Bethany Joy Lenz tours Wilmington as 2025 NC Azalea Festival Queen

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The 2025 North Carolina Azalea Festival Queen, Bethany Joy Lenz, is no stranger to Wilmington. Having spent much of her adulthood filming the beloved series One Tree Hill here.

“It always feels like home when I come here…” she shared, expressing her fondness for the city that played such a pivotal role in her early career.

Even though Lenz knows Wilmington well, the festival still gave her a warm welcome. The day began with the Celebrity Reception at Cape Fear Country Club, where festival supporters mingled in a relaxed atmosphere before this weekend’s main events.

From there, Lenz’s entourage made their way to Novant Health Betty H. Cameron Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Lenz took the time to visit the hospital’s playroom, meeting with patients and their families.

Lenz shares a personal connection with both Wilmington and this hospital—it’s where she delivered her daughter in 2010 while living here and filming One Tree Hill. Reflecting on that experience, Lenz shared her gratitude for the care she received:

“My daughter faced a medical complication right after she was born, and it was a joy to have a staff that cared so much about their patients, making sure she was well enough to go home.”

While at the hospital, Lenz interacted with families like Lena and her mom, who were excited to meet the queen.

“It just makes everything better when you’re going through what you’re going through.”

For Lenz, it’s the people of Wilmington who make the city feel so special. She reflected on the community, saying:

“Despite changes in some of the businesses, a lot of the same people are still here. These people feel like family now, and I’m grateful to be back—it always feels like home.”