Bedford Area Welcome Center
Your essential stop for Bedford, VA! Get visitor info, D-Day tickets, and enjoy local crafts & festive events.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Festival of Trees is on!
Bedford Area Welcome Center
Best Time
Festival of Trees is on!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your essential stop for Bedford, VA! Get visitor info, D-Day tickets, and enjoy local crafts & festive events.
"This is by far the most amazing visitor center I have been to on the East Coast."
Vote for Your Favorite Tree! :heart:
Bring cash to vote for your favorite decorated tree during the Festival of Trees. Every dollar supports a charity!
Plan Your D-Day Visit Here :ticket:
Purchase your tickets for the National D-Day Memorial at the welcome center. Staff can provide valuable info.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Festival of Trees
Main Hall
Dazzling display of uniquely decorated trees, each supporting a local charity. Vote for your favorite!
Virginia Memorabilia & Gift Shop
Main Hall
Discover local crafts, handmade items, jewelry, and unique Virginia souvenirs. Perfect for gifts!
Fireman's Band Museum
Inside the Welcome Center
Explore a fascinating collection of memorabilia from local fire department bands.
D-Day Memorial Information
Information Desk
Purchase tickets and gather essential information for visiting the nearby National D-Day Memorial.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Festival of Trees: A Holiday Must-See
+3Visitor Information Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Vote for Your Favorite Tree! :heart:
Bring cash to vote for your favorite decorated tree during the Festival of Trees. Every dollar supports a charity!
Plan Your D-Day Visit Here :ticket:
Purchase your tickets for the National D-Day Memorial at the welcome center. Staff can provide valuable info.
Explore Local Flavors :food:
Check the schedule for food trucks like Hado's Authentic Lebanese Kitchen, often featured at the center.
Don't Miss the Short Films :movie_camera:
Learn about Bedford's history through two engaging short films available at the center.
Tips
from all over the internet
Vote for Your Favorite Tree! :heart:
Bring cash to vote for your favorite decorated tree during the Festival of Trees. Every dollar supports a charity!
Plan Your D-Day Visit Here :ticket:
Purchase your tickets for the National D-Day Memorial at the welcome center. Staff can provide valuable info.
Explore Local Flavors :food:
Check the schedule for food trucks like Hado's Authentic Lebanese Kitchen, often featured at the center.
Don't Miss the Short Films :movie_camera:
Learn about Bedford's history through two engaging short films available at the center.
Scenic Views Out Back :camera_with_flash:
Enjoy peaceful views and a beautiful sunset from the back of the welcome center.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bedford Area Welcome Center for its friendly and helpful staff, cleanliness, and wealth of information. It's a great starting point for exploring the area, especially for D-Day Memorial tickets and the festive Festival of Trees. Some RV campers noted minor issues with site design and road noise.
"Local crafts, jewelry and handmade items. Lots of information. Come and visit our annual Christmas 🎄 display and vote for your favorite tree. Monies collected are donated back to organization."
Diana Martin
"Beautiful views and peaceful setting out back watching sunset ."
Kenny Andrews
"The camping spots were not designed by someone who rvs a lot. They are good for if you have a van, small class C or smaller trailer. We fit our 29 foot trailer, but if all three sites were occupied, it would have been really tight. There is a lot of road noise as well, with trucks engine breaking. The sewer connection is not threaded and the drain field rate isn't as fast as a trailer can dump. So when you drop tanks, do so in waves or it will overflow on you. (There was evidence of the previous person having that problem) The price was okay though at $25 for full hookups. The visitor center staff was friendly. The disc golf was weak, more of a putting range than a course. All around an okay spot for a night or two, but not excellent."
Chris Bloomfield
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bedford Area Welcome Center is located at 816 Burks Hill Road, Bedford, VA 24523. It's easily accessible by car and is a convenient first stop for exploring the region.
Yes, there is ample parking available for visitors at the Bedford Area Welcome Center.
Absolutely! The welcome center is packed with brochures, maps, and knowledgeable staff ready to help you plan your visit to local attractions like the National D-Day Memorial.
While the welcome center itself doesn't offer traditional camping, there are RV spots available nearby. Be aware that some spots may be tight for larger RVs and road noise can be a factor.
The Bedford Area Welcome Center is typically open seven days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, with extended hours during special events like the Festival of Trees.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Bedford Area Welcome Center itself is free. However, you will need to purchase tickets for the National D-Day Memorial here.
Voting for your favorite tree at the Festival of Trees typically costs $1 per vote. All proceeds go to charity.
Yes, the welcome center hosts various events throughout the year, most notably the annual Festival of Trees during the holiday season. They also sometimes host community planning meetings and food trucks.
Yes, there is a gift shop that offers a variety of local crafts, jewelry, handmade items, and Virginia memorabilia.
The welcome center is generally well-maintained and clean, with helpful staff, suggesting good accessibility.
📸 📸 Photography
The Festival of Trees offers a vibrant backdrop for photos during the holidays. The 'Love' sign is also a popular spot for pictures.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos inside the welcome center, especially of the displays and gift shop items.
The area out back of the welcome center offers beautiful views and is a great spot for watching and photographing the sunset.
Visitors often capture photos of the decorated trees, local crafts, the 'Love' sign, and the scenic views.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography regulations for the welcome center itself, but it's always best to check local ordinances or inquire with staff if you plan to use a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The short films about Bedford's history can also be captivating for younger visitors. Beyond the events, the center provides essential resources like maps and brochures to plan family-friendly outings in the area. The gift shop offers a chance for kids to pick out a small souvenir. Remember to bring cash for voting at the Festival of Trees, as it's a fun way for kids to participate in supporting local causes.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Road Trippers
You can pick up maps, learn about local attractions, and even purchase tickets for the National D-Day Memorial. If you're passing through during the holiday season, don't miss the Festival of Trees for a festive break. The center also occasionally hosts food trucks, offering a quick and tasty meal option.
The friendly staff can provide insider tips on the best local spots, including recommendations for dining, like the highly-rated Pie Shoppe or Jean Bonnet Tavern mentioned by Reddit users. ❤️ History Buffs
Take time to explore the exhibits and chat with the staff, who are often well-versed in local lore. The surrounding Bedford area is rich with historical context, and the welcome center provides the perfect starting point for a deeper dive into its past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Annual Festival of Trees
+2Visitors can immerse themselves in the holiday spirit by strolling through the displays and casting their vote for their favorite tree. The voting mechanism is simple and impactful: a small donation of $1 per vote directly supports various local charities. This makes the festival not only a visual treat but also a meaningful way to contribute to the community.
+3It's recommended to check the exact dates and any special extended hours for the festival, as they can vary annually. Bringing cash for voting is a practical tip, and the event is a fantastic way to experience local artistry and holiday cheer.
A Hub for Local Information and History
Beyond practical information, the center offers a glimpse into local heritage. It features displays of Virginia memorabilia, a small gift shop selling local crafts and souvenirs, and even a Fireman's Band Museum. Two short films provide engaging insights into Bedford's history, making it an educational stop for all ages.
Crucially, the welcome center is the designated point for purchasing tickets and obtaining information for the National D-Day Memorial, a significant historical site located nearby. This integration makes the welcome center an indispensable starting point for anyone interested in understanding Bedford's profound connection to World War II history.
Community Engagement and Events
+1These events offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture and interact with the community. The welcome center actively encourages public participation in shaping the town's development, as seen in initiatives like the 'Squatch' community planning sessions.
By attending these events, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for Bedford's vibrant community spirit and its commitment to local development and engagement. It provides an authentic slice of local life beyond the typical tourist attractions.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit