A Nicholas Sparks-Inspired Journey Through New Bern, NC

Explore the Real-Life Places Behind the Books and Movies

Nicholas Sparks doesn’t just write romance—he writes North Carolina. With more than 20 novels under his belt (many turned into blockbuster films), Sparks has turned his hometown of New Bern and the surrounding coastal towns into a cinematic, emotional landscape. This charming Southern town is more than a backdrop—it’s the soul of his stories.

🌊 Why New Bern?

Nicholas Sparks moved to New Bern in the early 1990s and still resides there. He fell in love with the riverfront charm, tight-knit community, and slower pace of life—which is why so many of his novels are either set directly in New Bern or inspired by it.

These novels are set in or near New Bern:

• A Bend in the Road
• The Wedding
• The Rescue
• The Return
• The Notebook (set in nearby Seabrook, fictional but based on real NC towns)
• Safe Haven (filmed in Southport but echoes New Bern’s style)

🎬 Real Locations That Inspired or Were Used in Films

While not all Sparks movies were filmed in New Bern, many were inspired by it, and others were shot in nearby coastal towns. Here's a look at both:

🎥 The Notebook (2004)

Inspiration: Though filmed mostly in South Carolina, The Notebook was inspired by Sparks’ wife’s grandparents and the Southern town ambiance found in New Bern.

📝 Must-See:

• Trent River and Neuse River views — while not the filming site, these tranquil waters evoke the feel of Allie and Noah’s lake scenes.
• Cedar Grove Cemetery — reflective of the novel's final scenes and themes of enduring love.
• Historic homes on King and Pollock Streets — the kind of antebellum homes Sparks describes.

🎥 A Bend in the Road

Setting: Entirely set in New Bern. While it hasn’t been turned into a film (yet), fans can walk where the characters walked.

📝 Visit:

• Union Point Park — the location of Miles and Sarah’s emotional moments.
• Alfred Cunningham Bridge — symbolic of the town’s transitions and healing.
• Middle Street & Downtown — where Miles’ law enforcement office would’ve been in this fictional world.

🎥 The Wedding

A sequel to The Notebook, The Wedding is also set in New Bern, centered around Tryon Palace and the characters' reflections on long-term marriage.

📝 Walkthrough:

• Tryon Palace Gardens — these formal gardens reflect the venue where the wedding is planned in the book.
• Palace Point Commons — ideal for a romantic riverside stroll.

🎥 The Return (2020 novel)

The fictional town of New Bern takes on a modern twist. Sparks includes elements of military service, trauma, and second chances.

📝 Must-See:

• A Walk to Remember Tour (Self-Guided) — includes up to 15 Sparks-related stops in New Bern. Download a map at visitnewbern.com
• Masonic Theatre — said to inspire settings in The Return and The Wedding

🎥 The Rescue

Set in a small NC town inspired by New Bern’s intimate community.
📝 Visit:

• The wooded trails and marshes outside of town reflect the book’s rural, emotional landscape. Consider hiking Island Creek Trail, just outside New Bern.

🗺️ Nicholas Sparks-Inspired Attractions in New Bern

🏛️ Tryon Palace

A centerpiece in Sparks’ stories, this 18th-century estate offers beautiful gardens and Southern history that’s often referenced in The Wedding and The Return.

🌳 Union Point Park

A quiet place along the river—ideal for watching boats or re-reading a Sparks classic. It’s a frequent location in multiple novels.

🐻 Bear Town Statues

Scattered throughout New Bern, these decorative bears add personality to your literary scavenger hunt. Sparks has mentioned them as part of the town's whimsical charm.

📚 The Next Chapter Books & Art

A cozy local bookstore downtown—often stocks signed Sparks novels and is a must for collectors.

🍽️ Sparks-Approved Dining

Sparks has publicly shared some of his favorite local spots:

• Morgan’s Tavern & Grill – Upscale Southern dining
• Baker’s Kitchen – Famous for its butter syrup pancakes
• Cypress Hall – Try the strawberry cake Sparks personally recommends

📸 Film Location Road Trip Ideas (Outside New Bern)

While New Bern is Sparks' home base, you can continue your road trip with these filming locations from his movies:

Southport, NC – Safe Haven, A Walk to Remember, The Choice

• Visit Fishy Fishy Café (used in Safe Haven)
• Explore Downtown Southport, where multiple scenes were shot
• Drive to Oak Island Lighthouse for sweeping views and photo ops

Wilmington, NC – Message in a Bottle, Nights in Rodanthe

• Tour the historic waterfront and Riverwalk
• See the beach house replica from Nights in Rodanthe (original was moved but area is scenic)