Graham Ordinary Lodge — Hotel in Bedford

We stayed in Bedroom #3 and it was glorious. The room and lodge are even better than the pictures. The first thing you notice when you enter the room is the lovely smell of cedar and then, of course, the views. The room was very clean and well laid out. The kitchenette area included all of the amenities that we needed for our stay--refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, toaster. Plenty of items were stocked for us for our breakfast and snacks. The sitting area with the large window provides a wonderful view. We were there during VERY hot weather and I was concerned about the room being cool enough but the air conditioner and the two ceiling fans kept the room plenty cool. The bed was very comfortable and the shower was great. Everything has been thought of for the traveler. The bathroom has plenty of hooks, towel racks, etc. There are hooks in the hallway and a small clothing rack as well. There are luggage racks as well as plenty of space in the sitting area for other bags. The balcony was nice to sit outside and have a drink. It is a nice spot to see wildlife---many birds could be seen from the large window in the room. We also saw deer, rabbits and a groundhog on the property. John, our host, was very helpful and great to talk to. We also enjoyed a drink at the meadery where we asked many questions and learned a lot about mead and honeybees. The lodge is close to Bedford and very convenient to the Peaks of Otter Lodge and the Blue Ridge Parkway. We hope to return to the area in the fall and would definitely stay here again...

Graham Ordinary is one of those fairytale places you always hope you’ll get a chance to stay in. Upon entering, you can feel the history and love put into this property. John, the proprietor, is a lovely fellow, knowledgeable about all sorts and nice to have a chat with.

We first stayed here on an anniversary road-trip in November 2022 in the larger King Suite off the main hallway. The mead was delightful, and the room was enchanting. So cozy, yet spacious, with great attention to detail and little touches to make every stay pleasant.

Our second visit was in March 2023, in the smaller King Suite off the great room. The views from both king suites are phenomenal, and both have access to the outdoor deck space which will be lovely in warmer weather with the fire pit and lounge chairs.

The beds in both suites are comfy, the rainfall shower heads and heated tile floors are next level, and the items offered for breakfast are convenient and much appreciated.

On our first stay, we woke up to a power outage, which John was already aware of and was more than happy to accommodate whatever we needed, even offering to reimburse us for going out to get coffee and breakfast.

The only thing I’ll say that some may find negative (we don’t), it being an ancient building (with tremendous upgrades over the years) it has it’s little cracks and crevices, and it’s on the side of a mountain, so you’d be hard pressed not to find a creature or two in the corners, etc. If you’re terribly averse to stink bugs and spiders, then here is...

Ultimate Rustic Luxury: (for those who only have time for headlines & buzz words.)

Thoughtfulness puts the EXTRA in this Ordinary.

I discovered this wonderful place while traveling alone in June of 2024. As a veteran with only a few years of long-past Army service behind me, I was honored & inspired to befriend John Graham, the retired Marine Corps Colonel, who is the proprietor of this unique establishment. His family history and work ethic permeate the place, giving it a welcomingly warm WOW factor that piques guests' interest with comfortable tranquility and exploratory curiosity.

While the ambiance of this lodge & meadery is decidedly masculine, it is apparent that John's wife, Kathy, their daughter, Savannah, and granddaughter, Faolynn, have helped him with the thoughtful details needed to create a flawless blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Starting with an authentic 18th-century historic cabin on 17 wooded acres with breathtaking Blue Ridge vistas, this family has added two spacious guest suites with expansive exterior decks, and a mead tavern, sampling flavorful vintages fermented from honey produced on site. To paraphrase Goldilocks, this whole place "is just right!"

This past weekend, I had the privilege of bringing my wife with me to celebrate our 31st wedding anniversary. We are already planning to return again to this special place that is so relaxing, romantic,...