Where Ordinary Ends…
Bedford Begins!
From the magnificent Peaks of Otter along
the Blue Ridge Parkway, to the quaint
streets of historic downtown, to the shores
of Smith Mountain Lake - Bedford offers
outdoor adventure and historical treasures,
making it the perfect destination for a
weekend getaway or your next vacation
destination. In 2019, Smithsonian
Magazine named it one of the “15 Best
Small Towns to Visit!”
Perhaps most notably, Bedford is home to
the National D-Day Memorial, a deeply
moving tribute to the American and Allied
forces that fought in the largest amphibious
invasion of all time. The Memorial
overlooks the community that suffered the
greatest loss per capita of any in the United
States. The Memorial creates a solemn
atmosphere for veterans and visitors alike
to gain insight and learn more about the
events that shaped history. The Memorial
holds numerous events throughout
the year, including veteran recognition
ceremonies on Memorial Day and Veterans
Day, a 5K on Armed Forces Day in May,
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outdoor concerts, and more. On May 9th,
there will be a special V-E Day Parade to
commemorate the 75th anniversary of the
allied victory in Europe. The parade will
honor World War II veterans and include
military vehicles, antique cars, marching
bands, living historians, and more!
Following the parade, the Memorial will
host WWII veterans for a Meet & Greet,
and the parade vehicles will be on display
along with living history encampments.
For more information, visit www.dday.org.
Historic downtown Bedford offers a
variety of art galleries, shops, antiques, and
restaurants that are within easy walking
distance from each other in a charming
atmosphere of 19th Century buildings.
The Bedford Museum, located beside the
County Courthouse, showcases Bedford’s
rich history. In 2017, Bedford welcomed
its first brewery, Beale’s, which features a
full-service restaurant, indoor/outdoor
seating, and special limited beer releases
throughout the year. The Bedford Boys
Tribute Center, located in the center of
town, should not be missed!
Two-hundred years ago, Thomas Jefferson
retired from public life and began to spend
time at his private retreat, Poplar Forest,
A D-Day Parade in Bedford
/www.dday.org