Fairy Stone is such a great park; one of our originals that opened in 1936.  I worked there from 1987-89 as an Assistant Park Manager.  I have such great memories of my time there and I even have a friend or two still working there from my days; like the always pleasant Bessie Weber.  The park gets its’ name from the rare geologic formation of Staurolite, or fairy stones from local legends of the origin of the stones.  The fusion of two separate crystals, form mostly fairy stones in the shape of an X.  However, visitors do find some in the shape of a Roman cross, the most sought after of the different types. 

The Fairy Stones the park is named after

Cabin 3 at this park is one of the original CCC log cabins with all its’ charm, but with modern conveniences.  It sits up on a hill with a view of the water from the front porch rockers.  It is located on a loop along with cabins 1 and 2, and the three of these cabins are my favorites in the whole park.  Cabin 1 and 2 both sit directly on the water making them really nice if you bring your own canoes, kayaks, or boat. 

Cabin 3 is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath cabin at Fairy Stone State Park

The scenic little Fairy Stone Lake in the Spring 

One of my most recent trips placed in cabin 3 at Claytor Lake State Park.  I was there right after the recent snow storm and the beauty of the white snow and the blues of the lake and sky was spectacular.  Cabin 3 at Claytor is waterfront, as do all the cabins here, offering relaxing views from your porch. Since the nights were frosty during my stay, I got a fire going in the fireplace and caught up on my reading.  The staff is wonderful there too, led by my good friend Chris Doss, who I hired as a seasonal when I was at Hungry Mother State Park in the 1989.  The park has so many amenities; cabins, 6 bedroom lodges, a swimming beach (a bit cold this time of the year J), a boat marina, pontoon boat and other equipment rentals, the Water’s Edge Meeting Facility, camping, trails, interpretive programs and so much more.

This park is a great place to stay for parents that have students attending Radford University or Virginia Tech.  I would also strongly suggest this park if you are planning an outdoor wedding, family reunion, or business meeting, since you have the beautiful meeting facility and lodging available at the park. 

Cabin 3 at Claytor Lake State Park is waterfront, as do all the cabins here, offering relaxing views from your porch.

Claytor Lake State Park is a beautiful location for your wedding

...and your reception!

I want to thank everyone that came out to the Richmond Camping and RV Show and stopped by our booth, or attended my seminar presentation.  After a short break from traveling, I am back on the road this week as you can find me partnering with Prince William County to celebrate Black History Month.  I will have a display that chronicles Twin Lakes State Park’s history, in which two separate parks, Goodwin Lake and Prince Edwards Lake, were run as two racially segregated parks until the early 1960’s. 

Until our paths cross at a Virginia State Park, hang onto your pants!