A Walk to Remember is a romantic drama film from 2002, directed by Adam Shankman. The film features a talented cast, including Shane West, Mandy Moore, Peter Coyote, and Daryl Hannah. It is based on a sentimental novel by Nicholas Sparks, and the story is set in modern times.
The film shows life in a small Southern town, where issues like sex, drugs, and racism don’t interfere with the characters’ lives. The story follows Landon Carter (Shane West), a popular high school student who is given community service after being involved in a hazing incident that leaves another student paralyzed.
As part of his sentence, Landon has to join the school’s drama club, where he meets Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore), the daughter of a Baptist minister. Despite coming from different backgrounds, Landon and Jamie are drawn to each other.
They face many challenges in their relationship, including Landon dealing with the mockery of his peers, and Jamie hiding an important secret from everyone, even her father. A Walk to Remember received mixed reviews when it was first released.
However, it went on to make over $47.5 million worldwide at the box office, against a budget of $11.8 million. The movie also won two Teen Choice Awards, one for Mandy Moore as Choice Breakout Movie Actress and another for Choice Movie Chemistry.
A Walk to Remember was mainly filmed in Wilmington, North Carolina. This charming coastal city was the perfect setting for many important scenes in the movie. Wilmington’s lush green scenery and historic buildings made it ideal for the romantic story.
Some additional scenes were filmed in Southport and Orton Plantation, also in North Carolina. Fans visiting Wilmington can still see famous filming locations like Jamie Sullivan’s house at 1716 Chestnut Street, and the Trinity United Methodist Church, where Jamie (Mandy Moore) and Landon (Shane West) get married.
Other spots include Old Smithville Burying Ground, used as a cemetery, Cape Fear Restaurant, where a restaurant scene was filmed, and the school and hospital where parts of the movie, as well as the TV show Dawson’s Creek, were shot.
Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E Nash St, Southport, NC
Reverend Hegbert Sullivan (Peter Coyote), Jamie’s father, is the minister of a church in Beaufort. In an early scene of the film, viewers see a sermon and a choir performance, where Landon (Shane West) first notices Jamie (Mandy Moore) singing.
The church plays an important role because it shows Hegbert’s strong religious beliefs and moral values. This scene takes place at Trinity United Methodist Church in Southport, North Carolina.

The church was built in 1798. Its outside appearance is very memorable, with clapboard siding and shingle-style details, making it stand out from other buildings in town. Inside, you can see two beautiful stained glass windows that light up the sanctuary, along with diagonal pine-paneled walls and a beaded ceiling.
Fans can visit this church at 209 East Nash Street in Southport, North Carolina. It’s close to attractions like the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitor Center and the Old Yacht Basin Park Marina. To get there by car, take River Rd SE from Wilmington and head east until you reach Nash Street in Southport.
Atkinson Town Hall, 300 W Henry St, Atkinson, NC
The opening school scene takes place in the small town of Hampstead, North Carolina. We see Landon (Shane West) and his friends sitting on the grass in front of Atkinson Town Hall.
The autumn sunlight shines on the red brick building, creating a warm and pleasant atmosphere, matching the friendly mood of the group. They are chatting and laughing before Landon’s prank goes wrong, starting a series of events that will change his life.
This memorable scene has become one of the most famous moments from A Walk to Remember. It captures the feeling of young teenage life, carefree and full of potential, despite the challenges.
Atkinson Town Hall is located at 300 W Henry St, Atkinson, NC 28421. Fans can visit and take pictures in front of the building. It is across from Atkinson Academy and close to other places like restaurants and shops, so visitors can explore more after seeing the site.
To get there, drive US-421 N from Wilmington until you reach W Henry Street, where the town hall is easy to spot with green fields and trees surrounding it. Once there, fans can enjoy the building’s exterior, park nearby, have a picnic, or take pictures with family or friends.

1716 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC
Landon (Shane West), having trouble with his lines, asks Jamie (Mandy Moore) for help. After school, they start practicing together at her house, which begins to form a cautious friendship between them.
Landon learns that Jamie has a bucket list of things she wants to do in her life, such as getting a tattoo and experiencing being in two places at once. Jamie’s house has a charming wrap-around porch with white railings and soft colors, giving it an old-fashioned look.
This scene was filmed at 1716 Chestnut Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. This area is known for being used in many films over the years, such as Maximum Overdrive (1986), Dream a Little Dream (1989), and Iron Man 3 (2013).
Please keep in mind that this is private property, so don’t trespass or act irresponsibly. To get there, drive along Oleander Dr and S 17th St until you reach Chestnut St. Alternatively, you can take public buses 101, 105, or 108 from downtown Wilmington to this location.
Oliver’s on the Cape Fear, 101 W Bay St, Southport, NC
During the play, Landon (Shane West) is touched by Jamie’s (Mandy Moore) performance, which moves him emotionally. He asks her to dinner and they share a dance, a first for him. After learning about Jamie’s wish list, he becomes determined to help her fulfill it.
The scene where they go on their date shows them exchanging loving looks in a romantic atmosphere. The restaurant, with its soft lighting and candlelit tables, creates an intimate setting for the couple. This scene was filmed at Oliver’s on the Cape Fear in Southport, North Carolina.
The restaurant offers an upscale American menu with beautiful views of the Cape Fear River. It serves local seafood dishes, fine wines, and spirits, which guests can enjoy either on the outdoor terrace or inside the dining room.

The restaurant has been featured in many movies and TV shows because of its stunning location and views. To visit Oliver’s on the Cape Fear from Southport, follow S Howe Street until it becomes W Bay Street. This will take you directly to the restaurant at 101 W Bay Street. If you’re coming from Wilmington, you can drive to Southport and take a bus within Southport to reach the restaurant.
Old Smithville Burying Ground, 401 E Moore St, Southport, NC
A special and romantic scene happens in a cemetery where Jamie (Mandy Moore) and Landon (Shane West) share a beautiful moment. In this scene, Landon brings Jamie to the cemetery, and they stand under a sky full of stars.
He gives her a star chart that he made himself, showing her which star is named after her. Jamie smiles with joy as she looks at the stars and sees the thoughtful gesture Landon made. This memorable scene was filmed at Old Smithville Burying Ground in Southport, North Carolina.
The cemetery, which was founded in 1792, is older than the town itself and holds the graves of some of its first residents. It has old trees that provide shade and have been standing for many years. The cemetery is open to the public, so you can visit and experience a part of A Walk to Remember.
To get there, you can drive or take public transport via River Rd SE from Wilmington, then head southeast on US-17 until you reach Southport. Signs will guide you to Old Smithville Burying Ground once you are in the town.
Orton Plantation, 9149 Orton Rd SE, Winnabow, NC
In one scene, Landon (Shane West) makes a telescope for Jamie (Mandy Moore) to help her enjoy the sight of a comet. During this time, Landon proposes to her, and Jamie, feeling overwhelmed, accepts.
They marry in the same church where her mother was wed, and they spend an unforgettable summer together, growing even closer. However, as summer ends, so does Jamie. The touching wedding scene was filmed at Orton Plantation.
Orton Plantation is located in Smithville Township of Brunswick County, making it different from other filming locations in North Carolina. The plantation, which dates back to 1735, is known for its beautiful Southern antebellum architecture and is one of the oldest buildings in Brunswick County.
Orton Plantation is private property, but you can visit the gardens and chapel if you get permission from the property owner. To get there, drive NC-133 S/River Rd SE from Wilmington towards Southport, then turn onto Orton Road SE. Follow the road until you reach the plantation entrance, which is on your right near the lake.