The coastal charm of Wilmington, North Carolina, is set to capture the hearts of audiences once again as filming for the highly anticipated third season of Amazon Prime’s hit series, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ begins in the area. For local businesses and the tourism industry, the return of the production is more than just exciting news—it’s a forecast for a significant economic uplift, driven by the global phenomenon of “set-jetting.”
The “Set-Jetting” Wave: From Cousins Beach to the Cape Fear Coast
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty,’ based on the best-selling novels by Jenny Han, tells a coming-of-age story set in the idyllic, fictional town of Cousins Beach. In reality, the sun-drenched beaches, charming storefronts, and picturesque piers of this beloved setting are brought to life by Wilmington and its surrounding coastal communities, including Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Southport.
Since the show’s premiere, the region has experienced a surge in tourism from fans eager to walk in the footsteps of characters Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah. This trend, known as set-jetting, sees travelers visiting destinations featured in their favorite movies and television series. Visitors flock to the area to experience the real-life magic of Cousins Beach, creating their own summer memories at recognizable landmarks and boosting the local economy in the process.
A Substantial Economic Impact
The influence of the series extends far beyond inspiring vacation plans. The production itself is a major economic driver for the region. During the filming of Season 2, the production spent more than $25 million in the Wilmington area, according to the Motion Picture Association. This investment supported numerous local businesses and created over 1,000 job opportunities for North Carolina film professionals and extras.
With Season 3 now underway, a similar, if not greater, economic impact is expected. Hotels, restaurants, local shops, and tour operators are all preparing for an influx of both production crew and the wave of tourists that will follow. This direct spending provides a vital boost to the community, reinforcing Wilmington’s reputation as a premier filming destination, often nicknamed ‘Hollywood East.’
Exploring the Real-Life Cousins Beach
For fans planning a trip, the Wilmington area offers a treasure trove of filming locations to explore.
- The Beaches: Key scenes are filmed at Wrightsville Beach and Kure Beach, where visitors can enjoy the same ocean views and sandy shores frequented by the characters.
- Southport: This charming coastal town, with its historic homes and waterfront, serves as the backdrop for many of the quaint town scenes in Cousins Beach. A stroll through its streets feels like stepping directly into the series.
- Local Hangouts: Various local businesses have been featured, becoming destinations in their own right. Fans can often be seen visiting the shops and restaurants that have made appearances on screen, hoping to capture a bit of the show’s atmosphere.
Looking Forward: A Continued Legacy
The return of ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ for a third season solidifies its role in shaping Wilmington’s modern identity as a tourism hotspot. As the new season is filmed and eventually released, the global spotlight on North Carolina’s coastal beauty will only intensify. Local officials and business owners anticipate that the “TSITP” effect will continue to draw visitors for years to come, long after the cameras have stopped rolling, creating a lasting legacy of film tourism for the Cape Fear region.
