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This month we are celebrating many things in Destination Bedford!
Virginia Wine Month, Apple Harvest Month, Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches, Halloween, and Fall Foliage!
Bedford was also featured by Travel + Leisure as a perfect fall escape!
Leaves should start changing around October 15-25.
Head to Bedford, VA and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter, Smith Mountain Lake, our historic downtown area, and many area attractions. Special events are taking place all month long. Some are featured below, while others are on the website event calendar.
Call or stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center if we can help you plan your visit!
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Apple Harvest Celebration
October 8, 15, 22, 29, 8 AM - 6 PM
Gross' Orchard will have special activities every Saturday through October. Enjoy wagon rides, live music, apple cider, fried apple pies, u-select and u-pick apples, and more! Bring your family for a fun day in Apple Valley! Free admission and parking.
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Layman Family Farms
Every Saturday and Sunday in October
Navigate your way through the 10 acre corn maze, pick pumpkins, ride the cow train, and enjoy many kid friendly activities. Hours this season are Saturdays 10am – 6pm, Sundays 11am – 6pm and Wednesday evenings in October from 4 – 8:30pm with limited activities. The last day to enjoy the farm will be November 5th!
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Bedford Farmers Market
Saturday, October 8, 8 AM - 12 PM
Outdoor shopping for fresh flowers, produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, self-care items, arts, and more! Live music on certain dates -click here to see who is playing. Located in downtown Bedford with free parking. After visiting the market, be sure to check out the shops and restaurants in downtown Bedford!
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Forest Farmer's Market
Saturday, October 8, 8 AM - 12 PM
This outdoor market offers fresh produce, meats, eggs, baked goods, and specialty items for sale. Various artisan and craft vendors also on site each Saturday. This market is located behind the Forest Library with free parking.
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Open Farm Days
October 8, 15, 22, 29, 10 AM - 4PM
Enjoy the 3rd Annual Open Farm Days at Lottie J Farm! Tour the barnyard and meet all of the animals, check out the brand new Play Barn with swings, rope tunnel, corn pit, mini hay pyramid, small slide and 40 foot tube slide! Food available for purchase. Admission is $5 per person, ages 3 and under are free.
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Cider Barn Fall Fest
Saturday, October 8, 10 AM - 2 PM
This annual event at Chapel Creek Farms is one you don’t want to miss! Cider samples, live music, vendors, Chapel Creek Farm chili and cornbread, and more! Hayrides are $2/person. Admission is free. This is a cash/check event.
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They Won't Die Twice
Saturday, October 8, 2 - 4 PM
Sunday, October 9, 2 - 4 PM
The National D-Day Memorial presents the American premiere of They Won’t Die Twice, a documentary telling the harrowing stories of three heroes of D-Day who would make the ultimate sacrifice during the summer of 1944. Produced by Florent Plana and Jenny Post, it follows the lives of three Americans, from before the war to landing on Omaha Beach. For tickets and more information, click here. The showing will be held inside the Bobbie G. Johnson Pavilion at the National D-Day Memorial.
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Mountain View Vintage Market
Friday, October 14, 3 - 6 PM (VIP)
Saturday, October 15, 10 AM - 4 PM
Upscale vintage market featuring 60+ unique vendors/small businesses. They include farmhouse décor, antique, shabby chic, rustic, and refurbished vendors, as well as an array of talented handmade artisans such as sign and candle makers, jewelry and much more. Food trucks, coffee, sweets, live music, and photo ops! $15 VIP in advance online includes admission for both days; $5 admission at the gate for Saturday.
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Big Otter Mill Fall Festival
Saturday, October 15, 10 AM - 4 PM
The 15th Anniversary of the Parker-Wuergler Memorial Harvest Festival! Brunswick Stew by the Masons, live music, silent auction, demonstrations, and tours of Big Otter Mill. Live music by Pleading the 5th Band from 12-2 p.m. followed by the Pete Turpin Band until 4 p.m. Family friendly with free admission!
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Summer Sunset Festival Series
Friday, October 21, 6 - 10 PM
Enjoy live music by Rewind at the Bedford YMCA! There will also be the Lazy Bulldog food truck, KONA Ice, vendors, and kid-friendly fun! Bring a chair. Admission is $5. Children 2 and under are free. Proceeds support YMCA programs. (Rain date 10/28)
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Dana Cooper and David Starr in Concert
Friday, October 21, 6 - 7:30 PM
The Bower Center for the Arts welcomes two renowned and award-winning folk artists together on tour! Dana Cooper and David Starr have both led distinguished careers in the music industry and are now once again out on tour, promoting their new albums "I Can Face the Truth" and "Touchstones" respectively. Tickets are $20 online.
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New London Day
Saturday, October 22, 10 AM - 3 PM
Tour historic buildings, experience life during the Revolutionary War with reenactors, see a blacksmith demonstration, explore the historic African American Church, hands-on history, and more. This family friendly event is free to attend and will also include live music and food for purchase on site.
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Sedalia Chili Cook Off
Saturday, October 29, 11:30 AM - 5 PM
Chili teams will compete for your voting ticket as you sample chili during this fun annual event. You can enter a team yourself! There will be live music throughout the day as well as food for purchase in addition to the chili tasting. This is a family friendly event. Children 12 and under are free. Tickets- $10 online or $15 at the gate.
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Traipse in Bedford
Something new has been sighted in the Town of Bedford! Join Bigfoot on the Traipse app and explore the amazing businesses in downtown and Centertown Bedford. Download and discover more than 30 small businesses and you may win a prize! Watch this fun video for more information.
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When planning to visit the National D-Day Memorial, purchase tickets online to save money. Be sure to check their online calendar for more upcoming special events. A trip to the Memorial would not be complete without also stopping by the Bedford Boys Tribute Center located in historic downtown Bedford, just a short drive away. Groups welcome with advance reservation. | | | |
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Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Special events are planned throughout the year, including a Fall Harvest Dinner October 22. Click here for more information about hours, tours, and the event calendar. The Poplar Forest Parkway is now open. Groups are welcome with advance reservation. | | | |
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Bedford is the perfect place for biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, disc golf and more! Check out the variety of outdoor offerings at the Peaks of Otter, Claytor Nature Center, Peaks Adventure & Retreat Center, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, or ONE Forest School. There will be two runs, the Osprey 10K/5K at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, and the Monster Bash Fun Run. Click here for more ideas in this Top Adventure Town! | | | |
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Celebrate Virginia Wine month! Bedford's eight wineries and tasting rooms are open with various hours. Some are also hosting special events - be sure to check their Facebook pages. You can also follow the Bedford Wine Trail. Beale's Brewery and Apocalypse Ale Works have trivia nights each week and also host live music. Historic Avenel will have Oktoberfest on October 15 with German fare, beer and wine! ElectricCoBistro hosts a special wine tasting every Wednesday 5-7 p.m. | | | |
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Bedford has a variety of dining options including many small and locally owned cafes and restaurants. Dining options including local flavor, casual dining, and fast food are listed on our website. Some restaurants also host live music, provide catering, and are available for special events. (Pictured: The Tijuana Poblano Burger from Corner Burger, located in Forest.) | | | |
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Downtown Bedford, as well as the surrounding areas such as Forest, Moneta, and Huddleston, have many great places to shop local! You'll find antiques, art, jewelry, flowers, furniture, clothing, housewares, gifts, specialty stores, and more! (Pictured: Emerson Creek Pottery will have a Fall Market on October 22!) | | | |
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You will need more than a day to experience it all! Bedford has lakefront lodging, mountain cabins, country cottages, camping, as well as places to stay closer to town. Check out the accommodations page on the Destination Bedford website and start planning your trip now! (Pictured: Cedar Post Inn) | | |
Be sure to stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center during your visit! The Center is open daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. We are also happy to send information in advance by mail or email, just let us know what you're interested in via this contact form!
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The staff at Destination Bedford is working to keep the event calendar updated with special events that are taking place this month and beyond. Check back often for updates!
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Stay connected with us on social media! | | | | | |
