Who doesn’t remember the iconic watermelon scene, those sizzling dance moves, the unforgettable love story, and the famous lift from Dirty Dancing? Set in the fictional Kellerman’s resort in the Catskills during the summer of 1963, this beloved film actually brought its magic to life in the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina. Today, you can plan your own trip to walk in Baby and Johnny’s footsteps and explore the actual Dirty Dancing Filming Locations that made cinematic history. Spend a few days immersing yourself in the nostalgia and stunning scenery that provided the backdrop for one of the most cherished love stories ever filmed.
Day 1: Stepping Back in Time at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa
Begin your Dirty Dancing filming location adventure in the charming town of Lake Lure, North Carolina, where several key scenes were filmed. Your first stop should be the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, a place that holds its own connection to the movie’s stars. Both Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, who played the unforgettable Johnny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman, stayed at this very inn during the filming. To truly embrace the experience, consider booking “Johnny’s Cabin” or “Baby’s Bungalow,” both of which are spacious, themed cabins designed to immerse you in the Dirty Dancing spirit.
While the Inn itself wasn’t directly featured in the movie, the nearby Camp Chimney Rock provided the backdrop for Kellerman’s. This included original cabins, the dining hall, and gymnasium, all of which were transformed for the film. The cabins served as the exterior shots for the staff housing, and the gymnasium was converted into the grand banquet room where Baby and Johnny delivered their breathtaking “Time of My Life” dance. Today, the former camp is a private residential area known as Firefly Cove at Lake Lure, where remnants of the original camp are subtly integrated into the community’s design.
For dinner, indulge in an elegant meal at the Inn’s Veranda Restaurant. Here, you can savor delicious cuisine while enjoying panoramic mountain views, setting the perfect mood for your Dirty Dancing filming location tour.
Day 2: Heights and History at Chimney Rock State Park and Esmeralda Inn
On your second day of exploring Dirty Dancing filming locations, venture a short drive west to Chimney Rock State Park. Challenge yourself to reach the summit of the ancient 315-foot rock outcropping, estimated to be 535 million years old. For the energetic, the Outcroppings Trail offers nearly 500 steps to the top. Alternatively, check if the park’s elevator is operational for a quicker ascent, followed by a short climb to the peak. Reaching the top rewards you with breathtaking views across the Blue Ridge Mountains, perfect for recreating Johnny and Baby’s mountain romance, especially if you time your visit for a magical sunset.
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Continuing west, you’ll arrive at The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa, a truly special stop on your Dirty Dancing filming location journey. Here, you can actually walk on the original dance floor where Baby and Johnny performed their iconic final dance, including “the lift.” While the Esmeralda Inn wasn’t the original location for this scene, the actual gymnasium floor from Camp Chimney Rock was salvaged after the gym’s demolition in the late 1980s. During renovations in the late 1990s, this piece of movie history was incorporated into the lobby floor of the Esmeralda Inn, allowing fans to connect with the film in a tangible way. Enjoy a delightful dinner at the Esmeralda Restaurant, known for its commitment to local ingredients and an impressive wine selection. (Note: The Esmeralda Inn is currently closed for renovations throughout 2023.)
Day 3: Lake Lure Charm and Golf Course Memories
Dedicate your morning to soaking in the ambiance of the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa. Explore the historic inn’s antiques and artwork, take a relaxing lakeside stroll, or pamper yourself with a treatment at the Irongate Spa. Afterward, head to the marina and embark on a guided Dirty Dancing boat tour with Lake Lure Tours. This open-air pontoon boat tour provides a narrated journey across the lake, highlighting key Dirty Dancing filming locations from the water. You’ll see the famous stairs where Baby carried the watermelon to the staff cabins and where she practiced her dance steps. The tour also passes by Firefly Cove at Lake Lure, showing the area of the original camp that served as staff housing and the banquet hall in the movie. Beyond the film connections, the tour also offers insights into the history, nature, and culture of the Hickory Nut Gorge region.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the lake to Bald Mountain Golf Course, an 18-hole course at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure. This golf course, designed by W.B. Lewis in 1968, played a role in Dirty Dancing when Baby interrupts her parents’ golf practice to ask her father for money. While the scene appears to be set on a practice green in the movie, it was actually filmed on the 16th hole of the Bald Mountain Golf Course.
Bonus Day: Musical Reimagining Locations
For devoted Dirty Dancing fans wanting to extend their Dirty Dancing filming location experience, consider a trip southwest to Hendersonville and Cashiers. These towns provided backdrops for the 2017 musical remake of Dirty Dancing. For accommodation, book a stay at the newly renovated High Hampton in Cashiers, which served as the stand-in for Kellerman’s Resort in this updated version.
Updated October 7, 2021
