A Visit to Mountain Lake Lodge

 I am one of those people who love the movie, Dirty Dancing.  In my day, this was the big movie of our generation.  The music, the dancing, and of course the actors (Patrick Swayze will always be that young sexy Johnny) were all fantastic - and it's one of those movies that I could watch over and over again, without ever getting tired of it. So, you can imagine my excitement, when I realized that the resort where they filmed part of the movie was practically down the road from where I now live!! I was thrilled!!

It's called Mountain Lake Lodge, and it was chosen to be the backdrop of the movies because it somewhat resembles the Catskills of New York.  There was another filming location in Lake Lure, North Carolina too, and I do plan to check out that location sometime as well.  

Mountain Lake Lodge is located deep in the mountains of Giles County, Virginia.  Off of 460 where I live, you vear off of a winding road that eventually takes you to the top of the mountain, and there, tucked in among a 26-hundred acre nature preserve, sits the lodge with all its amenities.  It's quite a sight when you pull up to it.

This place is not huge, by any means, but the location is heaven for those who love being in the outdoors - away from everything.  And it has recently undergone some major renovations. The main lodge, which was built in 1936, has a beautiful porch area, a lounge with fireplace, and rooms for guests to stay in.  Many of the rooms were redone.  You can stay inside the main lodge, or you can stay in one of the 26 different cottages and cabins that surround the lodge.  Some of the original rustic cabins surround the property and you can rent those out too.  They are so tucked into the property, you can't really see them until you drive right up on them.  When I return, I want to stay in the cabin pictured below.  It's called Baby's cabin - because it was her cabin in the movie.  

This is one of the renovated rooms inside the lodge.

This is "Baby's Cabin"

This is a great place if you like to hike. They have 22 miles of hiking trails here, many with some amazing views.   There are a couple that aren't too long, but still offer up some cool views.  Bald Knob is one that you won't want to miss - the view at the top is spectacular!! When I was there, I checked out this hike below that takes you all around the lake.  It's flat, so you won't have to worry about a strenuous climb.

This is the entrance to the hike that takes you around the lake. 

The lodge does a nice job at keeping you busy too.  If that's what you are looking for.  I like the low-key elements: the pool, and lounge area, and a deck where I can relax and simply read a book.  But some people, like my husbandwho likes to keep moving, there are plenty of activities going on here that will keep you entertained.  They have a daily list of activities that you can check out each day -  including yoga classes, guided hikes, disc golf and so much more.  But you'll definitely want to check out their new Treetop Adventure course.

This is a self-belayed, or static adventure course where you come, get the gear they give you, use the demo course to get used to the gear,  and you're going to belay it all yourself.  There is a kids course and an adult course-- and it takes you about 30 feet up on through the ropes course and zip lines.  What I thought was cool, is that once a month they do a moonlight course, where you go when there is a full moon.  Afterwards they have a campfire and make smores.  Very fun.

This is part of the demo-course.  Trust me, the ropes courses are a lot higher!!

One of the oddest things about this place, is the 50 acre lake.  There is something going on geologically here that scientists have no idea how or why it's happening.  The water is literally disappearing from the lake.  The lake was filling back up a couple of years ago, and then 3 weeks before my visit, it drained back down again.  It's such a mystery, they have scientists out there constantly trying to study the area and find out why this is happening.  But it does offer a cool experience that no one in our generation will get the opportunity to do - and that's walk the lake bed.  There were boat slips just sitting out on the ground - no water surrounding them.  The lodge has embraced it, and takes guests on guided tours to explore it.  Pretty fascinating. 

 The resaurant they have on property, called Harvest, has pretty good food.  I was really impressed by the menu.  They hired a new executive chef who is trying to do the whole farm-to-table thing, and bringing in local meats, produce, and seafood.  I ordered a towering tuna and the burger.  Both were amazing. 

This is a beautiful lodge, with lots to offer.  Check out our story below.  I'm heading back up to visit sometime soon with the family.  Oh, and remember - it's a bit cooler up here than in Roanoke. Be sure to check the weather - and be prepared for that!! Happy Travels!