PEMBROKE, Va. (WDBJ) – Mountain Lake Lodge in Giles County has announced its induction into the Historic Hotels of America®, which it says is the “official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States.”

Lodge officials released this statement about the induction:

Mountain Lake Lodge is one of more than 300 hotels and resorts throughout the country that is recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining its historic integrity, architecture, and ambiance.

“Historic Hotels of America is delighted to induct Mountain Lake Lodge, which first debuted as the ‘Salt Pond’ once General Herman Haupt acquired the site in 1851,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Vice President of Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide.

“We commend Mountain Lake Lodge, the Mary Moody Northen Endowment Fund, and leadership team for their careful historic preservation work, stewardship and vision that will allow future generations of travelers to experience this unique historic destination,” said Horwitz.

To be selected for membership in Historic Hotels of America, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in/or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, and recognized as having historic significance, according to lodge officials.

“This has been a dynamic journey, and we are so proud to be inducted into Historic Hotels of America,” said Heidi Stone, Mountain Lake Lodge resort president and CEO. “Mountain Lake Lodge is steeped in history and a special place like no other – deeply rooted in this region for more than 150 years.”

The lodge is where the fictional Kellerman’s Resort, in the 1987 movie “Dirty Dancing”, was filmed, and the lodge still holds commemorative events throughout the year.

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