Where Is The Movie Dirty Dancing Filmed

So, there I was, scrolling through Netflix one lazy Saturday night, and what do I stumble upon? None other than the classic, the iconic, the one and only Dirty Dancing. I mean, who can resist the charm of Baby and Johnny, right? But as I was watching, I found myself wondering, where exactly was this movie filmed? I mean, I knew it was set in the Catskills, but where was the actual Kellerman's Resort?

Let's Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Alright, let's rewind a bit. It's the summer of 1963, and we're in the heart of the Catskill Mountains in New York. The air is filled with the sound of music, laughter, and the occasional "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." But where was this magical place that brought us the lift, the watermelon, and the unforgettable dance scene at the end?

Welcome to Mountain Lake Lodge

Drumroll, please! The real-life Kellerman's Resort is actually Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia. Yes, you heard it right. The movie was filmed over 400 miles away from the Catskills. Talk about a hidden gem, huh? The lodge was chosen for its stunning natural beauty and the fact that it had a lake big enough for a log cabin to be built on it - you know, for that iconic final dance scene.

But here's where it gets even more interesting. Mountain Lake Lodge wasn't always a resort. It was originally built in the 19th century as a summer home for a wealthy family. Can you imagine having a place so beautiful that you only used it for a few months out of the year? I mean, I'd be there all year round if it were me!

From Summer Home to Movie Set

Fast forward to the 1970s, and the lodge had been transformed into a resort. Then, in 1986, the producers of Dirty Dancing came knocking. They saw the potential in the lodge's natural beauty and decided to give it a makeover to fit the 1960s theme. The rest, as they say, is history.

But here's a fun fact for you. Despite the lodge being the main location, some scenes were actually filmed at another resort nearby - the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. Talk about making the most of your surroundings, right?

A Resort Born from a Movie

After the movie's release, Mountain Lake Lodge became a tourist hotspot. People from all over the world flocked to see the place where Baby and Johnny had their dance lessons and fell in love. The lodge even started offering "Dirty Dancing" packages, complete with dance lessons and themed activities. I mean, who wouldn't want to learn the lift in the very place it was first performed on screen?

DIRTY DANCING Filming Locations THEN & NOW Shot For Shot PATRICK SWAYZE

But here's where things take a bit of a turn. In 2009, the lodge closed down due to financial difficulties. It was a sad day for fans of the movie, but also for anyone who had ever visited the lodge and fallen in love with its beauty. But fear not, dear reader, for the lodge was bought by a new owner in 2013 and reopened in 2014. It's now better than ever, with a renewed focus on preserving its history and celebrating its role in the classic movie.

Visiting Kellerman's Today

So, if you're a fan of Dirty Dancing and you're thinking about visiting Kellerman's, you're in luck. Mountain Lake Lodge is open for business, and it's every bit as beautiful as you'd imagine. You can stay in the same rooms where the cast and crew stayed during filming, or even have a meal in the dining room where Baby and Johnny shared their first dance. And who knows? Maybe you'll even get to learn the lift yourself.

But before you go, there's one more thing you should know. The lodge might look familiar, but it's not exactly the same as it was in the movie. Some parts were changed or removed during the lodge's closure, and others were added or modified over the years. But don't let that stop you from visiting. After all, it's the spirit of the place that makes it truly special, and that's something that will never change.

So there you have it, folks. The next time you're watching Dirty Dancing and you find yourself wondering where exactly it was filmed, now you know. And who knows? Maybe you'll even find yourself planning a trip to Virginia to see it for yourself. Just remember to pack your dancing shoes - you never know when you might need them!