Gallery of Virginia Art and Gifts LLC

Bringing you our state's best nature artists plus VA's finest gourmet products and wines

Links


Near the Parkway Bedford Forest Lynchburg Smith Mountain Lake Roanoke Other

Bedford Visitor Center/Bedford Virginia Welcome Center
1-877-HI PEAKS
Local: (540) 587-5681
816 Burks Hill Rd.
Bedford, VA 24523 (At intersection of Routes 460 and 122)

Near the Blue Ridge Parkway

Blue Ridge Directory

Blue Ridge Parkway Association

Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Lodging

The Peaks of Otter Restaurant and Lodge
(800) 542-5927 or (877) HI-PEAKS
Open year round Milepost 86 Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford

Otter's Den Bed and Breakfast
8578 Peaks Road (Rt. 43 N. of Bedford) near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter, Milepost 86 - (540) 586-2204
Patrick and Michie Schrock, innkeepers (877) 9OTTERS

Reba Farm Inn B&B
1099 Reba Farm Lane Bedford 24523
(540) 586-1906 or (888) 235-3574
Kathleen and Ron Donovan, innkeepers, on up road from Peaks of Otter winery off Sheep Creek Road, the inn offers horseback riding and has a pool, and both innkeepers are gourmet cooks.

Vanquility Acres Inn Bed and Breakfast
105 Angus Terrace, Bedford 24523
(540) 587-9113 or cell (540) 761-3652 /> Ellen V. and John Everette, innkeepers Beautiful new country home on 10 acres overlooking stocked pond. Great views of Mountains and between city of Bedford and 8 miles from parkway.

Food / Dining

Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restuarant (and bar)
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 86 Bedford - (540) 586-1081
Casual family style dining serving B,L,D daily open year round. Friday night seafood buffet, Sunday buffet. Dining area and bar overlook Abbott Lake with scenic Sharp Top mountain as a backdrop. Moderate pricing. Seating can be a long wait during October leaf peeping season. No reservations taken, add name to list upon arrival. (800) 542-5927

Otter Creek Restaurant
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 60.8 Big Island - (434) 299-5862
Open seasonally (usually May - end of October)
Like the Peaks of Otter Lodge, this is a "Parkway Consessionaire". The food is extremely casual as is the small dining area. It has rustic charm and beautiful stands of rhododendron nearby which usually are in bloom in late May. A walk behind the restaurant site has a peaceful stream which meanders through a seasonally operated parkway camping facility.

Millstone Tea Room
(Rt. 122 North) 9058 Big Island Parkway, Bedford County - (540) 587-7100
Upscale dining w/Bedford county organic beef (filets can be cut to order). Also quail and other eclectics in a rural setting in an old house. Copper top, candlelit tables complete the scene in a very cozy, small yet intimate setting. Good wine list, and quality desserts, and SUNDAY BRUNCH. You must call for reservations. Menu changes seasonally as do hours of operation.

Mountain Fruit & Produce
3883 Peaks Road (Rt. 43 N.) between Parkway and city of Bedford - (540) 586-5975
Open daily, usually to 6 PM, this country market features hotdogs and homemade quick treats made on the spot w/ friendly staff and local Gross orchard apples. Great for the kids, they also have home-made ice cream in "to go" containers and local apple cider. It's one of the only spots open on Sunday and they also have gas pumps (closest gas to parkway on Sunday)!

Things to do / Attractions

Sedalia Center for the Cultural Arts
Big Island, VA off of RT. 122 N. (434) 299-5080. Call for upcoming events and festivals in the Blue Ridge Mountains north of Bedford

Horseback Riding

"Saddle Soar Equitainment"
With host Ron Donovan of the Reba Farm Inn
(540) 586- 1906 on Sheep Creek Road near the 'Peaks'

Apple Orchards

Gross' Orchard Apple Valley
6817 Wheats Valley Road
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-2436
Family owned and operated, near the base of the "Peaks". Peaches June 20th - Sept 15th. Fall Apples begin Sept 1st with annual apple festival the 3rd Saturday of every Oct. with food, music, and crafts. The orchard is open Mon- Sat until 5 PM. Gift packing/shipping available. Call for more info.

Johnson's Orchard/Peaks of Otter Winery
2122 Sheep Creek Road
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-3707
Family owned and operated for several generations, hosts many festivals/combination events, plus on site wine tasting for Peaks of Otter "Fruit of the Farms Wine". Open April-December till 5 PM. Open on Sundays, but best to call for current hours and upcoming events.

Waterfalls / Hiking

Fallingwater Cascades Parking Area
About 4 miles north of The Peaks of Otter Lodge on the left, Milepost 83.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway - elevation 2557 feet

Apple Orchard Mountain and Falls
About 8 miles north of The Peaks of Otter Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 78.7, the Sunset Field overlook on the left - elevation 4226 feet

The Appalachian Trail
From Georgia to Maine, with Bedford, VA as a great resting place, this is the famous Appalachian Trail. To the N.W. of Bedford, it meanders through the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Washington-Jefferson National Forest, offering some of the most striking scenery to be found. From Bedford, access the AT at Milepost 91 up on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Peaks of Otter Hiking and Trails
Contact the Park Rangers at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 86 for maps, info, etc. Peaks of Otter Ranger station (540) 586-4357 Milepost 85 - Camp Store (540) 586-1614 - Peaks of Otter Visitor Center

Fuel/Gas

Service Station North Side Supply
Route 43 N. of Bedford 7 miles, or about 5 miles off Parkway (Milepost 86)
Mon-Sat until 6 PM, Closed Sun. Service Garage, fuel, small market, hotdogs, etc.
(540) 586-0610

Mountain Fruit and Produce
Local Apple Market, Gas. Open 7 days until 6 PM - nearest gas to parkway on Sunday. Route 43 about 5 miles N. of Bedford - (540) 586-5975

Bedford (City and Nearby)

Lodging

Super 8 Motel
842 Ole Turnpike Dr. (Route 460)
Bedford, VA 24523 - (540) 587-0100

Days Inn
921 Blue Ridge Ave. (just off Route 460)
Bedford, VA 24523 - (540) 586-8286

Budget Inn Of Lynchburg/Bedford
8830 E. Lynchburg Turnpike (Route 460)
Goode, VA - (540) 586-8182

Serenity's Edge Romantic Cottages & Garden Weddings
4404 Murray Hollow Road
Thaxton, VA 24174
(540) 947-2468 or (888) 920-4224
(no Breakfast)

The Inn at Trivium
7821 Bellevue Rd.
Forest, VA - (540) 586-8113

Click on our Bedford visitors link for more B&B Inns or see our Gallery links for more lodging and B&B's in Bedford city and surrounding areas. For other Bedford area accommodations go to www.visitbedford.com

Food / Dining

Duchess of Bedford Bakery
405 Crenshaw Street (Route 122 S. of Main St. in Bedford) - (540) 587-8777
Wonderful fresh pastries/coffee in the mornings; light lunches till around 2 PM, Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat. 8-3, closed Sun.

Olde Liberty Station
515 Bedford Ave. (near the National Elks Home in the old train station), Bedford
Serves L&D, has bar - (540) 587-9377

Artisan Cafe
207 E. Depot Street, Bedford, VA 24523 - (540) 587-8878 or (540) 871-0608
Wonderful fresh lunches Mon- Sat. 11:00- 2PM

Bedford Social Club
124 South Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523 - (540) 586-9454
Wonderful upscale dining in Centertown Bedford. Wed-Sat dinner, full bar, fresh fish, prime meats, Beef Wellington on menu. Best to get reservations. Enjoy!

Restaurant Chains

At Route 460/Super WalMart Center Area: Bedford Arby's, McDonald's, Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, Wendy's, Waffle Hut, Subway (in the WalMart Shop)

Also nearby: Long John Silver's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, K.F.C., Hardee's

Mexican:
El Cazador - 1600 Shady Knoll Ave. (behind Dairy Queen), Bedford - (540) 586-4715   Mexico Viejo (Mexican Grill and Cantina) - 919 Blue Ridge Ave. (Highway 460), Bedford, VA 24523 - (540) 587-9044. Open Daily 11- 9 PM.

Italian:
Original Italian Pizza & Italian Restaurant - 510 Blue Ridge Ave., Bedford ,VA 24523 (540) 586- 2883
Frank's Pizza & Italian Restaurant - 401 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-1988

Things to Do / Attractions

The National D-Day Memorial
P.O. Box 77
Bedford, VA 24523
(800) 351-DDAY, or local (540) 586-3329
www.dday.org
www.ddayfriends.org
Located in Bedford, VA, the town that suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses in the nation, The National D-Day Memorial honors the allied forces that participate in the invasion of Normandy on June 6th, 1944. The outdoor water invasion tableau serves has a memorable tribute to the sacrifice and valor of the D-Day participants. The Memorial and gift shop are open from 10 AM -5 PM daily, (inclement weather closings possible) Parking fees apply, mobility assistance is available. Guided tours and school programs available.

Bedford City/County Museum
201 East Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-4520
10-5 Monday-Sat
Genealogical records and other research materials about Bedford. Museum houses exhibits of the Company A of the 116th Infantry, native American and African American connections to the area.

Bedford Main Street - Historic Centertown Bedford
101 North Bridge Street, Suite 3
P.O. Box 405
Bedford, VA 24523
(540) 586-2148
Visit the heart of Bedford with shops featuring antiques, jewelry, gifts, collectables and more. Several restaurants and the Farmer's Market nearby. Walking Tour and Visitors Guide available.

Hunter's Raid Civil War Trail
There are multiple historical markers in and around Bedford.

Peter Viemeister
Bedford, VA author/historian
Check out our friend Peter Viemeister at his own downtown bookstore "Hamilton's"
155 W. Main Street, Bedford.
He's our local 'go-to' guy for Bedford County history and genealogy
Call or schedule an appointment: Hamilton's (540) 586-5592 or (540) 586-5785

Emerson Creek Pottery
1068 Pottery Lane
Bedford, VA 24523
Off Rte. 43, South of Bedford
(540) 297-7884

Rock Hollow Trout Stream
Route 43 south from Bedford
Seasonal hours of operation
Family oriented fishing experience
Call for info: (540) 586-4455

Elks National Home
(540) 586-8232
At Christmas, for a two week period, the Elks National Home provides a nostalgic outdoor drive through Holiday decorative display (free) that has earned it the title "Christmas Capital of Virginia". Other times at the home, by appointment.

Local Bedford Wineries

Forest (Bedford County)

Lodging

The Inn at Trivium
7821 Bellvue Road
Forest, VA 24551
(540) 586-8113
Donna Wheelock, Manager
Lovely restored 1832 Inn with new ballroom facility, plus views of The Peaks Of Otter.

West Manor Bed & Breakfast
3594 Elkton Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 525-0923

Food / Dining

Benjamin's
14900 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 534-6077
Dinner

Carol's Place
15173 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 525-5311
B.L.D. served, very casual, country style menu.

Faria's Twin Oaks
14175 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 534-6046
Chef Kevin Faria's upscale dining upstairs (Great Lamb!) Casual tavern fare and bar downstairs. Scenic view on top of hill, one can sit in a double swing and enjoy looking at the Blue Ridge at sunset.
Tues-Sat Dinner 5-10 PM. Reservations preferred.

The Fox (Restaurant and Bar)
14575 Forest Road
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 525-7337

Lori's (Vinny's) Italian-American Restaurant
1208 Perrowville Road (at Food Lion Center intersection of Forest Road, which is also Route 221)
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 525- 0065

V & T Cafe & Grill
18013 Forest Road
Graves Mill Center, Rte. 221
Forest, VA
(434) 385-0415
Light sandwich type menu. Great ice cream selection.

China Royal (Plus Sushi Bar)
205 Gristmill Drive (Behind Graves Mill Center)
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 385-0011
Lunch Buffet, Dinner, Closed Mon. Take out available

Things to Do / Attractions

Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
P.O. Box 419
Forest, VA 24551
(434) 534-8118
Historic Octagonal Home and beautiful plantation was President Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat. Visitors can observe ongoing restoration efforts. Seasonal Hours April through November, Wednesday- Monday.

Lynchburg

General Lynchburg information

Chamber of Commerce websites in Central Virginia

Lodging

Food / Dining

Grace Restaurant
2627 Old Forest Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 386-9666
Located in an historic Lynchburg house from the 1790's, and nestled in a locust thicket, Grace Restaurant offers probably the most conscientious gourmet dining experience one can find in Lynchburg. Every aspect of the menu is lovingly tended to by chef Kent Trebilcox. One will find selected fresh local and organic whole foods without any preservatives or additives. The presentation is more French inspired and to be savored. Kent has recently added a more casual option with his 'grace to go' menu and its oven fired pizzettes. The menu changes, but always inspires. Seasonal: Nov. thru June, Fri. and Sat. Evenings.

Isabella's
3225 Old Forest Road
Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434) 385- 1660
Lovely Northern Italian cuisine in an upscale, casual setting with bar.
Mon-Fri: lunch
Mon, Sat: dinner, closed Sun.

Magnolia Foods
Deli and Sandwich Shop
2476 Rivermont Ave.
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 528-5442
Gourmet deli. Open for lunch Mon-Sat, Closed Sun.

Main Street Eatery
907 Main Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
(434) 847-2526
Continental cuisine, a European chef, combine to bring you a wonderful dining experience in downtown Lynchburg. Quaint, historic setting, plus Oktoberfest add on menu in the Fall, gourmet venison specials around Christmas, full bar, elegant dessert cart presentation.

Meriwethers
4925 Boonsboro Road
Lynchburg, VA 24503
(434) 384-3311
Casual gourmet dining, full bar, a local favorite. Mon-Sat. Lunch and Dinner. Best to get reservations.

Neighbors Place
104 Paulette Circle
Lynchburg, VA 24502 (between Lynchburg and Forest)
(434) 455-4300
Great appetizers, separate bar, open style grill, casual, a busy place. There can be a wait(especially Friday nights!)

La Villa
8109 Timberlake Road
Lynchburg, VA
(434) 582-4700
Extremely casual, but fresh hearty Italian specialties, authentic, family owned and operated, great sub sandwiches, pizzas, and traditional pasta dishes.
Lunch and dinner.

Milan Indian Cuisine
2124 Wards Road (Burlington Coat Factory strip plaza)
Lynchburg, VA
(434) 237-7990
Lunch Buffet, Dinner, 7 days per week.

Shoemakers
1312 Commerce Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Part of the Craddock Terry Hotel at Bluffwalk Center
(434) 455-1510
Very trendy upscale dining experience. Signature Porterhouse steak, live Maine lobster, extensive wine list. (Soon: serving their own beer from Lynchburg's only micro-brewery, Jefferson Street Brewery) Built in a restored 1896 brick building originally owned by tobacco baron, Colonel William King, the design elements include exposed brick walls , granite topped bar area, and large windows with nearby views of the James river. Best to get reservations.

Things to Do / Attractions

Anne Spencer House & Garden

Point of Honor

Maier Museum

Daura Gallery

Amazement Square (Family oriented, Kidspace museum)

Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake, Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Smith Mountain Lake Restaurants

Smith Mountain Lake Chamber
16430 Booker T. Washington Highway
Moneta, VA
(800) 676-8203

Virginia is for Lovers SML

Lodging

Food / Dining

The Point Restaurant at Mariner's Landing Resort & Conference Center
1217 Graves Harbor Trail
Huddleston, VA 24104
(540) 296- 1215
(Dock and Dine) Upscale

The Landing Restaurant (at Bernard's Landing)
775 Ashmeade Road
Moneta, VA 24121
(540) 721-3028
(Dock and Dine) Upscale

Virginia Dare Cruises
Seasonal lunch and dinner
Smith Mountain Lake cruises
3619 Airport Road
Moneta, VA 24121
(540) 297-7100

The Sportsman Inn
16111 Smith Mtn. Lake Pkwy.
Huddleston, VA 24104
(540) 297-7900
(Dock and Dine) Upscale/Casual

Viera's Restaurant (International Brazilian/Italian Specialties)
2033 Morewood Road
Hardy, VA 24101
(540) 721-2058
(Dock and Dine) Upscale

White House Restaurant
6732 White House Road
Huddleston, VA 24104
(540) 297- 7104
(Off-Water) Casual, Family friendly, old fashioned hamburgers

Diamond Hill General Store (and Deli)
1017 Diamond Hill Road (Off-Water)
Moneta, VA 24121
(540) 297-9309
Fun, a little of everything, Boars Head Deli, Wine Shop, antiques & gifts

Mango's Bar and Grill
Bridgewater Plaza at Hales Ford Bridge
Moneta, VA
(540) 721-1632
(Dock and Dine) CASUAL Lunch, Dinner, Live Entertainment, (Summer Weekends) Served Lakeside

Moosie's Restaurant
Bridgewater Plaza at Hales Ford Bridge
Moneta, VA
(540) 721-5255
Generously-sized Sandwiches, served lakefront (Dock and Dine) CASUAL/Family Near Putt-putt golf on lake front dock ( fun for the kids)

Chopsticks
Chinese Food, served lakefront. Lunch buffet/Dinner (more upscale)
Bridgewater Plaza at Hales Ford Bridge
Moneta, VA
(540) 721-8839
(Dock and Dine)

Fallon's Restaurant
(Off-Water)
Rt. 122, 1 mile North of Hales Ford Bridge
Moneta, VA
(540) 297-4562
Steaks, seafood, Sunday Brunch Buffet Upscale/Casual

Blackwater Cafe
(Off-water)
Scruggs Road (Rt. 616) at Bluewater Drive (Rt. 942)
Moneta, VA
(540) 721-4333
Lunch, Dinner Sandwiches, Chicken, Steaks

Red's, Wines & Blues
(Off-Water)
400 Scruggs Road (Rt. 616) Lakewood Professional Center
Moneta, VA
(540) 721-6445
Eclectic Menu, Casual /Upscale nice for lunch, also serves dinner.

Homestead Creamery
Great Ice Cream, Family Style Dairy Products/Seasonal Egg nog, boiled custard
7254 Booker T. Washington Hwy. On Rt. 122 just north of Rts. 116 & 670
Burnt Chimney, VA
(540) 721-2045
(Off-Water)

Things to Do / Attractions

Rebecca Ravenshaw congratulates Dr. Barr
Gallery owner Rebecca Ravenshaw congratulates Dr. Wayne A. Barr, Director of the Tuskegee University Golden Voices Choir at their March 6th, 2008 concert presented by The Booker T. Washington National Monument, Hardy, VA

Dr. Barr is Director of Choral Activities at Tuskegee University, the University (Institute) founded by Booker T. Washington in the 1880's. The huge voice choir performed to a standing room only crowd, and brought the audience to numerous standing ovations thanks to Dr. Barr's subtle, skillful and nuanced conducting. The choir's program was held at Smith Mountain Lake's Resurrection Catholic Church, and was the last in their Spring concert tour which took them to South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia.

Booker T. Washington National Monument
The Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, VA (Franklin County) is one of 390 units of the National Park Service, the agency entrusted with the care of our Nation's natural and cultural treasures.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Smith Mountain Lake Dam

Smith Mountain Lake Boat Rentals

Parrot Cove Boat Rentals

Bridgewater Marina at Smith Mountain Lake

Parkway Marina at Smith Mountain Lake

Roanoke

Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau
101 Shenandoah Avenue
NE Roanoke, VA
(800) 635-5535

Lodging

Food / Dining

Alexander's
Fine Dining downtown Roanoke
(540) 982-6983
Reservations

Frankie Rowland's Steak House
Fine Dining downtown Roanoke
(540) 527-2333
Small, Exceptional service. The nearest thing we have in our area to a Ruth Chris Steak house. Small separate bar area, VERY NOISY! But.. the food is..exquisite.

Hotel Roanoke (Regency Room)
(540)985-5900
Lovely setting, attentive service.

Carlos International Brazilian Restaurant
(540) 776-1117
Lovely setting high up overlooking southwest Roanoke. Very nice selections.

419 West
(540) 776-0419 Southwest Roanoke.
Upscale American/Continental Menu. Trendy night spot as well.

Montano's
(540) 344-8960
Southwest Roanoke
Wonderful huge menu. Voted Best restaurant in Roanoke many times over. Reservations on weekends. Also serves lunch.

Stephens
(540) 344-7203
Southwest Roanoke
Great fresh Louisiana style seafood on menu. Quiet setting, nice wine suggestions. Dinner only.

Things to Do / Attractions

Other (Statewide)

Appomattox Department of Tourism
214 Main Street
(877) BLU-GREY

Lodging

Food / Dining

Things to Do / Attractions

Chateau Morrisette Winery

Appomattox Court House

Crabtree Falls

Explore Park

Natural Bridge

Our links page is rather large. Please note that it has been added with you, the visitor, in mind. It is my wish as a resident and nature gallery owner here in central/
southwestern Virginia to provide a comprehensive list of the many amenities available in our area. We hope that you will not only visit our site frequently, but recommend it to others as well. Please check frequently for updates....

Regards,
Rebecca Ravenshaw