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.  

Bedford 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.  

Bedford 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.  

Thomas 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... 

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... 

James 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... 

National 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... 

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... 

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... 

Sedalia 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... 

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. 

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... 

Fantasyland 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. 

Liberty 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. 

Poplar 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. 

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... 

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... 

Peaks 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...