When you visit the mountains of Virginia there are two vintage lakefront eateries that will transport you back in time, and both are located in Virginia State Parks.

These unique restaurants are original CCC-built hand hewn structures from the late 1930's, with rock fireplaces and open log beam vaulted ceilings. Both have enclosed dining porches that overlook the lake and also offer outside seating under umbrellas in the fresh mountain air.

Douthat and Hungry Mother are two of the six original parks that opened in 1936, and have a lasting legacy. If walls could talk...you might hear some interesting tales in these historic buildings. Consider making this a part of your scenic road trip this fall.

1. |THE RESTAURANT: HUNGRY MOTHER STATE PARK

The Restaurant at Hungry Mother State Park is an original CCC-built structure and sits lakefront

Current hours: In September and October after Labor Day, the dining room is open Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

• The restaurant is closed to the public January through March and November through December but is available for catering year-round.

Guests may enjoy overnight accommodations in cabins, lodge, yurt and campgrounds, learn more here, or call 800-933-7275 to inquire.

Hungry Mother State Park is in Smyth County not far from Marion Virginia and I-81. To get to the park, take Exit 47 from Interstate 81. Travel approximately one mile on Route 11 toward Marion. Turn right on Route 16 north and travel four miles to the park. Register at the Discovery Center.

Drive Time: Northern Va., six hours; Richmond, five hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, six hours; Roanoke, two hours; Bristol, Va., 45 minutes; Charlotte, N.C., three hours. Click here for a Google map.

2. | DOUTHAT LAKEVIEW RESTAURANT: DOUTHAT STATE PARK

Dine inside or out as you take in a sunset over the lake at the Lakeview Restaurant at Douthat State Park

Current hours: From Labor Day through Oct. 31, the restaurant is open only on weekends; on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• The restaurant is available year-round for special catering needs. Here's the catering menu (PDF).

Guests may enjoy overnight accommodations in the 32 cabins and 3 lodges, and campgrounds, learn more here, or call 800-933-7275 to inquire.

Douthat State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains in Virginia. It is in Bath County and Alleghany County. From I-64, take Exit 27 near Clifton Forge. Turn North onto State Route 629 (highway at exit ramp). Travel north two miles to the park entrance sign and another four miles to the park office.

Drive Time: Northern Virginia, four hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, five hours; Richmond, three hours; Roanoke, one hour. Click here for a Google map.

Add one or both of these unique restaurants to your fall leaf peeping road trip through the Virginia mountains, you won't be disappointed. See a map of all Virginia State Parks here to help with your routing.

#ThinkOutside this fall