Goode, Virginia has a population of about 3,357 and sits in eastern Bedford County along U.S. Route 221. The community is named for John Goode Jr., a Virginia lawyer and politician from the 1800s. While the area is small, it has a mix of history, agriculture, and businesses that stand out. People here are connected to the land, and many families have lived in the area for generations.
One of the most notable places in Goode is Bellevue, a large Federal-style home built in the early 1800s by the Goggin family. After the Civil War, the house was turned into a boys’ school, giving it a unique place in local history. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a reminder of how important both farming and education were to this part of Virginia. Bellevue is surrounded by farmland, showing how the land has shaped life here for over two centuries. Goode is home to several small businesses that have made a name for themselves. Gunnoe Sausage Company has been producing pork sausage for decades, using recipes passed down through the family. Locals and visitors buy their products in bulk to store at home. Another well-known spot is the Goode Country Store, which stocks groceries, hardware, and other essentials. It is also a place where locals often catch up with neighbors while running errands.
When it comes to food, there are a few places just outside of Goode that locals visit regularly. Forks Country Restaurant is a family-style place that serves dishes like hamburger steak with fried apples and hearty breakfasts that keep regulars coming back. Liberty Station offers catfish, corn pudding, and peach cobbler, combining simple ingredients with well-known regional flavors.
Goode’s location makes it easy to reach outdoor and cultural attractions. People who enjoy being outside often head toward the Blue Ridge Mountains for a drive or a hike, especially in the fall when the leaves change color. Bedford, only a short drive away, is home to the Peaks of Otter with trails leading to mountain overlooks. History fans often visit the National D-Day Memorial which honors the soldiers from the area who fought in Normandy during World War II.
Community events in Goode are often tied to the farming calendar. In the fall, farms in the area host pumpkin patches and hayrides. Summer events often center around church gatherings and local fundraisers, which are a way for neighbors to spend time together. Homemade jams, baked goods, and produce are common at these events, and most of it comes straight from local farms.
Agriculture is still a major part of life here. Farm stands on the roadside sell fresh eggs, sweet corn, tomatoes, and other seasonal crops. Cattle and other livestock are raised on nearby farms, and livestock auctions in neighboring towns remain important for the local economy. The Big Otter River runs through the area, giving residents a quiet place to fish or relax by the water.
While Goode does not have museums or amusement parks, it is close enough to larger towns for people to enjoy those attractions without living in the middle of them. Lynchburg offers theaters, galleries, and restaurants. Smith Mountain Lake is also within driving distance and is popular for boating and swimming during the summer. Living in Goode means being close to these activities while still having open space and a slower pace at home.
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