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Bedford County

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Prepare your senses to be dazzled in Bedford County. Here, you can see the sun streaming through the trees of  Poplar Forest. You can hear the sounds of wildlife as you walk the Peaks of Otter trails. You can smell the fresh fruit hanging from the trees at local orchards. You can feel the sand between your toes at Smith Mountain Lake. And you can taste the many wines available at five local wineries. Best of all, these sensations are available almost year-round and at no cost to you.

Poplar Forest

In 1806, Thomas Jefferson directed the building of a private retreat just a few miles from where U.S. 211 is today. The plantation is an architectural gem, the house a near-perfect octagon surrounded by trees and shrubs . While admission is charged for house tours, visitors can walk the grounds and enjoy various events at no cost, including  the Independence Day Celebration , an event that includes living-history demonstrations, musical performances and storytelling.

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is  located off U.S. 211 on Virginia 661 in Forest. (434) 525-1806. www.poplarforest.org

Peaks of Otter Trails

For the outdoor adventurer, Bedford County has five Peaks of Otter trails ranging from 0.8 miles to 4.4 miles in length. The trails vary in difficulty and connect with each other for an excursion that can last the entire day. Of course, you can always just pick one trail for a two-hour trek. All trails are accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway, with designated parking areas and road shoulders for easy pull-off.

The Peaks of Otter trails are located off the Blue Ridge Parkway between mile posts 83 and 86. Hiking shoes or boots are recommended. (828) 298-0398. www.nps.gov/blri

Fruit orchards

There is nothing quite like the taste and smell of fruit picked fresh from the tree. Gross’ Orchard and Johnson’s Orchards are in the business to prove just that. You pay for what you pick, whether it be from a bin or from a tree, but self-guided tours and tastings are free. In addition to apples and peaches, both orchards offer seasonal fruits, jams, jellies and apple cider.

Gross’ Orchard Apple Valley is  located off U.S. 43 on Virginia 640. (540) 586-2436. 

Johnson’s Orchards  is located off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Virginia 680.  (540) 586-3707. www.JohnsonsOrchards.com

Smith Mountain Lake

There’s a nearly endless amount of free entertainment at Smith Mountain Lake.  Although the SML State Park charges a parking fee, the park offers many free activities, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, swimming and fishing. If you have your own boat, canoe or personal watercraft, the possibilities are even greater.  Free summer events include the SML Antique and Classic Boat Show Aug. 11 to 13.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is located off U.S. 122 at 1235 State Park Road in Huddleston.  Visitor’s Center: (540) 721-1203 or (800) 676-8203. www.visitSmithMountainLake.com

Bedford Wine Trail

After a relaxing afternoon at the lake, why not visit one of Bedford County’s five wineries for a free tour and tasting? There’s something for every taste . 

Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery carries four specialty Smith Mountain Lake blends, including Mist, a white blend of vidal blanc and chardonnay; and Country Red, a red blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot grapes. 

LeoGrande Vineyards and Winery’s selection includes  Barbera, a red with notes of blackberry and ripe plum; and Nebbiolo, a red with cherry, violet and black licorice flavors. 

Peaks of Otter Winery’s selection includes  Strawberry Shortcake, Blackberry Cobbler and Blueberry Muffin. 

Savory-Lee Winery’s selection varies  from light picnic wines to full-bodied blends. 

White Rock Vineyards and Winery’s selection includes Scarlet Sunrise, a blend of cabernet franc, chardonnay and merlot; and Moon Glow, a blend of stainless steel chardonnay, barrel aged chardonnay and pinot gris. 

Stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center before your wine-tasting tours for a brochure and ask the wineries to stamp it when you participate in a tasting. Return to the visitor’s center after you’ve received all five stamps for an engraved wine glass.

Hickory Hill Winery is  located off U.S. 211 on Virginia 654 in Moneta. (540) 296-1393. www.hickoryhillvineyards.com. 

LeoGrande Vineyards and Winery is  located off U.S. 460 or U.S. 211 on Virginia 668 in Goode. (540) 586-4066. www.leograndewinery.com

Peaks of Otter Winery is  located off the Blue Ridge Parkway on Virginia 680. (540) 586-3707. www.peaksofotterwinery.com

Savory-Lee Winery is  located off U.S. 460 on Johnson Mountain Road in Huddleston. (540) 297-9275. www.savory-lee.com

White Rock Vineyards and Winery is  located off U.S. 122 on Virginia 24 in Goodview. (540) 890-3359. www.whiterockwines.com

Fast facts

Population: 30,496 (2000 Census)

Area (in square miles): 548

History: Botetourt County was formed from Augusta County. It was named for Lord Botetourt, the last royal governor of Virginia. After the Revolutionary War, the County’s jurisdiction was extended to the Mississippi River, encompassing what is now West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and part of Illinois.

BASICS

Utilities

Bedford County Utilities: 586-7679

Natural gas

Highland Propane Co.: 777-7928

Amerigas: (800) 535-3804

Telephone

Verizon: 954-6222 or (800) 826-2355

Cable

Adelphia: (888) 683-1000

Charter Communications: (866) 472-2200

GOVERNMENT

Local officials

County Administrator: Kathleen Guzi: 586-7601

Director of Economic Development: Sue Montgomery: 587-5670

Board of Supervisors: 586-7601 

Chairman: Charles Neudorfer (District 2)

Vice Chairman: Steve Arrington (District 5)

Gary Lowry (District 7)

Roger Cheek (District 3)

Dale Wheeler (District 1)

John Sharp (District 4)

Andy Dooley (District 6)

Sherrif: Mike Brown: 586-4800

Commonwealth’s Attorney: Randy Krantz: 586-7628

Circuit Court Clerk: Carol Black: 586-7632

Treasurer: Rebecca Jones: 586-7670

Commissioner of Revenue: Faye Eubank: 586-7626 

Government services

General Information: 586-7601

Animal Shelter: 586-7690

Building Inspection and Permits: 586-7616

Chamber of Commerce: 586-9401 

General District Court: 586-7637

Health Department: 586-7952

Human Resources: 586-7601

Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court: 586-7641

Magistrate: 586-7657

Marriage Licenses: 586-7632

Nursing Home: 586-7658

Parks and Recreation: 586-7682

Planning and Community Development: 586-7616

Registrar: 586-7649

Schools: 586-1045

Social Services: 586-7750

Solid Waste: 586-7656

Va. Cooperative Extension: 586-7675

Water / Sewer: 586-7679

SERVICES

Retirement, assisted living, nursing facilities

Following is a list of some retirement, assisted living and nursing facilities in Bedford County:

Carriage Hill Retirement Center: 1203 Roundtree Drive, Bedford, 586-5982.

Woodhaven Nursing Home: U.S. 460 West, 13055 West Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike, Montvale, 947-2207.

Recycling

Bedford County provides a network of ten drop-off centers for county residents. These centers accept newspaper, bimetal and aluminum cans, brown, green and clear glass, and plastic (PETE #1 and HDPE #2).

Big Island: 1080 Old School Road, Big Island

Boonsboro: 100 Tamar Lane, Lynchburg

Chamblissburg: 1048 Morgans Mill Road, Goodview

Falling Creek: 1974 Falling Creek Road, Bedford

Forest: 16169 Forest Road, Forest

Landfill Collection Center: 1060 Recycle Road, Bedford

Moneta: 12341 Moneta Road, Moneta

Montvale: 1075 Beale Trail Road, Montvale

Otterville: 1718 Jopling Road, Bedford

State Park: 14099 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy., Huddleston

EDUCATION

Public schools

High schools

Jefferson Forest High School: 1 Cavalier Circle, Forest, (434) 525-2674. Principal: Tony Francis.

Staunton River High School: 1095 Golden Eagle Drive, Moneta, 297-7151. Principal: Michael Kelly.

Middle schools

Forest Middle School: 100 Ashwood Drive, Forest, (434) 525-6630. Principal: Michelle Morgan.

Staunton River Middle School: 1293 Golden Eagle Drive, Moneta, 297-4152. Principal: Linwood Roberts.

Elementary schools

Big Island Elementary School: 1114 Schooldays Road, Big Island, (434) 299-5863. Principal: Deborah Shelton.

Body Camp Elementary School: 1051 Elementary Way, Bedford, 297-7391. Principal: Marvin McGinnis.

Boonsboro Elementary School: 1234 Eagle Circle, Lynchburg, (434) 384-2881. Principal: Nancy Sale.

Forest Elementary School: 1 Scholar Lane, Forest, (434) 525-2681. Principal: Lorri Manley.

Goodview Elementary: 1374 Rivermont Academy Road, Goodview, 892-5674. Principal: Edwin Zimmerman.

Huddleston Elementary School: 1027 Huddleston Drive, Huddleston, 297-5144. Principal: Gus Exstrom.

Moneta Elementary School: 12718 Old Moneta Road, Moneta, 297-4411. Principal: Karen Woodford.

Montvale Elementary School: 1 Little Patriot Drive, Montvale, 947-2241. Principal: Janet Brouchard.

New London Academy: 12400 East Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike, Forest, (434) 525-2177. Principal: Andy Greenough.

Otter River Elementary School: 1044 Otter River Drive, Goode, 586-9210. Principal: to be announced.

Stewartsville Elementary School: 1138 Wildcat Road, Goodview, 890-2174. Principal: Patricia Johnson.

Thaxton Elementary School: 1081 Monorail Circle, Thaxton, 586-3821. Principal: Judy Reynolds.

Thomas Jefferson Elementary School: 1255 Patriot Place, Forest, (434) 534-6159. Principal: Frederick M. Duis, Jr.

Other

Bedford Science and Technology Center: 600 Edmund St., Bedford, 586-3933. Principal: Fred Conner.

Bridge School: 311 S. Bridge St., Bedford, 586-1045. Principal: Gary Lowry.

Church schools

Mineral Springs Christian School: 1030 Bible Lane, Vinton. 890-4465. Member of ACSI. Preschool to grade 8. Call for tuition. Administrator: Robert “Bobby” Harris. Minister to students: Michah Young.

School officials

Superintendent: James Blevins: 586-1045

School Board: 586-1045

Chairman: Joy Wright (District 1)

Vice Chairman: David Black (District 3) 

Debbie Hoback (District 7)

Gary Hostutler (District 4)

Talbot Huff (District 2)

Shirley McCabe (District 6)

To be announced (District 5)

Mickey VanDerwerker (City)

School calendar

AUG. 27: First day of school

SEP. 3: Schools closed, holiday

OCT. 29: End first nine weeks; two-hour early dismissal

NOV. 5: Report cards issued

NOV. 6: Schools closed

NOV. 9: Schools closed

NOV. 21-23: Schools closed, holiday

DEC. 20-JAN. 1: Schools closed, winter break

JAN. 2: Schools reopen

JAN. 18: Report cards issued, two-hour early dismissal

JAN. 21: Schools closed, holiday 

JAN. 28: Report cards issued

FEB. 1: Schools closed

MARCH 6: Schools closed

MARCH 24-28: Schools closed, spring break

APRIL 2: End third nine weeks; two-hour early dismissal

APRIL 9: Report cards issued

APRIL 18: Schools closed

MAY 26: Schools closed, holiday

JUNE 4-6: Two-hour early dismissal

JUNE 6: Last day of school; two-hour early dismissal

JUNE 7: Graduation 

Libraries

Public libraries

Big Island Library: 1111 Schooldays Road, Big Island (434) 299-5604. Monday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon.

Forest Library: 15583 Forest Road, Forest (434) 525-1817. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1:30-5:30 p.m.

Moneta / Smith Mountain Lake Library: 13641 Moneta Road, Moneta 297-6474. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Montvale Library: 11575 W. Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike, Montvale, 947-2200. Monday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, noon-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Stewartsville Library: 45 Cascade Drive, Vinton 890-4530. Monday, Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon.

RECREATION

Parks and recreation

The following are some of the activities offered through Bedford County Parks and Recreation. 586-7682.

Youth: Fishing clinics, Easter egg hunts and swimming classes.

Adults: Dance and craft classes, various trips and tennis lessons.

Seniors: Elderfest, lunch trips, card games, bingo and trips.

Recreation league sports

The following is a list of league sports offered by the Bedford County Department of Parks and Recreation. 586-7682.

Softball, T-ball and baseball: Adult co-ed softball league, church league. T-ball (boys and girls, ages 5-8), baseball (boys, ages 8-18), and softball (girls, ages 7-19).

Football and cheerleading: Youth football and cheerleading (ages 5-12).

Basketball: Youth basketball (boys and girls, ages 5-18).

Soccer: Youth soccer (boys and girls, ages 4-18).

Wrestling: Youth wrestling (boys and girls, ages 6-14).

Tennis: Youth tennis (boys and girls, ages 7-17).

Swimming pools

Following is a partial listing of private swimming pools in the Bedford County area:

Bedford Country Club: 3563 Peaks Road, 586-8407

Golf courses

Following is a partial list of golf courses in Bedford County:

London Downs: Semiprivate; 1614 New London Road, Forest, (434) 525-4653

Mariners Landing: Semiprivate; 2052 Lake Retreat Road, Huddleston, 297-7888

Poplar Forest: Public; 960 Ramblewood Road, Forest, (434) 534-9418

Sycamore Ridge: Semiprivate; 1270 Trails End Road, Goodview, 297-6490

Private courses

Bedford Country Club: 3563 Peaks Road, Bedford, 586-8407

Tennis courts

Following is a list of some of the tennis courts in Bedford County. In this list, the first figure indicates the number of courts at a site; the second is the number of lighted courts.

Bedford County Parks and Recreation: 3-3

Jefferson Forest High School: 3-0

Staunton River High School: 2-0

Bedford Country Club: 2-2

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