Like travel, movies have the ability to take us to different places, to feel and experience emotions that we may not normally tap into during our every day existence. Among hopeless romantics and movie buffs alike, the movie “The Notebook” can be considered a classic love story. In this film, two people, Noah and Allie, fall madly in love as teenagers. After years of separation, they are reunited once again, reigniting the passion and love that once made them inseparable.
Taking place in North Carolina, but shot mainly in Charleston, South Carolina, “The Notebook” film locations are both breath-taking and beautiful. LeafCanoer tonifrazer recently shared her leaf called “The Notebook Filming Locations,” which highlights some of the sites and locations used for the movie. As we see from her leaf, a visit to Charleston, and to “The Notebook” film locations can offer a glimpse into Charleston’s rich past.
Boone Hall Plantation
One of the most spectacular film locations for “The Notebook” is Boone Hall Plantation, where Noah is invited to lunch at Allie’s family’s summer home. In real life, Boone Hall Plantation is one of America’s oldest working plantations. Founded in 1681 by Major John Boone, the plantation offers tours to the public and provides visitors with a glimpse of what plantation life was like. In the past, Boone Hall Plantation produced cotton and pecans, but these days, the plantation produces strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and fruit. The plantation offers U-Pick fields, so visitors can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables right from the source.
American Theater
Another iconic location in the film is the American Theater, where Noah and Allie enjoy their first date. The American Theater, located on Charleston’s King Street, is a classic Art Deco-themed theater. Built in 1942 by architect, Augustus E. Constantine, the American Theater was operational as a movie theater from the 1940’s on to the late 1970’s. It briefly operated as a dinner theater venue in the 1990’s. These days, the theater no longer shows movies. However, it is a very popular event venue, no doubt because of its beautiful architecture and strong history. With over 8,000 square feet of event space, the American Theater is used for weddings, conferences, and any other kinds of large events.
King Street
The intersection where Noah and Allie lay together on the ground to watch the stoplights change is actually part of a popular street in Charleston. The historic King Street, where this intersection is located, is home to an abundance of stores for shopping and dining. King Street is divided into three sections, dedicated to different kinds of commerce. In Upper King Street, bars and restaurants line the streets, ready to entice visitors with fine food and drinks. For the fashion lover, Middle King Street is where visitors can find stores offering the latest fashion trends. Finally, in Lower King Street, antique lovers will delight in the antique stores that are populated along the street.
College of Charleston
In the film, Lon, a soldier that Allie helps nurse back to health, finds Allie in Charleston and asks her out on a date. This scene, which was filmed on the beautiful College of Charleston campus, is a pivotal moment in the film, as it introduces the audience to Noah’s foil, Lon. Much like the scene for which it was filmed, the College of Charleston, founded in 1770, has been involved in pivotal moments in United States history. Several of the College of Charleston’s founders were involved in the American Revolution, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence and three framers of the US Constitution.The college is considered the oldest educational institution south of Virginia, and is the 13th oldest educational institution in the United States. These days, it has a population of about 11,000 students and 500 faculty.
These Charleston film locations for “The Notebook” help to bring the movie to life for many movie lovers. But without the context of a film, these sites are just as spectacular on their own. Travel is nice because it helps introduce people to new places and things, and like movies, it has the power to transport you to another time and place. In a way, a visit to these film locations can be akin to traveling in time. With all the history and beauty tied to these locations, visitors are now able to see what life might have been like so many years ago.
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