Fall is the time to be outdoors- especially in Bedford County, Virginia.

With cooler weather and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, this is the time to meander down some country roads, taking in the natural beauty ~ and we have miles of country roads! We've made a date to take the girls apple picking in Bedford County next week.

Two of our favorite orchards are:

Gross' Orchard Apple Valley

6817 Wheats Valley Road

Bedford, VA 24523

Gross' Orchard has been in business since the late 1800's. Family owned, they specialize in growing peaches and apples and you couldn't pick a better location as the orchard is located at the foot of the beautiful Peaks of Otter. From June 20th -Sept 15th you can find peaches ready and waiting or you can pick for yourselves.

Beginning Sept 1st, apple picking begins and there is a great variety of apples to choose from. The retail outlet also features homemade items, cider and jams. Want to ship a gift pack? Gross's will ship nationwide for you. Field Trips, Tours and Tour Buses are  Welcome! Call (540) 586-2436 to set up appointment.

Johnson’s Orchards

2122 Sheep CreekRd

Bedford, VA 24523

We started coming to Johnson's on field trips with my girls when they were in the first grade. The 15 foot Johnny Appleseed statue was a favorite photo op. This is another beautiful farm with over 200 acres, over 7,000 apple trees of 200 different varieties. Johnson's also has several hundred peach, nectarine & damson trees. You would love their pumpkins in the fall.

Bring your lunch: there is a pavillion for picnics, many walking trails through the orchards, a log cabin and restrooms. Don't forget to stop in at the Peaks Of Otter Winery located at the orchard. For more information, call (540) 586-2436

While you're in the area, consider having dinner at The Peaks of Otter Lodge. Relaxed atmosphere, excellent food in the most beautiful setting overlooking Abbot Lake and Sharptop Mountain. What a way to end a great day.

For more information on things to do in Bedford County, Virginia, contact:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

Are you new to Forest VA, searching for a home for sale in Greater Lynchburg  or at Smith Mountain Lake?  Give me a call for information on local events, things to do or Lynchburg MLS real estate listings.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

Looking for something to do this weekend? There are a lot of activities to choose from throughout Central Virginia including Centerfest.

If you don't want to wander too far from home, make plans to attend the 27th Annual Bedford Centerfest. The Festival start on Friday from 7pm-11pm and continues Saturday from 10am-9pm.This is one of the largest festivals in Virginia. Highlights include:

• Friday Night Concert
• Saturday Street Fair
• Car Show
• Motorcycle Show
• Book Festival
• Kids Activities
• Art Show
• Safety Fair
• Artisans
• Crafts
• Antiques
• Food Vendors

Admission during the day, Saturday Sept 27 is free. There is a Friday night concert featuring "The Worx" Band. Admission on Friday evening is $10.00 for adults, children 12 & under free. Service animals only. No pets.

Location:Centertown Bedford, Farmer's Market Washington & Center Streets

Phone: 540-586-2148

Would you like more information on Bedford, Virginia? Contact me at:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

Are you new to Forest VA, searching for a home for sale in Greater Lynchburg  or at Smith Mountain Lake?  Give me a call for information on local events, things to do or Lynchburg MLS real estate listings.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net

The Peaks of Otter Lodge is located on the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford, Virginia.

                    Peaks Of Otter Lodge

                         Sharp Top Mountain                                                              Deer outside Lodge

The lodge is set on the banks of Abbott Lake at the base of Sharp Top Mountain. This is a favorite destination for a special dinner and is a scenic 45 minute drive from Lynchburg. Take a stroll around the lake or peruse the gift shops before dinner in the Lake View Restaurant. Enjoy an after dinner drink at the Sharp Top Cocktail Lounge or in the bar. Stay overnight at the lodge and enjoy a hearty breakfast before hiking the 1.5 mile trail up Sharp Top, one of the three peaks that make up the Peaks of Otter. In non-winter months, you can take the Sharp Top bus to the top as well. For more information on lodging and dinner reservations, contact the front desk at 1(800)542-5927 or online at http://www.peaksofotter.com/

                 Lake View Restaurant                                                                                           Lounge Fireplace

From Lynchburg: 460 West to first Bedford Exit. Take Peaks Street (Route 43) to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Lodge is located 500 yards on the right.

Posted by Debbie Malone, Realtor  - (434)546-0369  

RE/MAX 1st Olympic, 20395 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502

Are you new to Forest VA, searching for a home for sale in Greater Lynchburg  or at Smith Mountain Lake?  Give me a call for information on local events, things to do or Lynchburg MLS real estate listings.

Debbie Malone, ABR, ASP, e-PRO
RE/MAX 1st Olympic Realtors
(434) 546-0369 C
(434) 832-0941 F
(434) 832-1100 O
debbiemalone@remax.net