Local businesses see spike from ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ filming locations
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington and its surrounding areas are known for being used for film productions.
One series filmed locally has recently taken the nation by storm.
Some locations from the set have already seen an increase in foot traffic.
“To know that it is filmed here and we are the true the real Cousin’s Beach,” Kim Hufham president/CEO of the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau said.
The coming-of-age drama, The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime Video has exploded in popularity, and it was filmed right here in the Cape Fear.
One of the locations on the show, ‘Cousins Beach Clam Shack’ was shot at Beer Barrio in downtown Wilmington. Owner Hayley Jensen said they filmed outside the restaurant while using extras.
“It really does help small businesses; it really does enrich the town. It’s something we are thrilled to be a part of and hope to see more of,” Jensen said.
Bespoke Coffee downtown was also featured in a scene. Owner Robby Dow said it was his first time on a film set and the show has helped bring in a crowd.
“A decent amount of new customers have come in and been excited and are here because of the show and it’s definitely been a little pop which is nice,” Dow shared.
Hufham says this type of tourism is called set-jetting.
“Set jetting is a real trend that we’re seeing that people travel to the actual locations where tv series, films, etcetera have taken place,” Hufham detailed.
Natalie English president/CEO of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce says productions like this one give the community a boost.
“It tells people around the world where Wilmington North Carolina is and that’s it’s a great place to live, to work, to play, and we hope that that will continue,” English explained.
Like other productions filmed in the area, business owners Dow and Jensen believe the show will continue to bring visitors back to the sets.
“Based on this summer, I think so. I think people will be back. People love the space already and get excited about it through the show,” Dow stated.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty is already a big hit, and I think overtime as more and more people discover the show, we will see more foot traffic,” Jensen added.
The finale of the third season of The Summer I Turned Pretty will be released on Amazon Prime Video on Wednesday.
The series is based on a book series written by Jenny Han.
Many other locations were featured in the series including Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach, scenes from Southport, and Casablanca Coffee Cafe in Wilmington.
