Have your own summer glow up on the beachside in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Amazon Prime’s new series, The Summer I Turned Pretty will have you reliving all of your awkward firsts. From first crush to first kiss, this series will definitely have you reminiscing! Starring Lola Tung as Belly, (Isabel) the main character in the series adaption of the same name, follow her as she navigates growing up, change and new love, in the fictional town of Cousins where you can visit some of the filming locations in North Carolina! Here are the featured locations in season 1 of The Summer I Turned Pretty!
The Summer I Turned Pretty. Photo: thesummeriturnedprettyseries via InstagramJUST A DASH OF SPOILERS!
The Fear Cape Country Club
The Fear Cape Country Club. Photo: capefearcountryclub via InstagramThe Fear Cape Country Club is frequently used throughout the series as a backdrop for the boys’ summer job as well as the debutante ball. Fear Cape Country Club is, according to its Facebook, the oldest members-only country club in North Carolina. It has a private pool, (sans a lifeguarding Jeremiah!) and a tennis court, a golf course and a ballroom. The ballroom of Fear Cape Country Club is featured prominently during the last two episodes. With its dark oak wood floors and high ceilings, it really is the picture of elegance! You could come and live out all of your high society fantasies on these luxurious grounds!
Wave Transit’s Padgett Station
Wave Transit’s Padgett Station. Photo: Wave Transit ILM via FacebookWave Transit’s Padgett Station is showcased in episode 3 “Summer Nights.” A bus station located right in downtown Wilmington, there is no mistaking the streaks of purple and white for any other company. The station is shown as Taylor makes her hasty and awkward exit after Belly finds her kissing Steven (Belly’s Brother) at her 16th birthday party. These best friends exchange stilted goodbyes as Taylor climbs the steps and the bus pulls out of the station, adding a literal distance to the metaphorical one growing between them. This station offers many stops including one near the Fear Cape Country Club, just in case you are running late for your summer job!
The Fat Pelican
The Fat Pelican. Photo: The Fat Pelican via FacebookWhile the other places on this list are fictional, The Fat Pelican is a real dive bar in North Carolina. Featured in episode 5 “Summer Catch,” this bar seems to hold memories and fun for the moms on their adventure. Surviving hurricanes, it is no wonder that they are so surprised the establishment still stands! According to its website, “The Fat Pelican ambiance is what Danny likes to call ‘Beach Trailer Park Chic’ and once you have a beer here you will agree.” Apparently, the women agree after spending their entire afternoon dancing and drinking in the cover of the red neon lights!
The Cape Fear Marina
The Cape Fear Marina. Photo: just4deb via InstagramThe Cape Fear Marina is the the marina used as a backdrop for the heartfelt scenes between Conrad and his newfound father figure as Conrad teaches him how to sail. This is, in fact, a working marina. Since Conrad is an experienced sailor, it is safe to assume that the Fishers own a boat of some kind. Although it is not shown widely, Cape Fear Marina is a privately-owned business, housing boats for the upper class, once again alluding to the Fishers’ wealth!
Carolina Beach
Carolina Beach. Photo: Visit Carolina Beach, NC via FacebookAs this series is set in summer, the location list would not be complete without a mention of a beach! In this case, the one in question is Carolina Beach, used for multiple scenes throughout the series including: the volleyball tournament, the drive-in, the picnic between Belly and Cameron, and the first kiss between Belly and Conrad at the end of episode 7 of Season 1. This beach and its white sands is the perfect place to make a summer wish for a magical moment!
Stream all 7 episodes of The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime now!
