Yeah, yeah, we know that Virginia isn’t *actually* taking over business from Hollywood, but that doesn’t mean our part of the state hasn’t had some pretty great movies and T.V series filmed here! We’ve done our research, and some much-beloved flicks can all be thanks to Southern and Western Virginia filming locations. Maybe you want to prep yourself before your trip over to us and see what the scenery is like, or maybe you’re a movie buff who wants to pay homage to your favorite TV shows and movies filmed in Virginia. Below is a list of award winning dramas, fan-favorite comedies, and family favorite movies (with a couple maybe not-so-loved but definitely iconic movies) shot near the Blue Ridge Mountians for you to watch before, during, or after your trip with us.
TV shows
Dopesick
Dopesick is a 2021 Hulu mini-series set in the Appalachia and focuses on the opioid epidemic in America. Exploring how individuals and families are affected by the epidemic, this series delves into the hardship addiction plays while also highlighting the legal battles that took place against Purdue Pharma, a maker and distributor of oxycontin. The show was nominated for 14 Emmy’s, with Michael Keaton winning Best Actor in a Limited TV Series. Dopesick filming locations in Virgina include Clifton Forge, less than an hour away from us, and in Richmond, about 2 hours southeast from us. It’s a must-watch if you’re interested in Virginia-based true crime dramas
Homeland
While much of award-winning Homeland was filmed abroad and all over the United States, season 7 was filmed right here in Virginia in the Richmond area. While we won’t give anything away in case you haven’t seen it yet—and we do recommend you do!—season 7 focuses on domestic intelligence affairs, with Carrie (played by Claire Danes) primarily rooting herself in Virginia and Washington DC. You can catch scenes of the Virginia State Capital and the Jefferson Hotel, as well as the popular neighborhoods of The Fan and Northside in Richmond. Perfect for fans wanting to take a TV-themed road trip to Virginia!
The Walking Dead: World Beyond
The Walking Dead: World Beyond is a limited series spin-off from the Walking Dead. While the show is set in Omaha, Nebraska, it was entirely filmed in the Richmond, Virginia area. Some notable locations to keep your eye on during the show is downtown Petersburg, the Richmond Coliseum (hurry though, it will be demolished soon), Shirely Plantation, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. It’s another great choice for those wanting to explore zombie show filming locations!
Movies
Borat
Love it or hate it, Borat has made a global cultural impact with people still quoting “my wife” nearly 20 years later. Part of Borat was filmed in Salem, just outside of Roanoke. If you remember the rodeo scene, then you know the Salem Civic Centre. While you probably won’t see Sacha Baron Cohen, you can still catch some exciting rodeo action. This stop is perfect for fans of comedy movie filming sites in Western Virginia.
Dirty Dancing
We can’t do a list of famous movies filmed near the Blue Ridge Mountains and *not* include Dirty Dancing. Partially filmed in North Carolina, the iconic dance scene where Baby and Johnny practice the lift was filmed at the Mountain Lake Lodge in Mountain Lake, VA. The Lodge was used as the “Kellerman’s Resort” that was fictitiously set in the Catskill Mountains. If you want to imagine what life would have been like in the Dirty Dancing movie, look no further than the resort itself, who hosts Dirty Dancing themed weekends filled with dance lessons, movie streams, and movie-based scavenger hunts. It’s the ultimate spot for romantic movie lovers visiting Virginia.
Harriet
The 2019 film Harriet, depicting Harriet Tubman’s life as she frees slaves along the Underground Railroad. Filmed entirely in Virginia in and around Richmond. Scenes were shot in Richmond, Three Lakes Park, the Berkeley Plantation, State Farm, and Old Towne Petersburg. If you’re looking to combine history with cinema, this is a powerful film to watch before exploring historic filming locations in Virginia.
War of the Worlds
While you don’t have to worry about alien pods dropping to earth, you can visit where they supposedly did in 2005 in War of the Worlds. The valley war scene was filmed quite near to us in the Shenandoah Valley outside of Lexington. The farmhouse reached at the end for safety by Cruz and Fanning was also filmed in Rockbridge County, and rumor has it, Tom Cruz stayed at a local inn during filming. A fun watch for anyone planning a sci-fi movie road trip in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
What About Bob?
Though set in New Hampshire, What About Bob? was actually filmed entirely in Moneta and Bedford, Virginia which is only an hour and a bit south from us along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Smith Mountain Lake is the backdrop for a large portion of scenes which is easily accessible by car and where you can swim, fish, or take a leisurely stroll lake-side. It’s one of the top spots for fans seeking out classic comedy movie locations in Virginia. While as Minnesotans, we like to take a small claim to Bill Murray as he is a partial owner of our minor league baseball team, The Saints, and is often spotted around our home city of Saint Paul, however, as Virginians now, we can take claim to him this way as well!
You might not think of Southern and Western Virginia when you think of blockbuster movies, but as you can see from this list, we do have a small claim-to-fame. Whether you’re into historical drama, action-packed thrillers, or quirky comedies, you are sure to find a movie or television show you connect with that has been at least partially filmed in our beautiful part of the state. So grab some popcorn, hit play, and plan your own Virginia film tourism adventure.
Sugar Tree Inn is the ideal home base for your Blue Ridge adventure. Our mountain bed and breakfast offers a peaceful, low-tech escape nestled right off the Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27. Wake up to the sounds of nature, savor a hearty homemade breakfast, and then set off to explore nearby farmers markets, scenic drives, or hiking trails. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend, a girlfriends' getaway, or a restful solo retreat, you’ll enjoy warm hospitality, delicious dinners by Chef Gerry, and cozy accommodations with rustic charm. Come disconnect to reconnect at Sugar Tree Inn—your Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountain getaway.
