Bedford, VA

Where Ordinary Ends… Bedford Begins! From the magnificent Peaks of Otter along the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the quaint streets of historic downtown, to the shores of Smith Mountain Lake - Bedford offers outdoor adventure and historical treasures, making it the perfect destination for a weekend getaway or your next vacation destination. In 2019, Smithsonian Magazine named it one of the “15 Best Small Towns to Visit!” Perhaps most notably, Bedford is home to the National D-Day Memorial, a deeply moving tribute to the American and Allied forces that fought in the largest amphibious invasion of all time. The Memorial overlooks the community that suffered the greatest loss per capita of any in the United States. The Memorial creates a solemn atmosphere for veterans and visitors alike to gain insight and learn more about the events that shaped history. The Memorial holds numerous events throughout the year, including veteran recognition ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, a 5K on Armed Forces Day in May, outdoor concerts, and more. On May 9th, there will be a special V-E Day Parade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the allied victory in Europe. The parade will honor World War II veterans and include military vehicles, antique cars, marching bands, living historians, and more! Following the parade, the Memorial will host WWII veterans for a Meet & Greet, and the parade vehicles will be on display along with living history encampments. For more information, visit www.dday.org. Historic downtown Bedford offers a variety of art galleries, shops, antiques, and restaurants that are within easy walking distance from each other in a charming atmosphere of 19th Century buildings. The Bedford Museum, located beside the County Courthouse, showcases Bedford’s rich history. In 2017, Bedford welcomed its first brewery, Beale’s, which features a full-service restaurant, indoor/outdoor seating, and special limited beer releases throughout the year. The Bedford Boys Tribute Center, located in the center of town, should not be missed! Two-hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson retired from public life and began to spend time at his private retreat, Poplar Forest,

located in the eastern part of Bedford County. Named as one of Virginia’s top 10 attractions by readers of USA Today, Poplar Forest was built in a grove of poplar trees, and the octagonal house offers great insight into the private side of this extraordinary Founding Father. Guided tours are available, and special events are held throughout the year. Please visit www.poplarforest.org for more information. Bedford County has more mileage along the Blue Ridge Parkway than any county in Virginia. With multiple exits from the Parkway into Bedford, it is easy to explore the Bedford Wine Trail, apple and peach orchards, local artisan studios, as well as 25+ trails for hiking, biking, wildlife, and horseback riding. You will need more than a day to experience it all, so be sure to check out the many different lodging options that Bedford has to offer. Start your visit at the Bedford Area Welcome Center. From the Shenandoah Valley, take exit 150A from I-81 to Route 460 east. The Welcome Center is located at 816 Burks Hill Road (Rt. 460 at Rt. 122). You can also call 540-587-5681 or go to www.destinationbedfordva.com. The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed some holidays) and offers free coffee and Wi-Fi, restrooms, a gift shop, firefighter exhibit, RV parking, picnic tables, electric car charging station, and information about exploring the area. Visitors can also purchase tickets to the National D-Day Memorial inside the Welcome Center, and take a photo with the LOVE sign!

By Nicole Johnson