Images Bedford, VA: 2011

2011 | imagesbedfordva.com ®

What’s Online Take a tour of the National D-Day Memorial

bedford, virginia

THE FUTURE IS WOW World class engineering center opens in 2011

Busy Bodies Recreation options offer something for everyone

Pristine Scene

Beautiful sights include Peaks of Otter, Abbott Lake sponsored by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and the Bedford County Economic Development Department

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2011 edition | volume 1 速

Bedford, Virginia co nte nt s F e atu r e s 8 The Future Is wow

12

World-class engineering center opens in 2011.

12 a sight to see Smith Mountain Lake offers real estate variety and value.

16 a strong foundation for business Economy includes a healthy mix of industry, tourism and agriculture.

d e pa r tm e nt s 6 Almanac 18 Biz Briefs 20 Chamber Report 21 Economic Profile 22 Image Gallery 26 Arts & Culture 28 Education 30 Local Flavor 33 Health & Wellness 35 Sports & Recreation 36 Community Profile

on the cover Sharp Top Mountain rises above Abbott Lake Photo by Todd Bennett

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All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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What’s Online imagesbedfordva.com Photos

See more photos in our online photo gallery Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

2011 | IMAgESBEdFORdvA.COM ®

What’s Online Take a tour of the National d-day Memorial

BEdFORd, vIRgINIA

THE FUTURE IS WOW World class engineering center opens in 2011

BUSy BOdIES Recreation options offer something for everyone

Pristine Scene

Beautiful sights include Peaks of Otter, Abbott Lake SPONSOREd By THE BEdFORd AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANd THE BEdFORd COUNTy ECONOMIC dEvElOPMENT dEPARTMENT

Digital edition Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via e-mail

Facts & Stats

Video

Real estate

Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

Get a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

Learn about the local housing market and get started finding your place

®

Bedford, Virginia Project Manager mitch kline Proofreading Manager Raven Petty Content Coordinator Jessica Walker Staff Writer Kevin Litwin Copy Editors Lisa Battles, Joyce Caruthers, Jill Wyatt Contributing writers rebecca denton, cary estes, carson o’shoney Media Technology Director Christina Carden Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher, Jessica Manner, Janine Maryland, Kris Sexton, Candice Sweet, Vikki Williams

Bedford in action

Media Technology Analysts Chandra Bradshaw, lance Conzett, Michele Niccore, Marcus Snyder Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto Senior Photographers Jeff Adkins, Brian McCord Staff Photographers Todd Bennett, Antony Boshier Web Content Managers John Hood, Kim Madlom Web Design Director Franco Scaramuzza Web Designer Leigh Guarin Web developer i Yamel Hall Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon, Patricia Moisan I.T. Director Yancey Bond I.T. Service Technician Ryan Sweeney Regional Sales Manager Charles Sweeney Sales Support/Community, Business, Custom Rachael Goldsberry Senior Accountant Lisa Owens Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman Office Manager/Accounts Receivable Coordinator Shelly Miller Senior Integrated Media Manager Ruth Martineau Sales Support Manager Cindy Hall color imaging technician Alison Hunter Chairman Greg Thurman President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman Executive Vice President Ray Langen Senior V.P./Sales Todd Potter, Carla Thurman Senior V.P./Operations Casey Hester Senior V.P./Client Development Jeff Heefner V.P./Content Development Teree Caruthers V.P./Custom Publishing Kim Newsom V.P./Visual Content Mark Forester V.P./Content Operations Natasha Lorens V.P./Sales Charles Fitzgibbon, Herb Harper, Jarek Swekosky Controller Chris Dudley Content Director/Travel Publications Susan Chappell Content Director/Business Publications Bill McMeekin Marketing Creative Director Keith Harris Distribution Director Gary Smith Sales Recruiter/Trainer Colin Wright Executive Secretary Kristy Duncan Human Resources Manager Peggy Blake Receptionist Linda Bishop

Images Bedford is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com.

Don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself how great Bedford is in our quick videos at imagesbedfordva.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Bedford has to offer.

For more information, contact: Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce 305 E Main Street, Bedford VA 24523 Phone: (540) 586-9401 • Fax: (504) 587-6650 www.bedfordareachamber.com Visit Images Bedford online at imagesbedfordva.com ©Copyright 2010 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

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Almanac

Welcome to Bedford An introduction to the area’s people, places and events

Peaks of Otter From almost any outdoor location in Bedford County, you can look up and see the Peaks of Otter mountainscape, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The peaks are surrounded by many trails, ranging from a strenuous 1 1/2-mile trek to the summit of Sharp Top to an easy one-mile loop around Abbott Lake.

Speaking of the lake, fishing there includes catfish, smallmouth bass, golden shiners, sunfish and bluegill.

photo courtesy of Meridith Khan

Raise Your Glass Taking a trip along the Bedford Wine Trail is a great way to spend a Virginia weekend.

The trail features five wineries nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where fertile soil and a favorable climate lead to good grape-growing. The five venues are Hickory Hill Wineries, LeoGrande Vineyards & Winery, Peaks of Otter Winery, SavoyLee Winery and White Rock Vineyards & Winery.

In addition, the Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival, held at Poplar Forest, has become a popular fall event.

Hit ‘Em Long and Straight Bedford County has golfing down to a tee, with nine nice courses to choose from. One of them – Mariners Landing in Huddleston – was named one of the Best Places to Play in the U.S.

by Golf Digest. Other Bedford County venues include four courses in Forest (Ivy Hill, London Downs, Poplar Forest and Colonial Hills) as well as Sycamore Ridge in Goodview, Boonsboro Country Club in Lynchburg, The Westlake Golf & Country Club in Hardy, The Waterfront Country Club in Moneta and the Bedford Country Club in Bedford.

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Fast Facts n Each fall, more than 10,000 people gather in downtown Bedford for CenterFest, which features food vendors, artists, live music and activities for kids. n There’s gold in them thar hills. Thomas Jefferson Beale is said to have buried a vat of gold, silver and jewels in Bedford sometime between 1819-1821.

Invasion of Normandy

n The 2009 film Bedford: The Town They Left Behind tells the story of the “Bedford Boys,” men who served with Company A, 116th Infantry, during the D-Day Invasion.

Here’s a salute to the National D-Day Memorial, an 88-acre tribute in Bedford to the men who fought and died on the beaches of Normandy during WWII. The memorial opened in 2001 and is visited by 85,000 people each year. Divided into plazas that tell the story of the invasion, the memorial took seven years to build and cost $25 million. Admission is $5.

Bedford County suffered the nation’s highest per capita D-Day losses.

Bedford At A Glance population Bedford: 6,350 Bedford County: 67,154

Bedford James River

location Strategically located between the metropolitan areas of Lynchburg and Roanoke, Bedford is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area.

BEDFORD B ED D 43

Bedford

460

beginnings The city of Bedford, which was originally the town of Liberty, was established in 1782. The town of Liberty was changed to the town of Bedford in 1890 and to the present-day city of Bedford in 1912. The city of Bedford is the county seat of Bedford County but isn’t part of the county – which was established in 1754.

In Virginia, cities and counties are separate entities. for more information 305 E. Main St. Bedford, VA 24523 Phone: (540) 586-9401 www.bedfordareachamber.com

Lynchburg

Roanoke 24

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Moneta

Smith Mountain Lake

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of Bedford, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imagesbedfordva.com.

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The

Future Is Wow

World-class engineering center opens in 2011

Story By Kevin Litwin Photography By todd bennett

I

t has been 30 years since the last nuclear energy plant was built in the United States. But the next one might not be too far away, thanks to an impressive construction project underway in Bedford County.

The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) is being built in Bedford County in the New London Business and Technology Center, and will open during the first quarter of 2011. A key goal at CAER will be to assist existing local companies with their research and attract more science-based companies to the Bedford County region.

“Ten years ago when Ericsson and other high-tech electronics companies were here, they had research needs to

advance their businesses but we didn’t have a research facility,” says Bob Bailey, CAER executive director. “Now, we’ll be able to provide the best R&D for our region’s technology companies that are looking for new innovations.”

Nuclear and Wireless Will Benefit Bailey says CAER will concentrate mainly on two technology clusters – nuclear energy and wireless communications.

“Those two industries have significant opportunities for economic growth in this region because of related companies that are already located here,” he says. “Areva and B&W (The

Babcock & Wilcox Co.) are in the nuclear energy field, while many small and medium-sized local companies have a niche in wireless communications.”

Bailey says the high-wage, high-growth nuclear energy industry will utilize research at CAER to eventually license the next generation of power plants.

“CAER will provide the opportunity to accelerate the licensing process with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, so that Areva and B&W can be ready to construct new plants when the time is right,” Bailey says. “The new generation of nuclear plants will deal with advancements in digital controls and control rooms, and the Center will play a big part in that research.”

Bryan David, executive director of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council, at his office in Lynchburg

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The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research is under construction at a business park in Bedford.

As for wireless communications, Bailey says products such as cell phones, MP3 players, iPods and other electronic devices are changing so quickly that the need for R&D support is vital.

“Research in wireless sensors, wireless networks and cognitive radio is huge right now, and CAER will be right there on the cutting edge of it all,” he says.

CAER an Economic Boon for Bedford Bryan David, executive director of the Region 2000 Economic Development Council, says CAER is a major coup for Bedford County.

“Regional economies of the future will need to rely on creation and commercialization of knowledge, and economies around any research university will thrive,” David says. “Just

look at places like Research Triangle in Raleigh-Durham, California’s Silicon Valley and Boston’s Route 128 corridor.

Those areas are booming and will always boom thanks to research centers, and we expect the same from CAER.” David adds that Bedford County is ranked among the nation’s Top 30 large metro areas as the Best Places to Do Business according to Forbes.com, and the Center will add more jobs and prosperity to the local economy.

“Besides nuclear energy and wireless communications, CAER will offer continuing education for any regional engineers who want to upgrade their knowledge,” he says. “Also, the Center will outreach to schools to emphasize the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum, and thereby grow workers to eventually supply our businesses with ready-to-go talent.”

By the Numbers

25,000 Approximate square footage of CAER

6-1/2 Acres CAER will occupy at the New London Business and Technology Center

70 Percentage of space to be devoted to research at CAER

$7.6 million Funding from the Virginia Tobacco Commission

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A Sight to

See Smith Mountain Lake Offers Real Estate Variety, Value

Story By kevin litwin Photography By todd bennett

I

t used to be that living in the Smith Mountain Lake area required a tradeoff – give up the convenience of having shopping and enter­ tainment options for a beautiful view.

Not anymore.

New developments have come to Smith Mountain Lake, bringing modern amenities with new homes. For example, downtown Moneta, with neighborhoods Mayberry Hills and Mayberry Villas, offers a quaint, small-town feel with shops, restaurants and entertainment options around a town square.

“These neighborhoods are only three miles from the lake and the properties are indeed selling, even in these down times,” says Michelle Aznavorian, a developer with NBI Development in Moneta. “Apartments, condos and single-family homes are all moving, and are within walking distances to shops, restaurants, a library, the YMCA and the Cardiovascular

Group Heart Center. Moneta residents get the Smith Mountain Lake address and are in the middle of everything, yet retain a small-town feel.”

Smith Mountain Lake, nicknamed “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” is Virginia’s most visited waterway thanks to 500 miles of shoreline. Water sports and recreational activities include an annual ESPN Bass Master tournament and an annual Beach Bash social mixer sponsored by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lakefront Properties As for real estate, Smith Mountain Lake is diverse – especially along the lakefront itself. A one-bedroom, 500-square-foot condominium can start at $125,000, while an older lakefront single-family home on a shallow cove will go for around $300,000.

In this buyer’s market, there are currently about 50 lakefront homes

The Mayberry Hills neighborhood in downtown Moneta

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priced near $500,000 and another 50 mansions above $1 million. Six-thousand-­ square-foot luxury homes are in the $2 million-plus price range.

“During the first half of 2010, my company sold, among other things, three choice waterfront lots, each to cash buyers,” says Jeanette M. Childress, owner and broker with Lake Retreat Properties, Inc. “The three lots total 2.6 acres and the total price for all three was $1.4 million. I look at that as an affirmation that solid investments at the lake are still happening.”

Convenience Besides the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake, residents are within 30-45 minutes’ driving distance of Roanoke and Lynchburg, which provide convenient big-city amenities such as commercial airports. Full-service hospitals – including a regional heart and trauma center – are in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Rocky Mount.

Today, Smith Mountain Lake is home to about 18,000 permanent residents, with a potential for many thousands more. The average air temperatures at the lake are 73 degrees in the summer and 41 degrees in the winter. The annual snowfall average is 10 inches – but the snow usually melts in a day or two.

“Smith Mountain Lake is everything that people want in an investment property,” Childress says. “What it is and who it attracts are the people who have worked hard elsewhere and made their money elsewhere, and are bringing their families to experience an area that is truly wholesome, truly beautiful and the ultimate in relaxation and recreation.”

Left: Smith Mountain Lake offers many recreational activities. Right: Downtown Moneta at Smith Mountain Lake features a variety of cafés, shops and restaurants.

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A Strong Foundation for

Business Economy includes a healthy mix of industry, tourism and agriculture Story By Rebecca Denton Photography By todd bennett

B

edford County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Virginia, and boasts a strong, diversified economy, with a mix of industry, commerce, tourism and agriculture.

A strong and diverse labor market provides excellent resources for companies, from manufacturing facilities to high-tech operations.

“It seems like a small community, but we have some major business and industry in the area,” says Susan Martin, president of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of business and industry growth has taken place in the Forest area of our county – particularly growth related to technology.”

A Diverse Economy The New London Business and Technology Center in Bedford is home to the 25,000-square-foot Center for Advanced Engineering and Research, an industry-based research hub. The new center is a nonprofit organization that creates working relationships between high-tech industries, major R&D centers and university researchers, and facilitates professional development opportunities

for scientists and engineers in the region. Some of the area’s largest employers include Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, which produces generic pharmaceuticals; InService America, which offers direct-mail service, call centers and other outsourced services; Georgia Pacific, one of the country’s largest paper manufacturers; Andrew Wireless Solutions, a wireless technology company; and Cintas Corp., producers of uniforms and apparel.

Abundant Attractions Bedford’s scenic beauty, historic sites and abundant natural resources attract thousands of visitors each year, creating another important segment of the city’s economy. A major attraction is the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway extending 470 miles along the crest of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, including the Peaks of Otter – twin peaks rising to 4,200 feet. Jefferson National Forest, Smith Mountain Lake, the region’s five wineries (Bedford Wine Trail) and pick-your-own farm operations also draw crowds. One of Bedford’s major draws is its vibrant downtown area, called CenterTown

Bedford. This historic area is home to a mix of art galleries, restaurants, antique stores and more.

Convenient Location The area’s pro-business climate makes for smooth transitions, and industrial space is plentiful. Five business and industrial parks are available in the region: Montvale Center for Commerce, Bedford Center for Business, New London Business and Technology Center, Little Otter Business Park and Lake Vista Corporate Centre. Four highways pass through or are easily accessible from the Bedford area, and the east-west line of Norfolk Southern Railroad connects the agricultural Midwest, the industrial Great Lakes and the Allegheny coalfields with the Atlantic Coast. Major trucking firms provide excellent daily carrier service, and the Lynchburg and Roanoke Regional airports provide air service.

Higher Education The Bedford area is home to Central Virginia Community College and the Region 2000 Career Center. Many other schools are a short commute away in Lynchburg and Roanoke.

Clockwise from top: The Bedford County Courthouse; the Bedford Wine Trail showcases five wineries; the New London Business and Technology Center is home to the Center for Advanced Engineering and Research.

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Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define bedford’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$297,077 Retail sales ($1,000)

$4,801 Retail sales per capita

13,434 Accommodations and food service sales ($1,000)

4,837 Total number of firms

Little Town Players Biz: Performing arts troupe Buzz: This long-standing acting ensemble is in its 35th season, performing four plays a year from September through May. The 2010-2011 lineup features Cat On a Hot Tin Roof, Love, Sex & The IRS, Bus Stop and Little Women: The Musical. The theater is on Ashland Avenue in Bedford. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for ages 12 & under. www.littletownplayers.com 18

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Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery Biz: Wine tasting and sales Buzz: Here is a toast to Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery, which planted grapes in 1984 and began selling vintages in 2001 at its Smith Mountain Lake location. The winery offers a Lake Series variety as well as chardonnay, vidal blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Hickory Hill also hosts a Sunset Saturday music series on various Saturday evenings from May to October. http://sites.google.com/a/smlwine. com/hickoryhill Liberty Station Biz: Restaurant and cheesecake store Buzz: Harry Leist first began baking cheesecakes in the 1980s as a special treat for his large family. Now he sells hundreds each year at his Olde Liberty Station restaurant in Bedford. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and customers can order cheesecakes in person and online. Key lime, butterfinger and chocolate swirl are some flavors in the cheesecake line. www.oldelibertystation.com Fostek Corp.

Biz: Plastics, rubber manufacturing Buzz: Need thermal or acoustic insulation? Fostek Corp. manufactures high-quality plastic and rubber blends along with closed-cell foams at its 150,000-square-foot plant and warehouse in Bedford. Fostek makes a large line of products for the construction, automotive and appliances industries, manufacturing specific items such as gaskets and seals, shock absorption foam, pipe wrap, moisture sealants and flotation insulation. www.fostek.com Olde Ways Biz: Country home décor store Buzz: Olde Ways is a primitive and country home décor store in Forest that offers a full line of unusual products.

Included are tabletop linens, window treatments, furniture and shelving, potpourri, braided and accent rugs, framed prints and dishes and place settings. Olde Ways also carries several name-brand items such as Yankee candles and Paula Deen dips and salsas. www.oldewaysinc.com

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Chamber Report Chamber succeeds in tough economy

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he Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce has a lofty goal – to be the premier driving force for business and community prosperity in central Virginia.

“We just celebrated 70 years of doing business in the Bedford area and now host more than 100 annual networking opportunities to help our membership,” says Susan Martin, president of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce.

“Even in this current tough economy, the chamber just experienced a year of strong growth by adding 126 new business/organization members.”

Martin says business-to-business networking is an ongoing commitment of the Bedford Area chamber, with more effective methods of networking being developed all the time. Current networking opportunities include

Business Before Hours, Business After Hours, Leadership Bedford, an Annual Chamber Dinner, Bedford Area Business Expo, and Lead Groups in Bedford, Forest, Lynchburg and Smith Mountain Lake.

“Our individuals and businesses are able to connect in atmospheres that foster growth and success for their companies and this community,” Martin says.

The chamber recently reinvented a Networking Before Nine event by turning it into a successful monthly Business Before Hours breakfast. It also hosted a Beach Bash Sip-n-Shag at Smith Mountain Lake, which attracted more than 1,000 guests to the area and highlighted the region’s best wineries.

“We also coordinated with area busi­ nesses to showcase our annual Career Exploration Day for 700 students from Forest and Staunton River middle

schools,” Martin says. “And lately, we’ve also been focusing on the need to improve broadband service in this area. We specif­ ically provide chamber representation for the County Broadband Coalition.”

The chamber invites its members to serve on special committees and task forces related to education, government affairs, marketing, membership, tech­ nology and transportation. In addition, members are encouraged to serve as Ambassadors, volunteers who play essential roles in chamber communication and membership retention.

“Each Ambassador becomes more involved in the business community, resulting in increased networking opportunities and enhanced visibility to their own business,” Martin says. “It’s all about networking for our chamber.”

– Kevin Litwin

Lynchburg College’s

CLaytor Nature Study CeNter our 470-acre outdoor classroom located at the foot of the Peaks of otter provides nature education and research opportunities for all ages including: • Laboratory and discovery spaces • Conference, meeting and retreat facilities • Beautiful gardens, primitive campground, three miles of hiking trails

For further information: (434) 544-8360 • cnsc@lynchburg.edu www.lynchburg.edu/claytor 20

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Coming soon! environmentally sustainable eco-Village

economic profile Business Climate A good mix of industry, commerce and agriculture ensures a strong, diversified economy and a positive business climate.

A good labor environment exists, providing availability at reasonable costs, and a strong work ethic results in high productivity and low turnover.

Economic resources

Cost of Living Food, 96 Utilities, 96

Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce 305 E. Main St. Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 586-9401

Miscellaneous, 99

Business/ Industrial parks

Overall, 93

Bedford Center for Business (100 acres) Independence Boulevard Bedford, VA 24523

taxes

Lake Vista Corporate Centre (151 acres) U.S. Route 221 Forest, VA 24551

households

Little Otter Business Park (69 acres) U.S. Route 221 near Bedford City limits Montvale Center for Commerce (19 acre commercial; 45 acre industrial) U.S. Route 460 Montvale, VA 24122 New London Business & Technology Center (500 acres) U.S. 460 and Meade Road Forest, VA 24551

DISTANCE TO OTHER CITIES

U.S. Average is 100.

Bedford County Economic Development 122 E. Main St., Ste. 202 Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 587-5670

State Sales Tax, 5%

Households, 2,514 Households Family, 1,578 Households Non-Family 936

MAJOR INDUSTRIES

Company

No. of Employees

Pharmaceuticals

587

InService America Call Center

389

GP Big Island, LLC

Paper Products

330

Mail America Direct Mail

315

Sam Moore Furniture Furniture

300

Industry

TEVA

Sentry Equipment

Andrew Solutions Circuit Boards

155

Harris

Radio Systems

150

Packaging/Printing

135

Cintas

Washington, D.C.; 210 miles

Bedford Weaving

Lynchburg, 24 miles

231 225

Norfolk, 215 miles

Roanoke 29 mile

Manufacturing

Information Management Valtim, Inc Call Center

Smyth Co.

Richmond, 115 miles

Sources: www.bedfordareachamber.com, www.bedfordeconomic development.com

Specialized Business Services

RST Marketing Coleman-Adams Const.

130

Textile Manufacturing

125

Mail Distribution

100

General Contractor

90

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Image Gallery

National D-Day Memorial Photo by Todd Bennett

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Poplar Forest in Forest was the personal retreat for President Thomas Jefferson.

Photo by Todd Bennett

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Image Gallery

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The view of the Peaks of Otter from the Claytor Nature Study Center Photo by Todd Bennett

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Arts & Culture

Abundant Attractions Bedford culture celebrates history, agriculture and the arts Rich in scenic beauty, history, agriculture and the arts, Bedford celebrates its roots with a wealth of diverse attractions and lively festivals. This vibrant city enjoys a friendly, small-town atmosphere that people are drawn to.

photos by Todd Bennett

Living History

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History buffs can find plenty to keep them busy in Bedford. Historic CenterTown, a National Historic District, features antique and specialty shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants in historic buildings. The Historic Bedford Walking Tour offers a self-guided adventure through 21 stops in the city. The Avenel mansion was once the focal point of a 200-acre plantation. The 1830s home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Also in CenterTown Bedford is the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library. Housed in a 1985 Masonic Temple in CenterTown Bedford, it’s the city’s only example of Romanesque Revival architecture. Bedford suffered the highest per-capita D-Day losses in the nation, which makes it a fitting place for the National D-Day Memorial. This striking memorial on 88 acres features an English garden, an invasion tableau and Victory Plaza. Poplar Forest is a historic octagonal home and plantation built by President Thomas Jefferson as his personal retreat. It’s one of two homes Jefferson designed and built for his own use – and the first octagonal home in America. Franklin County is home to the Booker T. Washington National Monument, located on the former

Top: Avenel mansion in Bedford has been a Bedford landmark for more than 150 years.

Bottom: The Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library

tobacco plantation where Washington was born into slavery in 1856. The African-American leader rose to prominence as an educator, orator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.

This historic site interprets Washington’s life through exhibits, film, a living history farm, guided tours and special events.

Fun at the Festivals Bedford offers a lively roster of festivals and events. New in 2010 are the Second Friday events in CenterTown Bedford. Second Friday is a gallery walk held on the second Friday of each month, and more than 30 shops, restaurants and art galleries participate in this free event.

Businesses stay open until 8 p.m. or later, and many feature live music. CenterFest , one of the region’s largest street festivals, features artisans, live music, children’s activities and food

vendors each September in CenterTown Bedford. Many local farms and wineries offer a variety of festivals and music events. One example is the annual Apple Harvest Festival at Gross’ Orchard in Bedford. This October event features crafts, jam, cider, games, rides, entertainment and apple butter-making. The Fat Tire Frenzy Mountain Bike Race & Bike Festival takes place each June at Falling Creek Park in Bedford.

Heart of the Arts The Bower Center for the Arts is a nonprofit art center in the heart of Bedford. The vibrant center offers a variety of music and art classes for adults and young people, along with concerts, performances and exhibits. Little Town Players, Bedford’s awardwinning community theater troupe, offers a yearly fall-to-spring season of comedies, dramas and musicals with summer theater

camps for young people.

Performances take place in the Elks National Home Theatre. The nonprofit Bedford Community Orchestra has two seasons each year, culminating in free public concerts in the spring and fall.

Connected to the Land Bedford still has strong ties to agriculture, and visitors have plenty of opportunities to explore local farms and orchards. Known for its peaches, apples and wine, the area is home to several family operations that give visitors a chance to pick their own produce and sample locally made products.

The Bedford area has five wineries, with many offering vineyard and orchard tours, picnic areas, wine festivals and other special events.

The Bedford Wine Trail offers visitors an easy, fun way to experience each winery.

– Rebecca Denton

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Education

Skills To Last a Lifetime Local Schools provide outstanding programs

CVCC Central Virginia Community College offers associate’s degrees in the arts and sciences. Many of the credits can be transferred to four-year colleges. The college receives funding from numerous sources, including local, state and federal governments, as well as businesses, individual donors and student tuition.

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Bedford County provides excellent opportunities for traditional education as well as modern vocational training, ensuring a skilled and educated workforce for area employers.

Public Schools Education is key in Bedford County, offering students an excellent traditional education, as well as up-to-date vocational training. The school district has 15 elementary schools, three middle schools, including Bedford Middle School with an enrollment of 458 students, Forest Middle School with an enrollment of 1,027 and Staunton River Middle School with 839 students. Bedford County also has three high schools, as well as the Bedford Science & Technology Center. Liberty High School has an enrollment of 1,038 students, and Jefferson Forest and Staunton River high schools have student enrollments of 1,375 and 1,127 respectively.

Bedford Science and Technology Center The Bedford Science and Technology Center was established in 1970 with an enrollment of 222 students in 11 programs.

Enrollment has grown to more than 500 students in 16 programs. In a unique relationship, the center operates as an extension of the three local high schools.

Students who are taking part in a technical program attend the center for half of the school day and then attend their classes at their base high school for the other half.

The result is a system that provides students with valuable vocational training, while also ensuring that they receive a core high school education.

The center offers technical courses in automotive body repair, carpentry, cosmetology, drafting design tech­ nology, electricity and cabling, masonry and computer repair. The vocational training also includes special courses for seniors that provide on-the-job training in fields such as teaching, practical nursing and computer networking. Many of the center’s oneand two-year programs also qualify for college credit, which gives students a leg up on higher education.

Central Virginia Community College

photos by Todd Bennett

Central Virginia Community College opened in 1968. It is a two-year institution established as a member of the Virginia Community College System. The college serves more than 228,000 people in its geographical area, which includes the cities of Lynchburg and Bedford, as well as Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties. In addition, Bedford is home to a satellite campus.

– Braxton Shoop

Bedford County PuBliC SChoolS A community dedicated to our students and their futures. www.bedford.k12.va.us

Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bedford County is the fifth largest county in Virginia, covering 754 square miles. Located between the cities of Lynchburg and Roanoke, Bedford County has become known for its fabulous views, exciting parks, the

National D-Day Memorial, lakes and other recreational opportunities. Public education has been a focus in the county since the Bedford County School Division began in August 1846.

More than 150 years later, the drive to prepare our students to be productive and responsible

citizens in our community and in the world is stronger than ever.

Bedford County Public Schools offers educational services to approximately 10,500 students enrolled in elementary, middle, high and alternative schools. More than half of all students receive advanced

studies diplomas upon graduation. Nearly 800 teachers serve children throughout the county’s 22 fully accredited schools, preparing our students to be successful in college and various career fields in the 21st Century.

Local Flavor

All in Good Taste Bedford restaurants serve up cuisine with character With a variety of distinctive restaurants located in Bedford’s CenterTown – the city’s vibrant historic downtown district – and throughout the county, Bedford serves up a smorgasbord of rich dining experiences.

“CenterTown has an interesting mix of restaurants in all price ranges,” says Sergei Troubetzkoy, director of Bedford’s Tourism and Welcome Center. “We also have a nice concentration of art galleries and antique shops, and a three-mile walking trail is right on the edge of downtown, within a couple blocks of the main shopping district.”

Visitors to historic CenterTown can choose from casual coffee shops and bakeries, cozy cafes, pizza parlors or more upscale eateries – each with its own characteristic flair.

Located in a renovated, early-1900s railroad station house, Liberty Station is one of the most popular dining destinations in town. The locally owned and operated restaurant offers a diverse menu of fresh steaks, seafood, salads, sandwiches and desserts.

Established in 2001, this bustling eatery is also famous locally for Harry’s Famous Cheesecakes – rich and creamy cheesecakes made with fresh ingredients by Liberty Station’s proprietor, Harry Leist.

The Bedford Social Club is another popular local hangout in CenterTown. This public restaurant (not a private club, as its name might suggest) offers elegant, upscale cuisine such as honey-glazed seared scallops in jalapeno peach salsa, coarse mustard- and macadamia nut-encrusted rack of lamb, and steak au poivre. Dessert options include homemade ice cream in flavors such as honey lavender or coconut rum.

And the restaurant offers more than 150 wines, a full bar and 38 different beers.

Across from the Bedford Social Club is Clam Diggers Seafood Restaurant, a fresh seafood restaurant and market known for its excellent food, friendly, lively atmosphere and live music. Just across from the CenterTown Park, IvyBridge Café offers a fresh salad bar, sandwiches and wraps, homemade soups, boxed lunches, pastries, desserts, and a soda fountain serving milkshakes, smoothies, malts and floats.

Another welcoming spot, Artisan Cafe on East Depot Street, specializes in handcrafted soups and sandwiches made with organic vegetables and other fine ingredients. This artsy café’s desserts and soups

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are made from family recipes, and food is served in the middle of an art gallery – a cozy and unusual atmosphere.

On Crenshaw Street in Bedford, the Duchess of Bedford Bakery and Café offers fresh pastries and desserts made on-site every day, along with specialty coffee and espresso drinks made from beans roasted in Virginia. Homemade quiche, fresh-baked artisan breads, cheesecakes, pound cakes, and Boar’s Head meats and cheeses are also on the menu.

Beyond Centertown Outside of CenterTown, just north of Bedford, the elegant and comfortable Millstone Tea Room focuses on locally grown ingredients served in an intimate dining room that seats 40. Owned by husband-andwife team Melanie and Jared Srsic, the restaurant serves only pasture-fed meats, seafood from sustainable wild or responsibly farmed fisheries, seasonal produce from its own gardens on the property, and in-season Virginia produce.

Also outside of Bedford, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is Lake View Restaurant at Peaks of Otter Lodge.

Overlooking picturesque Abbott Lake, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily year-round, including a Friday seafood buffet, a Sunday breakfast buffet and a Sunday country buffet in the afternoon.

Benjamin’s, in Forest, is another must-visit restaurant, offering fine dining in a casual atmosphere. Specializing in hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, the locally owned and operated restaurant features dishes such as beef tenderloin and Alaskan Snow Crab legs, Maryland Blue Crabstuffed ravioli in a bistro crab sauce, and grilled ahi tuna served with mango slaw.

Benjamin’s has another location, Benjamin’s at the Pointe, located on Smith Mountain Lake at Mariners Landing, a resort community and conference center in Huddleston.

For more information about restaurants in and around Bedford, go to www.visitbedford.com and click on “Where to Dine.”

– Rebecca Denton

Dining downtown

Harry’s Famous Cheesecake at Liberty Station

The Millstone Tea Room

Getting to the center of the action in CenterTown Liberty Station 515 Bedford Ave. (540) 587-9377 Bedford Social Club 124 S. Bridge St. (540) 586-9454

Clam Diggers Seafood Restaurant 109 S. Bridge St. (540) 587-6727 IvyBridge Café 104 N. Bridge St. (540) 587-8780

Artisan Cafe 207 E. Depot St. (540) 587-8878 Duchess of Bedford Bakery and Café 405 Crenshaw St. (540) 587-8777

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photos by Todd Bennett

Health & Wellness

The Picture of Health Bedford-area hospitals offer convenient care close to home Bedford residents can rest easy knowing they have convenient access to several top-rated medical centers in Bedford, Roanoke and Lynchburg. Two of the region’s leading health-care organizations – Centra Health and Carilion Clinic – operate facilities nearby, providing even more top-notch choices.

Bedford Memorial Hospital Bedford Memorial Hospital is a 50-bed facility that also has 111 long-term-care and skilled beds in its Oakwood Health and Rehabilitation Center. The hospital, on Oakwood Street in Bedford, is an accredited pain center and offers surgical care, emergency services and a wide range of outpatient services.

Bedford Memorial is jointly owned and operated by Carilion Clinic and Centra – two of the region’s foremost health-care organizations.

If needed, emergency transport to larger medical centers in Lynchburg, Roanoke and Charlottesville is provided by rescue squad ambulances and medical helicopters.

“It’s a true treasure to have a

hospital like Bedford Memorial in our community,” says Anita Lowe, community health service advisor for Bedford Memorial Hospital.

“We offer high-quality care with a special touch, and we’re in a convenient location for residents.”

Lynchburg Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital is a 317-licensed-bed facility in Lynchburg, about 30 minutes east of Bedford. This top-quality facility is a regional hospital for cancer care, women’s and children’s care, mental health and chemical dependency treatment, outpatient surgery, physical rehabilitation and home health. Also in Lynchburg is Centra Lynchburg General Hospital, a 270-bed emergency and criticalcare center specializing in cardiology, emergency medicine,

orthopedics, oncology, neurology and neurosurgery. Lynchburg General is recognized nationally for its nursing, oncology, cardiac and neurosciences programs.

Roanoke With 731 beds and an additional 60-bed neonatal intensive care unit, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke is one of the largest hospitals in the state.

Located about an hour’s drive west of Bedford, the CRMH facility also includes a Level I trauma center and the Carilion Clinic Children’s Hospital, complete with a pediatric emergency room. Also available is Carilion Roanoke Community Hospital, which includes an urgent care center and some outpatient services.

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visit our

advertisers Photos by Vickey Duncan

©

Bedford County www.bedfordcountyva.gov Bedford County Public Schools www.bedford.k12.va.us Bedford Memorial Hospital www.bmhva.com Bedford Ready Mix www.lynchburgreadymix.com

Please plan to come visit Olde Liberty Station.

While the station house has a rich and colorful background, its present-day use as a full-service restaurant showcases the history of the building and of the Bedford, Virginia area. Our menu of delicious American fare, created with the best ingredients available, will satisfy the appetite of travelers and locals alike.

Best of all, our guests can complete their meal with a slice of Harry’s Famous Cheesecake – in any of our tempting flavors that will leave you wanting more!

515 Bedford Ave. • Bedford, VA 24523 • (540) 587-9377 www.oldelibertystation.com

Carilion Clinic www.carilionclinic.org Centra Health www.centrahealth.com Central Virginia Federal Credit Union www.cvfcu.com Century 21 All Service www.c21all-service.com Claytor Nature Study Center www.lynchburg.edu/claytor Coleman Adams www.coleman-adams.com First Bank and Trust www.firstbank.com H&R Block – Toni Orange CPA Olde Liberty Station www.oldelibertystation.com Piedmont Eye Center www.piedmonteye.com The Summit www.summitlynchburg.com

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Sports & Recreation

Busy Bodies recreation in bedford provides something for everyone Bedford has family fun for all ages, from outdoor adventures such as hiking the Appalachian Trail to ice skating to hitting the links at the lakeside golf courses in the area. Agri-tourism activities and an old-fashioned drive-in theater add to the fun.

Appalachian Trail Bedford is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, giving residents plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. The famous Appalachian Trail runs right by Bedford, through the nearby Washington-Jefferson National Forest. Sights along the trail include a wide variety of wildflowers and wildlife, along with gorgeous scenery. While the Appalachian Trail is the most popular, those looking to hike or walk trailways have many other options in Bedford. Falling Creek Trails offer more than 8 miles of hiking and biking trails - along with a park featuring a disc golf course, shuffleboard and

playgrounds. The Montvale Trails offer nearly 7 miles of entirely wooded biking and hiking singletrack trails.

Blue Ridge Parkway and Smith Mountain Lake If you’d rather enjoy the beautiful scenery from the comfort of your car, the famous Blue Ridge Parkway also runs through Bedford. While making the scenic tour, drivers can stop by the Peaks of Otter Lodge to take a break or stay for a weekend amidst the gorgeous scenery.

Virginia’s most popular lake, Smith Mountain Lake, is also located in Bedford. Named the

Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the lake features 500 miles of shoreline, and serves as a great place for all sorts of water recreation. Powerboating, canoeing, sailing, swimming, water skiing, parasailing, fishing, wakeboarding and jetskiing are all popular activities on Smith Mountain Lake. The surrounding land is home to many activities, such as camping, hunting, picnicking, and shopping.

lakeside Golf Courses Golfers also flock to the area for the great lakeside golfing from three fun and challenging courses – Mariners Landing, Sycamore Ridge and The Westlake. Other golf options in the area include the Boonsboro Country Club and Colonial Hills and Ivy Hill golf clubs.

Family Activities Families have many activities they can share in Bedford, including Gross’ Orchard Apple Valley, where visitors can pick their own mountain-grown apples and peaches. More high-energy activity can be had at Lynchburg’s LaHaye Ice Center, which offers rinks for open skating along with rentals for parties and lessons for kids for hockey, ice skating and more. For a relaxing evening, the Mayberry Drive-In Theatre & Diner is a great location to watch movies in the oldfashioned way, from the comfort of your car.

– Carson O’Shoney

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

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community profile SNAPSHOT Bedford abounds with natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, offering residents and visitors a pleasant environment in which to live, work and play.

UTILITIES

Median Household Income $34,964

Electricity Appalchian Power, (800) 956-4237

Average Household Income $42,487

CLIMATE Average Maximum January Temp, 44.2

Per Capita Income $18,982

Southside Electric Cooperative, (800) 552-2118 City of Bedford, (540) 587-6047

Median Disposable Income $30,968

Natural Gas Columbia Gas of Virginia, (800) 440-6111

Average Maximum July Temp, 86.2

NEWSPAPERS

Telecommunications Shentel, (800) Shentel

Average Minimum July Temp, 65.1

Bedford Bulletin, weekly 402 E. Main St. Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 586-8612 www.bedfordbulletin.com

Average Minimum January Temp, 24.9

Annual Precipitation, 44.8

EDUCATION The Bedford County Public School System provides education to children in grades K-12. Special programs for academically gifted and handicapped students are available. Other programs include: career and technical education at the Bedford Center for Science and Technology; participation in the district’s Governor’s Math, Science, and Technology schools; advanced placement courses; and dual enrollment courses.

Bedford County Public Schools 310 S. Bridge St. Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 586-1045 www.bedford.k12.va.us

real estate Median Home Sale Price $132,000

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income

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Smith Mountain Eagle, weekly 1650 Scruggs Rd. Wirtz, VA 24184 (540) 719-5100 www.smithmountaineagle.com Vinton Messenger, weekly 1633 W. Main St. Salem, VA 24153 (540) 473-2741 www.ourvalley.org Roanoke Times, daily 201 W. Campbell Ave. P.O. Box 2491 Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491 (800) 346-1234, (540) 981 3211 www.roanoke.com Lynchburg News & Advance, daily 101 Wyndale Dr. Lynchburg, VA 24501 (800) 275-8830, (434) 385-5440 www2.newsadvance.com

Cox Communications, (888) 360-7075 Bax Online, (540) 555-5555 Verizon-Virginia, (800) 837-4966 Comcast, (888) 266-2278 Water Bedford County Public Service Authority, (540) 586-7679 Montvale Water Co., (540) 947-0261 City of Bedford, (540) 587-6012

MEDICAL FACILITIES Bedford Memorial Hospital 1613 Oakwood St. Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 586-2441 www.bmhva.com Carilion Clinic 1906 Belleview Ave. Roanoke, VA 24014 (800) 422-8482 www.carilionclinic.org Centra Health Centra has many facilities throughout central Virginia.

(877) 635-4651, www.centrahealth.com

Ad Index

C4 Bedford County

29 Bedford County Public Schools

32 Bedford Memorial Hospital

C3 Bedford Ready Mix

20 Claytor Nature Study Center

10 Coleman Adams

19 First Bank and Trust

C3 H&R Block – Toni Orange CPA

19 Carilion Clinic

34 Olde Liberty Station

C2 Centra Health

32 Piedmont Eye Center

10 Central Virginia Federal Credit Union

27 The Summit

1 Century 21 All Service

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More Than 60 Years of Continuous Service to Central Virginia Left:

National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA

BEDFORD READY MIX CONCRETE CO. INC. (540) 586-8380 www.lynchburgreadymix.com LYNCHBURG (434) 846-6563

AMHERST (434) 946-5562

APPOMATTOX (434) 352-2829

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