WANDERLOVE

National D-Day Memorial

After leaving the Welcome Center, continue up the hill 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 Bedford community, which suffered the greatest loss per capita on June 6, 1944, than any other in the United States. It is a solemn atmosphere for veterans and visitors alike to gain insight and learn more about the events that shaped history. Advance tickets are recommended. The Memorial is outdoors and tours are self-guided. The Memorial is open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Bedford Boys Tribute Center

Turn left onto Burks Hill Road when leaving the Memorial and drive one mile into Historic Downtown Bedford. Find the  Bedford Boys Tribute Center , Bedford Museum, Bower Center for the Arts, Wharton Garden, beautiful architecture, unique shopping, and local dining.

Bedford Museum

Turn left onto Burks Hill Road when leaving the Memorial and drive one mile into Historic Downtown Bedford. Find the Bedford Boys Tribute Center,  Bedford Museum , Bower Center for the Arts, Wharton Garden, beautiful architecture, unique shopping, and local dining.

Bower Center for the Arts

Turn left onto Burks Hill Road when leaving the Memorial and drive one mile into Historic Downtown Bedford. Find the Bedford Boys Tribute Center, Bedford Museum,  Bower Center for the Arts , Wharton Garden, beautiful architecture, unique shopping, and local dining.

Wharton Garden

Turn left onto Burks Hill Road when leaving the Memorial and drive one mile into Historic Downtown Bedford. Find the Bedford Boys Tribute Center, Bedford Museum, Bower Center for the Arts,  Wharton Garden , beautiful architecture, unique shopping, and local dining.

Beale's

Town’s only brewery,  Beale’s , also a full-service restaurant. Call ahead and order for curbside pickup and drive to your next destination.

Mountain Fruit & Produce

 Along Route 43 North towards the Peaks of Otter, you will find your next destination. If you prefer to shop and select your own picnic items, stop at  Mountain Fruit and Produce  for deli and fresh baked items, local produce, homemade ice cream, fried apple pies, and more!

Gross' Orchard

Next, connect with the great outdoors and choose the spot for your picnic!  Gross’ Orchard  is located in Apple Valley at the base of the Peaks of Otter. Picnic here, and afterwards stroll through the orchards and pick fresh fruit, shop in the country store, and check out the blacksmith shop on site. You may even catch him at work, creating his next masterpiece! 

Peaks of Otter Picnic Area

Or if you prefer something different, a short drive up the mountain will take you to the  Peaks of Otter Picnic Area , located just before you reach the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here you can relax, play in the creek, take a leisurely walk around Abbott Lake, and enjoy bird-watching, nature, and wildlife. 

Peaks of Otter Winery

No road trip through Bedford would be complete without stopping at one of our five wineries! For this trip, we recommend the  Peaks of Otter Winery , a six-generation family farm offering dozens of fruit-of-the farm wines, with names like “Grandma’s Apple Pie”, “Chocolate Cherry Bomb”, and “Kiss the Devil”. Don’t miss the apple cider donuts made on site, visiting with the farm animals, and the many photo opportunities, including a LOVEworks! This is also the site of the annual Horse & Hound Wine Festival, held every 2nd Saturday of July.