Wilmington may be known for its charming setting along the Cape Fear River, but there's much more beneath the surface – from its starring role in Hollywood to its haunted history and iconic attractions. Here are four fascinating facts you may not know.
1. Wilmington holds more than 400 film and television credits to its name and was once the third largest production hub in the country.
Wilmington has earned the nicknames "Hollywood East" and "Wilmywood,", establishing itself as a premier destination for filmmakers, TV enthusiasts and movie buffs alike with 400+ film and TV projects to its credit. Once the third-largest production hub in the United States, the city has served as the backdrop for countless hit series and major motion pictures.
The city's filmography includes blockbuster hits like “Iron Man 3,” filmed along the Cape Fear River, and romantic dramas such as Nicholas Sparks' “Safe Haven” and “The Longest Ride,” spotlighting local landmarks like Bellevue Cemetery and the historic Graystone Inn. Cape Fear Community College's downtown campus stood in for Haddonfield Memorial Hospital in “Halloween Kills,” while the Riverwalk and surrounding streets were transformed into the fictional town of Woodsboro for “Scream.”
Wilmington was the longtime home of the fan-favorite series “One Tree Hill,” which was filmed across the city for nine seasons. Iconic locations – including the famed "Naley" beach along the Riverwalk – can be visited via self-guided tours or a guided e-bike experience with Wilmington Bike & Brew Tours. The city also doubled as Capeside in “Dawson's Creek,” which captivated audiences for six seasons. Fans can still explore sites like Airlie Gardens, where Joey and Dawson's dream wedding was filmed on the Dawson’s Creek Locations Tour.
Recent hits, including “The Summer I Turned Pretty” and “Outer Banks,” have also been filmed in the area, with iconic scenes shot in Wilmington and nearby beach locations. Two upcoming TV series – “The Runarounds” and Kevin Williamson’s “The Waterfront” – along with the upcoming Prime Video movie “Merv,” starring Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox, are transforming local spots for their productions.
For a deeper dive into the city's screen legacy, the Wilmywood Movie & TV Location Walk offers guided tours led by costumed hosts. These immersive experiences visit iconic filming locations, explore historic interiors and may pass by active sets or real movie props, making each tour a unique adventure packed with surprises. Watch this video to learn more about filmmaking in Wilmington.
2. Now a museum ship in Wilmington, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA was saved from being destroyed by a statewide initiative.
Moored along the Cape Fear River, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is one of the state’s most iconic attractions. This historic World War II-era vessel was saved from scrapping in the 1960s thanks to a statewide preservation campaign. Citizens across North Carolina raised funds to bring the ship home, and in 1961, it was moved from New Jersey to Wilmington as a tribute to the more than 11,000 North Carolinians who died during the war. Wilmington was designated the first “American World War II Heritage City” in the county to commemorate the area's contributions to the war.
Today, visitors can explore nine levels of the ship – from the engine room to the bridge – and learn about the vessel’s combat history, daily life at sea and the brave crew who served aboard. Outside, the SECU Memorial Walkway offers panoramic views of the ship and the waterfront.
Throughout the year, the ship hosts a range of public programs. Battleship Alive! features costumed reenactors who bring history to life by demonstrating daily routines and sharing stories from the crew’s perspective. Battleship 101 offers guests a chance to go behind the doors into areas typically closed to the public. For those seeking an even deeper dive, Hidden Battleship provides a behind-the-scenes tour of unrestored sections of the ship, offering a rare glimpse into its untouched history.
3. It is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S.
With a rich history dating back centuries, Wilmington has earned its reputation as one of the most actively haunted cities in the South. The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington offers a 90-minute walking tour that winds through historic alleyways and cobblestone streets, where costumed guides share chilling tales of lingering spirits and eerie encounters. For a spirited twist, the Haunted Pub Crawl explores Wilmington's darker history during a 2.5-hour adventure to some of the city's most intriguing local bars, revealing tales of murder, mystery and the supernatural. Tour-goers may hear about local legends like Samuel Jocelyn Jr., who was mistakenly buried alive, and Gallus Meg, a tough bartender known for her unconventional way of handling unruly patrons.
The paranormal activity doesn't stop there. Throughout in mid-October and late November, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Ghost Hunt and Tour allows ghost hunters to investigate reportedly haunted areas of the ship that are typically off-limits to the public. Led by a psychic medium, the tour equips participants with EMF readers and trigger objects. Lucky visitors might encounter the spirit of a young blonde sailor believed to have died during a Japanese torpedo strike. Be sure to plan ahead, as this tour sells out quickly!
Thalian Hall Center for Performing Arts, one of America's oldest continuously operating theaters, is also home to ghostly tales passed down through generations. Haunted Thalian Hall Tours share eerie legends tied to the historic venue. On select evenings throughout October, Poplar Grove Plantation invites guests to join paranormal tours, where ghost hunters seek out the lingering spirits of former residents and reveal real-life stories behind the hauntings.
4. It is home to a 470+-year-old tree.
The Airlie Oak, a Southern live oak draped in Spanish moss, stands as the centerpiece of Airlie Gardens, a 67-acre public garden featuring 10 acres of lakes and more than 75,000 azaleas. Estimated to have taken root around 1545, the nearly 500-year-old tree predates the establishment of the gardens by centuries. As of 2007, it measured 128 feet tall, with a trunk circumference exceeding 21 feet and a crown spread of 104 feet, making it one of the largest live oaks in North Carolina.
Airlie Gardens’ history dates to the early 1700s, when the land was granted to a local leather worker and his brother. In 1884, the property passed to Sarah and Pembroke Jones, taking on the name “Airlie” after Pembroke’s ancestral home in Scotland. Under Sarah’s care, the property evolved into the lush and iconic Airlie Gardens known today. In 1999, New Hanover County purchased the gardens, restoring the grounds and preserving the Airlie Oak as a living symbol of the region’s natural and cultural heritage. Winding pathways lead visitors through tranquil spaces, lakes, public art installations and native plant collections. Airlie Gardens also offers regular birding, pollinator and history walks led by knowledgeable volunteer guides.
Whether you're a film buff, history lover, paranormal enthusiast or nature seeker, Wilmington offers more than meets the eye. These lesser-known facts showcase the city's unique character and culture. Find out more things you might not know about our nearby island beaches: Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach.
