The moment visitors arrive in Bedford, Virginia, the fact that roughly 6,700 residents call it home becomes unexpectedly meaningful: this small town bore the highest per capita loss on D Day, an impact reflected in local landmarks and communal memory.  What follows is a journey through historic depth, curious architecture, outdoor splendor, artisan creativity, culinary character, and one odd historic relic that together shape a place far richer than its size suggests.

Historic depth reveals itself first at the National D Day Memorial, an imposing sculptural ensemble with reflective pools and plaques that honor Bedford's sacrifice on June 6, 1944. Nearby, the Bedford Boys Tribute Center occupies what once was Green’s Drugstore, preserving personal letters and photographs of the 19 local guardsmen lost on that day. From there, the story moves to Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s octagonal retreat whose design showcases Jefferson’s architectural ingenuity.

Outdoors the Peaks of Otter rise just a short drive away, three summits—Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill—offering sweeping views from the summit of Sharp Top and a one-mile paved path around Abbott Lake below. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway skirts the area, with overlooks and a visitor center that opens onto trailheads including Elk Run Loop. Water recreation at Smith Mountain Lake follows: more than 500 miles of shoreline invite kayaking, wakesurfing, beach time and wooded hiking trails within Smith Mountain Lake State Park.

Next comes a look at local artisans and unusual businesses that give Bedford personality beyond its attractions. Emerson Creek Pottery operates a working studio that sells handmade ceramics and convenes seasonal craft markets featuring regional ceramicists and craftspeople. Goose Creek Studio hosts rotating exhibits of jewelry, leather craft and mosaics made by local and regional artists, creating a small art destination downtown. Several vintage boutiques like Bell Treasures, Dirt Road Treasures and The Well offer antiques, collectibles, herbal products and gifts hand-selected by shop owners.

Liberty Station resides in a restored train depot from 1857 and is praised for American comfort dishes including black-and-bleu salt and pepper catfish, sweet potato casserole, French onion soup, steaks, and specialty cheesecakes in flavors such as blueberry, chocolate marble, amaretto and raspberry white chocolate. Soul Sisters & Brother Kitchen Inc. offers soul food classics: collard greens, mac & cheese, baked beans and seasoned green beans widely lauded for homestyle flavor and hospitality.

Architecture and streetscape are visible in the Bedford Historic District, which spans some 105 acres and includes Greek Revival, Federal and Victorian buildings such as the 1838 meetinghouse, early banks and old schools—architecture that registers the town’s nineteenth-century civic ambitions. Across Main Street sits the Elks National Home, now a retirement complex known as Spring Oak, with Colonial/Mediterranean revival styling and a peculiar history linked to a 1923 cider poisoning incident.

Festivals bring Bedford together informally through Downtown Bedford, Inc., which organizes street-side markets and pop-ups in the historic core, and organizes an annual Christmas Market that draws vendors from across the region. Meanwhile the Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail showcases seasonal tastings at local wineries, cideries, breweries and a meadery, with eleven stops offering flights on patios overlooking farmland or mountain vistas. These events link history, commerce and culture in walkable settings.

These community gatherings highlight how much care goes into preserving both the stories and structures of Bedford. Just as residents value the town’s heritage, maintaining the health of their own homes is equally important. If you're a homeowner in Bedford and have concerns about moisture, musty odors, or uneven floors, Star City Crawl Space is ready to help. Contact us today for a free estimate.