Who doesn’t dream of recreating Baby and Johnny’s iconic dance moves? Dirty Dancing, set in the summer of 1963 at a fictional Kellerman’s resort in the Catskills, captured hearts worldwide. But what many fans may not realize is that you can actually visit some of the Dirty Dancing Location sites right here in North Carolina. Spend a few days exploring the real-life backdrops to this beloved film and immerse yourself in the romance and nostalgia.
Day 1: Stepping Back in Time at Lake Lure Inn & Spa
Begin your dirty dancing location journey 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. Interestingly, stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey themselves stayed at this very inn during filming. For the ultimate fan experience, consider booking Johnny’s Cabin or Baby’s Bungalow, both specially themed to celebrate the movie.
While the Inn itself wasn’t a filming location, the nearby Camp Chimney Rock played a crucial role. This camp’s original cabins, dining hall, and gymnasium served as Kellerman’s staff quarters and the iconic banquet room where Baby and Johnny performed their unforgettable “Time of My Life” routine. Today, the area is a private residential community known as Firefly Cove at Lake Lure, and some remnants of the camp are still visible within the development.
Conclude your first day with a delightful dinner at the Inn’s Veranda Restaurant. Enjoy delicious cuisine while taking in the breathtaking mountain views, a perfect way to set the mood for your dirty dancing location adventure.
Day 2: Mountain Views and Legendary Dance Floors
Prepare for stunning vistas as you head west to Chimney Rock State Park, another significant dirty dancing location. Challenge yourself with a climb to the top of the magnificent 315-foot Chimney Rock, a 535-million-year-old rock outcropping. Adventurous visitors can take the Outcroppings Trail, involving nearly 500 steps, to reach the summit. For a more relaxed ascent, check if the elevator is operational and then take the final steps to the top. Reaching the peak rewards you with spectacular panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains – imagine sharing a romantic moment like Johnny and Baby amidst this breathtaking scenery!
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Continue your dirty dancing location tour to The Esmeralda Inn, Restaurant & Spa, located a short drive further west. Here, you can actually walk on a piece of movie history. The lobby floor incorporates the salvaged dance floor from the gymnasium where Baby and Johnny filmed their famous final dance and lift. Although not originally situated at the Esmeralda Inn, this piece of cinematic history was rescued after the gymnasium’s demolition in the late 1980s and integrated into the inn during a 1990s renovation. Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at the Esmeralda Restaurant, known for its locally sourced ingredients and exceptional wine selection. (Please note that The Esmeralda Inn is undergoing renovations through 2023.)
Day 3: Lake Tours and Golfing Greens
Enjoy a leisurely morning soaking in the ambiance of the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa. Explore the inn’s antique furnishings and artwork, take a peaceful walk around the grounds and lakeside, or indulge in a spa treatment at the Irongate Spa. For a unique dirty dancing location experience, head to the marina and book a guided Dirty Dancing tour with Lake Lure Tours. Board an open-air pontoon boat for a narrated journey across the lake, pointing out key filming spots. You’ll see the iconic stairs where Baby carried the watermelon and practiced her dance steps, and the area of Firefly Cove that represented Kellerman’s staff housing and banquet hall. The tour also provides insights into the area’s history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage of Hickory Nut Gorge.
In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the lake to Bald Mountain Golf Course, another recognizable dirty dancing location. This 18-hole course at Rumbling Bald on Lake Lure, designed in 1968, was prominently featured in the movie. Remember the scene where Baby interrupts her parents on the practice green to ask her father for money? That scene was filmed on the 16th hole, cleverly disguised as a practice area.
Bonus Day: Musical Reimagining Backdrops
For dedicated Dirty Dancing enthusiasts seeking even more, extend your trip southwest to Hendersonville and Cashiers. These towns provided backdrops for the 2017 musical remake of Dirty Dancing. Consider a stay at the newly renovated High Hampton in Cashiers, which served as Kellerman’s Resort in this reimagined version.
Updated October 7, 2021
Image Alt Text: Panoramic vista of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock in North Carolina. Captured from a high vantage point, the image showcases the expansive lake surrounded by lush greenery and mountains. Chimney Rock prominently rises in the background, its distinct rock face clearly visible. This scenic view represents a key Dirty Dancing location and highlights the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains that provided a romantic backdrop for the film.
