In 1987, the iconic film, Dirty Dancing, was released and became a surprise box office success. The low-budget film starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey went on to become an all-time classic movie with sustained popularity inspiring fans to seek out the serene location where Dirty Dancing was filmed.
Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia attracts guests from around the world to enjoy an outdoor adventure in the Appalachian Mountains and the chance to trace the steps of lead characters Johnny Castle and Baby Houseman. As a fan of the film, a visit to Mountain Lake Lodge in 2017, the 30th anniversary of the movie, was an absolute travel must.
Finding Mountain Lake Lodge
Dirty Dancing was to be filmed at Lake Lure, North Carolina and several scenes were shot there. However, a serendipitous event sparked a change in venue for the resort scenes. The co-producer happened upon an in-flight magazine featuring a story about Mountain Lake Lodge. She decided to investigate the property because it looked similar to the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York where the story takes place. Upon arriving at Mountain Lake Lodge, co-producer, Eleanor Bergstein, knew she’d found her fictional Kellerman’s.
The Dirty Dancing Experience
Fans of the film will feel they’ve stepped onto the movie set. In essence, they have; Mountain Lake Lodge looks much as it did in 1987 and the resort embraces its momentous role in the movie.
There’s a Dirty Dancing cabin housing movie memorabilia and a guest book for fans to sign. There are maps for a self-guided tour detailing the locations of scenes from the film and an entire wing of the gift shop filled with Dirty Dancing souvenirs. T-shirts, mugs, jackets, and DVDs are just a few of the items available to commemorate a visit to Mountain Lake Lodge.
For the ultimate fan experience, Mountain Lake Lodge hosts multiple Dirty Dancing weekends each year in June, July, and August.
The weekends are packed with pure cinematic nostalgia including; a Friday night dance party – come as your favorite character, meals, trivia contest, the opportunity for private dance lessons, and a grand finale dance Saturday night in Mary’s Barn. Dress fancy and bring your dance partner!
More than Dirty Dancing
Though Dirty Dancing draws fans from around the globe, there’s much more to Mountain Lake Lodge. The resort is a destination for families and outdoor adventurers.
The rustic setting and cozy lodging offer many options for tailoring a mountain getaway. Families will find ample activities like swimming, bubble ball, archery tag, and Tree Top Adventures. There are over 22-miles of hiking trails and of course the picturesque mountain scenery. There’s disc golf, tennis, bocce ball, a giant inflatable water slide and a generous calendar of fun activities to keep the entire family happy and occupied. Guests can stop by the Adventure Center to plan their fun.
Additionally, there’s excellent dining at Mountain Lake Lodge too. Harvest, Stoney Creek Tavern, and Mary’s Market & Café serve up a variety of options featuring locally sourced farm-to-table meal choices. I enjoyed a wonderful fresh burger in Stoney Creek Tavern while watching Dirty Dancing. I had the added treat of dining there the night Mike the barman was working – he’s like a walking director’s cut of the film and shared fun film facts and trivia.
What to Expect
The lodge was built in 1956 and has been a family-friendly mountain escape ever since. Holding true to its heritage, little has changed since that time and that’s a large part of the resort’s charm.
Accommodations in the Stone Lodge are clean and comfortable but there’s no television or air conditioning in the rooms and that’s by design. Mountain Lake Lodge has its own micro-climate with temperatures typically ten to fifteen degrees lower than at the bottom of the mountain making AC virtually unnecessary.
The resort does have Wifi if you require it, but I didn’t have cell service on the mountain. (I have AT&T) When The Moody family founded Mountain Lake Lodge, they wanted to encourage outdoor activity and enjoyment of the fresh mountain air. With limited cell coverage getting outdoors and unplugging was easy.
In addition to the lodge, there are several cabins available as well. 30% of the accommodations are pet-friendly. Bookings can be made as far as a year in advance and rates begin at $199 a night and go from there with certain minimum stay requirements depending upon the type of lodging. There are several packages to choose from, many including meal plans and vouchers for activities. And Yes, it’s possible to stay in Baby’s cabin.
There’s also the lake. It’s a natural lake and a geological enigma. Situated on a fault, the lake levels fluctuate cyclically. Currently, the lake level is low and geologists and engineers continually monitor this wonder which has been documented and perplexing experts over the years.
Dusk at Baby’s cabin – Mountain Lake Lodge where Dirty Dancing was filmed. Just listen to the crickets!
Getting There
The resort immortalized in Dirty Dancing is situated at the end of a winding road atop a mountain in the New River Valley of the Appalachian Mountains. Approximately eight miles from Blacksburg in southwest Virginia, Mountain Lake Lodge is slightly over a three hour drive from Charlotte, four hours from Raleigh, just over three hours from Richmond, and about five hours from Washington, D.C.
Take Away
- Although I received a discounted media rate, all opinions are honest and my own.
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14 thoughts on “Stay At the Resort Where ‘Dirty Dancing’ was Filmed and Have the Time of Your Life”
I didn’t even know this place even existed and the Dirty Dancing movie brings back so many memories. It looks like so much fun and the photos look great. I want to go now…
This awesome! I had know idea this even existed. This was one of my all-time favorite movies. Who could ever forget the famous quote, “Nobody puts Baby in the corner”❤️ Thanks for sharing.
I was there a few years ago and absolutly loved it. Driving up to the lodge looks just like the movie. I didn’t realize the gazebo was built for the movie. Being in the gazebo I could just picture Baby being there talking to her Dad…although looking out off the gazebo wasn’t anything like the movie, and I never could find the steps Baby was practicing her dancing on but all in all, it was really a magical place to see if your a fan of Dirty Dancing…and a beautiful place to visit even if you’re not.
It really is a magical place. As for the steps, Baby was practicing her dance moves on, I believe those are closer to Lake Lure, NC where many outdoor scenes were filmed. Although, Mountain Lake is where the famous “lift” scene was filmed.
From what I understand, the steps are not actually on the property but either nearby or across the lake. in 2022, they are on private property and inaccessible to the public at this time.
You’re correct! I believe those scenes were filmed at Lake Lure, NC.
I love Dirty Dancing I really would love to go there it would make my dream come true xxx
It’s a beautiful place! 🙂
This was such a awesome experience! I am a 80’s child and this place had me feeling like I was a child again! Now myself@41 I did not expect to be so excited and giddy! This is a beautiful place ….I will be back in a few months for the Dirty Dancing event????????????♥ lifes simple pleasures ???? ????
So glad you had fun. It’s like being on the movie set! You’ll have to let me know how you enjoy the Dirty Dancing event 🙂 Thanks for reading and sharing your comment.
How do a book a cabin. This would be nice to visit for honeymoon or Anniversary. I love Dirty Dancing movie. One of my all time favorites.
They offer a variety of packages and lodging options and yes, you can book a cabin too! Here’s the link to their website. https://www.mtnlakelodge.com/stay Thanks so much and I’m glad you enjoyed the story! 🙂
Great review of a beautiful resort. Did you know Mike the Barman has published a new memoir about his experiences at Mountain Lake? Here’s a link to it — https://mikethebarman.com. The book is full of and insider info and stories about the Dirty Dancing tours he gave at the resort. Mike’s a friend of mine and as you said, is the trivia king when it comes to Dirty Dancing and all things Mountain Lake. I think you’ll love his book!
That’s awesome, thanks so much for sharing that with me. I’ll have to check it out!