June 05--The Peaks of Otter Lodge is set to reopen July 15 and will run through mid-December, its new operator announced Tuesday.

Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, which earlier this year entered into a 10-year contract with the National Park Service to operate the 63-room lodge, began taking reservations at noon Tuesday.

The lodge's new chapter will feature modern upgrades in the form of television and wireless Internet -- neither of which had been in use previously.

The lodge on Milepost 86 of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford County has been closed since late November. The former concessionaire did not renew a contract and some residents and visitors were concerned about a long-term closure until the deal with Delaware North was reached in April.

Long term plans for the lodge include new linen and decor in each room as well as wall art displaying interpretive themes along the parkway.

In addition, Delaware North will add local crafts and vendors to the lodge's gift shop, a lending book library and board games for guest use.

Interpretive activities will feature Appalachian music and children's programs, culinary events will be set at later dates and outdoor catering will be available for weddings, reunions and other special events.

A menu is being developed for the restaurant and the company ensures a "diverse range of fresh produce, healthy and sustainable food options, and locally grown and sourced items."

Some have described the lodge overlooking Abbott Lake as a perfect getaway spot to reconnect with nature.

The attraction's closure late last year had a negative impact on local wineries, orchards and other nearby businesses, said Traci Blido, Bedford County's director of economic development.

Danny Johnson, owner of Peaks of Otter Winery and Johnson's Orchard, paid to have a sign put up during the temporary closure to informing travelers of places to go in the Bedford area.

Blido said this is Business Appreciation Week in Virginia and the county's economic development office has sent gift certificates to professional services and manufacturing businesses in hopes of enticing them to return to the lodge once it reopens.

"We want to get people back up the mountain to enjoy the amenities there," she said.

The lodge, which opened in the early 1960s, brings tourists to the Bedford area and ties in nicely with a blend of area attractions that benefit local businesses, she said.

"Whatever we can do to get people to come to the county and to the town of Bedford, these types of tourist activities is what draws people to the area," she said.

Delaware North also is embarking on its first season as operator of Big Meadows Lodge, Skyland Resort and Lewis Mountain Cabins in Shenandoah National Park.

Reservations can be made by visiting www.peaksofotterlodge.com or by calling 1-888-454-7711.

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