GILES COUNTY (WSLS 10) - Coming off of a financially successful season, Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County announces renovations on the historic property.
Now reaping the benefits of a brand change, the historic Mountain Lake Lodge continues to evolve along with its tourists.
"Mountain Lake is coming back," said General Manager Heidi Stone.
Stone said financially speaking, last year was the best in recent past.
Although drought has kept one of Virginia's only natural lakes dry for some time now, Stone said the focus has shifted to their other natural features.
"If we get a little bit of rain, it just breathes and it comes right back. But yeah, we are going with or without the lake," Stone said.
But to make up for that, Mountain Lake Lodge will add a five-story sky slide; one side for water; one side that can be used for visitors wanting to stay dry. The Sky Slide will be the tallest inflatable slide in the U.S.
"It's very exciting to have a water activity here this summer," Stone said.
In addition to the successful treetop adventure course, this summer they plan to add an outdoor volleyball beach court in place of the old tennis court.
Six of the historic cabins will also undergo major renovations
"We've worked to keep the historical integrity of the cabins, but they are modern enough that folks will be very comfortable," Stone said.
They are also laying new wireless infrastructure to improve cell service.
One of the amenities that Stone said she is most excited about is the opening of Mary's Market and café. It will feature ice cream, specialty coffee and snacks on the go, as well as sandwiches for both for guests and people who live in the area.
"Mary Moody endowment has made a commitment to this property that there will be several million in investments over the next several years. This is just phase one of the next five years. So every summer we will be unveiling what the next several projects will be for the next year," Stone said.