Start at the bridge outside the home, then find familiar places along the Riverwalk and downtown. Hell’s Kitchen and Michael’s are options for a meal; Blue Post is 21+ to enter.
main-series café
Karen’s Café exterior
This storefront at 272 N. Front St. served as Karen’s Café for much of the series before appearing as Clothes Over Bros. The pilot used a different location across the street; the 300 N. Front St. building later appeared as Tree Hill Café in the final season.
272 N. Front St.
pilot location
Karen’s Café in the pilot
The pilot episode used this building at 300 N. Front St. for Karen’s Café. It later returned as Tree Hill Café in the show’s final season.
300 N. Front St.
Visit Dough House
opening credits
Harry Forden Bridge
The North 6th Street steel truss bridge appears in the opening sequence during seasons 1–4. It remains an active roadway; take care with photos.
North 6th Street
Nathan & Haley
The Naley Bench
At the base of Dock Street along Water Street, near the J.W. Brooks building. This is where Nathan gave Haley the Cracker Jack bracelet.
Riverwalk · Dock & Water streets
downtown
Black Cat Shoppe
The CD store where Chris Keller worked is now a shop with gifts and One Tree Hill merchandise.
8 Market St.
basketball
Former River Court site
Across the river beside Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. The court itself was removed after filming.
Battleship Park · across the river
dinner & drinks
Hell’s Kitchen
The Swinging Donkey scenes were filmed here. This casual bar and restaurant also has ties to Dawson’s Creek and The Summer I Turned Pretty.
118 Princess St. · check hours
Menu and hours
drinks · 21+
Blue Post Billiards
Lucas and Brooke’s tattoo date took place at this Water Street bar. Try it after dinner.
15 S. Water St. · 21+ to enter
Filming details
waterfront meal
Michael’s on the Waterfront
The outdoor patio served as an open-air produce market in several episodes. Pair dinner here with the Naley Bench.
5 S. Water St. · call to reserve
Reservations