Jeanne & JeffJeanne & Jeff
Things To DoThings To Do
National D-Day MemorialNational D-Day Memorial
This is an impressive memorial and a must-see for WWII history buffs! Commissioned in 2000 by George Bush, the National D-Day Memorial is here in Bedford because out of a 3,200‑person town, 20 men died that day on Omaha Beach, representing the highest per‑capita D‑Day loss in the entire nation. Read The Bedford Boys by Alex Kershaw for intimate look into the impact of D-day on this town.
Bedford Boys Tribute CenterBedford Boys Tribute Center
Open 7 days a week. This is the place to go if you want to see artifacts and learn more about the Bedford Boys. It is also the pharmacy where all the telegrams came in from the D-Day losses. A large-group tour is available on Sunday. Ask Jeff and Jeanne about it.
Hike the Peaks of OtterHike the Peaks of Otter
There are 5 great hikes here in Bedford. Sharp Top is the most difficult hike that would make a beautiful backdrop for a Christmas photo or an engagement photo? Or dating website "cool" photo! Flat Top is a longest hike but less steep. The Johnson Farm Trail has a homestead at the top. Jeanne and Jeff hope you pack hiking shoes. A bus also runs from the Peaks of Otter Lodge up to a drop off point near the top of Sharp Top for those who cannot hike.
Smith Mountain LakeSmith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is a popular summer vacation destination. This man-made lake promises be busy over Labor Day weekend, but don't let that prevent you from taking a beautiful drive! There are wineries, restaurants, and a state park with a beach. https://www.visitroanokeva.com/region/smith-mountain-lake/?msclkid=370b2d0bde7e1875aa3d45615457bc2a
Visit Virginia's CollegesVisit Virginia's Colleges
Va Tech and Radford are an hour southwest of Bedford. Liberty Universitiy and Lynchburg College are 25 minutes northeast. UVA Charlottesville is an hour and a half northeast. Roanoke College is in Salem about 30 minutes west. JMU is 90 minutes north
Peaks of Otter FarmPeaks of Otter Farm
This is a petting zoo and a VRBO
The Old Elks HomeThe Old Elks Home
An interesting visit to this unique retirement home that is filled with historical artifacts and art. Lucille Boggess is here as are many people who love to talk to visitors. Lucille's brother, Bedford Hoback, is buried in Normandy. Her brother, Raymond,Hoback was never found, but his bible was and Lucille recently donated it to the D-day Memorial. Recently they discovered some bones in an unmarked grave for which they took Lucille's DNA to compare.
Buchanan Swinging BridgeBuchanan Swinging Bridge
For anyone traveling 81 South to the wedding, Buchanan is exit 168 and the exit to take to Bedford. This town has a swinging pedestrian bridge over the James River that was built in 1851. Buchanan also has the best hamburger and onion rings at the Buchanan Fountain and Grille. This town is 20 minute scenic drive from the Peaks of Otter Lodge and 30 minutes from Bedford.
Shop Bedford! Zimmerman’s A Little Bit of EverythingShop Bedford! Zimmerman’s A Little Bit of Everything
On Bridge Street you will find Zimmerman's and other quaint retail/antique stores, sandwich shops and antiques. There's even an interesting meat grocer with fresh and inexpensive cuts. The Goodwill (by Walmart) is a gem for second hand clothing!