Introduction
The 1987 classic movie Dirty Dancing is one of the most beloved films of all time. The film, which stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, follows the story of Baby and Johnny who meet at a summer resort and fall in love. It has become an iconic movie of its time, with memorable lines and scenes that have been burned into our cultural memory.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the filming locations of Dirty Dancing and explore the real-life settings used in the movie. We’ll also uncover the history behind the filming sites and discuss what it was like to visit the iconic sets. So let’s get started!
Exploring the Filming Locations of Dirty Dancing
The primary filming location for Dirty Dancing was the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. However, there were several other locations used as well. Let’s take a look at some of the most important sites:
The Kellerman Resort
The fictional Kellerman Resort, where Baby and Johnny met, was actually filmed at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. The lodge was built in the 1930s and had the perfect rustic charm that the filmmakers were looking for. The lodge was used for both exterior and interior shots in the movie.
The Sheldrake Hotel
The Sheldrake Hotel, where Baby and her family stayed in the movie, was filmed at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. The Homestead Resort is a historic luxury hotel that dates back to 1766. It was used for exterior shots in the movie.
Lake Lure, North Carolina
The magical mountain setting of Dirty Dancing was filmed in Lake Lure, North Carolina. The lake was used for the famous lake scene, where Baby and Johnny perform the iconic lift. The area around the lake provided the perfect backdrop for the movie.
Behind the Scenes: Uncovering the Historic Filming Sites of Dirty Dancing
Let’s take a closer look at the filming sites used in Dirty Dancing. Here are some of the key locations used in the movie:
The filming sites used in the movie
In addition to the Mountain Lake Lodge and the Homestead Resort, several other sites were used for filming. These included the Roaring Gap Club in North Carolina, which was used for the lake scene; the Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina, which was used for the opening sequence; and the Mountain Park Hotel and Conference Center in North Carolina, which was used for the final dance scene.
The history behind the filming locations
The Mountain Lake Lodge was built in the 1930s and has a long and storied history. It was originally owned by the Rockefeller family and served as a vacation destination for many notable figures, including President Dwight Eisenhower. The Homestead Resort was built in 1766 and is one of the oldest resorts in the United States. It has hosted many presidents and other notable figures throughout its history.
A Tour of the Real-Life Locations of Dirty Dancing
Now that we know the history behind the filming locations, let’s take a tour of the real-life settings used in the movie. Here are some of the key sites:
Revisiting the Iconic Sets
The Mountain Lake Lodge and the Homestead Resort remain open today, allowing visitors to revisit the iconic sets used in Dirty Dancing. Visitors can explore the grounds and even stay in the same rooms used in the movie. Additionally, several other sites used in the movie are still open, such as the Roaring Gap Club, the Grandfather Mountain, and the Mountain Park Hotel and Conference Center.
The Mountain House
The Mountain House, where Baby and her family stayed in the movie, was actually filmed at the Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. The Grandfather Mountain is a popular tourist attraction and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore the trails, visit the wildlife habitats, and learn about the history of the mountain.
The Log Cabin
The log cabin, where Baby and Johnny danced in the movie, was filmed at the Roaring Gap Club in North Carolina. The Roaring Gap Club is a private country club that features a golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Visitors can explore the grounds and take in the scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Revisiting the Magical Mountain Setting of Dirty Dancing
The magical mountain setting of Dirty Dancing was filmed in Lake Lure, North Carolina. The area around the lake provides stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and fishing. Here are some of the key sites to visit:
The Lake Lure Inn
The Lake Lure Inn is a historic hotel located on the shores of Lake Lure. The inn was used for exterior shots in the movie and is a popular spot for visitors to stay while exploring the area. The inn offers a variety of amenities, including a pool, spa, and marina.
Lake Lure Beach and Waterpark
The Lake Lure Beach and Waterpark is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for all ages. The beach is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The waterpark features slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park is located just outside of Lake Lure and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The park is home to a variety of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, as well as a waterfall and a museum. Visitors can also explore the historic town of Chimney Rock.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored the filming locations of the iconic movie Dirty Dancing. From the Kellerman Resort to Lake Lure, North Carolina, we uncovered the history behind the filming sites and discussed what it was like to visit the iconic sets. Whether you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a bit of nostalgia, these filming locations provide a great way to experience the magic of Dirty Dancing.
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