If you’ve seen the previews for The Secret Life of Bees, opening October 17th, you may have been enthralled by the location as I was. Nothing is more travel inspiring for me than the great films of the south that showcase Savannah (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil), New Orleans(Eve’s Bayou), or the Outer Banks(Nights in Rodanthe). I love southern imagery that conjures up a feeling of mystery, romance, and longing.
The Secret Life of Bees, based on the best selling novel, is sure to deliver all of these emotions and more as the story of a young girl and the women who help her through a personal journey to unravel the secrets surrounding her mother’s death unfolds.
Though the story is set in South Carolina it was actually filming in North Carolina, just outside of Wilmington. The main set and home used in the film is located in Watha. The book’s author Sue Monk Kidd made a visit to the set and the surrounding area and shared her experience as well as a few set details which can be found here. If you are interested in visiting Wilmington, NC, check out this article in the New York Times or this recent Cinematic Road Trip from Intelligent Travel.
More info on Watha:
https://www.starnewsonline.com/article/20081016/ARTICLES/810160256/1005/SPORTS?Title=Buzz_builds_in_Watha_over__Bees__movie
I’ve seen the movie “The Secret Life of Bees” and have just returned from a trip to Willard and Watha, NC.
I understand the house I was born in was also used in the beginning of the movie. It is the big 2 story house with the green roof by the old train station in Willard. I also visited the pink house.
I was wondering why the house in Willard was not mentioned in any of the write ups. I saw the filming of one of the girls singing in front of the house.
I know for a fact that the theater scene in “The Secret Life of Bees” was filmed in Southport, NC, approximately 30 miles from Wilmington. I lived in that area for 30 years. Wilmington gets credit for the films when the majority of the movies are made in Southport and Orton Plantation. You never see the names of these lovely places in the credits. Wilmington is a beautiful place, full of things to see and do. But please give credit where it is due.
I saw Main Street Burgaw in the movie as well. Harrells clothing store signage was how I recognized the location