Various locations, South Carolina
This film is so incredibly romantic that it even caused the two lead actors — Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams — to fall madly in love for real. Set in the 1940s on an island off the coast of South Carolina, the backdrop of The Notebook may inspire as much passion as its story.
The third character in the film is a beautiful old wood-frame house that Gosling's character, Noah, fixes up to woo the woman he loves, Allie (McAdams). In real life, that house — Martin's Point Plantation on Wadmalaw Island — is privately owned, but you can tour other lovely locations from the film. A few minutes' drive from Charleston, the sprawling Boone Hall Plantation, which served as Allie's summer home, is open for visitors. Cypress Gardens, 25 miles north of Charleston, was the setting for Noah and Allie's swoony lake scene; you can visit, but not during 'gator season. Allie's college scenes were shot at the grand College of Charleston. And King Street, where much of the movie's action takes place, is teeming with bars, restaurants and charming architecture to put you and your honey in the mood. Reenact your favorite scenes back in your room at the swellegant Mills House Hotel.
Boone Hall Plantation: 1235 Long Point Road, Mt. Pleasant; 843-884-4371
Cypress Gardens: 3030 Cypress Gardens Road, Moncks Corner; 843-553-0515
College of Charleston: 66 George Street, Charleston; 843-725-7246
Mills House Hotel: 115 Meeting Street, Charleston; 843-577-2400