Mile after beautiful mile, on the Blue Ridge Parkway that connects to state route 43, precedes the familiar bend where the vista opens up to the Peaks of Otter Lodge and Campground— a welcome sight for those ready to tackle the hike to Sharp Top or those whose plans are to settle in for a few days at the Lodge for a peaceful getaway.
While many come laden with picnic supplies for a lazy afternoon, the Lodge has been bustling with customers old and new since its reopening a few months ago. Loyal patrons and Lodge employees alike were thrilled that the main attraction for miles around was back in business.
Little could anyone have predicted that just as the fall foliage season was getting underway, the machinations of those in Washington would force a temporary closure of the Lodge, just four days after their grand opening celebration which included a proclamation from both the Governor’s and Senator Warner’s office.
Robert Peters, the new general manager at Peaks, pleaded his case with the National Park Service, saying “We’re unique—we’re on a state road that goes over the mountain, even with the Parkway closed, we still have accessibility.” After several conversations with the Park Service, followed by verbal confirmation and finally a letter to the Park Service in Washington, the Peaks of Otter was open for business –one of four national parks in the country that opened back up during the shut-down.
Rodelin Palmer, a photographer based in Blacksburg, was on her way back from the James River and “saw a lot of cars in the parking lot and had already decided to stop at Peaks of Otter Lodge for lunch on the way back to Roanoke. I had no idea they had just re-opened that weekend —the brunch was so good, the staff sweet, and the foggy view over the lake just breathtaking.” She adds that like many, she has “taken some of her favorite photos up there.”
More good news for Lodge fans – it will remain open through December 1. Even though the campground and visitor’s center, which is operated by the National Park Service, closed for the season on October 28, the shuttle to the top of Sharp Top mountain and the Country Store will be open Friday through Sunday through November 24th.
Wrapping up another beautiful weekend, with the foliage still stunning in places, Peters was excited about more plans on the horizon for the Lodge itself. Ask anyone who has eaten at the Lodge since its re-opening and they might tell you it is also about the food. When the go-ahead came to re-open, Peters and his team had a game plan: “We called the food vendor—we had an emergency order and got food the next day.”
Delaware North, the company that manages the Peaks and is behind the upgrades and fresh menu, put the word out too. And folks poured in to enjoy the chef-prepared meals and sumptuous buffet.
Just behind the “selfies” craze is the “foodies” photo craze: snapshots of “beautiful” food that begs to be shared with friends via social media. Get your iPhones and your appetites ready, Peaks of Otter’s Facebook page is now publishing your shots of fall colors as well as fall menus.
Peters says they are already planning the 2014 menu. There is a lot of excitement and customer feedback. And what is the most-requested menu item that is making a big come-back? HOMEMADE CHICKEN POT PIE.
Peters is also hoping to be open for the first time during the winter on weekends. Stay tuned!
Peaks of Otter Lodge will be open through December 1. Shuttle hours are 10am-3pm and The Country Store is open from 9am-5pm through Sun.; then Fri – Sun 9-5 through Nov. 24.
Call 540-586-1081 for information and reservations.
Or find lodging and dining reservations online at: www.peaksofotter.com
