A Keep at Elephant Mountain is located in the majestic and historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. This Southern end of the Valley is the highest and most mountainous part of the Shenandoah Valley, without doubt one of the most beautiful areas of the United States. A premier tourist destination on the East Coast, this area is blessed with many artists and artisans and offers much to do in the way of music, theater, shopping, sightseeing, Civil War interests, hiking, and other enjoyable outdoor activities! For persons with equestrian interests, Rockbridge County is home to the largest and most modern horse arena in the Eastern United States. We also enjoy the presence of three diverse, nationally acclaimed colleges and universities. Let us help you plan your stay!

A Keep at Elephant Mountain is located in the City of Buena Vista, a small mountain community situated along the peaceful and scenic Maury River, nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains—just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway, and just a few short miles from historic and exciting Lexington, Virginia.

Why are we named A Keep at Elephant Mountain? A "Keep" is a term for a small, intimate Bed & Breakfast lodging establishment. Its origin is from castles in Europe: the "Keep" was the safest part of the castle—where family and friends were most protected. Why "Elephant Mountain"? Elephant Mountain is the name of the series of mountains (having the appearance of a resting elephant) seen as you approach Buena Vista. Our home is located nearby to this cluster of mountains. We back up to the George Washington National Forest, and enjoy deer coming down into our yard from the woods; hiking on the nearby, historic Dinky Trail; and bird watching from our windows and back porch. We love our home, and know that you will too!

Guest Expectations

We offer luxurious accommodations with superior service, warm hospitality, and superb food! After retiring from other careers, Frank and Sandy Harrelson settled in Rockbridge County and have been successfully involved in the Bed & Breakfast business for 10 years. We know what B&B "regulars" want and expect, and we are skilled at making "first time guests" feel comfortable and welcomed! This is our home, so we are generally around. We enjoy being with our guests, but have the ability to know and appreciate when our guests want privacy and their own "space". Both Frank and Sandy are storytellers and members of the Shenandoah Storytelling Guild. We love sharing our stories and experiences and in turn hearing those of our guests.

Convenient Access

We are near Exit 188-A off Interstate 81, making us very convenient to the major metropolitan areas of the Mid-Atlantic Region. We will be glad to have you for a special get-away, a longer vacation, or just overnight on your way to wherever you might be heading!

We believe that a guest who goes away happy is our greatest asset!