3 minute read
Bedford
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! Readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors named Bedford the Top Small Adventure Town for 2020!
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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 local wineries, apple and peach orchards, local artisan studios, as well as 25+ trails for hiking, biking, wildlife, and horseback riding. In 2021, the area’s fifth disc golf course will open, bringing the total to 90+ holes of disc golf, in addition to the more than 30 miles of mountain bike trails.
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. It was dedicated on June 6, 2001 by President George W. Bush, and will commemorate its 20th anniversary this year. The Memorial is an outdoor facility and open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.dday.org. After your tour, be sure to drive the short distance to historic downtown Bedford and visit the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. This museum opened in 2019 and features items from the personal collections of the Bedford Boys, who went in on D-Day, June 6, 1944.
Historic downtown Bedford also 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. Beale’s, a craft brewery and full-service restaurant, is also located downtown and features indoor/outdoor seating, and special limited beer releases throughout the year.
Two hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson retired from public life and began to spend time at his private retreat, Poplar Forest,
“Sharp Top” at the Peaks of Otter in Bedford
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 Founding Father. Guided tours are available, and advance tickets are required. Please visit www.poplarforest.org for more information.
You will need more than a day to experience it all! Check out the many different lodging options that Bedford has to offer by visiting www.destinationbedfordva.com and clicking Accommodations.
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 and request for information to be mailed or emailed prior to your visit. The Welcome Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (closed some holidays) and offers free Wi-Fi, a gift shop, firefighter exhibit, RV parking, picnic tables, electric car charging station, and information about exploring the area. Be sure to snap a photo with our LOVE sign for a photo souvenir of your trip! Share your experiences in Bedford on social media using #LOVEBedfordVA!
Photo by BedCo Photo
By Nicole Johnson
Bedford has left its mark on American and world history. From a band of brothers to a founding father.
National D-Day Memorial
———— ere Ordinary Ends... ———— Bedford Begins.
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
