The Resort From Dirty Dancing Is Opening Its Doors To Visitors
"Dirty Dancing" turns 35 this year, and the resort where the iconic movie was filmed is offering fans the opportunity to transport themselves back in time to mambo in the shoes of Baby and Johnny. If you have ever wanted to stay at the Kellerman's Mountain House in the 1987 classic dance-romance movie, here is your chance. Except in real life, it is called the Mountain Lake Lodge, a 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary in the heart of Pembroke, Virginia.
The resort, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, acts as an oasis, playground, and ultimate retreat for families and lovers seeking a peaceful escape from the bustling city. It is also for the lone adventurer who has a yen for stunning vistas, blooming meadows, and cool, crisp mountain air. We will walk you through all the facilities and activities you can expect at Mountain Lake Lodge, but for now, let us get our dancing shoes on and slide into the extravagant weekend that the lodge has planned for fans of the iconic movie.
The 2022 Dirty dancing-themed weekend
On select days in the summer and early fall, the lodge will transform back into the Kellerman's Mountain House for you and your loved ones to have the time of your lives. Call 540-626-7121 to check for availability or click here to make an online reservation. You may want to book immediately since spots are filling up fast. The 35th-anniversary weekend package includes group dance lessons, dance parties in Mary's Barn, costume contests, as well as Dirty Dancing-themed activities, scavenger hunts, and trivia. Check out the full 2022 itinerary.
"We are elated for a national audience to discover that Mountain Lake Lodge is a real destination steeped in history and offers today's guests a special experience, whether they are "Dirty Dancing" aficionados, hikers or mountain bikers, or just want to relax and get away," said the president and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge, Heidi Stone, in a news release via the New York Observer.
But do not worry if you cannot make this year's event. Mountain Lake Lodge has already rolled out the dates for the 2023 Dirty Dancing-themed weekend. For this event, you will enjoy three meals for all members of your party, group dance lessons, and an action-packed weekend of Dirty Dancing-themed activities.
Staying at the lodge
Mountain Lake Lodge is open throughout the year to anyone seeking to experience a one-of-kind retreat. It is a pet-friendly resort, offering a wide range of lodging choices, from rustic cabins to charming cottages with stone fireplaces tucked away in the woods. From the comfort of your room, you can enjoy an uninhibited view of the sprawling 2,600-acre property as you bask in the scent of Eastern hemlock trees and the sounds of chirping birds.
Since Mountain Lake Lodge insists on maintaining its historical integrity, there is no air conditioning in any of the rooms. But do not worry about sleeping hot. The mountainous setting allows the resort to consistently maintain temperatures that are 10 to 15 degrees cooler. You may want to pack a jacket because the resort typically sees cool breezes during the day and crisp breezes at night.
Here is a quick rundown of the various accommodations. The Main Lodge offers snug guest rooms and convenient access to Mary's Market & Café, Harvest Restaurant, and Stony Creek Tavern. Note that the rooms and suites at the Main Lodge do not have televisions to ensure a fully unplugged, relaxing stay. For a true mountain living experience, opt for The Front Lawn Cottages & Historic Rustic Cabins, built at the turn of the 20th century. You will love the Chestnut Lodge, a picturesque line of accommodations with private balconies overlooking the forest. For complete privacy and tranquility, choose the Blueberry Ridge Mountain Homes. They are cabins tucked away in the forest, equipped with WiFi, stone fireplaces, and more.
Activities at the lodge
Mountain Lake Lodge not only teaches you how to be in tune with nature but also how to embark on adventures and explore the great outdoors of Virginia. After checking in, roll up your sleeves and head to the Adventure Center. It is a recreational hub for all ages, offering escape rooms, obstacle course challenges, swimming, and everything in between. You can explore 22 miles of scenic walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails that wind through the preserve. For an aerial view of the resort, join the Treetop Adventures and zipline your way through the forest. Other activities at the Adventure Center include guided gator tours, 3D archery, archery tags, beach volleyball, zorb racing, and arts and crafts.
Clays at the Overlook is a shooting experience like no other set at an altitude of 4,000 feet. It is a strictly by reservation activity, led by a certified NSCA instructor who can be booked for group and private lessons. Mountain Lake Lodge provides all the equipment needed for this activity, including firearms, ammo, targets, and vests, as well as eye and ear protection for your safety and comfort. Experienced shooters can choose between 25 to 100 target rounds.
Mountain Lake Outfitters is your one-stop shop for "Dirty Dancing" memorabilia and apparel, Mountain Lake Lodge goodies, local arts and crafts, ceramics, glassware, provisions, snacks, and unique gifts. It also serves as an information and equipment rental hub for the resort. Mountain Lake Outfitters opens Sunday through Thursday, from 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday to Saturday, from 9 am to 7 pm.
Exploring the preserve
Mountain Lake Conservancy is the entity charged to preserve the natural resources, historical integrity, and current conditions of the Mountain Lake Lodge. It does so by managing all the elements that draw guests to the resort year-round. The conservancy provides various research, educational, and recreational activities on the 2,600-acre woodland property, allowing you to enjoy and explore the woodland property and lake freely.
Bird watching allows observing bird populations in their natural habit on Salt Pond Mountain and the Mountain Lake Lodge property. For over a century, ornithologists and birders have watched these stunning creatures and recorded the evolution and diversity of the birds, as well changes in the flora and fauna communities.
You will be greeted by a sturdy mix of hardwood species of oaks, pines, and maples when you explore the forest. The mature trees of the resort are at least 90 years old and play a crucial role in the ecology, temperatures, and setting. Other activities you can enjoy at the preserve include wildlife viewing, cross-country skiing, geocaching, hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.
Events at the lodge
Mountain Lake Lodge is a popular destination for weddings, vow renewals, corporate retreats, and events worth celebrating. The resort offers several dreamy locations on its 2,600 acres of land to help you immortalize the beautiful moments of your life. You can choose from a wide range of magical backdrops, including an Appalachian-detailed grand ballroom and a secluded mountain top that impresses with endless vistas of mountain peaks and lush valleys. There is also Mary's Barn, a pastoral barn complete with a built-in dance floor and exposed whitewashed wooden beams. Or, you could brace the cool air at the stunning gazebo with expansive views of Mountain Lake.
For weddings, Mountain Lake Lodge hosts up to 200 guests and gives full use of the property for wedding day photographs. The couple can enjoy 13 rooms, customized gourmet menus, complimentary champagne toast, indoor or outdoor cocktail reception venues, a honeymoon suite, wedding planner services, and more. Book your upcoming event today.