carolina, USA
Viewers witness a heartfelt romance blossom between Paul and Adrienne. One of the most memorable scenes showcases the couple spending quality time on the beach, their laughter and affection painting a picture of newfound love.
These intimate moments were filmed at North Topsail Beach, a picturesque location nestled in Onslow County, North Carolina. The sandy beaches, with their expansive views and tranquil ambiance, were the perfect backdrop for Adrienne and Paul's burgeoning relationship.
North Topsail Beach is conveniently situated between Wilmington and Jacksonville, North Carolina, making it an accessible tourist destination. Visitors can spend the day exploring the same sandy stretches where Adrienne and Paul's romance unfolded and later venture out to the nearby cities for additional sightseeing.
To reach North Topsail Beach, travelers can fly into either Wilmington International Airport or Albert J. Ellis Airport in Jacksonville. From there, it's a roughly 50-minute drive from Wilmington or a 25-minute drive from Jacksonville.
Wild horses near the ocean scene in Nights in Rodanthe
Highway 12, Dare County, NC 27968, USA
One of the most memorable scenes unfolds on a stunning stretch of beach along the ocean side of Highway 12. In this scene, Adrienne encounters a herd of wild horses, creating cinematic magic against the backdrop of the Outer Banks' natural beauty.
Contrary to the film's suggestion, the Corolla wild horses that roam freely on the Outer Banks were not featured in this scene. The horses shown in the movie were imported for filming. However, the beach, known for its dynamic shore and unspoiled beauty, is authentic.
To visit this iconic location, travel south on Highway NC 12 towards Rodanthe. Just before entering the village, you will encounter a set of twisty turns in the road. Today, visitors can park their vehicles along the roadside and cross over the dunes to reach this popular stretch of beach. This location offers not just a chance to relive a memorable moment from Nights in Rodanthe but also an opportunity to experience firsthand the natural beauty of North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Conclusion
Nights in Rodanthe is a classic romantic drama that, while filled with clichés and contrivances, brings to life a compelling tale of love and redemption. The film is often called a "weeper" in cinematic terminology, with its plot devices designed to draw out tears and evoke strong emotions.
The performances by Richard Gere and Diane Lane are commendable, with their on-screen chemistry creating a believable and engaging romance. However, the film leans heavily into the realm of female fantasy. It portrays the idea of a woman finding herself in a picturesque, deserted seaside inn with a handsome doctor who validates her emotions and reveals a soft, sensitive heart beneath his tough exterior.
The film was shot primarily in the small seaside village of Rodanthe, the northernmost inhabited area of North Topsail Beach and Hatteras Island. These locations' unique charm and scenic beauty add significantly to the film's overall appeal, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the unfolding love story.
While Nights in Rodanthe may not have made a groundbreaking contribution to the movie industry, it does serve as a reminder of the enduring appeal of love stories, particularly those set against beautiful landscapes. As for whether it's worth watching, the answer largely depends on your taste in films. If you're a fan of romantic dramas, enjoy the works of Nicholas Sparks, or appreciate films with beautiful cinematography, then Nights in Rodanthe could be a good choice. However, if you prefer original, unpredictable plots, you might find this film too clichéd.