Millennial Summer: 9 Cities That Raised Us (on screen)

Cypress Gardens outside of Charleston, SC … remind you of any favorite movie scene?

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Whether you’re an ‘81 baby or one of the last born in ‘96, millennials grew up in a world that no longer exists. We called our parents from payphones at the mall and looked up movie times in the newspaper. Now, the mall is Amazon, and we’re more likely to stream a movie from our couch than see one in a theater.

Our generation is often noted as unique since we grew up both without and then alongside the internet. Now, in our 30s and 40s, the internet runs our world, and we’re old enough to see the things we once loved come back around—not just as nostalgia, but as retro trends for a new generation.

What’s even wilder? Gen Z is now having “90s Day” at school. Unlike us, though - who had to dig through our parents’ closets for something vaguely resembling the ‘70s, today’s kids just walk into Target and basically shop the in-person version of a Delia’s catalog.

We may not hang posters from Bop! anymore or take Cosmo quizzes we had no business answering at sixteen, but those memories still live somewhere in us…especially in summer.

For millennials, summer wasn’t just a season. It was a feeling. A mood. A soft pause before everything got more complicated. And so many of those memories are tied to the filming locations and fictional towns we saw on screen while we were still figuring out who we were.

9 Travel Destinations for a Millennial Summer

Photo courtesy of anja

While we can’t return to those summers as tweens, teens, or twenty-somethings (nor, would we really want to?), we can use our free will as adults to dip our toes into nostalgic travel by visiting real-life U.S. cities that once set the tone for our coming of age.

From dockside dramas to mall montages and moody beach walks, these millennial travel destinations are more than memories - they’re an invitation to slow down, unplug, and relive the best parts of the stories that shaped us.

Ahead are nine nostalgic spots across the U.S. that are perfect for a weekend trip, a solo adventure, or even a fall getaway with your besties. Each one taps into a different chapter of millennial memory, unfolding with pop culture, heartbreak, and a little bit of magic.

Cue the soundtrack and let the memories roll. These were the opening credits of our story - and now, we get to revisit the places that raised us to see how far we’ve come, and how we are still those wild and free Millennials at heart.

Millennial Summer, Scene One: Wilmington, NC

A golden-lit town where first love, friendship, and heartache played out on the court … and the riverbank.

photo courtesy of Josh Austin

Most millennials probably couldn’t name another Paula Cole song, but the moment we hear that one, we’re transported back to a dock - where adolescence was framed with perfect lighting and our hearts ached for the kind of first love we saw on screen (drama and heartbreak included).  

That dock, and the river it sat along, were more than just an opening scene for our weekly show; it felt like a portal for all our teenage dreams. While we may not be teenagers anymore, we can still experience the magic of that feeling with a trip to Wilmington, North Carolina. Not just a backdrop for millennial TV, Wilmington is a real-life town full of Southern charm, and the perfect place for your adult wanderings (and wonderings). 

Dawson’s Creek ignited our love for Wilmington, but our connection to this Southern town didn’t die with Jen Linley. The WB knew they’d tapped into something millennial in Wilmington, so they brought us back to the magic with a new name (The CW) and a new set of high school friends and first loves. While the drama moved from the dock to the court, the emotional stakes were just as high when One Tree Hill aired (and another song took root in our souls). 

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out in Wilmington

The Riverwalk – Whether you’re Team Dawson (really?), Team Pacey, or always dreamed of a “Burning of the Boat” ritual like in One Tree Hill, the Wilmington Riverwalk is one of the most iconic millennial TV filming locations. Stretching along the Cape Fear River, this scenic boardwalk makes the perfect backdrop for your own main character moment.

Airlie Gardens – Sure, the Pacey and Ms. Jacobs storyline hits different (aka - disturbing) now that we’re grown, but there’s no denying that they chose a pretty epic backdrop for when their love finally … blossomed. With moss-draped oaks, winding paths, and fairytale vibes, these gardens have the power to make you forget that Pacey was only 15.

A Karen-Esque Coffee Moment – While you won’t find the original Karen’s Café, you can get the same vibe stepping into one of the local Wilmington coffee spots like Concorde Espresso Bar or Maroon Monkey. With sunlight filtering in, the hum of conversation, and the cozy kind of vibes that make you wonder if Sheryl Crow might start strumming in the corner, a cafe moment is essential for the full One Tree Hill vibe.

The Naley Bench - The Naley Bench is more than a filming location - it’s a shrine to one of TV’s most enduring millennial love stories. Tucked into a quiet park, this is the bench where Nathan gave Haley that now-famous bracelet from a box of Cracker Jacks (there’s a throwback for you!). In real life, it’s the kind of spot that reminds you how young love felt - whether you were just watching it unfold on TV or living your own version in real life.

↣ Millennial Tip: Head to the lakefront near downtown Wilmington - you’ll know the bench when you see it. Don’t forget to wear some butterfly clips and bring something to write a note to your younger self. 

The Bridge - Long before we had playlists for every mood, Gavin DeGraw had us all belting out a theme song that felt like it got us. This iconic bridge, featured in the opening credits of One Tree Hill, is as unforgettable as the lyrics themselves. Walk across the bridge with your earbuds in and let yourself feel the weight of every slow-motion montage from 2003 to 2012. It’s not just a great photo op - it’s a rite of passage for any millennial making a nostalgic trip to Wilmington.

↣ Millennial Tip: You’ll find this bridge close to downtown, not far from a few other hidden gems from the show. Want the exact location? Download the Extended Edition at the end.

Millennial Summer, Scene Two: Charleston, SC

A slow-dancing city draped in Spanish moss where you can still hear, “It wasn’t over... it still isn’t over!”

Photo Courtesy of Andrew Shelley

While The CW had its finger on the pulse of millennial TV, Nicholas Sparks had us in a full-on emotional chokehold with his love stories that spanned generations. It wasn’t just the storylines that got us, though - it was the scenery. His films made us fall in love with love … and with the South. 

From the marshes and waterways featured in The Choice and Safe Haven, to the dreamy beaches of The Outerbanks, it’s easy to walk through the South and say, “This feels like a Nicholas Sparks movie.”

There’s one city that doesn’t just feel like a Sparks setting, though - it is one. Charleston, South Carolina, was the literal backdrop for one of the most iconic love stories of our time: The Notebook.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out In Charleston

King Street – One of Charleston’s most iconic streets, King Street is the perfect backdrop for a main character moment or the start of a summer love story. Whether you’re walking solo with an iced coffee in hand or hand in hand with the love of your life (or season), this street is made for millennial-style wandering.

↣ Millennial Tip: As you stroll, pause outside The American Theater—where Noah and Allie had their first date. Though it no longer shows movies, the marquee still lights up with special messages and makes for a perfect Notebook-inspired photo op.

Boone Hall Plantation – The exterior of Boone Hall was used as Allie’s home, and it may be the most controversial place on our Millennial tour. As a plantation used for both filming and private events, it might not align with every traveler's values. My job isn’t to tell you where to go - just to offer the context so you can choose what fits your vibe.

↣ Millennial Tip: If you're looking for the feel of a Southern plantation but want a space focused on reflection rather than celebration, consider visiting Drayton Hall. With a focus on research and preservation, it offers a deeper understanding of plantation life and history. While not a filming location, it gives a meaningful sense of the era The Notebook was set in.

Day Trip to Wadmalaw Island (aka Noah’s House) – Let’s be honest: the house we really came for is the one Noah built for Allie. And good news - it’s not a green screen fantasy or Hollywood set. Just a short drive from Charleston, Wadmalaw Island offers the kind of quiet retreat Noah dreamed of. Tucked within Martin’s Point Plantation, the real-life house stands as a beautiful reminder that some love stories do get a fresh coat of white paint and a wraparound porch.

Cypress Gardens – Now this is the spot to channel all your ooey-gooey romantic energy. Just outside Charleston lies Cypress Gardens, where you can live out your Notebook rowboat fantasy. Even if you’re traveling solo or with a bestie, it’s hard not to imagine the kind of love that doesn’t quit as you glide through the quiet, reflective waters. Not up for rowing? No problem—strolling through the gardens still delivers all the feels.

College of Charleston – In the movie, Allie attends Sarah Lawrence College. While that is a real university (and another favorite setting for one of our other millennial screen icons), the college scenes in The Notebook were filmed at the College of Charleston. Even if no filming had taken place there, the timeless charm of this campus would still be worth a visit to round out your day in the city.

Millennial Summer, Scene Three: Covington, GA

Where teenage love turns immortal … and the Southern air is thick with secrets & a hint of blood magic.

Photo Courtesy of Julian Nortoft

While Southern charm drew us into millennial TV in our teens, the mood began to shift in our twenties, trading golden-hour riverbanks for moody nights in Mystic Falls. As the lighting dimmed and the stakes got higher, it felt like a reflection of what was happening in our own lives. The innocence of first crushes had given way to the complexity of adult love, and while the heartbreak still felt familiar, new magic was on the horizon.

However, this turn toward the supernatural didn’t feel like a betrayal of our generation’s earlier stories. If anything, it felt like a return. For elder millennials, The Vampire Diaries was a nostalgic homecoming, calling us back to the brooding nights of Buffy the Vampire Slayer we loved on the original WB, only now softened with the Southern comfort of the CW.

Like its CW predecessors, The Vampire Diaries leaned into real-life backdrops. This time, the story unfolded in the real-life town where Mystic Falls came to life on the streets of Covington, GA. Though today it also evokes the softer sweetness of shows like Sweet Magnolias, we’re here to honor its original roots in millennial cinema, with a twilight-tinged walk through Mystic Falls.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out in Covington

Wander Through Mystic Falls - Covington Town Square is the heart of The Vampire Diaries and the perfect place to begin your visit. This iconic filming location has a way of blurring the lines between real life and screen life. Let yourself wander without an agenda—pop into the shops, pause on a bench, and feel the charm of Mystic Falls unfold around you. You might not spot Damon, but the energy is still here.

Grab a Bite (Not That Kind) at the Mystic Grill - Yes, the Mystic Grill is real—and it’s the perfect spot to refuel after wandering through town hoping to spot a Salvatore. Cozy up inside or head to the rooftop patio for a meal with a view of the historic square. Whether you're sipping sweet tea or channeling your inner vampire with a glass of red, this Vampire Diaries-famous restaurant brings the magic to life.

Tour the Lockwood Mansion -  If you want to step into Mystic Falls’ wealthiest family’s world, this is the stop. The stately Worthington Manor (aka the Lockwood Mansion) is located at 2129 East St in Covington. With its grand columns and historic charm, it was the setting for many supernatural soirées and full-moon transformations. It’s private property, but the view from the sidewalk is show-stopping - and totally worth a slow-mo drive-by.

↣ Millennial Tip: Want a closer look? Book a guided Vampire Stalkers tour for behind-the-scenes details or go full fandom and rent out a room in the mansion through Airbnb for an unforgettable stay in Mystic Falls.

Pop Into a Shop for Crystals, Candles, or Something Witchy

Let’s be honest - none of the Mystic Falls drama would've lasted long without a few powerful witches holding it all together. Luckily, Covington hasn’t forgotten the magical side of The Vampire Diaries. The town is home to several charming metaphysical shops stocked with crystals, candles, herbs, and spell-worthy souvenirs. Pop in during your wander and pick up a little something to protect your energy—or at least your heart—after dark.

Stroll Through Covington Cemetery
It wouldn’t be Mystic Falls without a few dramatic graveyard scenes—tears, spells, and supernatural farewells included. The Covington City Cemetery, located just a few blocks from the square, offers that perfect eerie-meets-peaceful setting. With its moss-draped trees, historic headstones, and quiet charm, this spot is a moody little time capsule that adds just the right touch of mystery to your visit.

↣ Millennial Tip: Bring a journal and find a shady spot beneath one of the old oak trees. Write about whatever’s unfolding in your life right now—bonus points if you narrate it in your head like a dramatic voice-over from a 2009 CW episode.

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While we might’ve lingered in our supernatural teen angst a little longer than necessary (eternity will do that to you), there was another version of millennial summer playing out on the opposite coast with less blood magic - more beach bonfires. Before we traded diaries for vampire lore, we were busy falling in love with sun-bleached skateboards, California dreams, and rebellious waves.

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Millennial Summer, Scene Four: Orange County, CA

Where the houses were massive … and the line between fiction and reality blurred beneath the golden California sun.

Sunset from Main Beach in Laguna Beach, CA

While our first love stories played out on the dreamy docks of North Carolina, millennial romance shifted west in 2003, trading humid nights for ocean breezes when The OC hit our screens. Elder millennials were just graduating from college and trying to figure out real life, so an escape to Newport Beach (and one overly dramatic trip to Tijuana) felt like exactly what we needed. Suddenly, Chrismukkah was on our calendars, and Seth Cohen’s indie playlist was quietly downloading on LimeWire.

At the same time, a new wave of reality TV was crashing onto the shore.  Laguna Beach introduced younger millennials to a glossy, semi-scripted version of reality, far from the raw chaos of The Real World and Road Rules elder millennials were raised on. However, this new era of heightened drama would eventually reel in elder millennials, too, thanks to the debut of The Real Housewives of Orange County.

So if you're heading to Orange County, lean into the vibe. Roll down the windows, cue up that Imogen Heap track, and cruise Pacific Coast Highway like it’s 2006. Whether you're reliving teen angst or sipping iced coffee in your best oversized sunglasses, there are a few unforgettable spots that will instantly transport you back to your favorite on-screen summer.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out in Orange County

Drive Pacific Coast Highway Blasting “California” - It doesn’t take much to transport us back to The OC—just the opening chords of that one song. Sure, you could listen at home, but it hits different when you're in full Orange County mode: windows down, ocean breeze in your hair, belting out “California… here we come” as you cruise past the coastline. Suddenly, life feels simpler - and more dramatic - all at once.

The OC Filming Locations Tour - Need a few destination points to guide your Pacific Coast Highway drive? Plan a route with stops at some of the show’s most familiar exterior shots:

• Redondo Union High School – a.k.a. the iconic hallways where Ryan, Marissa, Seth, and Summer navigated teenage drama.

• The Cohen House – While technically in Malibu, this beachfront beauty set the stage for bagels, Chrismukkah, and endless poolside chats.

• The Pier – The Redondo Beach Pier stood in for Newport Pier, home to many heart-to-hearts, makeups, and dramatic exits.

Of course, you can always pull over at any beach that calls to you. Sit by a lifeguard tower and let the OC waves crash around you - or, if it's late and you're feeling a little rebellious, climb up to the tower and channel your inner Marissa Cooper (just don’t tell anyone I told you to do that.)

Balboa Island - Step into a softer, sunnier version of The OC’s drama with a ferry ride that feels straight out of Seth Cohen’s daydreams. Grab a frozen banana (a Balboa classic) and pretend you’re sailing to Tahiti in your beloved Summer Breeze. Whether you're chasing love, stillness, or just a little ocean air, this is the kind of slow moment we didn’t appreciate enough in our 20s.

Millennial Tip: Bring a comic book, wear your best boat shoes (or don’t), and queue up Death Cab for Cutie to complete the experience.

Somewhere That Feels … a Little Too Fancy - Channel your inner Ryan Atwood walking into Newport for the first time - equal parts out of place and exactly where you're supposed to be. Whether it’s rooftop cocktails at Lido House, window shopping at Fashion Island, or a slow wander through the Montage in Laguna (yes, you can walk the grounds even if you’re not a guest), there’s something magical about letting yourself step into a world that once felt out of reach (and reminding yourself, you deserve to be there).

↣ Millennial Tip: You don’t need a trust fund to pretend you’re part of the scene—just some oversized sunglasses and the confidence of a season one main character.

Watch the Sunset in Laguna Beach - Nothing captures simpler times like watching the sun dip below the Pacific, and Laguna Beach delivers some of the most iconic coastal views in California. Throw on a hoodie and your favorite Uggs and let the waves and golden light transport you back to simpler times, like LC softly narrating a life lesson at the end of an episode. Whether you head to Crystal Cove or Main Beach, this is peak summer escape energy.

↣ Millennial Tip: Grab an iced coffee or a pink drink, find a cozy spot in the sand, and queue up your favorite throwback playlist—this is the kind of ending that’s really just a beginning. And, as the sun sets on Orange County, we’re getting ready to chase more sunsets in our next scene…

Millennial Summer, Scene Five: Oah’u, Hawaii 

Where we all believed a surfboard or a lifeguard stand might lead us to our next great love … or at least a story worth telling.

Lifeguard building at Hale’iwa Beach Park

Hawai’i might not be the first place that comes to mind when reflecting on millennial pop culture. However, for those of us who came of age in the 2000s and grew up with lifeguards in the 90s, Oah’u owns its spot in the Millennial Summer canon.

From the slow-motion drama of Baywatch Hawaii to the wave-riding grit of Blue Crush, the island gave us more than palm trees and postcard views to get us through our twenties. Let’s not forget Jurassic Park either. It may not be a teen drama, but it is definitely a formative screen experience that still has us questioning any science experiments dealing with DNA or things that should have been left buried.

While Oah’u doesn’t need an excuse to be on your travel list, adding a little millennial magic can’t hurt. Especially if you want to lean into a more uncommon, but still unforgettable, Hawai’i experience.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out on Oah’u

Turtle Bay Resort - Turtle Bay has had a few facelifts (and owners) since the early 2000s, but it remains one of the most iconic filming locations in Hawaii. It was the setting for Baywatch Hawaii and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and most recently transformed into a luxury Ritz-Carlton. While it’s one of the pricier stays on the island, you don’t have to book a room to soak up the vibes—grab a drink at the pool bar, stay for dinner with a view, or simply walk through the lobby for a dose of full-on millennial nostalgia.

Kawela Bay - In Blue Crush, Kawela Bay is the beach where a local flips out when Anne Marie brings an outsider to surf a sacred spot. When I lived on Oahu in college, this beach still felt like a secret. And honestly, I wouldn’t include it here if it hadn’t since become more accessible thanks to its proximity to Turtle Bay. Still somewhat hidden, it’s now an easy detour off the highway. Wander the shaded path down to the water or stay awhile with a towel and a throwback playlist. It still holds magic.

Haleʻiwa Beach - Within my first week on the island in 2000, I drove up to Haleʻiwa just to catch a glimpse of where Baywatch Hawaii was filmed. And while Baywatch brought me there, this beach has had plenty of millennial screen time—from the surf lesson scene in Blue Crush to recent shots in Hi-Surf. It’s a true locals’ beach, popular with surfers and families, so bring your respect along with your nostalgia—and always check the water conditions before heading in.

↣ Millennial Tip: Plan for extra time to explore the historic town of Haleʻiwa - or better yet, time it so you’re at Haleʻiwa Beach for sunset. Trust me, the view is more memorable than any filming location. 

North Shore Drive - Roll the windows down (or go full millennial and rent a convertible), blast “Could You Be Loved,” and take your Blue Crush moment for a spin down Kamehameha Highway. The stretch between Kawela Bay and Haleʻiwa is your golden hour montage: Sunset Beach, Pipeline, Waimea Bay… all the iconic North Shore beaches you once dreamt about from your bedroom back home.

Kualoa Ranch - There aren’t many tourist attractions I hype up—but this one’s worth it. A visit to Kualoa Ranch opens a cinematic side of Oahu with jaw-dropping views of cliffs, valleys, and coastline. It’s been the backdrop for Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Lost, and more. The movie tour even lets you recreate your own dino moment (yes, you can get “eaten” by a T-Rex). Pure millennial magic—guaranteed.

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After chasing sun-kissed dreams along the coast, it’s time to trade surfboards for sweaters and head into cooler weather, moodier skies, and the kind of places where mountains meet memory. These next stops might not have been the obvious heart of millennial pop culture, but they carried something deeper—drama, depth, and just enough mystery to echo our evolving inner worlds. Whether it’s a snow globe town with unexpected screen credits, a misty city of ferry rides and finales, or the final flicker of our Friday night rituals, these places gave us more than backdrops—they gave us pause.

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Millennial Summer, Scene 6: Salt Lake City, UT

Where PG-rated love stories met Bravo-level drama … and no one realized it was all unfolding in the so-called City of Saints.

Sugarhouse Park, Salt Lake City, UT (look for this view in the hot air balloon scene in the movie Drive Me Crazy)

While Salt Lake City may not be the most obvious backdrop for millennial TV, this city (and my hometown) has quietly framed some of our most unexpected on-screen moments. From Touched by an Angel to Dumb and Dumber, Utah’s capital (and nearby Ogden and Park City) has long played an unassuming supporting role in millennial pop culture.

While the hotel from Dumb and Dumber is no longer standing, other sites live on. You’ll find locations from underdog millennial gems like Drive Me Crazy and the underrated WB show Everwood (hi, young Chris Pratt). And, for younger millennials who were legally allowed to crush on Zac Efron in the early 2000s, East High School - aka the setting for High School Musical -still stands.

Much like Orange County, Salt Lake has also recently stepped back into the millennial spotlight with the rise of reality TV. From The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, the drama here just keeps getting better with age.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out In Salt Lake City

Utah State Capitol Building - This striking neoclassical building isn’t just home to politics—it’s also played host to real-life weddings, proms, and one unforgettable dance scene in the cult classic Drive Me Crazy. Free and open to the public, the Capitol is worth a stop whether you're chasing millennial nostalgia or just want a killer photo op. Step inside to admire the marble interiors, then head out front for sweeping views of Salt Lake City from the iconic steps.

Get Dirty at Swig - Dirty sodas weren’t exactly part of our early millennial story—but they’ve become a defining feature of Utah’s Gen Z-meets-millennial culture. Thanks (or thanks?) to shows like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Salt Lake’s fizzy little secret has made it to national television. While there are plenty of spots to get your fix, Swig is the OG. Fortunately, you no longer have to road trip to the original St. George location—just type it into your GPS and chances are, a Swig will pop up within a few miles of wherever you are in Salt Lake.

East High School - The East High Wildcats from High School Musical are actually the East High Leopards—and yes, it’s a real school. Located in downtown Salt Lake City near the University of Utah, East High is still fully operational, so while you can’t roam the halls like Troy and Gabriella, you can do a quick drive-by for a solid dose of late-millennial Zac Efron nostalgia. Afterward, head down the hill to explore the artsy 9th and 9th district or venture a few blocks further into the heart of downtown Salt Lake.

Day Trip to Ogden’s Historic 25th Street - Just a short drive north of Salt Lake City lies Ogden, a mountain town with nostalgic charm and surprising pop-culture pedigree. The heart of its historic district, 25th Street, doubled as the fictional town center in Everwood and is seen in several shots from Drive Me Crazy. While the original Dr. Brown’s office façade has been removed, the street’s charming buildings and small-town vibe still channel that early-2000s WB energy. 

↣ Millennial Tip: Even if Everwood wasn’t on your watchlist, a stroll down 25th Street is a worthy detour - think mountain views, cozy cafés, and one of the best small-town main streets in Utah.

Day Trip to Park City - Once the heart of Sundance’s golden era, Park City has quietly played a role in millennial pop culture for decades. While the festival is now shifting to Boulder, the cinematic energy still lingers. From a surprise One Tree Hill episode to nearby Everwood scenes, this mountain town has earned its place in the Millennial Summer canon. Not to mention the occasional real housewife (or real celebrity) sighting that you may spot on Main Street, even without the film festival.

Millennial Summer Scene 7: Seattle, Washington 

A city where surgeons fell in love… and those damn Dawson’s River kids kept sleeping in each other’s beds.

Pike’s Place Market, Seattle, WA

We may not have fully understood the complexity of love at the time, but that didn’t stop us from falling hard for Heath Ledger on the steps of a Seattle stadium or Denny Duquette in a hospital bed. From the late ’90s to the 2000s, Seattle gave us some of our most formative millennial screen moments - framed by skyline views, moody rain, and ferry rides that always seemed to mean something more.

Even before we swooned over bad boys and brooding doctors, Seattle had already planted the seed for how we saw connection. Sleepless in Seattle may have spoken more to our parents, but it quietly shaped our generation’s ideas about love, suggesting it could arrive by chance, across a radio signal, or in a single moment atop the Space Needle. It wasn’t just about finding someone; it was about believing that magic still existed somewhere out there.

And maybe that’s Seattle’s role in our millennial mythology … it’s where stories begin. Not just stories about love, but also about longing, loss, and choosing your own path. So, while our Millennial Summer may begin in Seattle, don’t be surprised when we find ourselves seeking something a bit … extra … beyond the city limits.

5 Millennial Moments to find in Seattle

Gas Works Park - Of all the iconic moments in 10 Things I Hate About You, the paintball date might be the most unforgettable, especially that first kiss between Patrick and Kat, and it happened right here. While the hay-filled paintball field was movie magic, the real-life setting is Gas Works Park, a repurposed gas plant turned public green space along Lake Union. It’s quirky, industrial, and impossibly romantic in that late-90s indie-film way. Bring a picnic, journal, and your favorite throwback playlist to enjoy as you soak up the skyline views, or check the events schedule for outdoor concerts and movies (perfect for leaning fully into your soft main-character summer).

Starbucks (Yes, Seriously) - Okay, so it’s not a filming location, but Starbucks is peak millennial culture. And since it started right here in Seattle, it deserves a moment. That said, standing in line for the original store at Pike Place might feel a little too basic. So, instead, grab your go-to order from any other Starbucks in the city and take it for a nostalgic wander. Sip while browsing an incense-filled gift shop, while flipping through records like it’s 2004, or while heading to other iconic spots like the Space Needle. And hey, if you do wait in line at the OG store? We won’t judge. Some clichés are worth it.

Ride the Ferry - The fact that Grey’s Anatomy is still going says a lot - not just about the show but about the millennial commitment to hang on, even after our favorite characters keep getting killed off. While McDreamy isn’t riding into Seattle Grace anymore, you can still experience the iconic ferry ride for yourself. Go just for the views and the wind-in-your-hair moment, or add on another millennial stop by heading to Whidbey Island for a deeper cinematic escape.

Whidbey Island Day Trip - While you can technically drive to Whidbey Island, taking the ferry sets the tone, casting just the right spell for a day that blends real-world charm with cinematic magic. Once you arrive, head to Coupeville, the storybook town where Practical Magic came to life. Stroll the harbor, pop into the local bookstore, and wander streets that feel straight out of a millennial daydream. With Practical Magic 2 on its way soon, this is the perfect millennial moment to set the tone for fall.

↣ Millennial Tip: Bring a journal, wear something flowy, and blast Stevie Nicks on your drive. Bonus points if you whisper a wish to the wind.

Day Trip to Forks - As an elder millennial, I can’t exactly say I love Twilight. However, I can admit it cast a strange kind of spell on us and landed at a time when we thought we were done falling for vampires (but didn’t really want to be done). Forks may be a few hours from the city, but it’s steeped in mystical millennial lore and offers a welcome pause from the heat of summer. So, whether you go for the nostalgic cringe or the forested vibes, Forks lets you lean into the supernatural side of your millennial heart, without needing to believe vampires sparkle.

↣ Millennial Tip: Skip the merch shops if you’re not into full fandom and just take a quiet walk through the woods. You choose whether you want to lean into the Twilight lore or imagine a different vampire storyline from your past.

Millennial Summer, Scene 8: Bend, Oregon

When Friday nights were filled with fresh VHS releases, pizza shared with friends … and important lessons in being kind (rewind)

Photo courtesy of Sean Benesh

There was a time when watching something new took effort. It took planning, intention, and a little bit of luck. Instead of scrolling, you searched with anticipation - fingers crossed that Clueless or Empire Records hadn’t already been rented out. And when you found it, you watched it (sometimes multiple times) - because if you didn’t, you still had to return it by Sunday, or there were late fees to face.

Last night, I found myself scrolling TikTok with a random Netflix show playing in the background, realizing just how much we’ve lost that ritual of Friday night. The ease of availability has dulled the joy. But in Bend, Oregon, there’s still one place that holds the magic of those intentional Friday nights, a final remnant of the Blockbuster era that lives on not just as a museum of the past, but as a reminder that slowing down can still be part of the story.

So while Bend may not be home to any iconic millennial screen moments, it is ready to play whatever role you need. Whether you're leaning into your craft beer hipster era or channeling millennial mom on a weekend getaway, this is the place to make your own montage. Just hit play, and picture your life as the opening scene.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek Out in Bend

The Last Blockbuster (Duh) - Step inside and instantly feel the thrill of a Friday night flashback - wandering the aisles, scanning the shelves, and the excitement of spotting a DVD case with the actual disc behind it! Even if you don’t have a DVD player at your Airbnb or hotel for the full experience, just walking through those blue-and-yellow doors is worth the nostalgia. It’s like time-travel for your inner teen - and honestly, that’s worth the trip.

Browse Books & Coffee at Dudley’s - If your personal millennial montage includes quiet café moments, oversized scarves, and thumbing through poetry books, head to Dudley’s Bookshop Café. It’s the kind of place where you can sip something warm, pretend to write the next great American novel, or just romanticize your own story for a while.

↣ Millennial Tip: After you’ve gotten sufficiently caffeinated and brooding, treat yourself to a local winery like Stoller or Faith, Hope, and Charity Vineyards. Because let’s be honest: poetry always pairs better with wine.

A Pint + Pinball Night at Vector Volcano - If your youth was spent mastering Mario Kart, button-mashing through Mortal Kombat, or honing your hunting skills through Duck Hunt, then Vector Volcano might be more your main character moment. This retro pinball bar in downtown Bend delivers full-on arcade nostalgia - except now, you get to enjoy it with a craft beer in hand. It’s the best of both worlds: childhood joy meets adult perks.

↣ Millennial Tip: Wear your favorite hoodie, bring quarters (or be pleasantly surprised they take cards now), and don’t hold back. High scores may not pay rent, but they live forever in arcade legend.

Craft Brews + Golden Hour at Crux - Whether you were a “cheap beer in college” millennial or went full snob with seasonal sours, Bend’s brewery scene is a core memory waiting to happen. Crux Fermentation Project is the ultimate golden hour hang, with mountain views, lawn games, and a laid-back crowd that feels like you’re meeting up with the old college gang. It’s the kind of place that invites you to stay awhile, sip slowly, and remember what it feels like when the greatest stress in your life was a 10-page paper due the next morning.

↣ Millennial Tip: Before you settle in, swing by Ranch Records downtown and flip through the bins like it’s 2002. Pick out a CD or vinyl that reminds you of your first crush or your last road trip - and let it inspire your golden hour playlist. Because Spotify is great, but building a vibe on purpose? That’s peak millennial.

Day Trip to Sisters, Oregon - Less than an hour from Bend, Sisters, Oregon feels like a modern-day pit stop on The Oregon Trail - minus the dysentery. And, if that reference went over your head, you might not be a millennial after all. With its Old West storefronts and slowed-down pace, this little town looks and feels like it was built for Hallmark movie magic. Stroll down Main Street, pop into a general store, and pretend you’re either stocking up on supplies for the wagon trek or falling in love with a local blacksmith. Either way, it’s a vibe.

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From the last video store glow of Bend to the electric skyline of New York, we’ve gone coast to coast with our millennial memories—through teen drama, supernatural lore, and sandy beach escapes.  There’s one city that truly bookends the millennial story on screen, though: New York. This is where our pop culture education began at Central Perk coffee dates and sitcom friendships that felt like family. It’s where it matured into cosmopolitan chaos and private school drama on the Upper East Side. New York wasn’t just a backdrop - it was (and remains) the main character.

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Millennial Summer, Scene 9: New York City, NY 

From Central Perk to the Upper East Side … the city that never slept - and never let us stop dreaming.  

View of New York City

Many of our favorite millennial shows, like Gilmore Girls and Friends, were technically filmed on sound stages in California. However, they were inspired by real places across the country and inspired us to fall in love with those cities. The ultimate millennial city? New York City.

Before the WB era took over our screens with teen-focused dramas, we lived in a world of 30-minute sitcoms, one episode a week, where we slowed down and watched - because, unless we recorded it, we couldn’t go back. Friends was at the center of that universe for so many millennials, and it has remained a pop culture staple ever since. As the WB blossomed, New York didn’t fade - it evolved. We got the East Coast answer to The OC with Gossip Girl, and just a short drive away, the softer magic of Gilmore Girls in Stars Hollow.

Then came Sex and the City. Unlike many of its sitcom peers, SATC was filmed on location, which made the dreaminess of life in The Big Apple just a bit more real and a bit more possible. Like the Cosmo quizzes we took at sixteen, most of us couldn’t fully relate to Samantha when we first watched (but we knew all too well what having a Mr. Big felt like). Now, all grown up, we know Mr. Big and Carrie may not have been the healthiest endgame, but we still like to believe in the dream of New York City.

5 Millennial Moments to Seek out in New York City

Write Like Carrie at a Cozy Cafe - Whether it was staring out the window of her brownstone or typing away in a coffee shop, Carrie Bradshaw fed our delusions about the glamour of being a writer (clearly, some of us are still living in that delulu - and loving it). While you may not have a brownstone to stare longingly from, it’s easy to get your writer moment from a cozy cafe in the city. Café Grumpy is a great option (with additional filming ties to Girls), or find a neighborhood café that calls to you while out wandering.

↣ Millennial Tip: You don’t have to write a major article, just let whatever you’re thinking about find some space on the page. You don’t even have to bring your laptop - get poetic and write something on a napkin to carry with you as a reminder of who you were in that moment.

Steps of the Met - Whether you were Team Blair or Team Serena, you know these steps. The Gossip Girl crew made the Met a catwalk, and for many of us, it shaped what we thought private school life looked like (even if we were just trying to survive homeroom). Sit on the steps, sip a coffee or smoothie, and people-watch. You could always go inside and enjoy the art, too.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge - Before Spotify Wrapped, we had burned CDs and dramatic walks with earbuds. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge like you’re entering a season finale - whether you’re reuniting with an ex, launching a new chapter, or just here for the view.
The bridge has served as a cinematic symbol of connection and change for countless shows (SATC, Girls, How I Met Your Mother) and is the perfect place for your own main character moment.

↣ Millennial Tip: Queue up an early 2000s playlist and walk like your life is a movie.

Find Friends in the West Village - Even though the action on Friends was filmed on a soundstage, the exterior shot of apartment is in Greenwich Village. Don’t just snap a selfie and walk away, though. Make a moment out of it by wandering through the nearby neighborhood and reflecting on the friend moments that made your 20s and 30s. For the full Friends moment, stop into a nearby cafe like Caffé Reggio (the first cafe to serve cappuccino in the United States).

↣ Millennial Tip: Make this a group trip - invite your friends whom you watched Friends with in college & live out this moment together.

Day Trip to Washington Depot, Connecticut (aka Stars Hollow) - Okay, this one’s a journey. If Gilmore Girls was YOUR millennial show, though - it may be worth it. About 2 hours outside of New York City is the town that inspired Amy Sherman-Palladino’s vision of Stars Hollow: Washington Depot. This quaint town has leaned into its Stars Hollow popularity and is a nice little pause from the city. Browse a bookstore, enjoy a quiet meal in a diner, and drink as much coffee as you like (obviously).

↣ Millennial Tip: Rather than rushing back to the city, stay the night to embrace the slower pace before heading back to the city to catch your flight home.

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So, whether you're sipping a dirty soda in Salt Lake or chasing waves on the North Shore, Millennial Summer isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about reconnecting with the moments that once made us feel alive. Maybe it’s a dock that reminds you of first love, a soundtrack that plays like a memory, or a coastal drive that still feels like freedom.

The beauty of this list? You don’t need a full itinerary to take part. One weekend, one day trip, one moment is enough to tap back into that nostalgic magic. And while Millennial Summer may be the vibe of the season, these destinations aren’t going anywhere, or start dreaming now of a fall getaway with your besties. Some stories are just waiting for the right time to begin again.