The town of Wilmington is well-known for its Hollywood connection, and has set the stage for hundreds if not thousands of movies and television shows over the past few decades. The pinnacle of this cinematic activity can be found at the local EUE Screen Gems Studios, which features elaborate studios along the eastern seaboard in New York City, Atlanta, Georgia, and North Carolina's own mini-Hollywood, Wilmington.
Built in 1985, the full-service studio features 10 stages and 150,000 sq. ft. of column-free shooting space, located just north of Wilmington's bustling downtown. In fact, the complex is currently the largest filming facility in the United States outside of California, and hosts dozens of regular television series and movie sets year after year. An estimated 350 film, television and commercial projects have been shot at the 50 acre site since it was created, including both blockbuster and academy award nominated films, such as "Iron Man 3," "Blue Velvet, "Nights in Rodanthe," "Firestarter," and a number of television series including "Dawson's Creek" and the popular HBO series "Eastbound and Down."
The studio feature seasonal tours, generally on the weekends from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to visitors who want to explore the incredible facilities, which include sound stages and an impressive "water tank" stage that takes up a massive arena with an all-encompassing indoor pool where underwater scenes are filmed. The tour can also feature a special visit to any sets of television series that are currently filming.
While the movie studio is for the most part closed off to the public, in addition to the tours available, Screen Gems Studios also features some incredible opportunities for bargain hunters as well. When a movie or a television series shuts down, savvy shoppers can find incredible deals on everything that was involved with the filming, from the set decor to the actors' wardrobe. For example after the local favorite television series "One Tree Hill" wrapped up its final season, shoppers in the know were able to score all sorts of goodies from the set, from the clothes used in wardrobe, to the silverware and place settings that were utilized in all of the series' dining scenes. These massive "sales" are usually announced a month or two in advance in community papers, or on the local Screen Gem Studio's website, http://studios.euescreengems.com/nc/.
The tours available at Screen Gems Studios can be somewhat unpredictable, and are generally available when a current television show or movie is being produced, and the facility is effectually wide open. Visitors are advised to call in advance to find out when tours are occurring and to reserve their spot, and as a result, they can view first-hand the hard work that goes into the Wilmington film scene. Tours can be reserved by calling 910-343-3500, and are typically available Saturdays and Sundays.
Movie buffs of all ages will adore a tour through the famed Screen Gems Studios, a highlight of Wilmington's incredible theater and arts scene. As the heart of a large number of summer blockbusters and cult classics, a trip to the Screen Gems Studios is veritably a trip to Hollywood, but with a stunning, coastal Carolina backdrop location. Plan a trip to this southern coastal Mecca for the Hollywood set, and see why Wilmington is quickly building a reputation as one of the best movie and TV locations on the East Coast.
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With an on-site museum and a local population that has been enjoying the sun and fun for generations, Wrightsville Beach is unique in that it’s a coastal vacation destination that truly celebrates its history. Originally home to one of the most iconic pavilions along the shoreline, and famed in visitors’ circles since the late 19th century, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to Wrightsville Beach’s roots.
The northernmost coastal region of Carolina Beach is home to the Freeman Park Recreation Area, a stretch of shoreline that is well known to adventurous, beach-loving 4WD truck owners. Unlike other stretches of the barrier islands off the coast of Wilmington, this park is special because it is completely undeveloped, and allows beach driving to off-roaders who like to cruise along the sand.
Playa Linda (pretty beach) Cottage is a roomy 1600 sq. ft. home that has 3 bedrooms 2 bath and an ELEVATOR, which is ideal for bringing up groceries, suitcases and personal items. The home is located in a peaceful street with simple access to uncrowded handsome beaches, a few block aways there is also painless access to a boat ramp with plenty of parking for those that travel with their boat. Our bungalow is on stilts with a single level open floor plan with modern amenities, and its charmingly decorated in beach theme, ensured to help you relax and relax after a long day at the beach. Ideal for family getaways, visiting with friends or family gatherings. The beach is a short 15 min walk via the breathtaking walkway or a 5 min drive. There is a golf cart on the property and can be available for an additional fee. It gives you an advantage of prefer parking at all the 60 plus beach access points throughout Oak Island. In addition, it is a convenient way to get to the beach, tour historical Oak Island, visit the locally owned eateries, stores and grocery stores. Must be 21 years or older to operate, have a valid driver’s license and proof of car insurance is required. A separate waiver is required and handled separately from rental agreement.The Space:After a long day at the beach, water sports, hiking, golfing or shopping, Playa Linda Cottage will welcome you home to comfort and relaxation. The outdoor shower is ideal for washing off the sand. There is a bench and hooks to help keep your items dry. We also have a hose near the shower area to rinse off beach chairs, coolers, beach toys etc…. We do provide some beach chairs, umbrellas and sand buckets for your use. These are located on the wall behind the shower. A modern designed Kitchen with everything you need to indulge in your culinary fantasies. Open floor plan with a view to the dining area, main sitting area with enormous 77-inch intelligent TV with a dedicated Work space.Savor your morning coffee in the screened in porch that has a comfortable seating area, and a modest dining table with benches that is ideal for breakfast, lunch or for additional seating at dinner time. Ceiling fan provides a nice constant air flow and there is an area to hang wet swims suits and beach towels to dry. Bed room 1: Master Suite with King Size bed, walk-in closet, on suite bath with dual vanity and spa shower/ 50” flat screen TV/ ceiling fans/ light blocking curtainsBed room 2: King size bed/dresser/ 42” flat screen TV/ ceiling fan/light blocking blindsBed room 3: Queen bed/ Bunk beds with trundle/ 42” flat screen TV, ceiling fan and light blocking blindGuest bathroom: tub and shower, vanity and Linen cabinet.All of our beds are noise complimentary, which have always been one of our pet peeves.
- Oak Island
- 3 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 10