Destination Bedford offers big, bold and unforgettable experiences. You’ll see stunning beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hear stories of bravery that will take your breath away at the National D-Day Memorial.
September 18, 2020
Wanderlust is defined as a strong desire to travel, but here in Virginia, we call that feeling WanderLove. You can experience this by finding a hidden gem or going on a road trip with friends or family! You can find one of these hidden gems and get information on others all at the same place! The Bedford Area Welcome center is the perfect stop to begin your visit to Destination Bedford! If you’re visiting, new to the area, or even if you’ve lived here your entire life, the Welcome Center is for you!
With over 400 brochures, maps, and free travel publications, the Welcome Center is the ideal location for information on trip ideas, restaurants, outdoor adventure, lodging, and so much more! You will find information on not just Bedford, but also other locations in Virginia. The Welcome Center has a very well stocked gift shop where you can buy clothes, Virginia is for Lovers merchandise, candy, postcards, jewelry, and lots of other goodies!
If you want to make your visit longer, stay at one of the 3 RV stations that have full hook up and dump amenities for a fee. The Welcome Center also has free WiFi, an electric car charging station, and a meeting space for rent that can accommodate a small gathering. While visiting, don’t forget to stop by the LOVE sign which is a great backdrop for a picture and even has a selfie station so you can get that perfect shot!
An entire wing of the Welcome Center has been dedicated to housing the Bedford Volunteer Fire Company’s refurbished 1927 Seagrave Pumper and historical artifacts that tell the rich history of the fire service in Bedford County.
The building also includes spectacular views of the Peaks of Otter and National D-Day Memorial. The Welcome Center also houses the Department of Tourism. Along with the tourism and Welcome Center staff, there are 40 volunteers who graciously give their time to help their community!
Festival of Trees at the Bedford Area Welcome Center is an annual event that takes place around the end of November through the first week of January. “Christmas Through The Decades” is the theme for this year. The event will feature trees that are decorated by local businesses and organizations. Visitors are encouraged to come by the Welcome Center and vote for their favorite tree(s) for only $1.00/vote. At the conclusion of the event, all proceeds will benefit the charitable organizations designated by the businesses. There are no winners and no losers of this event, everyone has an equal opportunity to raise money for their selected charity and they will keep whatever amount they raise. The Festival of Trees is a festive family friendly event to celebrate the season while helping causes important to the community.
The Welcome Center is open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the time of Covid-19, safety measures are in place and we also offer hand sanitizer and free masks.
For more information on day trip ideas or other fun activities in Bedford, please stop by the Welcome Center or check out our website! You may also contact us and request information to be mailed.
Be sure to share your experiences on social media using
#DestinationBedfordVA and #LOVEBedfordVA!
Blog written by: Layney Skinner, Destination Bedford Virginia