In the early 1800s, the land that would become Stewartsville was a stopping point along the Great Wagon Road, where farms and trading posts served travelers moving between the Blue Ridge and Roanoke Valley. The name honors early landowners and farmers who established orchards, gristmills, and small stores. Today, with a population of just over 600, Stewartsville remains a close-knit community where roads once used by wagons are still in daily use, though now by commuters and school buses.

Stewartsville draws from Bedford County’s calendar of gatherings. Bedford Centerfest takes over downtown Bedford each September with artists, vendors, and live music. First Fridays at Falling Creek Park runs on select months with concerts, kids’ activities, and food trucks. The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival returns the last weekend of September at Bernard’s Landing. SedaliaFest at the Sedalia Center in Big Island features bluegrass and a farm to table feast.

Recreation around Stewartsville often ties back to its rural character. Falling Creek Park in nearby Bedford offers wooded trails, open meadows, and a disc golf course that draws weekend visitors. Informal ball games take place at community fields maintained by Bedford County Parks and Recreation, where the sound of aluminum bats carries on warm evenings. Scattered through the countryside are traces of early farmsteads—stone fence lines, aging barns, and equipment long out of use—that speak to the area’s agricultural heritage. The original post office site, though now privately owned, still reflects Stewartsville’s role in linking outlying farms to the wider region.

Local commerce in Stewartsville includes a mix of specialty and essential shopping. Olde Mill Primitives specializes in handcrafted furniture, antiques, and home décor pieces inspired by early American design. Many items are built from reclaimed wood or crafted using traditional joinery techniques, giving them a distinct character and durability. The shop also carries seasonal décor, candles, and locally made goods, making it a draw for those furnishing a home or looking for one-of-a-kind gifts. Dollar General provides everyday necessities ranging from groceries to household supplies, offering residents a convenient option for quick shopping without leaving the community.

For those looking for a great place to eat, Stewartsville has its own flavor. The Burger Bus, a locally operated food truck, appears at festivals, park events, and in rotating spots around town, serving thick burgers topped with combinations like pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes or smoky bacon with homemade barbecue sauce. Its menu changes with the season, but its reputation for quality and creativity has made it a sought-after stop whenever it’s parked nearby. Vito’s Pizza serves hand-tossed pizzas with a variety of toppings, along with subs, calzones, and pasta dishes. Known for generous portions and consistent quality, it’s a popular choice for casual meals and takeout orders.

Just as these kitchens take care of appetites, some services focus on protecting the places people call home. Star City Crawl Space offers crawl space cleaning, drainage installation, vapor barrier placement, and mold remediation to keep Stewartsville homes dry, stable, and prepared for the seasons ahead. Contact us today for all your crawl space needs.