Peaks of Otter Recreation Area — Attraction in Bedford

We sure missed the "Old Peaks of Otter" after spending our 3 day weekend there. In the past you could make reservations for dinner if you were lodging there, and expect to be seated within 10 minutes after arrival. In addition, the food was really delicious. If you were calling in reservations as a visitor, you would show up at the time reserved and may have to wait longer if there happened to be a high number of tourists on Skyline Drive sightseeing or out for a weekend getaway. These days if you are staying at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, they won't allow you to make reservations for under 6 people to dine in, yet they'll take any other group of 6 off the streets of local towns, those driving the Skyline Drive that day, or any person passing through not paying for a room there. You'd think their paying on- site customers would be priority #1 for service, but they aren't!! Another disappointment was that in the past you could pay about $5 to take a small bus up to Sharp Top Mountain, then hike up the remainder of the trail to the Peak. The bus would pick you up for the return ride down at your leisure, every hour or so. On our recent trip there in October, they only had a van that shuttled a small group of people up the mountain, which meant a limited number of seats. All the seats were sold out the 2 days we were there. Expect to wait at least an hour to be seated for dinner, and an hour plus to receive your meal. The staff working there are very nice and patient, which stinks because they have to run the establishment under the poor management of the company they work for. It's very evident they are embarrassed for the service shortfalls, and want better for their patrons. The only positive aspect of the trip was the beautiful, vibrant foliage of Autumn, which was a gift from nature we could all enjoy, and not spend a penny to behold while...

Love that this place is so relaxing and close to home! There is a paved 1 mile path around Abbott Lake to walk. There are chairs and benches to sit at if you get tired. as you walk and come close to the water's edge there's even a little dock you can walk out on and you can see the fish all congregated in one area. I believe you are allowed to fish from the shore line here but you are not allowed to use any natural bait only lures. You don't have to stay in the lodge to enjoy this Recreation Area either. You can come with your children or your dog on a leash and they do have doggie waste areas with bags and all the garbages are bear proof. There are Sunny areas as well as fully shaded areas to walk or sit and relax. you can lay a blanket down in the grass or sitting andiron deck chair and read a book. It is oh so very peaceful and quiet here and depending on the time of the year you come during the fall the most beautiful colors you'll ever see! Whether you decide to book a room at the lodge and just use the recreation area or you live close by and you just want to see what it's like you are more than welcome to walk the trail for free. They also have an area for camping where you can come in with a tent or an RV. while this may not be a place for young couple who wants to dance drink and mingle it's perfect for anyone who just...

My wife and I checked in to the Peaks of Otter Lodge on Tuesday 7/23/19. We left about 1 hour later. That first room that they gave us was not cleaned, used washcloths in the bathtub, and garbage was all over. They told me that it was a mistake on their part, the room was not ready. They gave us another room in another building. I pulled the door knob off opening the door. This was strike 2. When I went back to the registration desk again, that told me that there were no rooms left. I asked if they could the first room and was told that the cleaning staff was gone for day. Mind you this all started at around 6:45 PM. After going in the rooms, the place is outdated anyway. I would never go back there in a million years. Stay somewhere else at all cost! The only good thing so have to say about the place is the young man at the desk. I think his name was Devin, he was a...