**Picture Credit to Lionsgate (Katie Lowes, Brittany Snow and Malin Akerman in 'The Hunting Wives')
Explore the Real-Life Locations Behind The Hunting Wives
While The Hunting Wives is set in the fictional town of Maple Brook, Texas, the show was actually filmed throughout Mooresville, Lake Norman, Charlotte, and surrounding North Carolina areas.
What makes this especially interesting is how real, everyday local places were transformed into dramatic, high-end settings for the series. From Main Street storefronts to lakeside estates and even local churches and restaurants, the show gives viewers a glimpse into the lifestyle that makes the Lake Norman region so desirable.
Whether you’re a fan of the show or considering a move, these filming locations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the places you can actually visit.
Downtown Mooresville – The Real “Maple Brook”
Downtown Mooresville plays a starring role as the fictional town of Maple Brook. Entire sections of Main Street were transformed for filming — with some businesses rebranded and others left as-is.
Notably:
- Hampton’s of Mooresville was temporarily renamed for the show
- Pie in the Sky Pizza kept its real name and appears on screen
- Filming even shut down parts of East Wilson Avenue during production
👉 Best for: Small-town charm, walkability, local dining
✨ Must see: Main Street storefronts used in filming
💡 Local insight: Many viewers don’t realize they’re seeing real Mooresville businesses — not a studio set.
Lake Norman – The True Star of the Show
Lake Norman itself is one of the most visually striking “characters” in the series. The show uses real waterfront homes and shoreline views to create a luxury, resort-style feel.
Key filming took place along private waterfront properties, highlighting:
- Expansive lake views
- Private docks and boat access
- Elevated outdoor living spaces
👉 Best for: Boating, sunset views, luxury inspiration
✨ Must see: Lakefront neighborhoods in Mooresville and Cornelius
💡 Why it matters: This is exactly the lifestyle many buyers are seeking when relocating to Lake Norman.
The Azalea Retreat – The Iconic Lake House
One of the most memorable locations is the Azalea Retreat, a luxury waterfront estate on Lake Norman used for key scenes.
What most people don’t know:
- It’s located in Sherrills Ford
- The home has 11 bedrooms and accommodates large groups
- It includes a private dock and resort-style outdoor space
👉 Best for: Luxury real estate inspiration, lakefront entertaining
✨ Must know: This home is actually available as a high-end rental. You can book your stay at the Azalea Retreat on VRBO by clicking here.
💡 Insider tip: Properties like this represent the top tier of Lake Norman real estate — and demand remains strong.
Charlotte Hotspots – Real Places You Can Visit
Several recognizable Charlotte locations were featured in the series, adding a sophisticated, social backdrop:
- Coyote Joe’s – A real honky-tonk bar featured in the show
- Dilworth Tasting Room – Used for upscale social scenes
- Chapter 6 (South End) – A trendy Mediterranean restaurant and cocktail bar
- The Park Church – Transformed into “Holy Horizon Church”
👉 Best for: Dining, nightlife, social scenes
✨ Must try: Visiting these locations for a real-life show experience
💡 Fun fact: Cast members were known to visit some of these spots off-camera during filming.
Hidden & Unexpected Filming Locations
Some of the most interesting filming spots are ones most viewers would never notice:
- Mooresville Public Library – Featured in select scenes
- Stone Haven Estate (Concord) – Used as a luxury mansion setting
- Falcon Trail Trailhead (Richfield) – Filmed for outdoor scenes
- Rodeway Inn (University Area, Charlotte) – Used for transitional scenes
- The Social Cow Ice Cream Truck – A small but memorable detail
👉 Best for: Exploring beyond the obvious
✨ Must do: Visit lesser-known filming spots for a unique experience
💡 Local insight: These locations show how filmmakers blend everyday places into cinematic storytelling.
🎥 Why This Matters for Lake Norman Real Estate
The filming of The Hunting Wives highlights what locals already know — the Lake Norman area offers:
✔️ Stunning natural backdrops perfect for film and photography
✔️ A mix of luxury homes and charming small-town settings
✔️ Easy access to Charlotte’s dining, culture, and entertainment
✔️ A lifestyle that blends relaxation with sophistication
Film exposure like this often brings increased attention to a region — and Lake Norman continues to grow as a destination for both buyers and visitors.
Final Thoughts
What makes The Hunting Wives especially compelling isn’t just the storyline — it’s the fact that so much of what you see on screen is real and accessible. From downtown Mooresville to luxury lakefront estates and vibrant Charlotte hotspots, the show offers a true glimpse into the lifestyle of the Lake Norman area.
Whether you’re exploring filming locations or considering a move, you’re experiencing a region that’s quickly becoming one of North Carolina’s most desirable places to live.
Ready to Experience Lake Norman Living for Yourself?
At Carolina Estate Properties, we help clients discover more than just homes — we help them step into the lifestyle that makes Lake Norman so special.
From lakefront estates to walkable downtown properties in Mooresville, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Reach out today and let’s find a home that feels like it belongs in your own story.
