From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford County is a celebration of history and natural wonder. Nestled in the midst of mountains, rolling hills and pastureland, Bedford charms visitors with its natural beauty, history, and respite from the hustle and bustle. The twin Peaks of Otter rise to an elevation of 4,200 feet and provide a majestic and iconic landmark.
Tourism
Visitors from all over the world visit the area, making tourism a vital piece of its economy. The National D-Day Memorial draws 60,000 visitors a year to commemorate the valor, fidelity, and sacrifices of the Allied Armed Forces who landed in Normandy, France during World War II. The Blue Ridge Parkway is enjoying record visitation, particularly during the fall foliage season.
The Beale Treasure, a legendary cache of gold, silver, and jewels, attracts treasure hunters. Numerous film crews have utilized Johnson’s Orchards as the setting for their Beale Treasure stories, including “Unsolved Mysteries,” the BBC, Fox, the Travel Channel, and for Korean television. Johnson’s is a sixth-generation, family-owned and operated farm nestled at the foot of the Peaks of Otter. Home to the Peaks of Otter Winery, Johnson’s produces approximately 30 varieties of native fruit wines.
Several other apple and peach orchards also dot the mountain landscape and provide opportunities for visitors to pick their own fruit or buy it prepacked. Many give tours and host special events throughout the year, like Johnson’s Horse and Hound Wine Festival.
Each year, the area’s best flavors and personalities come together for the Town of Bedford’s “Centerfest,” a weekend of arts and crafts, food, and entertainment converging right in Bedford’s Centertown.
Festivals and Annual Events
Known as “The Christmas Capital of Virginia,” Bedford hosts a spectacular light display each year at the English Meadows Elks Home. The 60-plus year tradition includes festive, colorful arrangements following the long entrance up around the circle of the home’s grand entrance. Liberty Lake Park is also known for its impressive light show, with gleaming displays positioned throughout the park.
The Bedford County Fair attracts over 25,000 people every year. It features rides, food, live music, educational demonstrations, livestock exhibits, fireworks, an antique farm equipment show and a car show.
Historic Sites
The Town of Bedford (founded in 1784) preserves its heritage through a number of historical sites. Historic Avenel, an 1830’s manor house said to harbor a ghost, and the Bedford Historic Meeting House, a church building erected in 1838, are just two of the 218 contributing structures that have placed the town of Bedford on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library traces Bedford’s history from early Native American times up through the mid-20th century. The city’s historic cemetery, Longwood Cemetery, is the site of burials as far back as the Revolutionary War.
Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s Bedford County retreat home, stands as a testimonial to Jefferson’s creativity and architectural genius. Archaeological excavations are ongoing at Poplar Forest in an effort to restore the plantation home and grounds to their Jefferson-era appearance. The home is open for tours April through November.
Outdoor Recreation
Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia’s largest man-made lake, provides fishing, boating, and all manner of water sports. The lake is surrounded by activity as well, from golf and horseback riding to hiking, shopping, and dining. Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a sandy beach for swimmers and sunbathers and provides easy access for visitors who wish to launch boats, camp, or picnic by the water.
Liberty Lake Park serves as the recreation center for the Bedford area.
The 60-acre park offers, baseball and softball fields, basketball, racquetball, tennis, and volleyball courts, roller-skating and walking loops, picnic facilities, and an award-winning handicap hiking trail. Mountain hiking, biking, picnicking, and photography are available all along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Economy
Historically an agriculture economy, Bedford County has grown to attract a wide range of industries, from nuclear energy to wireless communications and, yes, agriculture, which is still an important sector. The Town of Bedford is designated a Virginia Enterprise Zone while the county is one of Virginia’s official Technology Zones. Bedford also has a number of hotels and restaurants to provide visitor accommodations—whether they are looking for some quaint county charm or a more familiar experience.
Education
The Bedford County Public School system’s mission of “empowering learners for future success” means personalized learning is emphasized. Students participate in internships, work-based training, and community service projects. Bedford County has 13 elementary schools, three middles schools, and three high schools. Also, the Bedford Science and Technology Center provides workforce training to high school students.
Major Employers:
NON-MANUFACTURING
Cintas (Industry Service/Uniforms)
Coleman Adams Construction (Construction)
InService America (Telemarketing)
MANUFACTURING
Georgia-Pacific (Paper Board)
Harris Corporation (Radio Communication Systems)
Sam Moore Furniture (Upholstered Furniture)
Sentry Equipment (Conveyor Systems)
Simplimatic Automation (Automated Equipment)
Bedford County
www.co.bedford.va.us
Population 77,575
Median Age 43
Area (in square miles) 755
Median Household Income $69,792
Median Home Value $196,900
Total Household Units 36,352
Real Estate (per $100) $0.52
Personal Property Tax Rate (per $100) 2.35
Administration (540) 586-7601
Public Schools (540) 586-1045
Forest Library (540) 425-7002
Post Office (540) 586-5820
Emergency: Ambulance/ Fire/ Police 911
Sheriff (540) 586-7827
Electricity 1-800-956-4237
Trash (540) 586-7656
Water, Sewer (540) 586-7679
Voting (540) 586-7649
Licenses:
• Automobile (804) 497-7100
• Pet (540) 586-7670
• Hunting and Fishing
Regional Office (434) 525-7522
Town of Bedford
www.bedfordva.gov
Population 6,561
Median Age 43
Area (in square miles) 6.88
Median Household Income $39,529
Median Home Value $148,012
Total Household Units 3,185
Real Estate (per $100) for the Town $0.32
Personal Property Tax Rate $1.06
Town Manager (540) 587-6001
Public Schools (540) 586-1045
Main Library (540) 586-8911
Post Office (540) 586-5820
Emergency: Ambulance/Fire/Police 911
Police (540) 587-6011
Electricity (540) 587-6047
Trash (540) 587-6081
Water, Sewer (540) 587-6081
Voting (540) 586-7649
Licenses:
• Automobile (804) 497-7100
• Pet (540) 587-6057
• Commissioner of Revenue (540) 587-6051
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