All I wanted after college was a big city full of opportunity and creativity. I wanted hum. I wanted constant movement. I wanted to be faceless and nameless in a sea of humanity. The idea of being lost only to rediscover myself was immensely appealing.
But then, today, having lived in a big city (still trying to rediscover myself, I might add), I find myself happily settled down as a mom to two in a small town. It’s affordable; it’s full of family friendly actvities; my kids are safe; it’s a return to roots. I am so grateful for the smallness of where I am.
I suppose that no other town epitomizes my heart’s change and desires than my relationship to Bedford, Virginia.
During my community college stint, I managed to secure an internship at a law firm in downtown Bedford, Virginia. I saw this tiny town as a 19-year-old itching to live in London.Â
But, recently, on a trip back to Smith Mountain Lake, we spent some time in Bedford and I was so taken with what life there could offer. My family was so happy our weekend here. We explored things that fill our buckets. This tiny little town nestled off the Blue Ridge Parkway has a wonderful outdoor adventure vibe and many fun things to do.
Could it be that my youthful hubris kept me from appreciating that which was right in front of me?Â
In 2019, Bedford was listed as one of “The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2019” by Smithsonian Magazine and Blue Ridge Outdoors readers voted it the Top Adventure Town in the category of “Small Towns” in 2020.
But today when I do an Internet search on things to do in Bedford, I get lists recommending things like “eat at Blimpie.” (It’s like they haven’t even been there.)
So, as someone who has seen Bedford, Virginia come into its own in the past few years (ahem, decades) since I was a jaded GenX legal intern on its streets let me tell you there is way more than fast food subs.
Things to do in Bedford, Virginia
Hike Sharp Top Mountain and see the Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Hiking up Sharp Top Mountain is basically a rite of passage in the area. There is a shuttle that will drive tourists up during peak seasons, but, really, it’s the hike that is worth the time.
Sharp Top Mountain trail starts on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near the Peaks of Otter. Hiking 1,300 vertical feet in 1.5 miles is no small feat, but it is something most people can do. Just go slow, and take lots of water.
The reason to go is 360-degree views of valleys and peaks at the top. Yes, you can get that if you take the shuttle, too (although you do still have to conquer a quarter mile of steps post-drop off), but it really isn’t the same as knowing you walked up a mountain in the Blue Ridge.
The Peaks of Otter lodge is an old-school hotel in the shadow of Sharp Top Mountain. The lodge started in 1834 and in 1964 it was re-opened under the National Parks Service.
Many head to the Peaks of Otter lodge for brunches and lunches. It isn’t necessarily James Beard-plated fare but it is good, and the view really can’t be beat.
Fun fact: no one really seems to know why the three peaks making the “Peaks of Otter” were given the name they have. Guesses?
Eat at Beale’s Brewery.
You know we love to try a local craft brewery after a hard hike. The combination feels classic to us. My Dad has mentioned Beale’s to us a few times and after our Sharp Top success, it felt like the right fit.
We loved this place! It had good food, cold beer, and a fun atmosphere. So many adventurers (those with families and those enjoying time with other adults) were coming in and out the doors.
Visit the National D-Day Memorial.
It is my personal belief that when the National D-Day Memorial was opened here in 2001 began the revitalization of Bedford. This notable and eye-catching memorial, dedicated by President George W. Bush, commands visitors to stop. It put Bedford on the map like nothing else had before.
The National D-Day Memorial is actually privately owned. It is not part of the National Parks Service. Bedford was the chosen spot as it was the community with the highest proportional loss on the historic day. Even though Bedford was a small town even at that time, many of their soldiers died in the taking of the beach.
Today, it is estimated that 60,000 visitors walk through the Memorial’s Overlord arch every year.
We spent a day here and it was powerful. A military veteran volunteer gave us a tour of the Memorial and shared the history and meaning of the statues, words, people, and impact of the day.
Spend the day at Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake is my home base. It has my heart and I can’t recommend a trip there enough. While I don’t think my family could live there fulltime, summer days at the Lake are the stuff dreams are made of. Check out my full post, linked below, for how to get the most out of Smith Mountain Lake.
Visit Jefferson’s Poplar Forest.
I have a policy of not sharing places we haven’t personally been to and can recommend, but I am violating that at this exact moment. Because this has been on our list for a long time and is a thing to see, I am sure of it even without firsthand knowledge.Â
This place was Jefferon’s “personal retreat” (because Monticello wasn’t enough? No wonder Jefferson died broke.) and is a designated National Landmark. Given how we had to go out of our way to see Jefferson’s Rock recently, it is kind of funny that we’ve driven by Poplar Forest dozens of times and never stopped.
Yet it is a huge draw to the Bedford area. Unfortunately, it was still a plantation built on the backs of slaves. So I am also interested in how they treat that legacy through the exhibits and tours. I know that Monticello and the University of Virginia have been trying to do a better job reckoning with the awful legacy and the dark underbelly.
Yet it is also important to understand our nation’s history and to see how the architecture and the life there affected what we know in the U.S.
- Get information on visiting and hours to Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest.
Go play disc golf, do some mountaing biking or hit the skate park.
One of the most famous pro-disc golfers lives in Bedford County today: Paul McBeth. He is hailed by those who know (i.e., not me) as one of the best of all time. So it naturally follows that he’s helped design and oversee the installation of some massive and impressive disc golf courses in Bedford.
Bedford also invested in some mountain biking trails at Falling Creek Park. While they aren’t massive single-tracks, this is a great place for kids to get on bikes or for beginners to get some skills. There is a pump track, which people in the know (i.e., not me) swear is the best way to get those new to mountain biking comfortable and started in the epic sport.
- Information on the bike park at Falling Creek Park.
- Learn more about the Bedford Skate Park.
- Visit Falling Creek Park.
- See all the disc golf options.
Come at Christmas time and see the Elks Home and Liberty Lake Park.
When I was living in Bedford County (before the National D-Day Memorial) Bedford was really trying to establish itself as a small town full of Christmas cheer – a happy little holiday town all sparkles and cheer.
They still go large during the holiday season.
The Elks National Home is located in downtown Bedford and delights families every year with their drive-through Christmas lights installation. It is very, very bright.
The Town of Bedford puts up a cacophony of lights every year at Liberty Lake Park. It’s always free and festive.
I love the hometown holiday cheer.
- Elks National Home information.
- Visit Liberty Lake Park.
- Stay tuned to the Town of Bedford Facebook page.
Bonus Bedford, Virginia ideas
- There is a wine trail that consists of six wineries. Know that Virginia wines generally trend towards the sweet side. But you’re bound to find something that hits your mouth right, and the scenery is generally worth it, too.
- Go antiquing! There are so many neat little shops to hunt for treasure.
- What About Bob? was filmed on Smith Mountain Lake and in Bedford County. Have fun exploring stops from the movie… or at least watch it before visiting.
- If you want to continue to understand the impact of D-Day on Bedford, go to the Bedford Boys Tribute Center.
- Walk around Bedford’s cute historic district. You can pop into the Museum & Genealogical Library or Avenel House (which is actually well-known for it’s paranormal activity).
Also, head to DestinationBefordVA.com for more itinerary ideas!
Given how enticing and comfortable Bedford is to me today as I roll up in my mom-body holding my kids’ hands, now having explored so much of the world, I wonder what else is in front of my eyes that I may be missing?
Bedford, Virginia is a fun place to explore. So get out there and make a visit!
And let me unequivocally say that there is no reason to think that Blimpie will be the highlight of your time in this adventrous little town – not that there’s anything wrong with a good sandwich.
Hello! I love your article, thank you for taking time to write and publish this!
I am surprised you didn’t come across the main tourism website – http://www.DestinationBedfordVA.com – during your research to pull some of this information together.
It’s a one-stop resource for the attractions, accommodations, outdoor adventure, dining options, event calendar, and so much more. Check it out if you haven’t already. Thanks!