Virginia
I've Lived in Virginia for 23+ Years—and This Small Town Is One of My Favorite Hidden Gems
Bedford, Virginia
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Hiking the Peaks of Otter is a true Virginia treasure. It offers some of the most dramatic views in the state.
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Driving the Blue Ridge Parkway is a fantastic way to take in mountain views, enjoy the winding roads, and stop at overlooks and trails along the way.
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Perched beside Abbott Lake and surrounded by mountain scenery, the Peaks of Otter Lodge offers unmatched access to the Peaks of Otter trails.
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History comes to life at the moving and meticulously designed National D-Day Memorial, which honors the lives of those who participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.
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Set in a beautifully restored former train station, Liberty Station serves up a menu of elevated American classics with a Southern twist.
As someone who has lived in Virginia for more than 23 years and visited all 50 U.S. states, I keep coming back to Bedford. Despite my travels—and even stints living in other states—there’s something timeless and grounding about this town. From its stunning hiking trails and historical landmarks to its cozy restaurants and mountain views, Bedford has quietly become one of my favorite hidden gems in Virginia.
If you love hiking, diving into history, or are just seeking for a peaceful getaway with great local food, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love with Bedford, too.
Best Hotels & Lodges
Visit Virginia
A lounge area inside th Peaks of Otter Lodge.
Peaks of Otter Lodge
Surrounded by nature and located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 86, Peaks of Otter Lodge is ideal for hikers and anyone craving a peaceful mountain escape. Visitors can expect lakefront views, on-site dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and access to scenic trails.
Graham Ordinary
For a more rustic escape, Graham Ordinary is a historic mountain lodge in the picturesque countryside nearby. The King Suites are thoughtfully styled to reflect the property’s cozy, mountain charm, and the quiet setting creates a true sense of retreat. For those wanting to fully immerse themselves in nature, the lodge also features several campsite options.
The Forget-Me-Not B&B
A charming bed-and-breakfast in the heart of Bedford, this lovingly restored property offers one cozy room, personal touches, a large front porch, and a tasty breakfast.
Best Things to Do
Visit Virginia
Visitors observe the The National D-Day Memorial.
Hike the Peaks of Otter.
The Peaks of Otter will always be my favorite hiking spot in Virginia. I’ve explored its trails more times than I can count and in every season—and it never loses its magic. Whether you’re hiking Sharp Top, Flat Top, or Harkening Hill, there’s a trail for every experience level.
For me, it’s about more than just the views. It’s where my husband and I went on our first date, and a year later, it’s where he proposed. I love returning to relive those memories and soak in the panoramic views of Virginia’s countryside.
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Winding through the mountains just outside town, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. With its countless overlooks, peaceful picnic spots, and picture-perfect photo ops, this route offers jaw-dropping views year-round.
Take a day trip to Smith Mountain Lake.
Smith Mountain Lake, just a 35-minute drive from Bedford, is well worth the trip. Often called the Lake Tahoe of the East, it’s stunning and packed with activities. Nicole Johnson, director of tourism at Destination Bedford, highlighted that there are endless ways to experience this beautiful destination, whether it’s fishing, renting a boat for a day on the water, or hiking and camping.
Visit the National D-Day Memorial and the Bedford Boys Tribute Center.
With Bedford suffering the highest per-capita D-Day losses in the nation, the town holds a deep connection to World War II history. The powerful outdoor memorial honors the sacrifices of D-Day soldiers through moving sculptures, informative displays, and peaceful gardens. It’s both educational and emotional—an essential visit for history lovers and anyone wanting to understand Bedford’s story on a deeper level.
Johnson suggests starting at the National D-Day Memorial, then visiting the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. She explained it’s a meaningful way to learn about the personal stories of these men and the sacrifices they made for the community. “The Tribute Center features many of their personal belongings and is located in Bedford’s historic downtown,” she shared.
Spend time at local orchards.
At different times of the year, you can pick apples, berries, or peaches at local orchards in Bedford. Johnson’s Orchards and Gross Orchard are fantastic places to not only pick your own fruit, but also purchase fresh, local produce.
Best Restaurants
Bridge Street Cafe
Start your morning at Bridge Street Cafe, where locals love the bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and tasty lattes.
Town Kitchen & Provisions
Perfect for lunch, this charming sandwich shop is a hit, thanks to its flavorful bánh mì, falafel, and irresistible pies. It’s a casual spot with standout options.
Liberty Station
A Bedford staple and local favorite, Liberty Station is known for its upscale country fare. Signature dishes include prime rib, crab dip, and French onion soup. It’s a must-visit for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Virginia
View of mountains from Peaks of Otter Lodge.
While you can’t go wrong with a visit to Bedford during any season. Johnson, said, “Spring is a beautiful time to visit, with everything in bloom and vibrant shades of green spreading across the landscape. The colorful scenery set against the Peaks of Otter makes for a stunning backdrop. Late April through June is an ideal time to experience it, before the busier summer and fall seasons.”
How to Get There
Visit Virginia
A family stops at a lookout along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The nearest airport to Bedford is Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH), located about 25 minutes away. For more flight options, Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport (ROA) is another convenient choice, just 40 minutes from town. If you’re flying into the area, plan to rent a car. Bedford’s small-town charm and surrounding sights are best explored by driving.
How to Get Around
The best way to explore Bedford is by car. While the downtown area is walkable, many of the best hiking trails, restaurants, and scenic spots require a drive. Ride-shares, like Uber and Lyft, are available, but very limited.
Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
A manhunt is underway in Virginia for a suspect accused of killing a sheriff’s deputy while he was conducting a welfare check, law enforcement officials said.
Deputy Logan Utt was fatally shot after police received a request from a family member to do a welfare check at the location, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office said.
A man at the home opened fire on the two deputies who responded to the location, according to the sheriff’s office. The deputies returned fire, the sheriff’s office said, and both were hit by gunfire. Utt was pronounced dead, while the second deputy was struck in his ballistic vest. That deputy is currently receiving medical evaluation and is reported to be in stable condition, officials said.
“Deputy Utt was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished family member, friend, and respected member of our law enforcement family. His service, courage, and dedication will not be forgotten,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Utt joined the sheriff’s office in 2023, after serving in the military.
A search is underway for the suspect. He should be considered armed and extremely dangerous, law enforcement officials said.
“My office is closely monitoring this tragic incident,” Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger wrote on social media. “I encourage anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Virginia State Police. My thoughts are with the deputy’s family and the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office as we work through this awful situation.”
“I didn’t know I could go that fast,” Richard Delcid, the general manager of a Domino’s Pizza in Manassas, told WTOP.
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‘I didn’t know I could go that fast’: Virginia pizza maker breaks record
A general manager of a Domino’s Pizza in Manassas, Virginia, won the chain’s “World’s Fastest Pizza Maker” competition this month.
Richard Delcid prepared a pepperoni pizza, mushroom pizza and cheese pizza for the oven in 31.22 seconds.
“I didn’t know I could go that fast,” Delcid told WTOP.
“Eight seconds better than the previous record,” Robert Donner, one of the owners of the Domino’s on Centreville Road, said.
The competitors at the May 13 Las Vegas event came from Domino’s locations around the world, and Donner said the competition is about more than speed.
“They’re judged by weight, they’re judged by portion, and they’re judged on whether they’re sellable to a customer,” Donner said.
When Delcid first started working for Domino’s in 2012, he was a teenager. He was much slower then, he joked.
As with anything, practice makes perfect.
“We record ourselves during practices,” Delcid said. “We dissect videos, we look at body movement, hand movement, everything.”
Delcid was not alone in Vegas. Donner, who is part owner of more than 30 Domino’s Pizza locations in Virginia and Maryland, brought dozens of employees to the event.
Coming in second at the competition was another member of Donner’s team.
Joe Burr, who is known as “Domino Joe,” is the local director of training, and calls himself the Dan Marino of the Domino’s World’s Fastest Pizza Maker competition.
“I’ve won third place a couple times, I’ve won second place like three or four times,” Burr said. “So I’m like always a bridesmaid, but never a bride.”
Don’t let Burr’s jokes fool you — he has known Delcid for a long time and is very proud of him.
“I like to say it’s not the sculptor, it’s the clay. Richard is the best clay,” Burr said.
Along with a championship belt and a trophy, Delcid’s record‑breaking performance earned him $5,000 from Domino’s Pizza corporate, and his local bosses kicked in another $5,000.
Virginia
Netflix casting Central Virginia singles for “Love on the Spectrum” after Danville man joins show
DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Netflix is searching for singles in Central Virginia to appear on its documentary-style dating series “Love on the Spectrum,” after a Danville man was cast for an upcoming season and producers are now looking to find his match.
The series follows adults on the autism spectrum as they navigate dating.
Monica Karavanic, executive director of The Arc of Southside in Danville, said the person cast has ties to her organization.
SEE ALSO: City leaders tour $100M Lynchburg CSO tunnel aimed at improving Lynchburg waterways
“This show has been loved by millions internationally and so for it to come to Danville is pretty awesome and we’re just really excited and hoping to make it work,” Karavanic said.
Casting is focused on singles ages 25 to 40, of any gender, who live near Danville or Lynchburg and would be interested in going on a date with a man on the spectrum. Producers say the time commitment could be as little as half a day.
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For more information on how to apply, you’re asked to email: production@northernpictures.com.au
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