Tennessee Elks Association

The Elks Retirement Center, often referred to as the "Crown Jewel of Elkdom" located in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains of Bedford, Virginia, is a retirement community for single Elk Members (male and female) as well as married couples who are Elk Members. The "Home," as it is affectionately known, has often been described as the "Best Kept Secret in Elkdom."

The home is a beautiful structure, most effectively combining classic and Spanish mission architectural features. In its magnificent setting, the first view compels an admiration which grows as you approach the main entrance of imposing Grecian design. In view from the portico is a bronze Elk statue. Beyond are the well-kept lawns and golf course. The D-Day National Memorial can be seen in the distance.

Three buildings have single rooms and two-room suites with private baths, central air conditioning and other modern conveniences. Four buildings were renovated in 1999 to provide apartment-style living for Elk couples as well as single Members. To the rear of the Administration Building are two additional buildings with private rooms, and the "Special Care" section for those who become in need of assistance for a period of time.

In the main building are administrative offices, library, recreation and television rooms and barber shop. In the recreation room, residents can enjoy cards, indoor shuffleboard, and pool. A well-equipped woodworking shop and many individual hobby rooms are available for the residents. The recent renovations also include the lobby and main dining room, both beautifully redecorating, as in the glassed-in veranda that surrounds the dining room. The food service is of the highest quality, and menus change daily. All meals are well balanced, prepared in the kitchen by skilled cooks under the direction of a dietitian. Special diets are also provided, as prescribed by any resident's physician.

An outdoor shuffleboard and seven-hole Executive golf course are located on the front lawn. The home has a bus and a van, and trips are made frequently to the nearby cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke, as well as local shopping trips to Bedford. Transportation is also provided to local churches for Sunday morning services and a non-denominational service is held at the Home on Thursdays.

Please utilize your Lodge bulletins to get the message to your Lodge Members that they have a beautiful home available to them for an active and fulfilling retirement. Let us be certain that no Elk is deprived of the opportunity to enjoy the comfort, security and companionship to be found at the Elks National Home.

Let our beautiful Elks National Retirement Center be a constant reminder of the Order's commitment to our senior members. For more information, please contact:

Executive Director
Elks National Home
931 Ashland Avenue
Bedford, Virginia 24523-1399
(540) 586-8232
email: enhome@aol.com