A Millennial Day in Charleston, SC
Why Charleston Feels Like a Real-Life Nicholas Sparks Movie
Several years ago, my friend Emily and I took a road trip from Alexandria, VA, to Summerville, SC, to celebrate the 4th of July with our college friend, Marie. While we had a wonderful time, I always said that I wouldn’t go back to South Carolina in the middle of summer. Eleven years later, I found myself planning a trip to Charleston - in the middle of July.
While it had been over a decade since that first trip, it wasn’t my first time back in South Carolina. A few years earlier, I had returned to Summerville to attend Marie’s wedding. Marie and I met during our freshman year of college in Hawaiʻi, and when I came back for her wedding, I had just finished another three-month stay in Hawaiʻi. Our friendship has always felt familiar - no matter how many years have passed or what state (literally and figuratively) we’re in.
Although I was there for the wedding, that trip felt like my first solo experience of Charleston. After spending months at an outdoor hostel in Hawaiʻi, I was curious what the hostel experience might be like somewhere else - preferably with private rooms. Enter Charleston’s NotSo Hostel. With its charming front porch and walking distance to King Street, it was exactly what I had hoped for.
However, it wasn’t the charm of this house-turned-hostel or my perfect night of wandering, wine, and a haunted history tour that made the biggest impact on me that trip - it was the charm of Marie’s family farm.
As soon as I walked through the wooden gate, down the gravel path, and past the trees swathed in Spanish moss, all I could think was, my friend is living in the setting of a Nicholas Sparks movie.
A few months later, I had the opportunity to stay at Cool Blow Farm (and yes, you can too!) when I returned on a very important work mission: to deliver the newest member of their family - Hazel, the golden retriever. Staying on the farm and waking up each morning to coffee on the covered porch overlooking the pond only reinforced my first thought - Marie was living in a Nicholas Sparks story.
So, when I began planning Millennial Summer, it only made sense to return to the place that first felt like a movie scene. This time, though, I wasn’t just visiting a Nicholas Sparks–style setting — I was heading straight for the real filming locations from The Notebook. And, in true millennial fashion, I brought my friend Emily along to repeat our road trip from eleven years ago.
As with the other cities on the Millennial Summer tour, the goal in Charleston was to seek out the places that embody those Millennial TV and movie moments — the ones that brought out all the emotions we felt as teens. And in Charleston, specifically, the kind that made us want to hear someone say, “It wasn’t over… it still isn’t over.”
With that in mind, here’s your Millennial Day in Charleston.
Cypress Gardens: The Most Iconic Scene from The Notebook
Probably the most noticeable and iconic filming location from The Notebook, the Cypress Gardens are a must for a Millennial Day in Charleston. Whether you choose to simply walk around the gardens or go full movie mode and take one of the rowboats out, this is a uniquely South Carolina experience that - even if you weren’t on a Millennial tour - would be worth a visit.
Located about 45 minutes outside of the city, this will take out a chunk of your day. So, if you have two or more days in Charleston, I would recommend making this its own day trip. However, I know firsthand that you can do a lot in a day when you only have one day in a new city. So, don’t be afraid to try and fit it all in!
If you stay at Cool Blow Farms in Summerville, grab a coffee and a pastry in town and then head out to Cypress Gardens to be there by opening at 9:00 AM.
If you are staying in downtown Charleston, start your day a little bit earlier with breakfast at Harken Café & Bakery (they open at 7:00 AM). Then, head out to the Cypress Gardens. Still aim to be there close to opening to give you the most time to explore.
Tip: If you want the full experience, head to the rowboats first to guarantee you get a chance out on the water. After your row, you can spend as much time as you want exploring the rest of the property, amongst the magnolias, you’re likely to spot an alligator.
Harken Cafe & Bakery: A Must-Stop Charleston Coffee Spot
One thing I am always going to include on an itinerary is a charming cafe or coffee shop - especially when it’s this one. I stumbled upon Harken Cafe during that first solo day in Charleston, and while it isn’t a filming location, I was not leaving South Carolina without returning!
When you come here could be anytime in your day, but they do close on the early side at 3:00 PM (1:00 PM on Sundays). So, plan to be there by 2:00 PM. Emily, Marie, and I popped in around 2:00 PM after we explored the city a bit and ended up sitting and chatting over our coffee and pastries almost until closing. Truly the perfect place to start your day or get a pick-me-up!
Tip: Harken is known for their Ricotta Biscuits — if they have one in stock, definitely try it. It’s the perfect treat to share with friends, but don’t be afraid to enjoy one all to yourself, my solo wanderers!
Seating is limited, but since laptops aren’t allowed, tables tend to turn over pretty quickly.
Wander Down King Street: Vintage Vibes and Iconic Filming Locations
Wandering down King Street is not only a Millennial Moment but a quintessential Charleston moment. Filled with shops and restaurants, you can spend as much time as you want on this well-known street.
Through the Millennial lens, there are a couple of key stops along King Street from The Notebook:
The American Theatre - The Notebook First Date Location
Giving full vintage vibes, this former theater is where Noah and Allie had their first date in The Notebook. While it’s no longer an operational theater, you can snap a quick picture while walking past on your way to the next famous stop.
King & Mary Street - The “Lie in the Street” Scene
As you continue walking down King Street, keep an eye out for the cross-section with Mary Street. This corner was used as the backdrop for the scene where Noah and Allie lie down in the street. While I don’t recommend actually lying down in the middle of the road, feel free to get creative with another fun (and safe) photo op.
Beyond these two specific stops, simply enjoy your time walking around Charleston! The entire city feels like a Millennial movie or a favorite teen drama, so let yourself wander down the side streets and see what you find.
Tip: Keep an eye out for any ½ addresses. I don’t know if it’s unique to Charleston, but it’s the only place I’ve ever seen them — and we love the whimsy of something that reminds us of Platform 9¾.
The College of Charleston: Allie’s “Sarah Lawrence” Campus
King Street isn’t the only filming location worth visiting in downtown Charleston. Take the long way back to your car or your dinner destination with a quick detour to the College of Charleston. One turn off King Street and you’ll find yourself on this historic campus.
Full of Southern charm, the College of Charleston was used as the fictional Sarah Lawrence College during Allie’s college years in The Notebook.
Whether you take a short walk around campus before heading to your next stop or explore further with a visit to the school’s library to learn more about the history of the Lowcountry, this is an easy but impressive addition to your Millennial Day in Charleston.
More Charleston Charm: Explore the City Beyond the Screen
In addition to the popular filming locations, the entire city of Charleston feels like it belongs in a movie. Remember to take in all that charm by peeking down side streets, slowing down to notice the ironwork guarding historic cemeteries, or watching the sunset over the water at Battery Park.
If you choose to stay downtown for dinner, consider trying one of the local oyster bars for an authentic Charleston experience.
Tip: If you’re staying at Cool Blow Farm, make a stop at The Azalea for a cocktail before returning to the farm.
Extended Millennial Visit to Charleston
If you’re able to spend two to three days in the Charleston area, it’s easy to extend your Millennial Moments. As mentioned above, consider slowing down and dedicating one full day to simply wandering through the city, and another to exploring the Cypress Gardens.
Boone Hall Plantation — Allie’s Family Home from The Notebook
In addition, you might consider adding a visit to Boone Hall Plantation. Only about 20 minutes from downtown, the exterior of Boone Hall was used as Allie’s house in The Notebook.
You could also pair this with your day of wandering through Charleston instead of visiting the gardens — you choose what fits your Millennial story!
Reflecting on Your Millennial Day in Charleston
At the end of the day, Charleston is more than a backdrop for movie moments — it’s a reminder of how timeless stories can live within real places. Whether you’re rowing through Cypress Gardens, wandering down King Street, or watching the sunset at Battery Park, the magic isn’t just in what you see but in how you feel. Because as Millennial Summer reminds us, it’s not about the destination, but who you become along the way.
More Stops on Your Millennial TV Tour
Although Charleston may be what first drew you to seeking out Millennial Moments in film, it’s only one part of the journey.
If you have time, consider starting (or ending) your Millennial Moments Tour with a day in Wilmington, North Carolina - home to One Tree Hill and Dawson’s Creek. Want even more to see? Add on a visit to the real-life Mystic Falls, Virginia (aka Covington, Georgia).
Whether you turn it into a full Southern Charm Road Trip or spread the visits out over time, there are plenty of nostalgic Millennial Moments left to experience — on screen and in real life.
Plan Your Own Millennial Movie Moments
We all have those movie moments that stick with us - the ones we still daydream about years later.
If there’s one you’re still craving, explore the full list of The Notebook filming locations around Charleston - which also includes several nearby spots from other films like Dear John.
Wherever your nostalgia takes you, remember to embrace the moments - knowing that it’s not always about the destination, but who you become along the way.