By Stella Lane
A place for relaxation and rejuvenation, the fresh lake water at Fairy Stone State Park dries smooth on sundrenched skin. Light breezes blow from tree tops and warm the night skies which sparkle with stars beyond the imaginable.
Miles of clearly marked trails of varying difficulty meander through the park for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The beach sand stretches from the shore to the grass lawn where many wide trees provide shade.
The swimming area has four main parts: the kiddie area (where the water ranges from 0-3 feet and is equipped with several play fixtures and a slide); an open area that gets no deeper than 5 feet; a section leading to the diving board, which ranges from 5 to 15 feet in depth; and the fishing and boating dock area.
Overnight accommodations include tent and RV camping, cabins, yurts, and a lodge. Several shelters are available for rent as well as canoes, kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats, and horse stalls. Fayerdale Hall is a banquet hall available for special events and weddings.
There is an education building where Park Rangers and interpreters explain the history of this man-made lake which covered the town of Fayerdale. The rangers offer organized activities for children as well as guided hikes, canoe adventures, and many other opportunities like building fairy houses, playing beach volleyball, and singing around campfires. Events and activities are posted on their website.
A new gift shop, bathrooms and showers are on site. Swimming fees during weekdays are $3 per person 13 and older, and parking fees ($7 per vehicle) are collected at the gate.
Address: Fairy Stone State Park, 967 Fairy Stone Lake Drive, Stuart, Va., 24171.
(Email questions/suggestions to: Stella Lane at stellatripsfordays@outlook.com.)
