Hey there travel enthusiasts and welcome to my post where we will check out the answer to the question where did they shoot Dirty Dancing. Dirty Dancing is a classic 1987 film that has captured the hearts of many.
The movie, which starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, was filmed in various locations throughout the United States with one of the most iconic locations in the film being the Kellerman Resort where much of the movie takes place.
So, for those Dirty Dancing fanatics amongst us, let’s have a look at not only where it was filmed, but how you can travel there to check it all out for yourself here. Let’s check it out.
Dirty Dancing: A Snapshot
Dirty Dancing is a classic romantic drama film that was released in 1987. The movie features Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby” Houseman and Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle and takes place in the summer of 1963 at a resort in the Catskill Mountains. The film is known for its iconic dance scenes and memorable soundtrack.
While at a family vacation at Kellerman’s Resort, Baby becomes infatuated with the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle, a charismatic and talented dancer. She discovers the secret world of the staff’s after-hours dance parties, where passionate dancing and forbidden romances flourish.
The film is renowned for its iconic moments, such as the lift scene during the final dance, and its memorable soundtrack featuring hits like “Time of My Life” and “Hungry Eyes.” Dirty Dancing has become a beloved classic, captivating audiences with its mix of romance, music, and the joy of dancing.
Book your trip to where they shot Dirty Dancing here!
Where Did They Shoot Dirty Dancing?
The movie was primarily filmed in two locations:
- Lake Lure, North Carolina
- Mountain Lake Lodge, Virginia.
Lake Lure was a major Dirty Dancing location used for the exterior shots of Kellerman’s Resort, where the Houseman family stays during their vacation. The famous lake scene where Johnny teaches Baby to dance was also filmed here.
Mountain Lake Lodge was used for the interior shots of Kellerman’s Resort including the dining room, lobby and staff quarters. The lodge also served as the location for the staff cabins, where Johnny and the other dancers lived during the summer.
In addition to these two primary locations, several other locations were used for specific scenes in the movie. For example, the Sheldrake Hotel in New York City was used for the exterior shots of the hotel where Baby’s family stays on their way to the resort. The gymnasium at nearby Blue Ridge Community College was used for the “Hungry Eyes” dance scene. Some scenes were also filmed in other locations such as Lake Lure Inn and Spa, the Lake Lure Beach, and the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers, North Carolina however these locations played a minor role in the movie.
Overall, Dirty Dancing was filmed in several locations in the southeastern United States. The movie has become a beloved classic and continues to be popular with audiences of all ages. Let’s however check out the two most iconic locations below:
Check out my post on: Where Did They Shoot Stranger Things? And How To Get There?
Primary Filming Location: Lake Lure, North Carolina
The primary Dirty Dancing film location was Lake Lure, North Carolina where the picturesque lake and surrounding mountains provided the perfect backdrop for the story of Baby and Johnny’s summer romance. The production team spent several weeks scouting locations before settling on Lake Lure where they were drawn to the area’s natural beauty and the unique architecture of the Lake Lure Inn, which served as the filming location for the Kellerman’s Resort.
The lake itself played a significant role in the film, serving as the setting for many of the movie’s most memorable scenes. The famous lift scene was filmed on a wooden platform built in the lake, and the beach scenes were shot on the lake’s shoreline.
How Can I Get To Lake Lure, North Carolina?
Want to check out Lake Lure?
Firstly, you will need to get yourself to Asheville, North Carolina. Various airlines offer flights to Asheville Regional Airport where you can hire a car or take a taxi as per the following route. You can also get there via Greyhound bus. The closest Amtrak station to Lake Lure is in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
By car from Asheville, North Carolina
- Take I-240 E from downtown Asheville.
- Continue onto US-74A E.
- Follow US-74A E for approximately 25 miles.
- Take the exit onto US-64 E/US-74 E toward Rutherfordton/Forest City.
- Continue on US-64 E/US-74 E for about 11 miles.
- Take the exit toward Lake Lure/Chimney Rock Village.
- Merge onto Bills Creek Road.
- Follow Bills Creek Road, which leads directly into Lake Lure.
Please note that these directions are approximate and it’s advisable to use a navigation system or consult a map for precise directions.
Book your trip to where they shot Dirty Dancing here!
Where Can I Stay?
There are several accommodation options available near Lake Lure, North Carolina. Here are a few suggestions:
- The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant: This historic inn is located in Chimney Rock, just a short distance from Lake Lure. It offers cozy rooms, cabins and suites with rustic charm and modern amenities as well as a renowned restaurant, a cozy lounge and a relaxing outdoor patio.
- Rumbling Bald Resort: Situated on the shores of Lake Lure, this resort offers a range of accommodations including vacation rentals, condos and villas. Guests can enjoy access to various amenities such as golf courses, swimming pools, spa services, restaurants and lake activities.
- Lake Lure Inn & Spa: Located right in the heart of Lake Lure, this historic inn provides comfortable rooms with traditional decor and modern conveniences. The inn features an on-site restaurant, a full-service spa and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and lake.
- Willowbrook Inn: Nestled in the mountains near Lake Lure, Willowbrook Inn offers a peaceful and scenic retreat with cozy rooms and cabins with private balconies or patios. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy the picnic area or explore the nearby hiking trails.
- Geneva Riverside Tiki Lodge: Situated along the banks of the Rocky Broad River, this lodge offers a unique and tropical-themed experience. It features themed rooms and suites with private balconies overlooking the river. Guests can unwind in the riverside hot tubs and enjoy the outdoor tiki bar.
As always, it’s recommended to check availability, amenities and reviews before making a reservation to ensure the best fit for your preferences and needs.
Secondary Filming Location: Mountain Lake, Virginia
The Kellerman Resort, which is supposed to be located in the Catskill Mountains of New York, is actually known in real life as the Mountain Lake Lodge and is located in Pembroke, Virginia. The Mountain Lake Lodge has become a popular destination for fans of the movie who want to visit the location where the movie was filmed.
The lodge is situated in the Appalachian Mountains and is surrounded by a picturesque landscape of forests, lakes and mountains. It has a rich history and was originally built in 1856 as a hunting lodge and has since been renovated and expanded into a full-service resort.
Today, visitors can stay at the lodge and even book the same room that was used by Patrick Swayze during filming. And for avid fans of the film, it also offers Dirty Dancing-themed weekends, where guests can learn the dance moves from the movie and participate in other activities inspired by the film.
How Can I Get To Mountain Lake, Virginia?
Want to check out Mountain Lake?
Firstly, you will need to get yourself to Roanoke Virginia. Various airlines offer flights to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport where you can hire a car or take a taxi as per the following route.
By car from Roanoke, Virginia
- Take I-581 S/US-220 S from downtown Roanoke.
- Continue on US-220 S for approximately 40 miles.
- Take the exit onto VA-118 S toward I-64/Pembroke/Blacksburg.
- Follow VA-118 S for about 14 miles.
- Turn left onto Mountain Lake Road.
- Continue on Mountain Lake Road for approximately 2 miles.
By car from Blacksburg, Virginia
- Take US-460 E from downtown Blacksburg.
- Continue on US-460 E for about 13 miles.
- Take the exit onto VA-700 N toward Newport.
- Follow VA-700 N for approximately 4 miles.
- Turn right onto VA-42 N.
- After about 9 miles, turn left onto VA-700 N.
- Continue on VA-700 N for about 7 miles.
- Turn right onto Mountain Lake Road.
- Continue on Mountain Lake Road for approximately 2 miles.
Please note that these directions are approximate and it’s advisable to use a navigation system or consult a map for precise directions.
Book your trip to where they shot Dirty Dancing here!
Where Can I Stay?
As above, you can stay at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. The lodge offers accommodations for guests visiting the resort and wanting to experience the beautiful surroundings. Here are some details about staying at Mountain Lake Lodge:
- Accommodation Options: Mountain Lake Lodge provides a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences and group sizes. These options may include guest rooms, cabins, cottages or vacation rentals. Each type of accommodation offers its own unique features and amenities.
- Amenities: The lodge offers a range of amenities to enhance your stay. These may include access to recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, hiking trails and outdoor sports activities. Some accommodations may have private balconies, fireplaces, or kitchenette facilities.
- Dining: Mountain Lake Lodge typically has dining options available on-site, such as restaurants, cafes or bars. These establishments may offer a variety of cuisine, including local and seasonal specialties, to cater to different tastes.
- Activities: The resort offers a range of activities and experiences to enjoy during your stay. Depending on the time of year and availability, you may have access to water sports, guided hikes, outdoor games, spa services or special events. Be sure to inquire about the activities offered during your visit.
It’s recommended to make reservations in advance to secure your preferred accommodation and dates. You can check availability, rates, and make reservations directly through the Mountain Lake Lodge website or by contacting their reservation desk.
If however you wanted to stay elsewhere you can also check out:
- Pembroke Area Vacation Rentals: There may be vacation rental options available in the Pembroke area that offer a more private and independent stay. Websites such as Airbnb, Vrbo or local vacation rental agencies can provide listings of available properties.
- Blacksburg, Virginia: Located approximately 20 miles northeast of Mountain Lake Lodge, the town of Blacksburg offers additional lodging options including hotels, inns and bed and breakfast establishments . This is his college town, often catering to visitors attending events at Virginia Tech University as well.
- Dublin, Virginia: Situated about 15 miles southwest of Mountain Lake Lodge, the town of Dublin provides more lodging choices including hotels, motels and other accommodations conveniently located along Interstate 81.
- Christiansburg, Virginia: Located approximately 25 miles northeast of Mountain Lake Lodge, Christiansburg is another town that offers various lodging options. You can find chain hotels, budget-friendly accommodations and other establishments in this area.
where was dirty dancing filmed? The Iconic Scenes and Their Locations
Should you wish to really get into the full experience, here are the iconic scenes and their locations as well.
The Lift Scene
The lift scene is one of the most memorable scenes in Dirty Dancing. It is the scene where Johnny lifts Baby in the air, and they both dance to “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” The scene was shot at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia. The lift was practiced in the lake, but the actual scene was shot on the grounds of the lodge. The lift scene has become an iconic moment in movie history and is often imitated in various dance competitions and events.
The Dance Practice Scenes
Dirty Dancing is a movie about dancing, and there are several scenes where the characters practice their moves. The dance practice scenes were shot at Lake Lure in North Carolina. The lake served as the backdrop for the scenes where Baby and Johnny practice their dance moves. The scenes were shot in various locations around the lake, including the boat house, the gazebo and the bridge.
The Final Dance Scene
The final dance scene is the climax of the movie. It is the scene where Baby and Johnny perform their dance routine in front of a live audience. The scene was shot at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Virginia. The lodge’s ballroom served as the location for the scene, and the audience was made up of the extras who were staying at the lodge during filming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for those looking for some insights as to where did they film Dirty Dancing? the filming location was primarily set in Virginia and North Carolina. The Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia served as the main location for the Kellerman’s Resort, where most of the movie was filmed. The famous lake lift scene was shot at the nearby Lake Lure in North Carolina.
And as usual, let me know of your experiences here and what has helped you.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
