What To Do
Top Attractions
Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail is accessible all along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Bedford, access the trail at Milepost 80.5 Floyd Field, 90.9 Bearwallow Gap or Milepost 92.5 Sharp Top Overlook.
Bedford City/County Museum
201 East Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4520
Web: www.bedfordvamuseum.org
Email: bccm-info@bedfordvamuseum.com
Collections that tell Bedford's story from its earliest Native American residents through the last half of the 20th century. Popular exhibits include the Company A of the 116th Infantry, a Native American and African American exhibits. Genealogical records and other materials for research about Bedford and Virginia are here. Inquire about our research assistance for genealogists outside the Bedford area. The Museum is open 10-5 Monday-Saturday.
Bedford Main Street - Historic Centertown Bedford
101 North Bridge Street, Suite 3
P. O. Box 405
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2148
540-586-5775 - Fax
www.centertownbedford.com
Visit the heart of Bedford with shops featuring antiques, art, jewelry, gifts, collectibles, and more! Restaurants offering American and international cuisine are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Explore the National Historic District while staying at one of several Bed & Breakfasts. Points of interest include the Bedford City/County Museum, Historic Avenue, Farmers Market, Historic Meeting House, and the Wharton House and Gardens. Walking Tour and Visitors Guide available.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Parkway offers 460 miles of picturesque travel across Virginia and North Carolina. Ranging in elevations from 600 to 6,000 feet, the road encompasses a variety of ever changing weather conditions, regardless of the season. The Parkway was designed as a scenic leisure road for motor vehicles so bikers should use caution and be prepared for significant distances between developed areas and services that may vary by season. Parkway maps are available at the Bedford Welcome Center the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center or visit www.nps.gov/blri.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101
540-721-2094
www.nps.gov/bowa
This monument honors the life and legacy of African-American Leader, Booker T. Washington. Born into slavery on this tobacco plantation 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.
Emerson Creek Pottery
1068 Pottery Lane, Bedford
540-297-7884
www.emersoncreekpottery.com
Hand painting distinctive patterns have gained Emerson Creek Pottery a unique reputation among discriminating customers. No two hand painted pieces are alike. The factory outlet is located in a historic log cabin built in 1825 by
blacksmith Silas Wade. Enjoy the beautiful country setting, listen to a wide variety of birds or have lunch on one of the picnic tables under the maple trees.
Explore Park
Explore Park features 12 miles of well-maintained mountain bike trails. Bike trail maps are available in
the Arthur Taubman Welcome Center. Fee for non-members is $3. Members free. Explore Park rents all equipment needed for mountain
biking. Explore Park is located at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. 540-427-1800, toll-free 800-842-9163, www.explorepark.org.
Gross' Orchard Apple Valley
6817 Wheats Valley Road
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2436
Web: www.grossorchards.com
Gross' Orchard is a family owned and operated orchard which has been in business before the turn of the century. Our specialties are mountain grown peaches and apples. We are located at the foot of the beautiful Peaks of Otter. In the summer, June 20th - Sept. 15th, we have peaches for you to select from or a U-Pick program if you choose to enjoy. In the fall season we have a great selection of apples for you to choose from at our retail outlet at the edge of the orchard. Fall apples - beginning September 1st. Our peach and apple trees are well maintained for your picking.
We ship gift packs nationwide for you. Tours and Tour Buses Welcome! Call for appointment.
Hickory Hill Winery
1722 Hickory Cove Lane
Moneta, VA 24121
540-296-1393
Email: info@hickoryhillvineyards.com
Web: www.hickoryhillvineyards.com
Take a step back to a slower, simpler time by visiting us in our 1923 farmhouse winery. This family owned and operated winery, nestled in the hills at Smith Mountain Lake, offers visitors a quiet country setting and the chance to get away from it all. Bring a lunch, sip some wine, slow down and enjoy a day at our farm. Offering winery & vineyard tours, complimentary wine tastings and a scenic picnic area Thursday through Monday, 11 AM to 5 PM, mid-March through mid-December. Tuesdays & Wednesdays by appointment. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Holy Land USA
1060 Jericho Road
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2823
Located in the picturesque foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Holy Land USA is a 190 acre replica representation of the Bible Lands of Israel.
Open Monday thru Saturday closed Sunday
Johnson’s Orchards
This farm has 200-plus acres with over 7,000 apple trees of 200 different varieties. Several hundred peach, nectarine, and damson trees, as well as pumpkins in the fall, are also available. Facilities include modern restrooms, a log cabin, a pavilion for picnicking with a 15-foot Johnny Appleseed, a replica of an old store that houses a restored 1939 Chevrolet and 1971 Spitfire, and many trails in the orchard for walking.
2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-3707
Email: appleseed@earthlink.net
Web: www.JohnsonsOrchards.com
Layman Family Farm
615 Mt. View Church Road
Montvale, VA
Eric and Sharon Layman
540-966-3056
540-345-7866 - Fax
www.cornfieldmaze.com
Visit the country, get lost in a 10-acre corn maze and ride the hay wagon to the pumpkin patch.
LeHaye Ice Center
Rink Management Services Corp.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
Contact: Jannela Skees
434-592-3953
Web Site: www.lahayeicecenter.net
E-mail address: jclskees@liberty.edu
The LaHaye Ice Center is Virginia's most exciting new attraction, offering rink rental for birthday parties and other events. Home of the Liberty Flames Hockey Team, we offer lessons in hockey, skating, and much more! Call or visit the Ice Center for more information.
LeoGrande Vineyards and Winery
1343 Wingfield Drive
Goode, VA 24556
540-586-4066
Web: www.leograndewinery.com
This family owned and operated vineyard and winery is located in Goode, in the heart of Bedford County. Drop by and visit our tasting room and veranda which offers a spectacular view of the Peaks of Otter and out-of-this-world sunsets over the Blue Ridge Mountain. Wines include many Italian varieties. Enjoy the 400 acre farm with its Black Angus, horses, goats, chickens & pot-bellied pigs.
The National D-Day Memorial
P.O. Box 77
Bedford, VA 24523
800-351-DDAY, 540-586-DDAY
www.dday.org
www.ddayfriends.org
Located in the town suffering the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation, The National D-Day Memorial honors the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944. With its stylized English Garden, haunting invasion tableau, and striking Victory Plaza, the Memorial stands as a powerful permanent tribute to the valor, fidelity, and sacrifice of D-Day participants. The Memorial and gift shop are open from 10 AM - 5PM daily (some inclement weather closings possible). Parking fees apply, mobility assistance is available. Guided tours and school programs available.
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.
Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
P.O. Box 419
Forest, VA 24551
434-534-8118
www.poplarforest.org
This historic octagonal home and beautiful plantation was built by President Thomas Jefferson's as his personal retreat. It was a place he could escape with his family and find solitude and inspiration. When speaking of Poplar Forest and Bedford County, Jefferson quoted, "In point of soil, climate...and good neighborhood, I think it the finest part of Virginia. Poplar Forest now offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to see the restoration of the home's interior and wings as well as archaeology in progress. Open Wednesday - Monday (Currently closed on Tuesday), April through November, except Thanksgiving Day from 10 am - 4 pm. Hands-on activities available in the summer. Special events throughout the season, including Independence Day.
The Peaks of Otter
Rising out of the Blue Ridge Mountains, two prominent peaks stand out against
the sky giving Bedford one of the most beautiful backdrops in Virginia. In
addition to Harkening Hill, these peaks, known as Sharp Top and Flat Top,
were once home to Native Americans of 10,000 B.C. As a part of the
Blue Ridge Parkway, The Peaks of Otter (Milepost 86), offers
hiking trails, wildflower walks, group or individual picnic areas, fishing,
campgrounds and a beautiful lodge and restaurant facility open year-round.
Visitors can hike or take the guided bus tour to the peak of Sharp Top or
hike to the restored Johnson Farm and experience southern mountain life during
the 19th century. Contact the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at 540-586-4496
or 877-HI-PEAKS (toll-free) For the information on the Peaks of Otter Restaurant
and Lodge, call 800-542-5927 or 877-HI-PEAKS or visit www.peaksofotter.com.
Peaks of Otter Winery
2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-3707
Email: appleseed@earthlink.net
Web: www.PeaksOfOtterWinery.com
"Fruit of the Farms Wine" features Dry Apple, Sweet Apple, Crab Apple, Cherry, Berry, Pear, Peach, Nectarine, Plum, Apple Cinnamon and Apple Chili Pepper wines, plus other new and exciting wines. This winery makes over 30 different wines annually and is open April through December, noon to 5 pm, and August through October, 8 a.m. - 5 pm (the rest of the time by chance or appointment.) Taste samples of the fresh fruit that wines, jellies, jams, butters, and sweet ciders are made from. A pavilion offers picnic opportunities and a beautiful view. Take a self-guided farm tour, with a free map, and enjoy visiting farm animals.
Savoy-Lee Winery
5800 Johnson Mountain Road
Huddleston, VA 24104
540-297-9275
Email: info@savoy-lee.com
Web: www.savoy-lee.com
Convenient to both Bedford and Lynchburg in the beautiful Bedford County countryside, you’ll enjoy our rustic charm combined with continual progress in motion! Newly opening in September 2005, finishing work continues on the winery and landscaping as well as the demonstration vineyard adjacent to the winery.
Wine tasting includes our Bordeaux style 2004 Echo Forest Red and Cabernet Franc, plus white, red, and blush early release, from the 2005 line-up. Winemaking trivia is always included in each wine tasting!
White Rock Vineyards & Winery
2117 Bruno Drive
Goodview, VA 24095
540-890-3359
540-798-0323
www.whiterockwines.com
Family owned an operated vineyard and farm winery located in the Goodview area of Bedford County. Beautiful tasting rooms and veranda with spectacular views and breathtaking sunsets. Featured wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Moon Glow, Scarlet Sunrise and Chardonnay. Open Thursday through Monday from Noon until 6 pm.
William Foot Footbridge
Big Island, VA., beautiful footbridge for the Appalachian Trail across the James River linking Bedford and Amherst Counties.Access from James River/Snowden Boat Ramp on Rte 130, 3 miles north of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Park in the gravel lot on the river side and follow path under the railroad bridge.
© 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.
