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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.
© 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.
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. [ 
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. [ 
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.
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. [ 