Activities

Start off your visit with a stop by the Bedford Welcome Center to learn about current festivals, events, and activities

Bedford’s National D-Day Memorial pays tribute to World War II Veterans, in particular the “Bedford Boys.” Of this group of 34 Virginia National Guard soldiers, nineteen were killed in the D-Day invasion and four more during the rest of the Normandy campaign, representing the heaviest losses per capita suffered by any town. You can learn more about “the history of the Normandy invasion and the price one community paid for freedom” in the Bedford Boy’s Homefront Tour.

The Peaks of Otter Recreation Center offers numerous walking trails around Abbot Lake and up Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill.

The Bedford area is known for its apple and peach orchards. Visit Gross’ Orchard on weekends in April for the Apple Blossom Festival or in July for the Peach Blossom Festival. They also host a race in November and offer pick-your-own apples from August to late October, depending on the apple variety. If you’re a fan of Gala or Red Delicious, stop by in August or September. For a Pink Lady, visit in October. My personal favorite, the Golden Delicious, ripens in September.

Eating and Drinking

  • For coffee, the best choice in town is Bridge Street Cafe. They also offer pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast items
  • Town Kitchen Provisions also serves coffee, but they are known more for their specialty sandwiches and salads and don’t open until late morning. 
  • If you’re in the mood for beer and meat, Beale’s Brewery offers an excellent selection of local brews and BBQ. As a bonus, you’ll also learn more about the local geography and “Beale’s Treasure” lore.
  • For a slightly fancier (though still family-friendly) dining experience, Liberty Station is a historic restaurant with a full bar and extensive menu. They are especially known for their cheesecake.
  • For a more casual meal, stop by Bob and Cheryl’s Rainbow Drive-in (known locally as “the Rainbow” or “Rainbow’s). They are something of an institution, and many Bedford-area couples, including my own parents, had their first date here. The foot-long hot dogs are my favorite.