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Welcome to Bedford

Yes, the famed 19th century Beale Treasure is buried in the mountains of Bedford, Virginia. But here you also will find the gold that spills from the sunsets over Smith Mountain Lake, the glory of the Peaks of Otter at dawn, and the solitude of hikes along the Appalachian Trail. Bedford is a harvest festival, the world-famous National D-Day Memorial, fine wines, glorious apples, rugged trails and breath taking overlooks. Bedford is a treasure trove of experiences.

"Staycations" in Bedford

Are you a local or nearby resident who is concerned about spending a fortune on gasoline to drive a long distance for your next vacation? Think about exploring places in "your own backyard." Here are a few suggestions!

History Lovers Escape
For over 200 years, Bedford has been home to American heroes. While president, Thomas Jefferson chose Bedford as the place to build his personal retreat, Poplar Forest, a remarkable architectural gem that he designed and built. The following century, The Bedford Boys would achieve immortality at D-Day when Bedford suffered the largest per capita losses of any community in the United States. Their sacrifices and those of the thousands of other soldiers is eloquently memorialized at The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Historic Centertown, a National Historic District, features Antique and specialty shops, art galleries, cafes and restaurants in historic buildings. The Bedford City/County Museum, housed in a former Mason Lodge built in 1895, has fascinating displays including exhibits that The Washington Post called the most comprehensive in the state dealing with Virginia Indians.

Bedford Wine Trail
Explore the five remarkable wineries of the Bedford Wine Trail: Hickory Hill, Peaks of Otter, Savoy-Lee, LeoGrande and White Rock. Each winery offers wine tasting in unique settings from the shadows of the legendary "Peaks of Otter" along the Blue Ridge Parkway to the shores of Smith Mountain Lake. Get your Bedford Wine Trail brochure stamped at each winery and bring to the Bedford Welcome Center for a complimentary Bedford Wine Glass! Special activities and programs take place monthly at each winery. www.BedfordWineTrail.com.

Lake Adventure
Spend a day at Smith Mountain Lake! Take a cruise on the "Virginia Dare" and go swimming, boating and/or fishing at Smith Mountain Lake State Park - called one of the best state parks in Virginia! In addition to a full range of water related activities, the park offers miles of hiking trails, cabins, camping and areas for picnicking. Nearby is the Booker T. Washington National Monument which includes the farmstead where Washington was born as a slave. Many festivals and special events take place at the National Monument and at the Lake annually such as the fireworks display on the 4th of July which benefits the local volunteer fire department.

Day Trips

Bedford Wine Trail

Bedford Wine Trail Bedford is home to five wineries with others expected to open within the next several years. Mild winter temperatures, warm summers, fertile soil and the protection of the Blue Ridge Mountains make this Piedmont plateau an exceptional location for excellent grape and fruit harvests used in the production of quality wines. [ Read More ]

National D-Day Memorial

Bedford Wine Trail Without question, this is one of the most awe-inspiring memorials ever created. A centerpiece of the 88 acre site is the massive Overlord arch rising above Victory Plaza. It's massive arch stand high on a hill overlooking the City of Bedford. [ Read More ]

Hunter's Raid

On May 26, 1864, Union Gen. David Hunter marched south from Cedar Creek near Winchester to drive out Confederate forces, lay waste to the Shenandoah Valley, and destroy the railroads at Lynchburg.

With the help of Virginia Civil War Trails markers and this driving map you can travel along the route of Hunter's Raid and visit many of sites associated with that 1864 raid, as well as other Civil War places of interest. The route also features some of the most beautiful landscapes and vistas to found in the Commonwealth of Virginia . [ Read More ]

Poplar Forest

Bedford Wine Trail This historic house and beautiful plantation was President Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat. Today visitors can explore the octagonal house and experience the private side of this great man. [ Read More ]

Upcoming Events

Apr 13 - Dec 14 - 2nd Fridays in Centertown Bedford - Come out and spend the evening in Bedford every 2nd Friday of the month from April through December. Over 30 local merchants and eateries staying open until 8pm or later for your shopping, dining, and exploring pleasure. - Centertown Bedford - 540-586-2148 - www.centertownbedford.com
May 11 - Jun 30 - Common Ground Photography Exhibit at Goose Creek Studio - Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-2pm - Goose Creek Studio will open an exhibit of work by Bedford photographer Brigitte Petersen on May 11, 5-8pm during 2nd Friday in Centertown. The exhibit, titled “Common Ground,” will be on view through the end of June. Of her work, Petersen says, “What I work towards is that patch of common ground where someone can look at my work, and recognize a memory or emotion that may have left similar footprints in their heart and soul. “ - Goose Creek Studio, 302 Court Street, Bedford - 540-586-8482 - www.goosecreekstudio.com
May 11 - May 20 - Little Town Players presents The Nerd - Play dates: May 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 Tickets $12.00 adults, $10.00 children (12 & under). Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.lynchburgtickets.com - Elks National Home, 931 Ashland Avenue, Bedford - 540-586-5881 - www.littletownplayers.com
May 19 - 7th Annual BBQ at Sedalia - Noon to 4:00pm - Two very lively and satisfying local delights will come together at the Sedalia Center’s 7th Annual BBQ Cookoff on Saturday, May 19th. Barbecue needs no introduction in central Virginia. At the Sedalia cookoff, local and regional teams will dish up their renditions of the great southern tradition of seasoned, slow-cooked pulled pork. The other delight on the menu is music by The Sam Austin Band, managed and led by Bedford native Mr. Sam Austin. The dance floor will be dusted off and ready, and the band will play in Sedalia’s covered pavilion. - Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - 434-299-6463 - www.sedaliacenter.org
May 26 - Annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival - Dr. John Bower will be sponsoring his fourth annual Louisiana Crawfish Festival at the Bower Center and adjoining Wharton Garden. Last year we had piles of steamed crawfish, crawfish etouffee, gumbo, red beans and rice. We met our friends, the garden was beautiful and the beer cold. Well, this year it is going to be even bigger and better. Get ready for the party of the year in Bedford. Tickets $25.00 in advancemay be purchased at www.lynchburgtickets.com or the Bower Center. $30.00 at the door. Beer and Wine for sale with ID. - Bower Center for the Arts, Wharton Memorial Garden, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford - 540-586-4235 - www.bowercenter.org

These events and more can be found in our event calendar.

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Bedford Virginia