Things to do & places to visit in Bedford, Virginia, United States

Bedford city in Virginia, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 3:20.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (28 attractions)

5.0 National D-Day Memorial (940 reviews)
- An absolute must visit
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monuments & Statues

The National D-Day Memorial is located in Bedford, Virginia - the community suffering the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation. The Memorial honors the Allied forces that participated in the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944 during World War II. 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. The Memorial is encompassed by the names of the 4,413 Allied soldiers who died in the invasion, the most complete list of its kind anywhere in the world. Visitors can expect both an educational experience as well as an emotional one, as they walk the grounds at the Memorial and leave with a clear understanding of the scale and sacrifices made during the largest amphibious landing the world has ever seen. On June 6, 1944, 150,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which "we will accept nothing less than full victory." More than 5,000 ships and 11,000 aircraft supported the invasion, and by day's end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in France. The D-Day cost was high with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded as the march across Europe to defeat Hitler began. See more..
5.0 Bedford Boys Tribute Center (274 reviews)
- Honoring the men to become known as the Bedford Boys
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums

Located in historic Green's Drug Store downtown Bedford,this non-profit museum is dedicated to the legacies of the 38 Bedford Boys and the 19 KIA who spearheaded the Normandy invasion June 6, 1944.You will learn from the informative guided tour about the Bedford Boys you wish you knew. See more..
5.0 Bedford Area Welcome Center (160 reviews)
- Any visit to Bedford should start here!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Start every visit to Bedford at the Bedford Area Welcome Center! Offering free Wi-Fi, coffee, publications, information, maps, restrooms, picnic area, and a gift store featuring many unique and local items. We also offer three RV spots and a car charging station! A 1927 Seagrave fire truck is showcased in the Firefighter’s Gallery. The Welcome Center is also home to Bedford’s first set of LOVE letters which provides a wonderful souvenir photo opp! A selfie station will help ensure you get a great photo. Please share it on social media with #LOVEBedfordVA! Find us at 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA 24523, at the intersection of Route 460 and Route 122. Hours are daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (closed some holidays). Exhibits within the Welcome Center showcase the area’s many attractions and amenities. The building is fully accessible and there is designated parking for the disabled as well as motor coaches and campers. See more..
5.0 Falling Creek Park (13 reviews)
- Huge park with lots of options
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

The trails are well maintained and the picnic area and bathrooms are very clean. The park is great to play on and there is enough space to fly a kite near the paved walking trail. Definitely coming back. See more..
5.0 The Well (6 reviews)
- Great little shop for herbals, essential oils, organic bulk,etc.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

The Well is a health food store, with a wide selection of superior quality supplements and herbs as well as a full grocery section with natural and organic foods, gluten-free foods, bulk grains, beans, spices and teas; local, chemical-free meats. Also a full line of exceptional essential oils and aromatherapy products. See more..
5.0 Avenel House (2 reviews)
- House Tour
Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
We were given a tour today by the Facility Director, Irene. She shared a massive amount of detail with us concerning the family and the architecture. Kept us quite interested with each room. Worth the visit!! See more..
4.5 Peaks of Otter Winery (60 reviews)
- Great Wine and Apples
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

We visited Peaks of Otter Winery while camping at Peaks of Otter with our dog. The winery is very dog friendly and we really enjoyed it. They have a huge variety of various fruit wines - apple, mango, strawberry, even dragonfruit. You can taste 8 different wines but there are so many, we did it twice and ended by buying two bottles. You can pick your own apples, but we just got some from the bins. And the apple cider donuts are phenomenal. We will definitely visit again next time we're in the area. See more..
4.5 A.J. Gross & Sons Orchard (53 reviews)
- Always satisfied!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Farms

A Peach and Apple Orchard operating in the 5th generation setting at the foothills of the beautiful Peaks of Otter Mountains. This orchard is opened year round with Peaches ripe June-mid September and Apples August -November. In the Orchard store room you will find many jams, jellies, and honey. See more..
4.5 Bedford Museum & Genealogical Library (21 reviews)
- Deserves the Highest Accolades
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

The genealogy portion of the museum is full of useful information about past Bedford residents. Most helpful, though, is the excellent staff. They blew me away with their knowledge and the speed with which they uncovered clues that I had been seeking for weeks. See more..
4.5 BELL Treasures (13 reviews)
- Large and impressive
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops

12,000 sqare feet building packed with 45 vendors. Something for everyone at every price point! Antiques,collectibles and lots of other stuff.Truly a Treasure hunt. See more..
4.5 Claytor Nature Study Center (7 reviews)
- A Hidden Gem...! For To See
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Too much to describe. Words can't describe this hidden gem of history, this is a must see nature tour of a families life and kindness that has been left for to experience. On the grounds, you'll find a working observatory, which open on Friday to star gaze. The facilities are opened Monday through Friday for tours from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.(schuleing would be needed).......for tours of the grounds & home. Great views of The Peaks of Otter, many walking trails and tremendous English gardens to enjoy. This facility is gift left by the Claytor Family for all to remember the beauty to be found in the Bedford County. Take time to arrange a tour,....it will be time we'll invested in our culture. You'll leave the grounds, with great appreciation of the Claytor Family. See more..
4.5 Bower Center for the Arts (6 reviews)
- Excellent Art
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Galleries • Yoga & Pilates • Lessons & Workshops

Bower Center for the Arts is located at the corner of North Bridge Street and Bedford Avenue. The building itself has a rich and varied history. Though not apparent upon first glance, the Bower Center is actually comprised of two buildings, with the original structure having been built in 1847. The Center initially began as "Bedford Academy for the Arts" in 2006 and exists to promote the cultural arts in the Bedford area. Since 2006 Bower Center for the Arts has worked toward providing a cultural arts center in the heart of the Town of Bedford and continues to build upon that foundation to provide an atmosphere of learning and personal growth through entertainment and education in the Visual and Performing Arts. See more..
4.5 Needful Things Antiques (6 reviews)
- A Very Nice, Small, Antique Shop
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

The shop is well organized and things are nicely displayed. It didn't seem like the prices were "outrageous," as I sometimes find in small antique shops. See more..
4.5 Emerson Creek Pottery (3 reviews)
- Enjoyed
Thursday: Speciality & Gift Shops • Factory Outlets

Absolutely loved this place. I have a consignment shop & someone consigned some of their pottery in. Looked it up & found it was located just 2 hrs away....went there over the weekend. Cant wait to make shortbread in their pottery & make the beer bread they sell in their bread pottery dish. Bought some homemade soap along with other products...While in the area we went to Moneta along with the Smith Mtn. lake state park...& enjoyed Spring valley farm July 4th celebration on the 3rd also...just made a wonderful mini vacation out of the weekend....A quant place in the country... See more..
4.0 Johnson's Orchards (67 reviews)
- Wonderful family activity!
Thursday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Farms

This is the BEST place to bring a young child. We recently spent a week in the Bedford area and brought our daughter to the orchard three times. We picked apples, visited the animals (so much fun), and loved the wine and apple cider donuts. The family that runs the orchard and winery is SO nice -- this was the highlight of our trip for all of us. See more..
4.0 Historic Centertown Bedford (28 reviews)
- Not too busy and easy to get around on foot or in a car.
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Over thirty shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic sites within a five block area. Part of the Bedford National Historic District. Walking Tour brochure available. See more..
4.0 Bedford Farmers Market (2 reviews)
- good little market
Thursday: Spent 1-2 hours Farmers Markets

Fridays: 8am-12pm Second Saturdays of the month: 9am-1pm Located in the heart of Bedford under the Centertown pavilion, Bedford, Virginia’s farmers market has been a staple and tradition of our community for many years. The market offers a variety of locally produced fruits and vegetables, home made breads and sweets, an offering from our local artisans and a welcoming, family atmosphere. The market is a venue for our growers and producers to thrive and connect with the town and for the community to support its farmers and sellers. Friends gather, families bond, and new faces are more than welcome. The farmers, artisans, and community members who support them breathe life into the Bedford farmers market, creating a space that has become an indispensable part of our town’s heart. We hope to see you under the pavilion! See more..
3.5 Reba Farm Inn (18 reviews)
- Fun experience
Farms • Horseback Riding Tours

We took a large group (11) riding while vacationing at smith mountain lake. The horses were great and the ride was a lot of fun. Ron (the owner) was a little gruff and yelled at some of our riders who were having trouble controlling the horses. See more..
3.5 Liberty Antique Mall (7 reviews)
- Nice little store
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

From antiques to some arts and crafts, the items are priced as such. They have some furniture as well as an outside area with big items. Jewelry, coins and lots of dish ware. See more..
3.5 Bedford Va Antique Mall (2 reviews)
- A Little Late
Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops
This place only doesn't get five stars because I had driven a long way to get there, and when the time to open came, they didn't open. After a little while, I left and came back and they were open. That brings us to the shop...it's pretty big and laid out in an old Golden Corral, so it's pretty big. :) Lots of things in this store, including a LOT of Fenton glass. Things were a little high here, but I found some good deals! See more..
3.0 Blue Ridge Overland Gear (2 reviews)
- Awesome Customer Service
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Blue Ridge Overland Gear is the premier provider for your travel gear, overlanding, and off road adventure gear needs! We offer everything from unique, hand-crafted bags, to storage solutions, suv accessories, car camping equipment and more! All Blue Ridge Overland Gear brand products are made right here in Virginia, USA! Stay organized and get outdoors! See more..
Bedford Mini Golf & Batting Zone (0 review)
Sports Complexes • Miniature Golf

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Bedford Barbell (0 review)
Spent 1-2 hours Health Clubs
Bedford Barbell Club is a Strength & Conditioning Facility that utilizes the Olympic lifts, Power lifts, Kettlebells, Rowing, Running, and Bodyweight movements for a fun cross training workout. Group fitness classes are 1 hour in duration and are facilitated by an instructor. See more..
BVA Mercantile (0 review)
Thursday: Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Antique Shops

A furniture and home decor store that brings an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces to create a unique environment to appeal to all tastes. We use barn wood and industrial components to handcraft one of a kind pieces that will make a statement and be conversation pieces for homes. See more..
Electriccoart (0 review)
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries
Fantastic, solid building that once housed the production of electricity for the Town of Bedford. We have a contemporary art gallery, a vendor market with local handcrafted items and fair trade items and a wine shop. We also have a bistro with fine fare and a wine and beer bar. See more..
Stitch Witch (0 review)
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Historic Sites

Yarn and notions shop, classes and community stitching. Housed in the "1834 Cottage", Bedford, Virginia's oldest building. See more..
Three Otters (0 review)
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Bedford Consignment Shop & Flea Market (0 review)
Thursday: Flea & Street Markets
Bedford Largest Indoor Flea Market & Consignment Shop Open Sat & Sun 8Am to 2Pm March threw December 1209 Wells Road Bedford, VA 24523 Animal swap First Sat of every month limit one spot per customer, all animals welcome, all animals must have shade and water. Directions: From route 460 Exit the National D-Day Memorial Exit take 122 South for two miles turn left on Wells road 4th driveway on R See more..