Cousins Beach: Unraveling TSITP's Fictional Paradise

For fans of Jenny Han's beloved book series and the hit Prime Video adaptation, "The Summer I Turned Pretty," the mention of Cousins Beach immediately conjures images of sun-drenched days, first loves, and poignant coming-of-age moments. This idyllic coastal town serves as the vibrant backdrop for Belly Conklin's transformative summers, a place where childhood friendships deepen into something more, and the complexities of family and romance intertwine. But as captivating as Cousins Beach appears on screen and in print, a question often lingers in the minds of many viewers: Is Cousins Beach a real place, or merely a beautiful figment of imagination?

This article delves deep into the essence of Cousins Beach, exploring its fictional origins, the real-world locations that brought it to life, and the enduring charm that has made it such an iconic setting in contemporary pop culture. We'll break down the details, separating the enchanting fiction from the geographical facts, and uncover why this seemingly simple beach town has resonated so profoundly with audiences worldwide.

What is Cousins Beach? The Heart of TSITP

At its core, Cousins Beach is more than just a geographical location; it's the emotional epicenter of "The Summer I Turned Pretty." It's the place where Belly, her brother Steven, and their mother Laurel spend every summer vacation with Susannah Fisher and her two sons, Conrad and Jeremiah. The summer house, a character in itself, stands as a testament to shared memories, laughter, and inevitable heartbreaks. For Belly, Cousins Beach isn't just a holiday spot; "it felt like home to her," a sentiment shared by countless viewers who wish they could escape to its shores.

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The series, both the book and the Prime Video show, paints Cousins Beach as a quintessential East Coast beach town, brimming with charm, tradition, and a sense of timelessness. It's where Belly experiences her first true love, navigates the complexities of teenage friendships, and grapples with significant life changes. The setting perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nostalgia of summer, making every scene imbued with a sense of warmth and longing. It's a place designed to evoke feelings of freedom, youth, and endless possibilities, mirroring the emotional journey of its protagonists.

Is Cousins Beach Real? Separating Fiction from Reality

Despite its vivid portrayal and the strong sense of place it evokes, the truth is that Cousins Beach is a fictional coastal town. Author Jenny Han herself confirmed that Cousins Beach is indeed a fictional town. This revelation often comes as a surprise to fans who, captivated by its allure, hope to visit the enchanting locale themselves. The books describe the location as somewhere near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, reinforcing its East Coast charm.

The Genesis of a Fictional Dream: Jenny Han's Inspiration

While Cousins Beach doesn't exist as a single, identifiable place on a map, its essence is very much real. Jenny Han, the brilliant mind behind "The Summer I Turned Pretty," shared insights into her creative process, explaining that Cousins Beach is an amalgamation of multiple East Coast beach towns. "Cousins is inspired by a lot of different beaches," Han told Today. In an interview with Prime Video, she further elaborated that "it’s inspired by the Hamptons, Cape Cod, the Outer Banks." This blend of beloved coastal destinations allows Cousins Beach to capture the universal appeal of a perfect summer getaway, drawing on the best elements of real-world locales without being confined to one specific geography.

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This approach gives Cousins Beach a certain timeless quality, making it relatable to anyone who has cherished summer memories by the sea. It's a testament to Han's storytelling prowess that she could create such a tangible and beloved setting from a patchwork of inspirations, allowing readers and viewers to project their own ideal summer experiences onto this fictional haven.

Where Was "The Summer I Turned Pretty" Filmed? Real-World Locations

While the idyllic home is set in the fictional town of Cousins Beach, it actually exists in Wilmington, North Carolina, where many scenes throughout the Prime Video series were shot. The screen adaptation, as well as the 2009 book, are both set in Cousins Beach, a beach in Massachusetts. However, when it comes to the show and where all the scenes on the beach were filmed, the production moved south.

Most of the scenes were filmed in North Carolina, specifically in Wilmington and Southport. The Wilmington and Beaches website reports that Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach are all used to bring Cousins Beach to life. This means that while viewers might imagine Belly and Conrad walking along a Massachusetts shore, they are actually seeing the beautiful coastlines of North Carolina. Some indoor locations, like those depicting Brown University, were also filmed in appropriate settings to maintain the show's narrative.

The decision to film in North Carolina allowed the production team to capture the quintessential summer atmosphere that Jenny Han envisioned for Cousins Beach. The diverse landscapes of these real beaches provided the perfect backdrop for the show's varied scenes, from lively beach parties to intimate conversations by the ocean. It makes sense that TSITP’s beach scenes weren’t all filmed in the same place, as Cousins Beach was inspired by multiple beaches, giving the show a rich visual tapestry.

The Allure of Cousins Beach: Why Viewers Are Captivated

Belly (Lola Tung) and Susannah (Rachel Blanchard) may have deeply believed in the magic of the fictional beach town of Cousins, but their love of the coastal community has bled through to the viewers as well. The enduring appeal of Cousins Beach lies in its ability to tap into universal desires for escape, romance, and self-discovery. It represents the ultimate summer dream: a place where worries melt away with the tide, and every day holds the promise of adventure or a profound connection.

For many, Cousins Beach embodies a nostalgic ideal of youth and freedom, a time when summers stretched out endlessly, filled with bonfires, late-night talks, and the thrilling uncertainty of first love. The show masterfully uses the setting to amplify the emotional stakes of its characters' journeys, making the landscape itself feel like an active participant in their lives. The vibrant sunsets, the crashing waves, and the cozy familiarity of the beach house all contribute to an immersive experience that makes viewers feel like they are right there with Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah.

Moreover, the concept of a "chosen family" gathering in a beloved summer spot resonates deeply. It's a place of comfort and tradition, where bonds are forged and tested, and where, despite any drama, there's always a sense of belonging. This emotional depth, intertwined with the picturesque scenery of Cousins Beach, is what truly captivates audiences and keeps them longing for their own summer at the fictional locale.

Beyond the Beaches: Other Iconic TSITP Locations

While the beach itself is central to the identity of Cousins Beach, the show also features several other memorable locations that contribute to its charm. The Fisher family's summer house, with its sprawling porch and ocean views, is perhaps the most iconic. It's the hub of all activity, a place filled with history and the echoes of countless summers. This house, as mentioned, is located in Wilmington, North Carolina, serving as the real-world counterpart to Susannah's cherished home.

Beyond the house and the various beaches, other spots like the local boardwalk, the country club, and various charming town shops help flesh out the world of Cousins Beach. These ancillary locations provide a sense of community and routine, grounding the fantastical summer romance in a believable setting. They allow the characters to interact in different environments, showcasing various facets of their personalities and relationships. The attention to detail in creating these varied backdrops ensures that Cousins Beach feels like a fully realized, lived-in place, even if it only exists in the realm of fiction and a collection of real-world filming sites.

The Cousins Beach Vibe: More Than Just a Setting

The "Cousins Beach vibe" has become a popular aesthetic, synonymous with sun-kissed skin, casual summer fashion, and a carefree yet deeply emotional atmosphere. It's a feeling of nostalgia for a summer that might never have been, but one that feels universally appealing. This vibe is carefully cultivated through the show's cinematography, soundtrack, and character interactions, making Cousins Beach feel like a dream destination.

The setting isn't just a passive backdrop; it actively influences the narrative and the characters' moods. The changing tides, the summer storms, and the endless sunny days all mirror the emotional highs and lows experienced by Belly and her friends. This symbiotic relationship between setting and story elevates Cousins Beach from a mere location to a significant character in its own right. It's a place of transformation, where childhood innocence gives way to the complexities of adulthood, all under the warm, watchful eye of the summer sun.

Planning Your Own TSITP-Inspired Summer: A Guide to Real-Life Counterparts

While you can't book a trip directly to Cousins Beach, you can certainly plan a summer vacation inspired by its charm. Given that the fictional town is an amalgamation of real East Coast beach towns and was filmed in North Carolina, there are several excellent options for experiencing a similar atmosphere:

• Wilmington, North Carolina: As the primary filming location, Wilmington offers a chance to see the actual houses and beaches used in the show. Explore Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach for those quintessential TSITP beach scenes. The historic downtown of Wilmington also provides a charming backdrop.
• Cape Cod, Massachusetts: Since the books place Cousins Beach near Cape Cod, visiting this iconic Massachusetts peninsula would offer a similar vibe. Quaint towns, beautiful beaches, and a rich history define the Cape, providing a classic East Coast summer experience.
• The Hamptons, New York: For a more upscale version of the Cousins Beach aesthetic, the Hamptons offer stunning beaches, charming villages, and a vibrant summer scene, reflecting one of Jenny Han's inspirations.
• Outer Banks, North Carolina: Another one of Han's inspirations, the Outer Banks offer a more rugged, natural beach experience with wild horses, lighthouses, and vast stretches of sand, perfect for those who love the untamed beauty of the coast.

Each of these locations offers a unique blend of coastal beauty, summer activities, and a sense of community that echoes the spirit of Cousins Beach. By choosing one of these real-world counterparts, fans can create their own memorable summer, perhaps even finding their own version of Belly's transformative journey.

Addressing the "Cousins" in Cousins Beach: A Curious Detour

The name "Cousins Beach" naturally brings to mind the concept of cousins, and while the fictional town has no direct thematic link to the relationships between cousins in the traditional sense, the term itself can spark curiosity about societal norms and legalities surrounding familial connections. It's a peculiar but interesting tangent that sometimes arises when discussing the name. It's important to differentiate the fictional setting from any real-world implications of the word "cousins."

Legalities and Cultural Norms of Cousin Marriages

The topic of cousin marriages, while seemingly unrelated to a fictional beach, touches upon legal and cultural aspects that vary widely. In the U.S., some states legally forbid first cousins from marrying, some require genetic counseling before legal union can take place, and other states require proof that at least one potential spouse is infertile. Interestingly, in the United States, second cousins are legally allowed to marry in every state. The Roman Catholic Church automatically allows marriages between first cousins once removed, and the local ordinary (that is to say, the bishop) can dispense (authorize under canon law) a marriage between first cousins, assuming it is permitted by local law and custom. In California, for instance, such is the case for first cousins.

Beyond the U.S., cultural norms differ significantly. Australian law states that sex with first cousins or the children of your mother/father's siblings is completely legal. Furthermore, half the world marries their cousins, as is the case in aristocratic Europe, China, India, and Africa. This highlights the diverse perspectives on such relationships across different societies and historical contexts. It is very common for cousins to fall in love and even get married, a lot more common than people think, and in most of the 50 states and the UK, it is legal to marry your cousin.

Genetic Considerations: Dispelling Myths and Understanding Risks

A common concern often raised about cousin marriages revolves around potential genetic defects in offspring. There was a belief that if you were too closely related, any children the two of you had could have genetic defects. However, modern understanding provides a more nuanced view. They now know that is highly unlikely. Many studies have shown that the idea that children from cousins can be born with problems is just a myth that closed-minded and religious people have spread; it is not a fact. As far as birth defects go, a woman giving birth at age 35 has the same chance of birth defects in her child as a woman giving birth to her second cousin's baby.

While there is some evidence that the risk may be higher in families where cousins regularly marry cousins, and therefore the risk of recessive genes causing undesirable mutations becomes greater, this is typically associated with a history of inbreeding, not a single instance. If you have concerns about that, getting genetic testing is always an option. Inbreeding occurs when you have a history of cousin relationships. If your parents weren't second cousins and your children don't marry cousins, then there will most likely be no problems. It may seem peculiar, but you are definitely not the first two cousins to ever be involved with each other. Historically, famous scientists like Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and literary figures like Edgar Allan Poe all married their first cousins and had children, demonstrating that such relationships have occurred throughout history, often without significant genetic issues.

This brief exploration into the topic of cousins serves as a reminder that the word "cousins" itself carries a complex history and diverse interpretations, far removed from the innocent, sun-drenched fictional world of Cousins Beach.

The Enduring Legacy of Cousins Beach

Cousins Beach, though a product of Jenny Han's imagination and brought to life through the scenic backdrops of North Carolina, has etched itself into the hearts of "The Summer I Turned Pretty" fans worldwide. It represents more than just a setting; it's a feeling, a memory, and a dream of an endless summer where anything is possible.

The magic of Cousins Beach lies in its ability to evoke universal themes of love, loss, growth, and the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship. It's a place where viewers can escape, relive their own coming-of-age moments, and immerse themselves in a story that feels both deeply personal and widely relatable. While we may not be able to pack our bags and head directly to this fictional paradise, its spirit lives on in the pages of the books and the frames of the show, inviting us to revisit its shores summer after summer.

What are your favorite memories or moments from Cousins Beach in "The Summer I Turned Pretty"? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or explore other articles on our site to dive deeper into the world of your favorite shows and books!

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"Cousins And Sibling Kids Playing On The Beach On Cloudy Day" by

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3 cousins on beach – Brenda Everson-Shaw

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Cousins beach | Fond ecran