ATTRACTIONS
Historic Homes & Buildings
Avenel (circa 1838)
413 Avenel Avenue • Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-1814
This historic building is the focal point of a 200 acre plantation that has served as the centerpiece in the social, cultural, and political life of Bedford for over 150 years. The unique and original architectural features of the house make it one of the region's treasures and it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. The house has played host to many distinguished visitors, including General Robert E. Lee and Edgar Allen Poe, and tours or functions are scheduled by appointment. mapBedford County Courthouse (circa 1930)
Located on Main Street
This Classical Revival building features an Ionic-order porch, Corinthian columns, and Flemish-bond brickwork. The massive triangular pediment has a unique design incorporating symbols of the local crops of corn and tobacco and the official crest of the fourth Duke of Bedford, John Russell. Encircling the grounds like silent sentinels stand monuments to veterans of the American Revolution, Civil War, and World War II. mapBedford Meeting House (circa 1838)
Located in Downtown Bedford
Built as the first meeting house for Methodist in Liberty, this Greek Revival house was meticulously restored by the Bedford Historical Society in 1970 and is listed on the National Register of Historic places, as well as the Virginia Landmarks Register. mapThomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
Located off Route 661
434-534-8118
Built as President Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat, this octagonal home and plantation exemplifies natural beauty. Interpretative tours, programs, and exhibits enable visitors to see restoration and archaeology in progress, while brochures are available which describe the site and the enslaved workers. more... map
Historic Sites & Monuments
Booker T. Washington National Monument
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway • Hardy, VA 24101
540-721-2094
This monument honors the life and legacy of African-American leader Booker T. Washington, who 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. more... mapJames River Restored Canal Lock (circa 1849)
Located at Milepost 63.6
540-586-4357
A major transportation artery through Virginia for centuries, this canal lock is part of the 19th century James River and Kanawha Canal System that was the main artery of trade between Richmond and the western valleys. The lock was restored in the mid-1960s and has been a favorite site of history lovers ever since. more... mapNational D-Day Memorial
P.O. Box 77 • Bedford, VA 24523
Interchange of Routes 460 Bypass and 122
540-586-DDAY, 800-351-DDAY
Bedford suffered the most D-Day losses per capita than any other United States town and this 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. more... map
Libraries & Research Centers
Bedford Public Central Library
321 North Bridge Street • Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-8911
Serving the Bedford community since 1900, this full service library offers a wide range of fiction, nonfiction, reference, and children's books, as well as programs designed for both adults and children. They also host the popular annual quilt show in July. more... map
Museums & Galleries
Bedford City/County Museum
201 East Main Street • Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4520
Housed in a building which was built in 1895 as a Masonic Temple and is the only example of Romanesque Revival architecture in Bedford, this impressive museum showcases Bedford's history from early native American life through the War Between the States and into the 20th century. A geneology library is also on site. more... mapSedalia Center, The
1108 Sedalia School Road • Bedford, VA 24526
Located in Big Island
434-299-5080
Known as "Central Virginia's Best Kept Secret," this center promotes the cultural arts and offers five annual cultural festivals, children and adult art related classes, and indoor musical coffeehouses. An engaging variety of musical concerts, gallery exhibitions, lecture series, and interactive creativity in classes and workshops is featured at this center. more... map
National Parks & Natural Wonders
Peaks of Otter
Located at Milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
540-587-4995
These twin mountain peaks rise to an elevation of 4, 200 feet, affording a unique opportunity to enjoy spectacular scenic vistas and sunrises. Interpretative programs, wildlife exhibits, walking trails, self guided wildflower walks, picnic areas, campground, restaurant, and lodge are available on site. map
Parks, Gardens & Zoos
Explore Park
Located at Milepost 115 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
540-427-1880
Nestled deep within the Ridge, this 1,100 acre park offers a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy such as 12 miles of well maintained mountain bike trails, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Visitors can also travel along specially designed footpaths in a hardwood forest to the historic areas which are complete with costumed interpreters. more... mapFantasyland Animal Park
3192 Dickerson Mill Road • Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-7465
Bring the entire family to enjoy seeing an array of animals, including miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, ostrich, rabbits, peafowl, Tennessee Fainting Goats, and deer, while at this zoo that also offers train ride tours, a picnic area, refreshments, and a gift shop. mapLiberty Lake Park
939 Burk's Hill Road • Bedford, VA 24523
540-587-6001
A beautiful, 60 acre park which has many features including three playgrounds, a stocked fishing lake, fishing docks, three ball fields, three lighted tennis courts, a state-of-the-art skateboard pod, fenced basketball courts, a rollerskating and walking loop, five picnic shelters, two concessions stands, vending machines, a racquetball court, and a nature trails facility. mapPoplar Park
Located on Grand Arbre Drive
540-586-9401
This one and a half acre park is home to the the national champion yellow poplar tree, which is the largest yellow poplar tree in the United States and the largest tree in Virginia. Listed on the National and Virginia Registers of Big Trees, the tree can be viewed at any time and the park features picnic tables and benches throughout. map
Tours & Cruises
Holy Land, USA
1060 Jericho Road • Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2823
The life, journeys, and deeds of Jesus Christ are depicted on a three mile journey trail through this 250 acre nature sanctuary which has been transformed into a replica of the Bible lands of in Israel, Syria, and Jordan. Both wagon tours and hiking tours are available. more... map
Vineyards, Wineries & Breweries
Hickory Hill Winery
1722 Hickory Cove Lane • Bedford, VA 24121
540-296-1393
This small, family operated winery is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east side of Smith Mountain Lake. The vineyard was once a cattle farm and the winery was once the homestead. The winery and tasting room are located in a 1923 farmhouse. more... mapPeaks of Otter Winery
2122 Sheep Creek Road • Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-3707
The winery produces over 25 different "Fruit of the Farm" wines, which tend to be a little sweet with a little bit of acid. The wines are an excellent choice to complement some entrees and are also good with snacks, as an after dinner wine, or for just sipping. more... map
| Print - ATTRACTIONS | Back to Top >> |