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Smith Mountain Lake

Water sports have never known such a home. Nestled in the protective embrace of the mountains, this picturesque lake offers over 20,000 acres of playground for boaters, fishermen, swimmers, skiers, sailors, and water enthusiasts of all ages. The rolling shores are a haven for wildlife and are home to hiking, horseback riding trails, tennis and some of the most beautiful golf courses and resorts in the state.

Visit Smith Mountain Lake State Park, where a boat ramp and beach offer access to one of the Commonwealth's most beautiful bodies of water. The boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trails and restroom facilities are open year round. Campsites and cabins are available. The park is open for day use from 8:00 a.m. to dusk daily. Interior gates to the hiking trails and picnic area close at dusk daily. Pets are permitted but must be kept in an enclosed area or on a leash. A fee is charged per pet/night for overnight guests. Smith Mountain Lake State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA 24104, 540-297-6066. For reservations or more information on any of Virginia State Parks, call 1-800-933-PARK or visit www.dcr.state.va.us.

The Booker T. Washington National Monument
This monument honors the life and legacy of African-American leader Booker T. Washington. Born into slavery on this restored Burroughs tobacco farm in 1856, Washington 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. The park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission to the park is free. The Monument is located at 12130 Booker T. Washington Highway (Virginia 122), approximately 32 miles from Bedford and is a part of the National Park Service. 540-721-2094 E-mail connie_mays@nps.gov or www.nps.gov/bowa for more information.

For additional information on properties, businesses, vacation rentals, dining and shopping opportunities at the Lake, contact the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber and Visitor Center located at Bridgewater Plaza, Highway 122 just west of the Hale's Ford Bridge, 540-721-1203, visit www.visitsmithmountainlake.com.

Visit www.discoversml.com for a fun, entertaining and informative way to get to know what Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia has to offer.

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Bedford County Website | Bedford City Website | Centertown Bedford
© 2007 Bedford Tourism and Welcome Center
816 Burks Hill Road | Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: 540-587-5681 | 1-877-447-3257 | Fax: 540-587-5983

Photos used on the website are courtesy of Lynn Kirby, Stimulus Advertising,
Don Hall Photography, and Gar Brandt Photography. All Rights Reserved.

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Upcoming Events

  • Jan 11 - Dec 13- 2nd Fridays in Centertown Bedford - Come out and spend the evening in Bedford every 2nd Friday of the month from January 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 25 - Annual Louisiana Crawfish Boil - 5:00pm - Mark your calendar for Wharton Memorial’s Fifth Annual Crawfish Boil generously sponsored on by Dr. John Bower and Edna Curry. Join us for live Zydeco music and the party of the year in Bedford! Just as last year the band, Zydeco Crazy, not only gives us great sound, but instructs in Cajun dancing as well. Once again we will have tons of crawfish to be steamed, mounds of mouthwatering gumbo, delicious red beans and rice and my "all-time favorite" -- crawfish etouffee for our delight. Beer and wine can be purchased as well as sodas and water. Folks are coming from as far away as Tennessee just to join Bedford in this celebration. - Bower Center for the Arts, 305 North Bridge Street, Bedford - 540-586-4235 - www.bowercenter.org

  • May 27 - Remembering Their Sacrifice - 11:00am - The Memorial commemorates Memorial Day with a special ceremony to officially recognize the men and women who have sacrificed for our freedoms. A number of plaques will be dedicated to commemorate various elements of D-Day. The program begins at 11am. Admission is free until noon. Guests are asked to bring their own chair. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-586-3329 - www.dday.org

  • May 27 - Jun 8 - Restoration/Preservation Field School - Visit http://www.poplarforest.org/programs/restoration-field-school for more information. The Field School will run from May 27- June 8, 2013. - Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest - 434-525-1806 - www.poplarforest.org

  • Jun 6 - 69th Anniversary of D-Day - 11:00am - Spend the 69th anniversary of D-Day at the National D-Day Memorial where valor, fidelity, and sacrifice are honored throughout the year. Pay tribute to those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Normandy 69 years ago and honor those veterans who lived to fight another day. There will be a ceremony at the National D-Day Memorial including special music and speakers. Tours will be provided throughout the day. Admission is free until noon. - National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford - 540-586-3329 - www.dday.org

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    © 2007 Bedford Tourism and Welcome Center
    816 Burks Hill Road | Bedford, VA 24523
    Phone: 540-587-5681 | 1-877-447-3257 | Fax: 540-587-5983

    Photos used on the website are courtesy of Lynn Kirby, AxisCreativeNet,
    Don Hall Photography, and Gar Brandt Photography. All Rights Reserved.

  • Virginia is for lovers

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

 

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