The 12 Best Things To Do In Bedford, Virginia

There’s a lot to love about Bedford, Virginia, including a national war memorial, a sublime state park, classic vintage shopping, world-renowned disc golf, and nearly a dozen wineries and breweries with outdoor patios that let you sip the day away. That’s not to mention the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway and the bucket list-worthy trifecta of mountains called the Peaks of Otter, each of which lead to scenic summits for far-reaching panoramas. Here are the 12 best things to do in Bedford, Virginia. 

Get to Know Bedford’s History 

National D-Day Memorial Foundation.

Courtesy National D-Day Memorial Foundation

Visit a National Memorial

Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial is a poignant dedication to the valor and sacrifices of Allied forces on D-Day in 1944. The memorial features life-like sculptures, a reflecting pool, and a dramatic central arch. Across the manicured grounds are educational plaques and displays that convey the history of this pivotal invasion during World War II. Many visitors wonder: Why is Bedford home to this memorial? It’s because this diminutive town, which today has fewer than 7,000 residents, suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the United States. 

dday.org, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA 24523

Pay Tribute to Bedford’s Local Soldiers 

The Bedford Boys Tribute Center is a heartfelt love letter to the local soldiers who served and sacrificed their lives on D-Day. Handwritten letters, original photographs, and newspaper clippings tell the stories of each of the 19 local soldiers who died on June 6, 1944. The center is located within historic Green’s Drugstore, a watering hole frequented by these teenage men before they headed off to fight for freedom in World War II.  

bbtcva.org, 102 N Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523

Visit a Former U.S. President’s Retreat Home

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is the octagonal-shaped personal retreat home of our third president. This historic home showcases Jefferson’s eye for inventive design, featuring gigantic picture windows and dramatic skylights. Take a docent-led or self-guided tour of the home, then explore exhibits on the archaeology, restoration, and enslaved community that once lived and worked at Poplar Forest. Outside, stroll the walking trails on the Poplar Forest Parkway for a look at the historic landscape and one-time plantation grounds. 

poplarforest.org, 1776 Poplar Forest Parkway, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Where to Eat and Drink

Otter Winery.

Erin Gifford

Sample Local Wines and Craft Beers

Bedford County is home to the up-to-date Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail, which features 11 stops for local wineries, breweries, and cideries, as well as a meadery. These stops boast fabulous flights, outdoor patios, world-class sunsets, and serene mountain views, even amiable farm animals at Peaks of Otter Winery. At Apocalypse Ale Works, bring a few discs to practice your game with the disc golf baskets outside at this vivid brewery. 

Seek Out Beers, BBQ, and Buried Treasure 

Beale’s is known for award-winning craft beer, a pet-friendly outdoor beer garden, and buried treasure. This downtown brewery was named for adventurer Thomas J. Beale who’s said to have discovered gold and silver in 1818 with a rugged band of explorers, then buried this bounty in Bedford’s mountains. Worth as much as $65 million, Thomas Beale’s treasure has yet to be found, though you can stop in Beale’s on Grove Street for a house-made ale and a plate of brisket nachos. 

bealesbeer.com, 510 Grove Street, Bedford, VA 24523

Dive into a Slice of Cheesecake 

A must-visit restaurant in historic downtown Bedford, Liberty Station is situated within a beautifully restored train station that dates to 1857. Today, this restaurant wins over patrons with American-style comfort fare, like burgers, steaks, and sweet potato casserole. However, Liberty Station may be best known for its wildly delicious, award-winning cheesecake. Visitors travel from near and far for specialty cheesecake flavors like blueberry, chocolate marble, amaretto, and raspberry white chocolate.

oldelibertystation.com, 515 Bedford Avenue, Bedford, VA 24523

Outdoor Activities

Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Erin Gifford

Get in a Round of Disc Golf

Bedford County is home to five public disc golf courses, including Montvale Park and Falling Creek Park. The latter boasts a scenic 18-hole course with diverse terrain, wooded forest, and open fields that make the course fun and challenging for all levels. One of the newest courses, New London Tech Disc Golf Course, opened in 2021 and was designed by champion disc golfer, Paul McBeth. The Pitch & Putt is a compact nine-hole course that’s well-suited for novice players. 

Hike the Peaks of Otter 

The Peaks of Otter are a trifecta of mountains in Bedford County that includes Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill. These three peaks along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway sit adjacent to the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center and Peaks of Otter Lodge. Sharp Top, in particular, is popular among sunrise-seekers thanks to 360-degree views from the summit. At the base of Sharp Top is 24-acre Abbott Lake, which is encircled by a one-mile paved walking path. 

Get on the Water at Smith Mountain Lake

With more than 500 miles of shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is the second largest lake in Virginia. In heated weather months, it’s a go-to destination for water sports, like wake boarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. It’s also popular for houseboat and pontoon boat rentals. Smith Mountain Lake is the centerpiece of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, which boasts peaceful coves and waterways, as well as more than a dozen scenic hiking trails and a swimming beach.  

dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/smith-mountain-lake, 1235 Road 888, Huddleston, VA 24101

Take a Drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway 

The famed Blue Ridge Parkway winds for 469 miles from Rockfish Gap, Virgina to Cherokee, North Carolina. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints and pull-offs as well as 13 visitor centers on the Blue Ridge Parkway, including the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at milepost 85.6 in Bedford. This visitor center has restrooms and maps. Just behind the visitor center is an outdoor amphitheater and trailheads for the Harkening Hill Trail and Elk Run Loop. 

Where To Shop

Dirt Road Treasures.

Courtesy Destination Bedford

Go Vintage Shopping

Bedford is known for its eclectic collection of vintage boutiques that are a delight for both enthusiastic thrifters and casual shoppers. Charming shops, including Bell Treasures, Dirt Road Treasures, and A Little Bit of Everything, wow with unique finds that range from nostalgic collectibles to retro clothing and shoes to classic home décor. Bedford is also known for its conventional old-fashioned shops, like Peddler Antiques. 

Shop for Local Wares 

Bedford is home to more than a few shops selling wares created by local artisans, such as jewelry, pottery, leather works, and mosaics, even decoy ducks. Stop in Emerson Creek Pottery, which hosts markets that feature local craftspeople from across Central Virginia. At Goose Creek Studio, ongoing exhibits feature handmade crafts and artworks for sale from local and regional artists and artisans. You’ll even find local goods and crafts for sale at the Bedford Area Welcome Center.