WILMINGTON, N.C. (Dec. 17, 2025) —The holiday rom-com “Merv,” now streaming on Amazon’s Prime Video, is giving national audiences a look at two of Wilmington, N.C.’s island beaches, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, as the backdrop for a separated couple whose dog might just bring them back together. Filmed on location in 2024 and starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, the film showcases the region’s relaxed coastal lifestyle and pet-friendly spirit.

“‘Merv’ beautifully captures what makes our beach communities special,” said Kim Hufham, president and CEO of the New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches CVB. “From the pet-friendly hotels and trails of Carolina Beach to the wide, open shores and scenic parks of Kure Beach, the film illustrates how Wilmington and its island beaches transform everyday adventures into lasting memories for people and pets alike.”

Wilmington-area locations featured in the film include Princess Street in downtown Wilmington, which stood in for Boston. Snowy exterior scenes were filmed around local restaurants, bars and eateries including manna ave. 123, Hell’s Kitchen and Bespoke. The Christmas tree lot scene takes place along Princess Place Drive between N. 17th St. and N. 23rd St., while G Prime Steak & Cellar serves as a local dining location in the film. Additional outdoor scenes were shot at Long Leaf Park, and The Starlite Inn in Carolina Beach served as the Paw Seasons Motel.

Visitors looking to explore Carolina Beach with their pets can enjoy scenic trails at Carolina Beach State Park, the peaceful loop at Carolina Beach Lake Park or the paved Island Greenway. Off-leash play for four-legged friends is available at Freeman Park Recreation Area, where dogs may be off-leash seasonally, and at Mike Chappell Park, which has fenced areas for dogs of all sizes. Pet-friendly lodging options include The Boardwalk Inn, Carolina Beach Motel, the recently renovated Oceaneer Hotel and The Starlite Inn. Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach strand at all hours from Oct. 1 through March 31 and before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from April 1 through Sept. 30.

In nearby Kure Beach, leashed dogs are welcome on the beach following the same seasonal schedule, with year-round off-leash play available at the Gurney Hood Barking Lot at Joe Eakes Park. Pet-friendly properties like Seabirds Kure Beach offer easy access to the beach and Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion. To get out on the water, Kayak Carolina rents kayaks for exploring Zeke’s Island Reserve, and dogs are welcome on board.

With more than 40 years as a hub for film and television productions, Wilmington continues to attract filmmakers and set-jetting visitors alike. For more information about famous filming sites or planning a pet-friendly getaway to Wilmington and its island beaches, visit WilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

About Wilmington and Beaches CVB

The New Hanover County Tourism Development Authority [TDA], d/b/a Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau [CVB], markets and develops the county and its communities’ leisure and group travel experiences for economic growth and quality of place. Visit us online at WilmingtonAndBeaches.com.

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Contact:
Connie Nelson
Communications/PR Director
Wilmington and Beaches CVB
910-341-4030 x120
866-266-9690
cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com