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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
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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
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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
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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
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Four new trollies will join the VB Wave Trolley fleet beginning May 10, when Virginia Beach Wave Trolley will resume its seasonal service along the oceanfront.
Trolley season lasts through September 25-27 for the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival.
A total of 14 new trollies will be part of the fleet this year, gradually replacing the older versions. The 29-foot trolley replica buses seat 29 people and feature wooden seats, with “sky-blue and sand-colored brown exterior,” according to Hampton Roads Transit (HRTS). Last year, 281,507 riders used the trolley system.
“This year marks the 42nd season of the VB Wave trolley, and these new trollies will provide a comfortable, safe, and efficient ride for visitors and locals alike,” William E. Harrell said. He is the president and CEO of HRT. “As part of our partnership with the city of Virginia Beach, the VB Wave makes it easy for everyone to visit attractions and explore the Oceanfront and beyond without the hassles of parking or the high cost of gas,” Harrell said.
The following routes will operate May 10 through Sept. 27 for the Neptune Festival:
Route 30 is the Atlantic Avenue Trolley, running along the Oceanfront between JT’s Grommet Island Park to Fortieth Street. This service operates daily from 8 a.m.- 2 a.m.
Route 31 is the aquarium and campground trolley along General Booth Boulevard. It runs daily from 9:30 a.m.-11:10 p.m. through Labor Day and again on Fridays through Sundays from Sept. 11 through Sept. 27. Route 31 also extends to Atlantic Avenue and 18th Street.
Route 35 is the Bayfront Bus, providing service between Parks Avenue and 19th Street and Shore Drive and Pleasure House Road, enabling customers to visit Chesapeake Bay beaches, First Landing State Park, and Bayfront restaurants. It operates daily from 8 a.m.-12:30 a.m. through Labor Day and then Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from Sept. 11 through the Sept. 27 festival
The VB Wave trolley connects to HRT bus lines, Routes 20 and 960, with access to the Newtown Road Light Rail Station and the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Fares are $2 one way or $4.50 for an all-day pass. Kids 17 and under ride free with a paying adult. Riders can pay for tickets using HRT’s GoMobile app and a credit card. Riders can create and manage multiple virtual cards and reload value for easy group boarding, and need to have a unique scannable virtual card for boarding. Children are not required to scan a virtual card or pay fare when boarding with an adult.
Customers can also tap to pay using credit and debit cards. KOA Campground, Virginia Gift Shop, nine Sunsations locations, and Ocean Wave Gift Shop sell tickets. Riders can also pay with exact change cash onboard the trolley.
In addition, HRT is introducing a new route in Virginia Beach beginning May 10. The new Route 981 will connect the Amazon Fulfillment Center (ORF 4) at 1795 Dam Neck Road with the Downtown Norfolk Transit Center.
Route 33 service is being restored to Atlantic Avenue and 68th Street 365 days a year to support the oceanfront hospitality industry.
Virginia
PHOTOS: Virginia Beach Police investigate firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach Police are at the scene of a firearm-related incident at Carriage House Apartments Saturday afternoon, according to the Virginia Beach Police Department.
The department also confirmed there are no shooting victims at this time.
10 On Your Side is at the scene and working to gather more information about the situation.
10 On Your Side will update this story when more information is available.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Democrats are not happy about a state Supreme Court decision declaring last month’s referendum to draw new congressional districts null and void.
Democrats, however, have filed a motion asking the Virginia Court to delay its 4-3 decision while they file an emergency appeal to the United States Supreme Court.
Virginia’s current map that favors Democrats by a narrow 6-5 margin will stay in effect for the midterms. Both sides, though, have a lot to say to say about today’s decision.
Two months ago, you couldn’t avoid the political ads and mailers on both sides of the issue.
“Everybody remembers we got a few million dollars worth of flyers in our mailboxes, and everything with redistricting that whole referendum has now been overturned by the court decision,” said Old Dominion University Associate Professor of Political Science Jesse Richman.
On April 21, Virginia voters approved redrawing congressional maps that would have given Democrats a 10-1 advantage, giving them a strong chance to pick up four additional seats in November.
More than two weeks later, the Virginia Supreme Court rendered the results null and void, saying the required constitutional processes were not followed before this was put up for a vote. So what does that mean for Virginians?
“As it is, we stay with the districts we have,” Richman said. “If [Democrat] Bobby Scott’s your representative, he’s still your representative. The lines aren’t moving. If [Republican] Jen Kiggans is your representative, [she’s] still your representative.”
Scott and Kiggans spoke to 10 On Your Side shortly after today’s decision.
“I’m disappointed,” Scott said. “People voted, three million people voted, it carried in 55 of the 100 House of Delegates districts, so the people spoke.”
“It’s a big day for Virginia today,” Kiggans said. “It’s a victory for the rule of law [and] it’s a victory for fairness.”
That split reaction has also been felt among voters, some even rallying in front of the Virginia Supreme Court. One of them was Hampton’s NAACP Branch President Gaylene Kanoyton.
“We have got to make sure that we mobilize and don’t let this get us down,” Kanoyton said. “We need to be energized.”
Virginia Democrats have vowed to fight Friday’s ruling, saying they intend to file an emergency appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I expect we’ll see more intense political campaigning in the midterms in this area because of the Supreme Court’s decision,” Richman said.
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