Aside from offering breathtaking views, an array of restaurants that offer fantastic food, shopping stores for souvenirs and the like, and fascinating history, these places in North Carolina have one thing in common: they all have been film locations. I felt so fortunate to be able to see and visit these places that some only get to see in the movies. It actually felt surreal when I learned about it, and when I watched the movie again and see where they exactly shot the film, I was delighted.
Some of you may have been to these places already, but to those who haven’t been to these places yet, I think you should add them on your bucket list. đŸ˜‰
1) Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway draws a lot of tourist during autumn because of the beautiful foliage of the mountains. We went there in the autumn of 2011 – mine and my son’s first autumn here in the U.S.
One great movie that was filmed near the parkway in the Blowing Rock area was The Green Mile which stars Tom Hanks. It is one of our favorite films and we had watched it several times.
2) Chimney Rock. The husband surprised me with a birthday trip there in 2012. Have you seen The Last of the Mohicans starring Daniel Day-Lewis? It was filmed there. I love that movie and I have seen it several times as well.
3) Lake Lure. This was located so close to Chimney Rock. The lake seen in the movie Dirty Dancing which stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey was filmed here.
4) Cherokee. A quaint town, that is very interesting because of its history; it’s an actual Indian reservation. The movie Digging to China which stars Kevin Bacon was filmed here.
5) Biltmore Estate. We’ve been to Biltmore twice and I just love the place. I might do another post for our second visit. Among the five places, this is the one that had been chosen more when it comes to film locations. Some of the movies that were filmed in this beautiful house were Richie Rich, Hannibal, and The Swan which starred Grace Kelly and Alec Guinness.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of hubby’s all-time favorite movies filmed right here in this area, many parts actually right in the downtown streets of our hometown, Asheville: Thunder Road, starring Robert Mitchum. Though I’ve never seen the movie, hubby has showed me the sites of many of the scenes and he plans on getting a copy so I can see our city back in the late 50’s so I can compare and see all the changes in our area.
I have more places in mind that I want to visit someday and those places actually have been chosen as film locations for famous movies as well. I think I will make me a bucket list. đŸ˜‰
We lived in Raleigh for 5 years and we absolutely love NC. Loved Asheville too, the Biltmore Estate is breathtaking!
I totally agree! I was in awe the first time I saw Biltmore. đŸ™‚
I had no idea all of those movies were filmed in North Carolina. I’d love to visit all of those destinations. I’ve seen all the movies!
I wasn’t aware too until the husband told me. You should visit them all, Stacie. đŸ™‚
i love NC. I haven’t been there in years and would love to go back one of these days.
Good to know, Robin. đŸ™‚
I have always wanted to travel to North Carolina. I am hoping to get there this year.
I am hoping you will get here this year, Ann. đŸ™‚
I love these places! I live in Raleigh NC so it’s a breeze to shoot down ( or up rather) to these places for a few days. I went to the Biltmore back in November but the other trips were before my blog.
I would love to visit Raleigh too. I hope we get to make it there someday. đŸ™‚
Those are some great photos. I have never been to North Carolina before. I’d definitely like to go someday. If I ever do go, I’ll make sure to check out these places!
North Carolina offers a lot of beautiful attractions. You should visit. đŸ™‚
North Carolina looks beautiful. I haven’t ever been. These are all some gorgeous places. I will have to keep in mind if we ever get out that way!
I hope you get to visit our beautiful state someday. đŸ™‚
I have only passed by North Carolina, but I should really take a good look!
You should. đŸ™‚
I’ve been exploring the state but the only place I’ve seen so far on your list is the Biltmore. I’d better get busy!
Good to know that you’ve been to Biltmore. Yup, I think you’d better get busy. đŸ™‚
I enjoyed visiting the Carolinas when I was a child. Therefore, I’ll have to visit both again someday!
I hope you get to visit the Carolinas again someday. đŸ™‚
That rock looks absolutely terrifying. Climbing up there must be such a thrill.
It was such a thrill. But when you get to the top, you forget how scary it was going up because the views were totally breathtaking. You should go and experience the thrill. đŸ™‚
I am so going to North Carolina! I fell in love with the place when I started watching the series One Tree Hill and ever since, I told myself that when I visit the US, I’m going to NC. Now, you’ve just given more reasons to go there.
One Tree Hill was shot in Wilmington. Now that you mentioned, I would like to visit the place too and see where they filmed the show. đŸ™‚
I’ve heard that North Carolina is beautiful! I haven’t traveled much in the States but this is definitely a place I’d like to go see!
Without a doubt, North Carolina is such a beautiful place and the weather is also great – not too cold and not too warm. đŸ™‚
I live in SC, right across the boarder from NC, so I’ve seen most of these places and they are all beautiful! I’ve been to Asheville many times and I’ve seen the outside of the Biltmore, but have never been inside. I need to add that to my bucket list.
You should check the inside of Biltmore too, Alli. I believe you will be in awe just like me. đŸ™‚
great post, I don’t live far from any of these places (about an hour), I’ve been to Biltmore lots of times, but have never been to Chimney Rock. NC has tons of beautiful places for sure, I also love the Pisgah National Forest!
Good to know, Ashley. We were in Pisgah National Forest recently when we visited the Looking Glass Falls. I guess you’ve seen the falls already. đŸ™‚
Once i saw that bridge to the other side i started getting nervous.. lol i would probably make it across but scared out of my mind!
It can be scary. Just don’t look down. That was what I did. LOL. But when you get to the top, you’ll forget about the fear because the breathtaking views will overwhelm you. đŸ™‚
I have never been to any of these but will definitely enjoy it if given a chance. I love nature setting adventures.
You should go check North Carolina, it’s not that far from West Virginia. đŸ™‚
Sounds like a really nice place to visit! I’ve never been there before but it looks like a place I’d like to see someday.
I hope you get to see one or all of these places someday. đŸ™‚
When you visit the North Carolina mountains, make time to visit some of our waterfalls! When you want a new view, head to Raleigh (the Smithsonian of the South) with its parks and free museums…. and then head to the beach. Best doughnuts in the world are at Carolina Beach!
Glad you enjoyed your visit to our sweet southern state. đŸ™‚
Thank you, Karen. And thank you for the info. I’ve never been to Raleigh. I hope we get to make it there someday. And those doughnuts! I love doughnuts! Would definitely love to try those. đŸ™‚
These places look great. I haven’t been to North Carolina since I was a child. Add it to my list of vacation spots!
You should add those places to your list, Lisa. đŸ™‚
One of these days I am going to start taking my United States road trip tour. The Carolina’s are on my list for sure. There is so much beauty there.
I couldn’t agree more! North Carolina is such a beautiful state. đŸ™‚
I have always wondered about NC. The company my husband works for has an office in Cary. Maybe we will end up there someday?
Maybe you would. It would be nice. đŸ™‚
I’ll be sure to remember these places if I ever visit North Carolina. Chimney Rock looks AMAZING but quite scary to climb up to too!
It is definitely an amazing place. Quite scary going up but the views up top will take your breath away. Trust me. đŸ™‚
Blue Ridge Parkway looks lovely- I love the outdoors! You always have such fun posts!
Thank you, Tiffany. And yes, Blue Ridge Parkway is beautiful especially during autumn and a favorite place to visit among tourists. You should check it out. đŸ™‚
I have always wanted to retire in North Carolina. It sounds like a lovely place with beautiful seasons.
You’re right about that, Krystal. đŸ™‚
North Carolina seems like a wonderful and adventurous place to visit! Hopefully my family and I can plan a trip there real soon! Thanks for sharing!
I hope you get to visit our beautiful state soon. đŸ™‚
Hi Lynndee, You had me ooohh-ing and awwing at the photos – never bee to N. Carolina – Chimney Rock and the Biltmore would be right up our alley of things to do first and then for sure each of the other places here! Thank you
You’re welcome, Donna. I hope you get to visit those places someday. đŸ™‚
Oh my! Chimney Rock looks like a great thing to endure. I know my husband would love to see that in person. I will have to show him this post.
Chimney Rock is definitely a must-see place. I hope you get to see it someday. đŸ™‚
Omg! Never realized there was this many cool things to do in NC!!! Only place I have ever been in the Charlotte airport lol
There are a lot of beautiful things to do and see in North Carolina. These are not the only ones, there’s more. đŸ™‚
A lot of my old army friends have ended up in North Carolina. It really is a pretty place with a great atmosphere.
Yup, you are totally right about that, Gabriel. đŸ™‚
I was born in NC, and we live in VA but I haven’t been to any of those places except for the Biltmore! Have you been to Grandfather Mountain (near Lees-McRae College)?
I’ve read a lot about Grandfather Mountain but never been there. Some of the scenes in Forrest Gump were shot there. I hope we get to check the place someday. đŸ™‚
I have never been to the states later on north carolina but looks like such a beautiful place to live and to visit. Thanks for sharing
North Carolina is such a beautiful place. I hope you will make it here someday. đŸ™‚
Lynndee, if you’re interested in movies filmed in NC, check out The Fugitive with Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. Filmed along the Smokie Mountains in NC, a large part from Jackson County and a GREAT train wreck filmed in Dillsboro, NC. I’ve lived in eastern NC for 58 years and appreciate what you do to share our lovely state with others!