Where Was Matlock the Vacation Filmed?

By Alice Nichols

Are you a fan of Matlock? Do you love to watch this legal drama series that was popular in the 80s and 90s?

If yes, then you might be wondering where the famous episode “The Vacation” was filmed. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the filming locations of “Matlock: The Vacation.”

Background of Matlock

For those who are not familiar with the show, Matlock was a legal drama series that aired from 1986 to 1995. The show starred Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a criminal defense attorney who solved cases by investigating them himself.

The Vacation Episode

“The Vacation” is one of the most memorable episodes of Matlock. It aired in 1988 during the show’s second season. In this episode, Ben Matlock takes a vacation with his daughter Charlene and her family to a ski resort in Colorado.

Filming Locations

If you’re wondering where “Matlock: The Vacation” was filmed, it might surprise you to know that it was actually shot in two different locations – California and Colorado.

  • California: Most of the indoor scenes were filmed on soundstages at Universal Studios Hollywood. This includes scenes at the hotel lobby, restaurant, and some hallway scenes.
  • Colorado: The outdoor scenes were shot on location at two ski resorts – Vail and Breckenridge. These locations were used for skiing scenes as well as some exterior shots of the hotel.

Vail Ski Resort

Vail Ski Resort is located in Eagle County, Colorado. It is one of the largest ski resorts in North America and has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows over the years. In “Matlock: The Vacation,” Vail was used for skiing scenes and some exterior shots of the hotel.

Breckenridge Ski Resort

Breckenridge Ski Resort is also located in Colorado, in Summit County. It is another popular ski resort that has been used as a filming location for movies and TV shows. In “Matlock: The Vacation,” Breckenridge was used for skiing scenes.

Conclusion

So there you have it – “Matlock: The Vacation” was filmed in both California and Colorado. The indoor scenes were shot on soundstages at Universal Studios Hollywood, while the outdoor scenes were filmed at Vail and Breckenridge ski resorts. If you’re ever in Colorado, be sure to check out these beautiful locations that were featured in this iconic episode of Matlock.