“ If you love Dirty Dancing and you've never been to Mountain Lake Lodge, you do get that sense that you have arrived at Kellerman's. The big stone iconic lodge from the movie, it's timeless. Right? There's no way to improve the lodge, it is a forever kind of place. But what you see is the place refreshed.”
We’re in great company with Heidi Stone, the President and CEO of Mountain Lake Lodge, the “Miracle on the Mountain” as locals call it. It was Heidi’s visionary role in this classic comeback story that saved a nearly forgotten gem, transforming it into the timeless, thriving, and award-winning lodging destination it is today.
Set amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and nestled in the middle of a nature preserve, this historic mountain lodge provides the ultimate rustic retreat with a rich history to pair with its romantic setting.
In this episode, Heidi shares how her endless desire to fix things led her to Mountain Lake Lodge, where she has fought to keep the Dirty Dancing spirit alive, ensuring that the story doesn’t end there.
As we begin Season 8 of our series, Heidi exemplifies the resilience and resourcefulness - characteristics shared amongst many of our guests - that are necessary in this profession. Perhaps Johnny Castle said it best, “nobody puts Baby in a corner.”
Top Takeaways
[1:45] Sometimes it takes learning from the big brands to realize that you were destined to build and create for yourself, as Heidi learned throughout her hospitality career from Disney to today.
[6:00] If the grounds and the halls of Mountain Lake Lodge could talk, there would be so much to share about its illustrious past dating back to 1851. Listen as Heidi takes us back in time to a few of those pivotal moments set against the backdrop of American history.
[8:10] Many associate and can already picture Mountain Lake Lodge as Kellerman’s Mountain House, the backdrop for the iconic romantic drama dance film, Dirty Dancing which has remained an 80’s cult classic to this day.
[10:40] “ I really find a tremendous amount of satisfaction from fixing things, saving things, turning things around. There's just a tremendous amount of soul satisfaction when you take something that's severely broken and you turn it into this alive, vibrant, living, breathing thing.”
[20:50] Mountain Lake Lodge offers activities for all ages to stay and play - from lacing up our hiking boots to set off on a hidden gem excursion, to rolling up our sleeves in the artist studio, to popping popcorn while we relive the set of “Dirty Dancing” - there is always something special in season.
[28:20] The future of Mountain Lake Lodge will speak to all your senses - from new seasonal flavors and local ingredients on the menu to the opening of a full-service spa set in the soothing natural surroundings.
[31:00] Heidi shares a powerful message we all should hear, as professionals in hospitality or travelers who choose to spend our money on these experiences - that there should be a sense of camaraderie, not competition, when small businesses form a collective which empowers a louder voice with more stories to be shared.
Notable Mentions
Jennifer Grey as Frances “Baby” Houseman
Patrick Swayze as Johnny Castle
