My Dirty Dancing Weekend At Mountain Lake Lodge
For as long as I can remember, the movie “Dirty Dancing” was a defining film for me. It was filmed the year before I was born, which means there are few 80’s babies whose parents didn’t make them watch it. It’s made of all the good stuff: music, dancing, class struggles, rebellion, nature’s beauty, and of course a solid love story. My mom still watches it every time it’s on tv–every time. And if I’m home, I watch it with her! No regrets. It wasn’t until a few months ago that I learned its signature scenes were filmed right here in Virginia and you could immerse yourself at “Kellerman’s Mountain House” at Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembrook, VA.
Here’s how my mom and I spent a weekend celebrating one of our favorite movies together and discovering so much more in this special Virginia destination…
Sign Up for a Gator Tour
After we dropped off our bags, we headed right to the Mountain Lake Outfitters to kick off the trip with a bit of fresh air. The gator tour is a MUST! It’s all about the history and wildlife of the 2,600-acre nature preserve and bird sanctuary. Tour guide Bo is a former high school history teacher, and he whipped my mom and me around for 3 hours as he unraveled the history of Mountain Lake, which begins in 1751. You’ll learn about the first cabins and lodging brought to life by stagecoach travelers, the eventual purchase of the property by William Lewis Moody, and his daughter Mary who created the Mary Moody Northern Endowment to maintain the preserve and ensure it was available to people like me and you to enjoy! We scaled the mountain to two different outlooks that took our breath away. If you go for anything, go for the views and photos.
Dine at Harvest
We had several hearty meals at Harvest. The menu is stacked with charcuterie boards, fresh summer salads, flavor-packed chicken and salmon, rich pastas, and tons of local veggies and produce. President and CEO of the resort Heidi Stone says the resort is very deliberate about sourcing the ingredients as well as the beer and wine from local and regional suppliers. That means they never suffer from supply chain challenges and the food is always fresh.
Pro Tip: leave room for a huge breakfast buffet here every morning. Barbecue pork belly, fresh sausage gravy, crisp fruit, and more line several tables of the buffet.
See a food recap of our trip here.
Find all of the Dirty Dancing Film Spots
The Mountain Lake Lodge property is dotted with helpful signs noting signature Dirty Dancing movie scenes. Make sure you snag a helpful map that will lead you on a nice walking tour of the property for photo opps and other special spots. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.
Suprise Tip: The lake where the epic lift is gone! It slipped away a few years ago through a suspected fault line in the mountain. I still found it really beautiful to see all of the flowers and wildlife that have made their home there now. Near the lake is a stone honoring Swayze and his battle with cancer.
Hang at the Pool
There are two pools and a hot tub at Mountain Lake Lodge. During the day, the vibe was fun! Play bingo with other guests, grab a cocktail at the pool bar, and have fun at other activities like tie-dying Dirty Dancing t-shirts. You really don’t need much more than that for a true getaway. Tucked away in the mountains, you’ll feel absolutely relaxed and carefree.
Lunch at Stony Creek Pub
The resort vibe is alive and well here at Mountain Lake Lodge. Leisurely lunches over a cocktail (or two) is the way to go. For a more casual vibe, the pub on site fits the bill. I had a chicken caesar salad and my mom got the overloaded chips with shredded cheese, bacon, and blue cheese. I ate it with a glass of white wine and looked out on the greens, where guests of Kellerman’s did the bunny hop and more.
Coming soon: the Salt Pond Pub will offer elevated, yet casual outdoor dining. With the weather we had during our visit, I know this will be a dream.
Watch the Dirty Dancing Movie
With a Dirty Dancing Weekend Package, you’ll get to watch the movie on the big screen at Mountain Lake Lodge. I recommend making sure you do the scavenger hunt beforehand because you’ll see all of the film locations and then some as you watch it. I actually teared up a few times. I was overwhelmed by getting to be on location and immerse myself in a bit of movie history that connects us all. It was even more special enjoying it with my mom and a bag of sweet treats we picked up at Mary’s Market.
Relax, Sip and Paint
Also with the Dirty Dancing Weekend Package, you’ll get to hang out with your own bottle of wine with a local artist. An apron, canvas, pallet of paint, and brushes await. We got lost in the moment for 2 hours making our paintings our own. I kept my phone away and kept my attention on my mom and my canvas.
Challenge Yourself on the Ropes Course at the Adventure Center
I was skeptical about this leg of my trip here, but it was a physical, mental, and emotional challenge worth undertaking. The adventure center staff were sweet and very helpful. They made sure I felt comfortable with all of the hooks and pulleys. They also made sure I felt safe and confident. It was a total blast and a decent workout!
Thank you to the Mountain Lake Lodge team for inviting my mom and me for a weekend of memories I know I will cherish forever. I look forward to returning sometime for another weekend of relaxation and exploration.
My favorite movie. We visited there several years ago but they didn’t have tours then. I would love to go back!
Definitely recommend! So fun and everything you need is there ✨✨