Destination Bedford

Indoor Farmer's Market
2019-02-09 08:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
Show your love and buy local. We will have artisan gifts and delicious food for you to share.

5th Annual Edna Curry/John Bower Exhibition
2019-02-09 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-10 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-11 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-12 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-13 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-14 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-15 11:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-16 11:00 - 16:00 and 6 more dates | VA
Annual judged non-theme exhibition to honor Bower Center’s primary benefactors, Edna Curry and John Bower
Gallery admission is always free during open hours-
Tues-Sat, 11am-4pm
Entry deadline for artists: January 19th
5 Judges: Artists in the Blue Tablecloth Society
The Blue Tablecloth Society was originated by the well-known Virginia artist Ron Boehmer and functions as a critique instrument and professional barometer for its membership, which is limited to five. The goal is to examine work, learn from each piece, and each other. We discuss our motivations, goals, and problems as they relate to us specifically, and art culture today.
Director: Ron Boehmer: www.ronboehmer.com
Current members:
Deliece Blanchard: https://delieceblanchard.com
David Eakin: www.davideakin.com
Cheryl Hawkins: www.artboxvirginia.com/art-on-12th/html
Kaye Lipscomb: https://kayelipscomb.com
Nancy McDearmon: www.nancymcdearmon.com

MTX #2 After Dark
2019-02-09 18:30 - 22:00 | Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
We’ll keep your legs spinning with the Bedford Winter Mountain Cross Race Series. Come on out and join in on the racing, fun, food, prizes and friends! More good times coming with the Bedford Trails Winter Mountain Cross Race Series right around the corner. Get signed up today!

Intro to Pottery & Ceramics
2019-02-12 10:00 - 12:00, 2019-02-19 10:00 - 12:00 | VA
Learn and explore the wonderful world of clay! In this class we will use techniques such as coil, pinch and slab to create decorative and functional ware.
Instruction will include treatment of clay in various stages of moisture, wedging, finishing techniques and glazing. There will be an introduction to wheel- throwing to form bowls, cups, bottles etc.
The Instructor is Kim Clarke. “When asked to describe her own work, Clarke already has a perfected artist statement ready to go.
“Tim Burton meets ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and explodes into Cirque du Soleil,” she says.
The description is fairly accurate among the bunnies, kings, queens and jesters. The only thing that doesn’t scream Lewis Carroll are her boats, in which figures and animals often sit — though she says she’s not sure why.
“Transportation’s kind of big for some reason,” says Clarke. “Cars, rockets.””
Notes:
• $20 materials fee due to instructor first day of class
6 sessions, Jan 22-Feb 26
Tuesdays, 10am-12pm

Intro to Mosaics with Dotti Stone
2019-02-12 13:30 - 16:00, 2019-02-19 13:30 - 16:00 | VA
Feel the excitement of learning a centuries-old art form… and prepare to be addicted!
Learn the basics of mosaic design, some of the different materials used, the tools used, how to cut glass and porcelain, and two direct methods of constructing a mosaic. Supply fee will cover the first two small projects.
Instructor: Dotti Stone
Dotti studied art at Richmond Professional Institute – ‘65, (now VCU), Richmond VA. Previously, a professional photographer and stained glass artist in Northern Virginia. Stone took up mosaics in 2004 while still in Northern VA. She relocated to Wirtz VA in 2007 and operated a home studio, Smith Mountain Lake Mosaics. She opened a studio in Bower Center for the Arts in 2009 and a year later moved to Bedford to be near the Center, the studio, and to be part of its growing arts community.
She has exhibited widely and in 2015, with several other mosaic artists, organized BRAMA (Blue Ridge Area Mosaic Artists). The group meets bimonthly, exhibits mosaics, and works on community mosaic projects. Stone creates fine art panels and sculptural works, and since 2009 has taught mosaics classes to adults, and to youth in Bower’s summer arts camp and after-school programs.
“Most rewarding is seeing what my students create, their excitement over the different materials and colors, learning various techniques and their applications, and developing an appreciation for mosaics. Mosaic art is one of the oldest art forms and creating and exhibiting them to inspire others to enjoy, appreciate, and learn about this versatile and tactile form of art is important and satisfying.” Dotti
Notes:
• $30 supply fee due to instructor first day of class
• Supply fee will cover your first two small projects
Jan. 22-Feb. 26 (no class 2/5)
Class times available: 1:30-4pm or 6-8:30pm
Students may come to whichever session best suits their schedules.

Knitwits: Beginner Knitting Class
2019-02-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2019-02-19 18:00 - 19:30 | VA
We will learn the basics of knitting and make a cozy pair of slippers. Once you learn to to cast on, knit and purl, there is no end to what you can make!
Instructor: Suzanne Warner, a retired middle school teacher in Bedford. “I have been knitting since around age 10. Knitting helps me relax and deal with a crazy world!”
Kids 10+ welcome when accompanied by an adult
Registration is required

Sweethearts Wine Tasting
2019-02-15 14:30 - 17:30 | Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, 1722 Hickory Cove Lane, Moneta, VA, 24121, United States
Bring your sweetheart, whether that is your spouse, lover, BFF, mother, father, brother or sister to celebrate Valentine’s Day! There are two wine flights to choose from.
For Dry Wine Lovers
We have assembled a Dry Wine Flight with Charcuterie for you and your sweetheart to share.
For Semi and Sweet Wine Lovers
For those that enjoy their wine less dry, we assembled a semi to Sweet Wine Flight with Chocolate for you and your sweetheart to share.
Additional details may be found at www.SMLwine.com or at the ticket URL.
Reservations are required.

Winter Bluegrass Jam
2019-02-15 18:00 - 22:00 | VA
Mariners Landing is proud to present their very first Winter Bluegrass Jam! This event will be held on Friday, February 15th, 2019 and is sure to bring some warmth to the cold Winter season. Doors open at 6pm and the layout will be an open jam session format. Musicians of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to come out, join in, and play along. Bluegrass and mountain music roots run deep in our region, and this event will give you the chance to jam along with some of the best bluegrass musicians in our area! Whether you’re a musician or just a fan of the music, this will be a fun event for the whole family.

Tickets are $10 for individuals, or $20 for a Family Ticket, and are available for purchase at The Pointe at Mariners Landing or Ricky’s Bluegrass Connection in Moneta. Food and beverages will be available!

Forest Farmers Market
2019-02-16 08:00 - 12:00 | Forest Farmers Market, 15583 Forest Road, Forest, VA, 24523, United States
Virginia Grown Produce, meats, honey, flowers along with breads for locals to enjoy. The market is open the last week in April until the last week in Oct. Please come and enjoy the local food from our area.

Monthly Ride--Beer, BBQ, Bedford and Blue Ridge MTNS
2019-02-16 08:00 - 13:00 | peaks Coaching group, 414 Jackson Street, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
Endurance athletes of the world UNITE! The third Saturday of each month–cycle, MTB, CX, run or hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Just finish at Beale’s Brewery at 1pm for lunch! Bedford, VA is a truly EPIC place for all athletes! There will be several group road rides leaving from Beale’s parking lot across from Peaks Coaching Group. Visit the website to find a ride right for you! Each month offers different rides!
http://www.peakscoachinggroup.com/bikingbedfordva

Winter Weekends at Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
2019-02-16 10:00 - 16:00, 2019-02-17 10:00 - 16:00 | Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, 687 Poplar Forest Dr., Forest, VA, 24551, United States
Spend time as Jefferson did—in the home designed as his personal retreat. Read and relax in a historic setting, enjoy complimentary coffee and tea, explore our grounds or engage with special exhibits and vignettes. And on Saturdays, join us for gallery talks led by experts on subjects related to Jefferson’s time, including the eventful year of 1819.
A LOOK AT THE YEAR 1819
A momentous year, 1819 was fraught with peril: a financial panic gripped the nation—and Jefferson himself; an epidemic ravaged the enslaved community; and the debate on what would become the Missouri Compromise began. Small exhibits, vignettes and gallery talks will be presented throughout the house to tell true stories of the time culled from Jefferson’s letters and journals.
PARLOR TALKS SCHEDULE
Join us in the Parlor of Jefferson’s retreat home (or in the Kitchen as noted) on Saturdays for our 2019 Parlor Talks series. Each talk is given by a Poplar Forest expert on a specific topic about Jefferson and his time. All talks are included with admission.
SICKNESS, DROUGHT, DEBT, DEPRESSION AND DISUNION: JEFFERSON’S TRIALS IN 1819
Saturday, January 19 at 1 p.m.
Always philosophical, Jefferson’s optimism was put to the test in 1819, a year with widespread illness, drought, family strife and crumbling finances in his midst, and unmistakably ominous clouds of national disunion on the horizon. How is it that Jefferson did not become paralyzed by despair? As we enter into the bicentennial of this unsettled year, come hear exactly what happened during 1819. Presented by Wayne Gannaway, Director of Programs, Marketing and Grants for Poplar Forest.
RESTORING JEFFERSON’S CARRIAGE TURNAROUND
Saturday, January 26 at 1 p.m.
Poplar Forest archaeologists have carefully excavated and studied evidence related to Jefferson’s carriage turnaround. Join Eric Proebsting, Ph.D., Director of Archaeology and Landscapes for a look at what they’ve discovered, and learn exciting details about its upcoming restoration, generously supported by the Garden Club of Virginia. When the restoration is complete in early 2019, the north side of Jefferson’s retreat will look as it did during Jefferson’s ownership for the first time in over 200 years.
JEFFERSON’S POPLAR FOREST NEIGHBORS
Saturday, February 2 at 1 p.m.
While Poplar Forest wasn’t envisioned as a grand home for many guests, Jefferson often invited neighbors to Poplar Forest to dine with him and his grandchildren and they would return the visits, as well. Join Gail Pond, Poplar Forest’s Collections Manager, for an introduction to Jefferson’s Poplar Forest neighbors and their relationships with Jefferson. Hear true stories about these first friends of Poplar Forest and what their visits were like.
POPLAR FOREST CRAFTSMEN
Saturday, February 9
Restoration craftsmen working in house throughout the day
Parlor talk at 1 p.m.
Constructing Jefferson’s architectural vision for Poplar Forest between 1806 and 1826 was no small task. Meet the free and enslaved craftsmen responsible for originally bringing that vision to life. Join Travis McDonald, Poplar Forest’s Director of Architectural Restoration, for an introduction to these craftsmen and their work; speak with one of the current craftsmen working on the Poplar Forest villa restoration; and watch him work, installing molding throughout the house.
JEFFERSON’S INDEBTEDNESS
Saturday, February 16 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Jefferson wisely warned his granddaughter Cornelia to “Never spend your money before you have it,” but, personally, had much difficulty following his own advice. Join Bill Skinner, a longtime tour docent at Poplar Forest, as he explores the debts Jefferson incurred throughout his adult life. The accumulation of significant debt was a lifelong struggle for Jefferson and a burden for his family after his death.
HEARTH COOKING IN THE KITCHEN—JEFFERSON’S COOKS
Saturday, February 23 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
What’s cooking in Jefferson’s kitchen? Join Mary Kesler, Coordinator of Themed Tours and Historical Information and Vince Fastabend, Architectural Restoration Supervisor, for an introduction to Jefferson’s enslaved cooks and a demonstration of the 19th-century hearth cooking techniques they employed.
CLOTHING AND TEXTILES IN THE LATE 18TH AND EARLY 19TH CENTURIES
Saturday, March 2 at 1 p.m.
They say clothes make the man or women. Join Dr. Jennifer Ogborne, Poplar Forest’s Curator of Archaeological Collections, for a look at the clothing worn by men and women during the late 18th and early 19th centuries and the production of textiles by enslaved people at Poplar Forest. Observe as Dr. Ogborne demonstrates various sewing techniques throughout the day. Examples of reproduction clothing and artifacts from the collection representing the enslaved community and Jefferson’s family, will be on display.
HEARTH COOKING IN THE KITCHEN—JEFFERSON’S COOKS
Saturday, March 9 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Who’s cooking in Jefferson’s kitchen? Join Mary Kesler, Coordinator of Themed Tours and Historical Information and Vince Fastabend, Architectural Restoration Supervisor, for an introduction to Jefferson’s enslaved cooks and a demonstration of the 19th-century hearth cooking techniques they employed.
Admission to Winter Weekends (Saturdays and Sundays only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—last admittance at 3 p.m.) is $16 for adults; $14 for seniors (ages 65+) and military (must show ID); $8 for college students (must show ID) and teens (ages 12-18); $4 for youth (ages 6-11); and free for children under age 6 and Poplar Forest members.

Valentine Goat Snuggle Wine Tasting
2019-02-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Seven Doors Winery, 5800 Johnson Mountain Road, Huddleston, 24104
Come snuggle goats and taste wine, whether you love or hate Valentine’s! Either grab your honey or come solo, you’re sure to feel the love after cuddling sweet baby goats. We are opening special for this event. $25 per person,
Includes wine tasting of 7 organic or sustainable wines, a glass of wine of your choice (or love potion sangria), light refreshments and unlimited goat snuggles and laughs. Dress comfortably. Must be 21 to consume alcohol, must pre-order tickets by Feb 15. https://squareup.com/store/seven-doors-winery
Please email sevendoorswinery@gmail.com with questions.

MTX #3
2019-02-17 13:30 - 17:00 | Falling Creek Park, 1257 County Farm Road, Bedford, VA, 24523, United States
