Good news for fans of classic film Dirty Dancing – the lake, where Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey practised their famous lift, is back.
The Mountain Lake in Virginia is right next to the Mountain Lake Hotel, otherwise known as Kellerman’s in the 1987 movie. It’s been basically dry for 12 years but is now starting to fill with water again.
The lake has filled and emptied over the years, with a video posted on the hotel’s website explaining the phenomenon. In the video, Dr Jon Cawley from Roanoke College, says: “This lake basin is the only one on the entire planet that goes through this sort of cyclicity and has this sort of plumbing system.”
It means there’s no knowing whether the lake will fill up completely, or for how long it will contain water – so there may be limited time in which to nail the perfect Dirty Dancing photo opportunity.
This is by no means the only location that has film buffs flocking to recreate their favourite scenes though. Here are some more real-life locations you can visit from iconic movies.
1. Cafe des 2 Moulins – Amelie
Cafe des 2 Moulins is in the Montmartre area of Paris, and is where the titular character of 2001 film Amelie worked as a waitress. It’s probably wise to leave the waitressing to the professionals, so instead get the perfect photo by sipping a coffee on one of the outdoor seats, while looking pensively into the distance.
2. The Rocky Steps – Rocky
For a truly celebratory snap, don your finest grey tracksuit and run to the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Raise two fists in the air when you reach the top, and channel Rocky Balboa. The location has become so synonymous with Sylvester Stallone’s Oscar winning boxing movie, it’s been dubbed the ‘Rocky Steps’.
3. The blue door – Notting Hill
You can pose in front of the blue door behind which Hugh Grant’s character, William, lived in the Richard Curtis movie Notting Hill – the one that’s swamped by paparazzi trying to catch a glimpse of movie star-playing Julia Roberts. It’s also a good opportunity to see some other sites from the London-set film, like William’s travel bookstore (now a gift shop) and Portobello Road Market.
4. Tiffany’s – Breakfast At Tiffany’s
To really get into the spirit of the 1961 movie starring Audrey Hepburn, grab a croissant and a takeaway coffee and do some window shopping at Tiffany’s flagship store in New York, on the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. It’s the perfect spot for a chic photo – black Givenchy dress optional.
5. Firehouse, Hook & Ladder Company 8 – Ghostbusters
Not only is this New York firehouse an elegant building, it’s also the Ghostbusters HQ. The interior scenes for the film might have been shot elsewhere, but it’s still the perfect place to stand outside and ask the question: Who ya gonna call?
6. Hobbiton – Lord Of The Rings
The Lord Of The Rings was shot against the awe-inspiring backdrop of New Zealand’s countryside. To really get into the spirit of the films, visit Hobbiton – a permanent film set that was home to Frodo, Sam and Bilbo Baggins. Sign up to a Tolkien-themed tour and take pictures against the iconic round doors.
7. The Joker stairs – Joker
While most of the films on this list are classics, this one is more recent. Last year a flight of stairs in the Bronx, New York, was inundated with tourists dancing on the steps in a bid to recreate a scene from the Oscar-winning movie Joker. It’s when Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck truly transforms into the villainous Joker.
8. Katz’s Deli – When Harry Met Sally
Katz’s Deli is known as one of the best places to get a pastrami sandwich in New York, but it also played a part in one of the most famous scenes from When Harry Met Sally, when Meg Ryan’s character Sally has lunch with Billy Crystal’s Harry. The moment is commemorated with a plaque that says: “Where Harry met Sally … hope you have what she had!”
Have you visited any of these locations? Which movie location would you most like to visit?
– With PA
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