Time of your Life
A mountain adventure visiting Dirty Dancing film locations, Dollywood and Nashville
Get ready to have the Time of Your Life on this unforgettable 11-night road trip through the Blue Ridge Mountains and America’s musical south. Begin in Charlotte before heading into the heart of the mountains to stay at the real hotel used in Dirty Dancing, where you can relive moments from the beloved film. Continue through scenic North Carolina to Asheville and nearby Lake Lure, another famous filming location, before visiting Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park.
Round off your adventure with three magical nights in Nashville — home of country music and the legendary Grand Ole Opry. This is a road trip that blends film nostalgia, mountain beauty, and toe-tapping southern rhythm for an experience you’ll never forget.
Remember: We’re UK-based, and every holiday we create is fully flexible – you can add nights, upgrade hotels, or enhance your itinerary. We love designing tailor-made self-drive adventures just for you!
11 night self drive holiday from £2,449pp including flights, accommodation & car rental
Highlights
Stay at the Dirty Dancing Hotel: Spend two nights at Mountain Lake Lodge, where the iconic film was shot.
Visit Lake Lure and the stunning Biltmore Estate in Asheville.
Enjoy a day at Dolly Parton’s Dollywood and stay in her DreamMore Resort.
End in Nashville with live country music and Grand Ole Opry tickets included.
Your itinerary
Day 1: Charlotte – Gateway to the South
Arrive in North Carolina and unwind before your mountain adventure
Fly into Charlotte, North Carolina, and check in for a relaxing overnight stay. Take some time to rest and adjust after your flight or explore Uptown Charlotte’s restaurants and green spaces. The city’s mix of modern skyline and southern charm makes it a great introduction to the Carolinas. Tomorrow, your mountain adventure begins!
1 Night in
Charlotte, NC
Arrival
Day
Days 2–3: Dirty Dancing Hotel – Relive the Classic Film
Stay at Mountain Lake Lodge, the real Kellerman’s from Dirty Dancing
Drive north into the Blue Ridge Mountains to Pembroke, Virginia, for two nights at Mountain Lake Lodge, the original filming location of Dirty Dancing. Explore the resort’s self-guided film tour, see “Baby’s Cabin,” dine in the restaurant featured in the movie, and visit the spot where Johnny drives through the stone archway. Take in the stunning mountain scenery and even attempt the famous lake lift (when the water level allows).
2 Nights in
Pembroke, VA
130 miles
Days 4–6: Asheville – Blue Ridge Beauty & Lake Lure
Discover Asheville’s charm and visit Dirty Dancing’s Lake Lure
Head south along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville, a vibrant mountain town known for its creative energy and architectural beauty. Spend three nights here exploring the grand Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home, and its manicured gardens. Just under an hour away, visit Lake Lure, where several Dirty Dancing scenes were filmed. In Asheville itself, enjoy live music, craft breweries, and the lively arts scene of this mountain gem.
3 Nights in
Asheville, NC
235 miles
Days 7–8: Pigeon Forge – Dollywood & DreamMore Resort
Ride, relax, and sing along in Dolly Parton’s hometown
Drive west through the Great Smoky Mountains to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, home of Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s award-winning theme park. You’ll spend two nights at the luxurious Dollywood DreamMore Resort, where southern comfort meets mountain style. Enjoy your included one-day admission to Dollywood, filled with thrilling rides, live shows, and heartfelt country charm. In the evening, unwind by the resort pool or enjoy a campfire singalong — Dolly style!
2 Nights in
Pigeon Forge, TN
95 miles
Days 9–12: Nashville – The Soundtrack of the South
End your adventure in the legendary home of country music
Drive from Pigeon Forge to Nashville for the grand finale of your trip. Spend three nights soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Music City, visiting iconic spots such as the Country Music Hall of Fame, RCA Studio B, and the Johnny Cash Museum. Enjoy your included tickets to the Grand Ole Opry, where you’ll see world-class live performances in an unforgettable setting. Take a day trip to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg or simply relax downtown with live music spilling from every bar on Broadway. On your final day, return your car at the airport and fly home with a head full of music and memories.
3 Nights in
Nashville, TN
215 miles
June - mid Sept: Many lodgings and transport links are only open during the Summer. Amazing wildlife including bears, bald eagles, whales, sea otters and seals can be spotted.
Daytime temperatures are usually cool but very comfortabl, generally in the 15-20°C range and even into the high 20s. Days are long during the with July being the peak month.
You’ll need a connecting flght from the UK, probably via Seattle or Vancouver, we highly recommend a couple of days to explore the connecting city. Alaska is 8 or 9 hours behind the UK.
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