10 Things to do in Bedford That You Shouldn't Miss

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.