You have a county named Patrick settled by Scotch-Irish, a legend involving nymphs, fairies and lucky stones – perhaps Fairy Stone State Park is the epicenter for the Luck of the Irish in Virginia if not the entire country!
A variety of fairy stones collected at the park
If you are the jaded sort who has lost their inner child and just grumbled about "legend nonsense," let me assure you that the fairy stones are indeed real. Scientifically they are brown staurolite, a combination of silica, iron, and aluminum. Together these minerals crystallize in twin form creating a cross-shaped formation. They are found only in rocks that have been subject to great heat and pressure such as was found millions of years ago in the geological history of the formation of the Allegheny Mountains.
You can almost see the nymphs and fairies in this magical photo
While various formations of fairy stones may be found around the world, nowhere are they more perfectly cross-shaped or abundant that in the area in and around Virginia’s Fairy Stone State Park near the town of Bassett.
Instead of writing out the legend here, check out this video from Martinsville-Henry County Tourism and listed to Park Ranger Charlene Goad tell you the story and show you how to hunt for these special stones.
It is well known that President Theodore Roosevelt and President Wilson, Thomas A. Edison, Colonel Charles Lindbergh, and many other prominent people of this country as well as some of the crown heads of Europe and prominent officers and men in the European War carried one or more of these little lucky pieces tucked snugly away about them.
Lady Luck from Virginia Lottery heard about the lucky fairy stones and couldn't resist a visit:
I am convinced that the luckiest fairy stones are the ones you find yourself or are gifts from loved ones who have found the stones themselves. So, you should plan a "hunting" trip soon. Fairy Stones are one of the few exceptions to the "no collection" rule in state and national parks. We'd also be happy to sell you a Fairy Stone charm from our online store.
The largest of our original six state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened in 1936, Fairy Stone State Park features over 4,000 acres teaming with nature and recreational opportunities. There is the 168 acre Fairystone Lake for seasonal swimming as well as fishing and boating (no gasoline powered motors allowed). There are 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding and picnic shelters. We have 25 cabins and a family lodge for rent, a campground with 50 sites, a group campground and a new equestrian campground.
Cabin 1 (and a few other cabins) sits right on the lake
Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance through our reservation and information line. Simply call 800-933-7275 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or you can make a reservation or check availability on line 24/7 by clicking here.
Here is a map of the park's location. You can click to get driving distances. Fairy Stone is off the beaten path but well worth the trip.