North Carolina Has a Real-Life Hallmark Christmas Town
The holidays are almost here, and that means it’s Hallmark movie time. Admit it. You get stuck on those romantic holiday flicks when nobody is watching. Or, maybe you proudly watch them with your friends or family. What’s more, I totally own my love for these cheesy movies. Regardless, Hallmark movie season is here. Well, you can actually visit this Hallmark Christmas town in North Carolina and make that dream come true.
Parade.com has a list out of the Hallmark holiday movie towns that you can visit in real lift this season. “‘Tis the season: We’re buttoning our coats, making Thanksgiving plans, and swapping Chardonnay for hot toddies or our favorite reds,” Parade.com writes. “It’s time to indulge in one of Hallmark’s ‘Countdown to Christmas’ holiday romances—inevitably set in a charming town full of friendly locals.”
Before we get to our area, what’s the No. 1 best Hallmark Christmas spot in America? According to a different study by Reservations.com, it’s Jackson, Wyoming. “It’s everything Hallmark and Christmas could dream,” Reservations.com says. “Just imagine walkable historic streets, western facades with twinkling lights and some of the friendliest smiling locals in all of America.”
Now, let’s get to our state. According to Parade.com’s story on Christmas towns you can visit in real life, it’s Wilmington, North Carolina. Moreover, t’s a real-life Hallmark Christmas town in North Carolina that you can visit. “Tucked into the Forest Hills neighborhood of seaside Wilmington, N.C., is a house that served as the main stage for Christmas in Conway (2013),” they write. “A bittersweet romance, the film showcases a touching labor of love: a husband’s backyard Ferris Wheel construction project for his sick wife.” They add that the filming happened near Cafe Fear Country Club. “The stately grounds are an elegant holiday antidote to the chilly Atlantic boardwalk,” they continue. Sounds charming. Find the full list of Hallmark Christmas towns you can visit in real life here.
Holiday Dating Do's and Don'ts
Don't Move Too Fast
If you’re started dating someone you really like, it might be temping to bring them to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But, that could also freak them out. I remember going out with someone just once and getting invited to a holiday dinner. It made me a little uncomfortable, because even if I liked that person, it seemed like a big jump. So, if you do want to invite that new love to a holiday family event, make sure to talk it over with them and give them the option to say no.
This young couple is totally surprised by moving too fast.
Don't Go Crazy on Gifts If You're in a New Relationship
If you’re in a newer relationship, resist the temptation to buy your new love too much for Christmas. “Oh, he’s a Packers fan! I’m going to buy all the Packers gear I can find!” Just don’t do it. It’s okay to give gifts, but keep it small if you haven’t been together long, or you might look insane.
This young woman is spending too much on her new love.
Do Give Small, Meaningful Gifts
If you’re in a new relationship, you should get something for your new partner during the holidays. But, as mentioned above, don’t overdo it. A small, meaningful gift will likely be welcomed during the holidays and not scare your new love away.
This small gift is perfect for the holidays.
Don't Freak Out If You Don't See Your New Love As Much During the Holidays
Maybe you’re used to seeing your new love a few times a week. What if that’s just once a week, or less, during the holidays? Don’t freak out or start crying or anything. The holidays are a busy time for all, and that means schedules change.
This couple is fighting over missing dates over the holidays.
Do Be on Good Behavior at Holiday Parties with Your New Love
You might get invited to some fun holiday parties or work parties by your new love, and you might want to invite them to yours. That’s fine and much less pressure than a family event. But, be on good behavior. Don’t try to be the life of the party or anything, as you might mortify your date. Sometimes, people like to overdo it in the early stages and try to really impress, but you really just need to be yourself when meeting new friends and chill out a bit.
This couple is enjoying themselves at a holiday party.
