“There’s only one Tree Hill and it’s your home”. Wilmington NC has been a mecca for One Tree Hill fans since the show started filming. Fast forward almost 17 years and now fans from all over the world are still making pilgrimages to see “Tree Hill” and to meet cast members at conventions held in the city. I myself have been lucky enough to attend almost all of them and have not only met a lot of the cast but have also made countless friends in the process (the picture below is 2 of my best friends I met through OTH!). You can still go and see most of the filming locations today but for those with just the time for a quick trip, here are 17 of my favorite, can’t miss, spots where filming took place so you can go a re-live your favorite scenes.
Naley Table
“Don’t say I never gave you anything.” Such a classic. Ugh. Don’t we all want our own Nathan Scott that will pull a bracelet out of a Cracker Jack box and change our lives forever? The ultimate turnaround moment when Nathan went from jerky-jock to king of our hearts happened at this table. Located right on the riverwalk next to the information booth, you too, can relive the moment. (It helps if you find yourself a friend like I did who will sit at the table with you and re-enact the moment, props and all!).
Karen’s Café/Clothes Over Bros
In the first seasons, we spent a lot of time in Karen’s Café where Mama Roe was always ready to keep Lucas in line and provide jobs to all of his friends (I low-key wanted to work at Karen's Cafe, lets be honest). When Karen moved on to sail the world, Brooke took over the building to make Clothes Over Bros (which we all high key wish actually existed IRL). Today the building is a clothing store located at 104 Grace Street (not the C/B kind -rolls eyes-) but it still has some cool stuff and the outside of the building looks the same so at least there’s that.
Tree Hill High School
Head on over to Cape Fear Community College and you’ll find the campus of Tree Hill High School. Some of the best (and worst) moments/episodes have taken place here. I can’t speak as to if the renovations they made significantly changed the look, but if not it looks almost identical.
The Bridge
Everyone knows that iconic scene in the credits where Chad Michael Murray bounces a basketball and walks across a bridge in his hoodie. It’s in the beginning of the pilot and in the credits (so it’s basically in every episode). The real bridge is on 6th Street and Red Cross. It’s a pretty sketchy area so be careful but it’s one of the most picture perfect places from the show (these are actually my graduation pics - so if you were thinking they looked professional you're totally right LOL).
The Swinging Donkey
In a fairly brief scene where Haley’s slutty sister Taylor dances on the bar, we get a glimpse of “The Swinging Donkey” aka Hell’s Kitchen. Hell’s Kitchen (118 Princess St) has pretty decent pub food and is a great place to grab a bite in Wilm. If you’re a Dawson’s Creek fan too, you’ll probably recognize it as the bar where Joey and Eddie bartended together. It was built as a set for Dawson’s Creek and kept open as a restaurant after and it’s virtually unchanged from the show. As a bonus you’ll also find Joey’s rowboat on the wall!
Karl’s Crab Shack
We all remember that fateful day that Brooke Davis had to get a (gasp) job. Not only that, but she ended up with possibly the worst job ever, dressing up as a crab and standing outside Karl’s Crab Shack aka the Reel Café (100 S Front St). The good news is, you can go to the Reel Café, see the corner where Brooke stood, and get the best grilled cheese sandwich ever (and you don’t even have to wear a crab costume).
23
Oh, that horrific moment where Nathan went sailing through the window and we were left thinking he was forever paralyzed. The way he talked to little Jamie? Ugh, still traumatizing. 23 is that building on front street where that scene went down. (I understand the building might be a night club but I can’t confirm that.) However, the outside still looks exactly the same and you can see it for yourself.
Brooke’s House
Out of all the houses on the show, this is the one I was perpetually jealous of. How gorgeous was Brooke’s house? I’m not even usually a fan of seeing houses but if you only have time to see one house, make it this one. Located at 2312 Tattersalls Dr., it’s one of the only houses not downtown. Once you see it you’ll want, more than ever, to be the girl behind the red door.
Peyton’s House
I relate to Peyton more than any of the other girls on the show. Brooding, dark, music freak who is a self-identified loner. Located at 1901 Chestnut Street, the house is a gorgeous two story brick wonder and it’s crazy to think Peyton spent most of her time there 100% alone (I mean, who’s dad just leaves their 16 year old home alone basically all the time right?).
Haley’s House
I have to include Haley’s house in the mix. 1811 Chestnut Street, the site of the famous kiss between her and Nathan right after that turning point moment…other than that she really doesn’t spend a lot of time here seeing as she got MARRIED in HIGH SCHOOL (still rolling my eyes even if they were cute).
Airlie Gardens
Definitely a top spot in Wilmington, Airlie Gardens was used for multiple scenes in OTH. It started as Andy’s backyard in the first season (do I even need to insert the jealous eye roll?). Later the same spot is used for Haley’s mom’s funeral, and another part of the park is used for the famous “wait for me in the lilies dream”. It has been featured in many different Wilmington filmed productions, but even if it wasn’t used in any of them it would still be worth a visit because it is GORGEOUS!
Blue Post Billiards
If we’re being honest, from the road this place looks REALLY sketchy. However, venture inside and it’s actually very nice. The atmosphere is very chill and low key and is actually my choice of bar in Wilmington if I was to go to one. You’ll recognize it from the show as the spot where Lucas and Brooke went on their “date”. They played pool, made out in that cool hallway, and then Lucas got a tattoo. Tree Hill is a LAID BACK town. (Note: Blue Post Billiards is 21+ and requires a $1 membership to enter per the NC Bar laws).
The Dixie Diner
In the later seasons, one of the popular hangout spots is none other than the Dixie Diner (116 Market St). If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll definitely want to drop by here for breakfast. The food is good and it still looks pretty much the same as it did in the show.
TRIC
TRIC is probably the best place in Tree Hill in my opinion. I mean, c’mon, a music venue and hangout spot for TEENAGERS/college kids that gets acts like Fall Out Boy?!? AND who has a bartender (I mean bar OWNER) as hot as Stephen Colletti? I would pull a Ms. Scolnik, crash on that couch in the back, and NEVER leave. Today, TRIC is basically an abandoned warehouse…but thanks to Friends with Benefit Charity Events, you can actually go inside!! FWB hosts an annual Weekend in Tree Hill charity event inside of TRIC featuring meet and greet opportunities with cast members from the show. They also have a merch stand and a bar set up so you can feel like you’re actually walking in TRIC. TRIC is located at 1121 S Front Street and you can find out more information about upcoming events or donate to Friends with Benefits Charity here.
Burning Boat Ceremony
Out Water street, on the steps of the courthouse, you’ll notice a gorgeous fountain. You can’t really miss it. In Tree Hill, these steps are the site where they sit to watch the annual Burning Boat Ceremony. Don’t we all wish we could throw our problems into a LITERAL fire and sit with all our friends while we watch it burn away?
The Rivercourt
Many big moments on the show occurred at the rivercourt, and most of the characters made an appearance here AT LEAST once. Though not present anymore, you can still visit Battleship Park where the rivercourt was located and get some unmatched views of downtown and the Riverwalk across the river. I think we can all agree this is one spot that we’d bring back if we could.
Greenfield Lake Park
Greenfield Lake Park is the site of a couple of different scenes, most notably, the Leyton wedding and the bridge where Naley’s proposal happened. The park is gorgeous and is worth the visit, but just be cautioned that many homeless people now occupy the park so keep on alert should you choose to visit.
These are only 17 of the MANY One Tree Hill locations that you can still go and visit in the Wilmington area today. I am still visiting filming spots after 2 years of living there and 10+ of living in the vicinity. One Tree Hill is only one of the many shows filmed in Wilmington but it may be the one that has touched the most hearts. Stepping into Wilmington will have true fans feeling like they’re stepping right into Tree Hill and whether you’re a fan who is planning your first trip or are planning your 100th trip, it’s truly magical.
(Please note that the houses mentioned in this post are private residences. Please be quiet, courteous, and respectful when visiting the properties.)
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