This Picturesque Virginia Mountain Town Is Loaded With History And Charm
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Beth
Author
Tucked away in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains awaits a small town with loads of history and charm. Bedford, Virginia makes the perfect destination any time of year. With spring in the air, now’s the perfect time to take advantage of all that this colorful town has to offer. Whether it’s a hike in the mountains, a thoughtful commemoration of D-Day, a guided tour through a historic attraction, or a visit to one of many impressive restaurants, you’ll find your visit to be enriching on every level. Here’s more on how you can get the most out of a trip to Virginia’s most picturesque mountain town.
The Bedford Area Welcome Center is the perfect resource for learning about all that the town and surrounding area has to offer. This 10,700 square foot building houses all sorts of exhibits and guides for making the most of your visit. And don't forget to check out the LOVE sign!
No trip to Bedford is complete without a visit to the mountains. Whether you're hiking to a high elevation or simply admiring the view with a picnic, you don't want to pass up on a chance to experience the great outdoors. One of the most iconic trails in the area is Sharp Top Mountain, a challenging but rewarding hike at the Peaks of Otter. Can you imagine a more exquisite view?
Bedford, Virginia lost more soldiers per capita than anywhere else in the Nation on June 6th, 1944. For this reason, Bedford was selected as the location for a permanent memorial. The site honors the Allied forces and all that was sacrificed in their pursuit of freedom. The Memorial includes an English Garden, invasion tableau, and a moving Victory Plaza. The Memorial is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and admission includes a guided walking tour. Hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe have visited this Memorial, and you'll find that it's an experience that's hard to forget.
It's difficult to imagine a more moving commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day than the one scheduled at the National Memorial in Bedford. Events will take place from Wednesday, June 5th to Sunday, June 9th. In honor of the Anniversary, there will be a WWII Aerial Tribute, field chapel service, veterans parade, and an outdoor service. The 75th Anniversary of D-Day will be the most significant commemoration since the Memorial opened in 2001. For more information about the 75th D-Day Anniversary in Bedford, you can click here.
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Downtown Bedford is home to an impressive collection of restaurants, shops, and more. Every September, the town hosts Centerfest, a street festival featuring vendors, food, music, local artisans, and more!
Most people have visited -- or at least heard of -- Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's famed home in Charlottesville. Fewer people have discovered Poplar Forest, which was Jefferson's place of rest and retreat. Exploring the grounds, you too will feel calmed by the landscape and fascinating architecture. Poplar Forest is located at 1542 Bateman Bridge Rd, Forest, VA 24551.
The Olde Liberty Station is a former train station that has been transformed into a local eatery in downtown Bedford. After a day of exploring the area, you'll love sitting down to a delicious meal in an unforgettable setting. From fried catfish to corn pudding, this spot has all of the southern classics. Be sure to save room for a slice of Harry's Famous Cheesecake! The Olde Liberty Station is located at 515 Bedford Ave.
If you're in the Bedford area, a trip to Smith Mountain Lake is a must. There are over 500 miles of shoreline to experience, and visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, kayaking, and even camping near the lake.
No matter your reason for visiting Bedford, you’ll find it’s the perfect destination for a meaningful trip. Have you visited this region in Virginia recently? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! For more information on Bedford, you can follow along on Facebook or visit the official tourism website by clicking here.