I’m 41 years old, and thanks to shows like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill, teen drama is woven into the fabric of my very being. Which probably explains why I’m just as invested in The Summer I Turned Pretty as my 13-year-old. (We’ll call it generational bonding.)

As an adult viewer, I now know the magic wasn’t just in the love triangles or the dramatic monologues. It was in the setting: a sleepy coastal town with golden light on the river, cozy porches strung with lights, and long walks by the docks that made everything feel like a scene from a movie.

This fall, you don’t need to live in Capeside to capture that same mood. Whether you’re in Southport, Oak Island, or anywhere with a little breeze and a lot of imagination, here are 20 ways to tap into that moody 90s nostaglia.

1. Sip Coffee by the Water

Order your favorite latte from a local shop and bring it down to the riverfront or marina. Southport Coffee Co. & Kitchen is my go-to. Get the Southport Sliders while you're at it and you can thank me later.

2. Dress the Part in Shorts and Sweaters

The perfect southern fall uniform. Cozy on top, avoiding heat stroke on the bottom.

3. Walk the Docks at Golden Hour

The Cape Fear Riverfront is a main character unto itself.

4. Host a Bonfire with Friends

Because nothing says teen-drama-turned-adult-nostalgia like late-night conversations around a fire.

5. Rewatch Season 1 With a Fall Candle Burning

It doesn’t matter if you’ve seen it ten times—rewatching with a pumpkin chai candle flickering will hit differently.

6. Take a Scenic Drive with the Windows Down

Throw on a ’90s playlist, roll the windows downs and breathe in the salty air. Big fan of Caswell Beach Road or Airlie Road over the Wrightsville Beach Bridge.

7. Write in a Journal at a Coffee Shop

A little introspection never hurt anyone. (Dawson would be proud.)

8. Go Antiquing or Thrift Shopping

Because the whole Dawson’s Creek vibe is nostalgic, timeless, and just a little bit eclectic.

9. Read a Book Under a Tree

Channel Pacey interrupting your peace at any moment. Bonus if it’s a slightly angsty novel. Grab a book from Needful Things and head to the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnson.

10. Bake a Rustic Pie or Apple Crisp

Homemade desserts always feel more heartfelt in a small-town kitchen.

11. Spend a Saturday Exploring a Small Town

Southport, NC is perfect for this, but any charming main street with a bookstore, bakery, and coffee shop will do.

12. Take a Long Walk on the Beach in a Jacket

The coast doesn’t lose its beauty after summer—it just gets moodier, quieter, and arguably more magical. This anorak feels just right.

13. Host a Movie Night with ’90s Rom-Coms

Because Dawson’s Creek was never just about Capeside—it was about a whole ’90s teen culture. Stack your queue with 10 Things I Hate About You and She’s All That.

14. Try a Coastal-Inspired Cocktail

Think apple cider spritz, or a bourbon-ginger with a cinnamon stick. Here's 45 fall cocktails to get you started.

15. Visit a Local Farmers Market

Shop local produce and flowers and feel like you’re in Bessie’s kitchen prepping dinner. While the Southport and Oak Island summer markets are closed for the season, Biggers Market and The Wilmington Farmers Market are still going strong.

16. Light String Lights on the Porch

Instant ambiance. Even your everyday weeknight feels special. Bonus points for cozy throws.

17. Go Stargazing

Preferably from a dock, but a backyard blanket works too.

18. Spot Film Locations

Pop-culture favorites like Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Hart of Dixie, The Summer I Turned Pretty and I Know What You Did Last Summer were filmed in Southport and Wilmington. Stroll the Riverwalk, explore Airlie Gardens, and spot filming locations.

19. DIY a “Capeside Fall” Mood Board

Pinterest + plaid + candlelight. It’s like therapy, but aesthetic.

20. Romanticize the Everyday Errand

Even a grocery store run feels dreamy if you throw in earbuds and a nostalgic soundtrack. I'm gonna tell you right now though, if you're in Lowe's they already plan some real bangers.

The magic of Dawson’s Creek wasn’t just in Capeside—it was in the way it made everyday life feel poetic. This fall, light the candles, take the drive, host the bonfire, and let your season play out like a favorite scene.

And if you’re lucky enough to live near Southport, Oak Island, or anywhere along the Cape Fear coast, you don’t need a TV set to capture the vibe—it’s right outside your door.