For fans of the iconic film Dirty Dancing, the movie is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s a cultural touchstone. From the watermelon scene to the unforgettable dance lift and Baby’s famous line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” the film captured hearts worldwide. While Dirty Dancing is set in the fictional Kellerman’s resort in the Catskills, the magic truly came alive in the beautiful landscapes of North Carolina. Today, you can step back in time and explore the real-life locations that served as the backdrop for this beloved movie, right in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Embark on a memorable journey to experience the romance and nostalgia of Dirty Dancing in the very place where it was filmed.
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Nostalgia at the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa
Begin your Dirty Dancing pilgrimage in the charming town of Lake Lure, North Carolina, where several key scenes were brought to life. Your first destination is the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, a cornerstone of the area and a significant part of the movie’s history. During filming, Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, portraying the unforgettable Johnny Castle and Frances “Baby” Houseman, both stayed at this very inn. For an authentic experience, consider booking Johnny’s Cabin or Baby’s Bungalow, both specially themed to celebrate the movie and offer spacious accommodations.
While the Inn itself wasn’t used for direct filming, the nearby Camp Chimney Rock played a crucial role. This camp, with its original cabins, dining hall, and gymnasium, provided the setting for Kellerman’s staff quarters and the grand banquet room. The cabins were transformed into the on-screen staff housing, and the gymnasium became the stage for Johnny and Baby’s legendary “Time of My Life” dance. Today, the former Camp Chimney Rock is a private residential area known as Firefly Cove at Lake Lure. While much of the camp is gone, remnants have been incorporated into the community, offering a subtle nod to its cinematic past.
Conclude your first day with a delightful dinner at the Inn’s Veranda Restaurant. Enjoy an elegant meal while taking in breathtaking mountain views, setting the perfect mood for your Dirty Dancing-themed adventure.
Day 2: Elevated Romance at Chimney Rock State Park and Esmeralda Inn
On your second day, venture a short drive west to Chimney Rock State Park. Prepare to be awestruck by the park’s centerpiece, the 535-million-year-old Chimney Rock, standing tall at 315 feet. Adventure seekers can climb the Outcroppings Trail, ascending nearly 500 steps to reach the summit. For a more relaxed approach, check if the elevator is operational, offering a quicker route to the top, followed by a short climb to the panoramic views. Reaching the peak rewards you with spectacular vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Lure below, the very landscape that echoed Johnny and Baby’s burgeoning romance. Timing your visit for sunset can amplify the magic, allowing you to soak in the same romantic atmosphere that Johnny and Baby might have enjoyed.
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Alt text: Panoramic vista of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock at sunset, evoking the romantic scenery from Dirty Dancing.
Continue your journey westward to The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa. Here, you can literally walk on the dance floor where Johnny and Baby’s iconic final dance and lift were originally filmed. While the Inn wasn’t the original location, the actual gymnasium floor from Camp Chimney Rock, where the scene was shot, was salvaged after demolition in the late 1980s. During a renovation in the late 1990s, this historic floor was incorporated into the lobby of The Esmeralda Inn, preserving a tangible piece of Dirty Dancing history. Indulge in a delicious dinner at the Esmeralda Restaurant, known for its commitment to local ingredients and an impressive wine selection. (Note: The Esmeralda Inn is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2024.)
Day 3: Lake Lure by Boat and Bald Mountain Golf Course
Dedicate your morning to appreciating the elegance and charm of the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa. Explore the Inn’s collection of antiques and artwork, wander through the grounds and along the lakeside, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment at the Irongate Spa. Afterward, head to the marina and embark on a guided Dirty Dancing boat tour with Lake Lure Tours. These open-air pontoon boat tours provide a narrated exploration of the lake, pointing out key filming locations from the movie. You’ll glide past the famous stairs where Baby carried the watermelon, and see the area of Firefly Cove at Lake Lure that stood in for the Kellerman’s staff housing and banquet hall. Beyond the movie magic, the tour also offers insights into the rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of the Hickory Nut Gorge.
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. Designed in 1968 by W.B. Lewis, this golf course became a memorable location in Dirty Dancing. Remember the scene where Baby interrupts her parents during their golf practice to ask her father for money? That scene was filmed on the 16th hole of Bald Mountain Golf Course, cleverly disguised as a practice green.
Bonus Day: Extend the Dance to Hendersonville and Cashiers
For the ultimate Dirty Dancing immersion, consider extending your trip southwest to Hendersonville and Cashiers. These towns served as additional filming locations for the 2017 musical remake of Dirty Dancing. For accommodation, book a stay at the newly renovated High Hampton in Cashiers, which was transformed into Kellerman’s Resort for this reimagined version, offering a modern take on the classic setting.
Updated October 7, 2021
