Bedford, Virginia

Bedford is an independent city located within Bedford County in west central Virginia. Bedford is located 27 miles (42 kilometers) west of Lynchburg and 29 miles (47 kilometers) east of Roanoke.

To learn about area history, head to the Bedford City/County Museum, visit the Avenel mansion (which dates to c. 1838) and Thomas Jefferson's octagonal retreat, Poplar Forest, and take a stroll through the Centertown Bedford, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another important site to visit is the National D-Day Memorial. During the D-Day invasion, Bedford lost more residents per capita than any other American community, and honors its veterans and all members of the Allied invasion force at the memorial, which includes an education center, stylized English Garden, invasion tableau, and Victory Plaza.

Those who enjoy performing arts can take in performances of the local Little Town Players or Bedford Community Orchestra, or head neighboring communities, such as Lynchburg (e.g., the Renaissance Theatre) or Roanoke (e.g., the Roanoke Symphony or Roanoke Ballet Theatre).

If you can't get enough of festivals, there are plenty to enjoy in and around Bedford. Head to the Appalachian Folk Festival at Virginia's Explore Park; the Celtic, BBQ, Bluegrass, or Blues festivals (and more!) at the Sedalia Center in Big Island; the Blue Ridge Music Festival in Salem; or the Horse & Hound Wine Festival and the Bedford Centerfest in town.

Did I just mention wine? There are several wineries around the Bedford area, where you can test the local vintages. Some of these include Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery, Peaks of Otter Winery, Savoy-Lee Winery, Leo Grande Vineyards & Winery, and White Rock Vineyard & Winery.

Golfers can enjoy numerous area courses, and those who love the outdoors will be impressed with the number and quality of parks nearby. A short drive away from Bedford, you can enjoy many state parks, including Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, Douthat, and Fairy Stone. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are a short distance from town, as is access to the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

History, community events, great outdoors – and wine – are just a few things to draw you to Bedford.

See our 5 Jobs in Bedford, Virginia