“This town remembers everything.” I whispered that thought standing at the edge of the National D-Day Memorial, staring up at the Victory Plaza sculpture, sunlight glinting off its solemn angles. I had come to Bedford expecting a quiet walk through history. What I found was a town that carries memory in every brick, orchard, and roadside diner—unassuming, resilient, and deeply moving.
Best Things to Do in Bedford
Honor the Heroes of WWII at the National D-Day Memorial
I started the day at the National D-Day Memorial, which honors the Allied forces who landed at Normandy on June 6, 1944. Bedford’s sacrifice during that invasion was disproportionately deep—this small town lost more soldiers per capita than any other in the U.S. The memorial reflects that gravity. Stone archways, reflecting pools, and dramatic sculptures convey chaos, courage, and cost. The silence there isn’t heavy—it’s respectful. You feel it in your chest.
Stroll, Shop, and Savor Local Flavor on Bedford Main Street
Downtown Bedford Main Street is all brick sidewalks, vintage storefronts, and that steady hum of a town that’s learned how to preserve itself. I browsed through locally owned shops, stopping in a secondhand bookstore with creaky floors and handwritten shelf labels. A bakery down the street smelled like warm butter and cinnamon. Everyone smiled like they meant it. “This is the kind of downtown that keeps its windows clean and its stories intact,” I thought.
Step Into the Past at Historic Avenel
At Historic Avenel, I toured a pre-Civil War plantation home that has seen over 150 years of change. The white-columned house stood calmly behind a picket fence, its gardens still blooming. Inside, the air smelled faintly of polished wood and old paper. Period furniture filled each room, and the guide spoke of séances, Civil War soldiers, and a ghost named “The Lady in White.” I didn’t see her—but I kind of wished I had.
Grab a Quick Bite at the Classic Blimpie Deli
For lunch, I stopped at Classic Blimpie Deli—a humble, counter-service spot that’s all about doing sandwiches right. I ordered the turkey and provolone on toasted wheat with extra pickles, and it hit every nostalgic note. The bread was warm, the cheese melty, the iced tea perfectly sweetened. There’s something deeply comforting about a good sandwich when it’s made without pretense.
Host or Celebrate in Style at The Bedford Columns
The Bedford Columns surprised me—a regal white mansion now used as a wedding venue and event space. Even if you’re not attending an event, you can admire the architecture from the grounds. The wraparound porches and grand Corinthian columns gave the building a sense of drama, softened by the Blue Ridge views behind it. I sat on a nearby bench just to take it all in. “Even the fancy parts of Bedford feel grounded,” I noted.
Johnson's Orchard
Later, I headed into the hills to visit Johnson’s Orchard. The drive alone was worth it—rolling farmland, wildflowers swaying, and red barns dotting the scenery. At the orchard, I sampled crisp apples fresh from the trees and wandered among rows of peach trees and grapevines. The breeze smelled sweet and earthy. I left with a jug of cider and a bag of apple cider donuts I absolutely did not share.
Dine in a Restored Train Depot at Liberty Station
Dinner came early at Liberty Station, housed in an old train station that’s been beautifully restored. I ordered the grilled rainbow trout with lemon herb butter and a side of garlic mashed potatoes. The trout was tender and clean-tasting, the butter fragrant, and the mashed potatoes? Creamy, garlicky perfection. The sound of silverware on vintage plates and soft jazz in the background made the meal feel like something from another time—in the best way.
Experience Local Creativity at the Bower Center for the Arts
My next stop was the Bower Center for the Arts, a community art hub inside a transformed church. The gallery space was filled with vibrant local work—paintings, textiles, and sculpture all in warm conversation with one another. A watercolor of Peaks of Otter caught my eye, its brushstrokes loose and lovely. A few rooms over, I stumbled into a clay workshop and watched hands shape something out of nothing. It was quiet, focused, and beautiful.
Discover Milling History at the Restored Big Otter Mill
The Restored Big Otter Mill sits tucked in a rural bend, its wooden slats weathered but proud. Though not always open, it’s worth stopping to admire the exterior and peek inside when it is. I walked the short gravel path to the waterwheel and could imagine the clatter and rhythm of it running full tilt, grinding grain for the community. The air smelled like pine and streamwater, and the only sound was the soft rush of the nearby brook.
If You’re Hungry After a Hike, Head to Peaks of Otter Lodge Restaurant
I ended my evening at Otter Lodge Restaurant, a casual lakeside spot with warm service and generous portions. I went for the grilled chicken sandwich with pepper jack cheese and a side of seasoned fries. The chicken was juicy, the fries hot and crisp, and the view out the window—a mirror-like pond catching the last of the daylight—made me linger longer than I planned. "I could get used to this pace,” I thought.
Bedford At a Glance
- Drive Time from Roanoke, VA: ~45 minutes east
- Vibe: Historic, heartfelt, quietly proud
- Highlights: WWII tributes, Blue Ridge views, hometown eats, small galleries
- Best Time to Visit: Fall for orchard season; spring for soft hills and blooms
- Cost: Mostly low to moderate; memorial is donation-based
- Planning Tip: Start early to catch morning light at the memorial and fit in orchard stops
Best Time to Visit
I’ve visited Bedford in all seasons, but spring and fall are my favorites. Between April and June, the Blue Ridge Mountains come alive with blooms, and in September and October, the foliage is simply stunning—I’ve pulled over more than once just to take it all in. Summer is lively and great for lake days at Smith Mountain, while winter offers a softer, quieter charm. If you enjoy peaceful mountain views without the crowds, you’ll love it then too.
How to Get There
- By Car: I usually drive in along US-460—it’s an easy ride, just about 25 miles from either Roanoke or Lynchburg. You’ll love the views as you approach town.
- By Air: I’ve flown into both Lynchburg Regional (LYH) and Roanoke-Blacksburg (ROA). Each airport is just a short 30–40 minute drive, so it’s really convenient no matter which way you come.
- By Train: I’ve also used Amtrak when I wasn’t in a rush—there’s service in both Roanoke and Lynchburg, and it makes for a relaxing way to start or end your trip.
Where to Stay
- Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast – I stayed here during a fall visit and absolutely loved it. The owners made me feel like family, and the setting near Smith Mountain Lake is just perfect if you want to slow down.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Bedford – This one’s great if you’re looking for something affordable and easy. I’ve booked a night here when I was just passing through, and it did the job nicely.
- Peaks of Otter Lodge – If you want that true Blue Ridge experience, I highly recommend this spot. I woke up to lake views and misty mountains—it felt like I was inside a painting. You’ll love the peace and quiet.
Final Thoughts
Bedford isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. That’s its charm. It’s a place where memory is a living thing—woven into cobblestones, painted onto barn walls, baked into sandwiches and cider donuts. I left full: of food, yes, but also of something slower, steadier, and deeply good. A day in Bedford feels like stepping into a story—and realizing you needed one just like it.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Honor the Heroes of WWII at the National D-Day Memorial
- • Stroll, Shop, and Savor Local Flavor on Bedford Main Street
- • Step Into the Past at Historic Avenel
- • Grab a Quick Bite at the Classic Blimpie Deli
- • Host or Celebrate in Style at The Bedford Columns
- • Johnson's Orchard
- • Dine in a Restored Train Depot at Liberty Station
- • Experience Local Creativity at the Bower Center for the Arts
- • Discover Milling History at the Restored Big Otter Mill
- • If You’re Hungry After a Hike, Head to Peaks of Otter Lodge Restaurant