“There’s something truly special about fall in Myrtle Beach,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer, Visit Myrtle Beach. “It’s the perfect time to enjoy festivals, take in the beauty of the area and soak in the warmth of our community. We invite everyone to experience the magic of autumn along the Grand Strand and to create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.”

As fall approaches, the region becomes a hub for seasonal events and memorable experiences. Celebrate local culture with outdoor festivities and a wide range of activities that showcase the area’s unique charm. Here are some of the many incredible events happening this fall:

• Nights at Nance Fall Concert Series (Thursdays, Sept. 12 – Oct. 24): Enjoy live music on Thursdays at Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach, featuring performances from local and regional artists.
• I Love Seafood Festival (Sept. 13-14): Satisfy your seafood cravings at this festival featuring fresh local catches, live entertainment and family-friendly fun along Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront.
• SOS Fall Migration (Sept. 12-22): Celebrate beach music and the official dance of South Carolina, The Shag, as the Society of Stranders gather on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach for this popular annual event.
• Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down (Sept. 21): A local favorite, this day-long celebration features a parade, live entertainment, food vendors and a variety of homemade arts and crafts in the quaint town of Aynor.
• Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival (Sept. 27-29): Held at the historic Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park, this event showcases over 100 artisans offering unique handcrafted works in a natural coastal setting.
• Beach ‘n Chili Fest (Sept. 27-29): Spice things up at this international festival featuring chili competitions and tastings, live entertainment and plenty of fun, family activities.
• Irish Italian Festival (Sept. 28-29): Now in its 20th year, this festival brings North Myrtle Beach’s cherished Main Street alive with Irish and Italian food favorites, street performers, live entertainment, vendors and more.
• Halloween Golf Cart & CCU Homecoming Parade (Oct. 19): In October, the city of Conway transforms into “Halloween, SC,” offering a full month of spooky fun and festivities! One of the must-see events is the 5th annual Halloween and Golf Cart Parade, a tradition you’ll want to add to your list.
• Surfside Beach Fall Family Festival (Oct. 5): Bring the entire family out to the heart of Surfside Beach to enjoy activities the kids will love, live music, food vendors and more.
• Oktoberfest! at Barefoot Landing (Oct. 5): Enjoy traditional German fare, local beers, live entertainment and family fun at this festive celebration at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
• Harvest Home Weekend (Oct. 5-6): Celebrate the season at Brookgreen Gardens with hayrides, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow building and more in one of the area’s most scenic settings.
• Myrtle Beach Greek Festival (Oct. 10-13): Hosted by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, this beloved festival celebrates Greek culture and authentic cuisine, traditional dancing and handcrafted goods.
• Little River Shrimp Fest (Oct. 12-13): Feast on fresh shrimp and seafood while enjoying live music, vendors and kids’ activities along the waterfront in Little River.
• Art in the Park (Oct. 12-13): Held in Valor Park at Market Common, this artist run event features local and regional artists showcasing handcrafted pottery, paintings, jewelry and more.
• Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival (Oct. 18-20): Groove to live jazz performances by local and national musicians at this festival held in the historic Carver Street district of Myrtle Beach.
• Loris Bog-Off Festival (Oct. 19): This long-standing tradition celebrates the savory regional, Southern dish, chicken bog, with a day of competitions, live music, food and fun in the historic town of Loris.

Whether visitors are looking  to savor local flavors, enjoy first-class live music or simply relax along the coastline, this is the season to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s temperate climate and endless experiences with family and friends.

Don’t miss out on the magic of fall in Myrtle Beach. Start planning your adventure at VisitMyrtleBeach.com and get ready to immerse yourself in the charm, beauty and excitement that await along the Grand Strand.

About Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Myrtle Beach isn’t just a beach. It’s The Beach. Popularly known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach is one destination made up of 14 unique communities that stretch 60 miles along the northeast coast of South Carolina. Families, couples and those in search of a warm welcome will find more than just a day at The Beach when they come together to connect and enjoy vibrant entertainment and family attractions, including world-class golf, shopping and fresh coastal Carolina cuisine. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find you belong at The Beach – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For additional information on tourism offerings in the Myrtle Beach area, go to visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.

SOURCE Visit Myrtle Beach

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Dollywood’s Harvest Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
September 9 through October 28

As the leaves change to their autumnal glory in the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood transforms its theme park into a celebration of fall during its Harvest Festival, presented by Humana. At this time of year, Dollywood features colossal pumpkins that weigh 800 to 1,500 pounds; Dolly Parton-inspired sights like a larger-than-life guitar (made of pumpkins!) that plays “Tennessee Mountain Home” and a tree where Dolly’s voice narrates the changing of the seasons in the Smokies; live musical performances including Southern gospel, bluegrass and country tunes; more than 50 world-class rides and attractions; and delicious fall-themed treats featuring pumpkin and apple flavors. At night the park transforms into “Great Pumpkin LumiNights,” presented by Covenant Health, and guests can view more than 12,000 illuminated pumpkins that have been carved into whimsical creatures.

International Festival in Bowling Green, Kentucky
September 28

Bowling Green is Kentucky’s third-largest city, and it’s considered a diversity epicenter in large part because it’s home to the state’s refugee resettlement center. Because of this, a wide range of cultures is represented in the city, especially within the small business community. Those cultures come together every fall for the International Festival, a cultural extravaganza that draws attendees from near and far. Festival-goers wander through bustling streets adorned with colorful flags and vibrant stalls offering authentic dishes from all around the world. More than 40 food vendors specializing in international cuisine serve their specialties, presenting international menus that incorporate locally-sourced ingredients. Attendees can grab a bite to eat while enjoying dynamic performances showcasing music, dance, and artistic expressions from a variety of cultures.

40^th Annual Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival on Alabama’s Beaches
November 7 through 17

The Frank Brown International Songwriters’ Festival brings together nearly 200 of the unsung heroes of the music business from all over the world for a 10-day festival. Celebrating its 40^th anniversary this year, the event takes place at venues along the Alabama–Florida state line. Attendees can enjoy close-up and personal concert experiences (most of which are free!) while learning the stories behind many award-winning songs. The festival is named for Frank Brown, the former night watchman at the famed Flora-Bama Lounge and Oyster Bar, a great American roadhouse that straddles the state line. Songwriters play at the Flora-Bama, where it all began, and in approximately two dozen other locations across the beach communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, and Perdido Key and Pensacola, Florida.

Big Boy’s Main Street Cook Off and Thibodeauxville Fall Festival in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou
November 8 and 9

Two of the biggest fall events in Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou occur on the same weekend, which means that visitors get double the fall, double the fun, and double the food! Indulge in mouthwatering Cajun cuisine prepared by more than two dozen chef-led teams that work to showcase the area’s culinary heritage at Big Boy’s Main Street Cook Off. From savory gumbo (“sweater weather” in other parts of the country constitutes “gumbo weather” here on the bayou) to tasty jambalaya, there’s an array of vibrant tastes. Just as stomachs start to growl again, a new day brings the Thibodeauxville Fall Festival. People come to this free and award-winning event to enjoy Cajun food, art vendors, a car show and … ducks? Yep … the festival is best known for its rubber ducky race!

SOURCE MBPR

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Before families could enjoy the bonding experience of drifting atop a pontoon all day, and before anglers could brag about their day’s catch of crappie and bass, the Cumberland River first needed to be shaped with the construction of Barkley Dam. Prior to World War II, the rural towns in the region were too acquainted with area flooding, which regularly caused damage to businesses, crops and homes. Fortunately today, Trigg County, the home of Lake Barkley, is known as a hub for lake life and outdoor activities.

At its core, Lake Barkley is a man-made reservoir made possible by the construction of Barkley Dam. The dam was built as part of a larger hydroelectric project in the Tennessee River Valley, constructed to harness the power of the river to generate electricity. The combination of the dam and water from the Cumberland River filling the massive pit excavated in the earth, Lake Barkley was born. Today, the lake spans over 57,000 acres and has over 1,000 miles of shoreline, making it a beloved destination for boating, fishing, swimming and a popular camping destination too. But Lake Barkley isn’t just a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Barkley is like a big playground for all kinds of plants and animals to live and thrive. There are many different types of creatures and greenery that call the lake and surrounding area their home. The lake and the adjacent Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (often referred to as “LBL”) provide habitats for numerous species of fish and wildlife. Photo enthusiasts love the region for its rich opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife photography. However, everyone can get a taste of experiencing wildlife in two particular attractions—LBL’s Elk and Bison Prairie and the Nature Station. While adventurers drive through the 3.5 mile loop to see wild elk and bison or experience up-close, the various native birds, snakes and wildlife at the Nature Station, some also venture to the more modestly sized Hematite Lake.

Kayak in Cadiz Kentucky

Hematite Lake is especially a gem for families with younger explorers who love hiking the 2.2 mile trail surrounding the lake. Those interested in a bit more rigorous trek can choose some of the trails that venture farther from the lake’s shoreline. Fishers can cast their lines from either a boat or the shore and catch bass, bluegill, or crappie. The lake is stocked regularly with fish, making it especially a great place for the novice angler. And boating is welcomed, so long as its the non-motorized kinds, such as kayaking, canoeing, and rowing.

And the well-informed kayakers and canoers enjoy riding the waters of a tributary that empties into Lake Barkley—Little River. This small river is known for its calm and clear waters and the winding scenic ride. Along the route, water-goers report spotting eagle’s nests, numerous rock bluffs, and dozens of caves between the upstream community of Hopkinsville and the Rt. 272 bridge.

From power generation to outdoor recreation and ecological conservation, just adding the waters of Lake Barkley has enriched the lives of many in this western Kentucky region. The next time you’re looking to “just add water” to your weekend plans, consider exploring the beauty and adventure of Lake Barkley and Land Between the Lakes.

Plan your trip at GoCadiz.com/Stay

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Located in the Phoenix-Metro area, the city’s year-round sunny climate makes it the ideal place for outdoor recreation, and it abounds here! Surprise boasts one of the largest public tennis and racquet complexes in the Southwest including 25 tennis courts, two racquetball courts, a table tennis room, clubhouse and event space. If you prefer pickleball over tennis, there’s a place for that, too. Home to 16 dedicated pickleball courts – the Surprise Community Park – is a haven for pickleball fans. The Community Park also includes an urban fishing lake, basketball courts and a playground all nestled within a sprawling downtown park.

Surprise is also a golf aficionado’s dream destination with eight courses to choose from. Be sure to check out Surprise’s newest course, Sterling Grove Golf & Country Club. This world-class Nicklaus Design course draws inspiration from some of the world’s most famous courses. And there’s more than just 18 holes with grove-lined fairways – it’s also home to a state-of-the-art practice facility that includes an indoor golf simulator.

Surprise Stadium, ranked the #1 Spring Training Stadium in Arizona by USA Today, is the Spring Training home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers – 2023 World Series Champions! Baseball fans from all over the country travel to Surprise every Spring to experience the fun atmosphere of a spring game in the Arizona sunshine. With unique game viewing options, family entertainment, mouthwatering foodie favorites and craft brews, Surprise Spring Training is a can’t miss when traveling to Arizona.

If you are looking for outdoor adventure, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, which rises from the border of Surprise offers hiking, biking, camping and a nature center. Maricopa County’s largest regional park is nearly 30,000 acres and provides endless options to fit every age, experience level and ability. There are approximately 30 miles of hiking trails at the park that offer breathtaking views of the mountains and panoramas of the valley below.

Surprise also has an emerging arts and culture scene with an array of public art, local galleries and performing arts venues. The Vista Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art 1,300 seat performing arts center that hosts a variety of music acts, comedy shows and live performances. In addition, West Valley Arts HQ is an art gallery and cultural event center that holds exhibitions, performances and events.

As a growing city, Surprise’s retail and culinary scene continues to expand, showcasing everything from local hot spots to regional shopping centers. Local favorites include Saigon Kitchen, offering a traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a modern touch. For Mexican fare, Rio Mirage Café features Sonoran-style recipes handed down for generations including homemade tortillas, sizzling fajitas and delicious margaritas. Vogue Bistro is perfect for a date night out with an intimate setting, delicious French-American style dishes, designer martinis and an extensive wine list. Surprise also has great options if you are in the mood for a nice cold beer – locals love State 48 Brewery, Bonfire Craft Kitchen & Tap House and Irish Wolfhound.

And for the shopping enthusiasts, check out the Village at Prasada and Surprise Towne Center & Marketplace. These open-air malls are a perfect escape for a day of retail therapy!

There’s something for everyone in Surprise, Arizona. Find your game. Find your adventure. Find your retreat. Find your Surprise!

ExploreSurprise.com
SurpriseStadium.com

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The Hammock Coast beaches are perfect for taking away the cares of everyday life. Numerous national magazines have, in fact, noted that some of South Carolina’s best beaches are found on the Hammock Coast.

Those beach communities each have their own vibe and charm.

Murrells Inlet, for example, is home to Brookgreen Gardens, a world-renowned sculpture and botanical show case across 9,127 acres, and Huntington Beach State Park, a USA Today/10 Best nominee where visitors can relax in more than 180 campsites, and offers some of the best birding opportunities on the East Coast. At the 2,000-acre state park, you can even explore historic Atalaya Castle. Seriously, the Hammock Coast has a real castle at the beach!

Murrells Inlet is also known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Originally a fishing village on a protected inlet, the community boasts some of the best sea food in the South! The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, a half-mile-long board walk, allows visitors to experience the salt-marsh ecosystem while restaurants, shops, parasailing, jetskiing and fishing excursions all beckon.

Pawleys Island is the oldest seaside resort in America and is still a great place to enjoy a quiet, laid-back vacation. As the birth place of the Pawleys Island handmade rope hammock, relaxation has a long history here. The historic island has no neon and no commercial development (no, not even a single store or gas station); however, there are two historic inns and myriad homes for rent. And just over the short causeway are first-class restaurants and boutique shops.

Families have been devoted to Litchfield Beach for generations. Little wonder, then, that Tripadvisor has named it one of the Top 10 beaches in America.

Award-winning golf, with 13 courses within a 15-minute drive, can be enjoyed on the Hammock Coast, too. Many are built on former rice plantations, giving a graciously Southern golf experience. Three of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play” are here.

For the history buff, Georgetown is South Carolina’s third oldest city, founded in 1729, and the beaches of DeBordieu Colony are just across the bridge. Five museums, including the South Carolina Maritime Museum, are all within the waterfront historic district. Self-guided walking tours offer insight into the town’s 66 National Historic Register properties. Historic American figures such as George Washington and Harriett Tubman are intertwined in our rich history.

Andrews, located 18 miles inland from Georgetown, offers the perfect place to experience the natural world. From sporting clays to kayaking along the winding Black River, Andrews is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Throughout the Hammock Coast, visitors discover tempting culinary delights. When the hardest part of vacation is deciding where to eat, you know you’re in the right spot! From fine dining to Southern-fried goodness, myriad eclectic, locally owned restaurants will whet your appetite.

On South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, rediscover life with no schedules. The only itinerary you may need is a tide chart.

For information, go to www.HammockCoastSC.com

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Uptown Greenwood is a great example of a smaller city thinking big. It has emerged once again as a key economic driver for the city, despite the distinctive challenge of forging a sense of community from an area that was once divided by railroad tracks, and then hundreds of feet of blacktop. By modernizing the downtown (including free WiFi) while keeping an eye on the historic character of Main Street, Uptown Greenwood truly embodies its mission of “Embracing the future and preserving the past.” Over the last 15 years, Uptown has seen a huge increase in retail and dining options, including boutiques, craft breweries, and restaurants.

From upscale cuisine to good old-fashioned burgers, Greenwood has over 200 restaurants, including lakefront dining on Lake Greenwood. Greenwood’s most recent culinary campaign, A World of Flavor, highlights the diversity of cuisine across the area and allows visitors a “sneak peek” of dining options across the county. For the BBQ lover, Greenwood offers its annual SC Festival of Discovery featuring BBQ and blues during the second weekend each July.

Boating, swimming, skiing, fishing—all of the traditional water activities are in play at Lake Greenwood. Live music, nearby restaurants with casual waterfront dining, and July 4th fireworks. Sandy beaches for volleyball and swimming add to the fun. Boat rentals for leisurely cruises are also available and for those who’d like to sit back and let someone else do the driving, boat tours are available as well.

Fishermen flock there for catfish, bass, and crappie. Fishing tournaments are a frequent event. Lake Greenwood State Park provides water access and camping facilities. A three-mile walk and bike trail gives visitors a view from the land. The Lake Greenwood Blueway Trail, a 34-mile trail for paddling, has brought kayakers, canoers, and other water lovers to the area.
For the historian, Greenwood’s rich railroad history is chronicled with the Railroad Historical Center. Open throughout the spring and summer months, the center offers visitors a look at numerous locomotives, dining cars, sleeping cars, and even an executive car used to transport textile CEO’s and customers throughout the Southeast.

The Benjamin E. Mays Historic Preservation Site, located behind what once was the African American hospital for the community, offers visitors a peek at the early childhood and life of Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. Coming from impoverished, humbled beginnings, Dr. Mays rose to become one of the greatest international leaders of his generation. A lifelong educator, mentor to numerous presidents such as Kennedy and Carter, Dr. Mays retired as President of Morehouse College. The Mays Site serves as a reflection to those who seek success that education, determination, and hard work are the essential tools for breaking the walls of poverty and building the ladder to self-sufficiency.

As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, history abounds at the Ninety-Six National Historic Site. The site, which is a part of the National Park Service, documents key battles and skirmishes based at the “Star Fort”, the earthen fort built by soldiers for protection. The site also hails as one of the first areas to see a bloodshed battle in South Carolina during the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

For more information on Greenwood and its many offerings, visit www.discovergreenwood.com or contact Discover Greenwood at 864-953-2466.

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Locally owned restaurants are plentiful – many are family-owned with multiple generations on staff. This makes the dining experience extra special with locally sourced food, fresh ingredients, seasonal menus, and customized dishes. In late February each year, the community’s delicious dining scene is celebrated with Kenosha Restaurant Week.

Come for the food and stay to explore! Downtown Kenosha is located just steps from Lake Michigan. Its shopping and dining district is a mix of historic charm and modern vibes, with multiple opportunities to get on the water. Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar along the harbor!

Kenosha is a community full of history and culture. Three historic districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places – with a fourth one listed as a locally designated historic district. A plaque in the Library Park Historic District notes the 1915 birthplace of acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer Orson Welles.

Within a one-mile radius are five memorable museums. At the Civil War Museum, learn the contributions of the Upper Middle West – Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, Michigan, and Ohio – to the Civil War. View “Seeing the Elephant” which focuses on the personal experiences and accounts of citizen soldiers. The museum is one of just a handful of venues nationwide using 360-degree movie technology. Broadcast journalist Bill Kurtis is the narrator.

Dive into Kenosha’s extensive automotive history at the Kenosha History Center. Currently on display is the 1962 Rambler American from the “3rd Rock from the Sun” television show, which is part of the museum’s collection. The next Kenosha Homecoming Car Show, hosted by the museum, will be held in July 2025.

See the famous excavated-in-Kenosha mammoths at the Kenosha Public Museum. Travel back in time 237 million years ago to the present at the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. Climb a lighthouse at the seasonal Southport Light Station Museum.

Pedal Tours in Kenosha, Wisconsin

Take a pedal tour through downtown, laugh out loud at a comedy show, see a theater production, attend a concert, go axe throwing, and more. Enjoy art galleries, DIY art studios, and outdoor art. See the sculpture that commemorates the second stop on the Winter Dance Party Tour (Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper, and Dion and the Belmonts). In the summer, visit Bristol Renaissance Faire for an immersive living history experience.

Outdoor adventures include skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at Wilmot Mountain and ziplining at Boundless Adventures, an aerial adventure park. Be sure to bring your bike to experience more than 150 miles of dedicated bike lanes and signed routes in Kenosha County – as well as the oldest operating velodrome in the country.

Go take a hike! Trails, nature programs, and more can be enjoyed at Bristol Woods Park with its Pringle Nature Center, Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum, and Richard Bong State Recreation Area. The Charles and Kathryn Heide Observatory is located at Hawthorn Hollow and houses what is currently the largest public-serving telescope in southeastern Wisconsin. Enjoy birdwatching at Chiwaukee Prairie State Natural Area, which has been designated a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

Use VisitKenosha.com to start planning your getaway to Kenosha.

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Better yet, these waterfalls populate over 100,000 acres of public lands that are not just prime for waterfall hunting, but for every other conceivable outdoor adventure as well – hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, paddling, fly fishing, and canyoneering – just to name a few.

At the center of it all is the town of Brevard, named one of the “coolest small towns in America” by Budget Travel. How else would you explain a craft beer culture that supports five independent breweries, a live music scene embracing everything from bluegrass jams to Beethoven symphonies under the stars, and a colony of craftspeople and artists whose work is celebrated in galleries around the world?

An Unrivaled Adventure Destination

Between Pisgah National Forest, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Gorges State Park, and Headwaters State Forest, more than 50% of Transylvania County’s landmass is public land. For our visitors, that means unrivaled access to world-class, single-track mountain bike trails, hundreds of miles of hiking and equestrian trails, prime trout fishing waters on one of America’s top 100 trout fishing rivers (the Davidson), and paddling opportunities on the 3rd oldest river in the world, the French Broad.

Even if you are not a hard-core outdoor adventurist, the opportunities for deep woods recreation are abundant. Sliding Rock, located in Pisgah National Forest, has delighted families for decades with its 80-foot, smooth granite slide into a natural, cold plunge pool. Nearby, the 6,500-acre Cradle of Forestry offers interpretive nature trails, a fascinating forestry museum, historic cabins, and a 1914 Climax logging train. And practically everywhere you turn, you’ll find waterfalls. In Gorges State Park, discover beautiful Rainbow Falls – and be sure to take in the park’s informative and engaging Visitor Center. Or venture into DuPont State Recreational Forest and experience the enduring wonder of Triple and High Falls.

The Perfect Recipe: Art, Culture, and Great Food

You can work up an appetite and a thirst exploring the great outdoors. Thankfully, Brevard and Transylvania County offer lots of flavorful options. Brevard boasts five stellar craft brewers along with a wide assortment of tap rooms, cafés, pubs, and restaurants where you can sample an array of one-of-a-kind drafts along with genuine North Carolina bar-b-que, piled-high burgers, and super-stuffed burritos. On the fancy side, there’s destination dining at our legendary inns and restaurants. Enjoy Carolina Mountain trout at a window table overlooking a lake. Or try a braised pork bourguignon in an al fresco setting in downtown Brevard. You’ll also find a wonderful constellation of dining choices in our charming smaller communities like Lake Toxaway and Cedar Mountain.

The soundtrack to your Brevard adventure is provided by a live music scene that is as dynamic and varied as you’ll find in any big city. The difference is an intimacy that puts you right in the middle of the music – whether it’s being performed on the street, around a fire pit at a local cantina, on a mini-stage in a local brewery, or lakeside in the open-air Whittington-Pfohl Auditorium at Brevard Music Center.

To learn more about our unforgettable mountain town, go to ExploreBrevard.com and start mapping your next great adventure.

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Bedford has more mileage along the Blue Ridge Parkway than any county in Virginia. Exit the Parkway and explore wineries, orchards, historic attractions, local shopping and dining, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The area boasts more than 130 holes of disc golf, in addition to more than 30 miles of mountain bike trails.

Set against a backdrop that includes breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge and a quintessential American home front community, the National D-Day Memorial tells the story of the Allied sacrifice of June 6, 1944. Among the hundreds of thousands of service members positioned off the shores of Normandy on that fateful morning, were 44 soldiers, sailors, and airmen from Bedford. By day’s end, Bedford’s D-Day fatalities totaled 20. In comparison with its wartime population of only 3,200, Bedford suffered the Nation’s highest known per capita D-Day loss, a somber distinction for this rural Virginia community.

Though designated a national monument, it is not part of the National Park Service and does not receive federal or state funding. A groundbreaking was held in 1997, and the National D-Day Memorial was dedicated on June 6, 2001 by President George W. Bush. The 50-acre outdoor site is open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. In 2024, a special week of commemorative events will be held to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

After visiting the Memorial, take the short drive into historic downtown to the Bedford Boys Tribute Center. Located inside the historic Green’s Drugstore building, where in July 1944, the Western Union telegrams came informing families of the invasion casualties. Here you will find the personal effects of many of the Bedford Boys and learn the stories of these hometown soldiers that were lost on D-Day.

While in downtown Bedford, enjoy shopping for art, antiques, vintage treasures, culinary treats, home décor, and more. There are several restaurants within easy walking distance from each other in a charming atmosphere of 19th century buildings. One option is Beale’s, a craft brewery and full-service family friendly restaurant, featuring indoor and outdoor dining areas with special beer releases throughout the year.

Beale’s is also part of the new Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail! The trail is a great way to unwind in Bedford, all while sampling high-quality, small batch wine, beer, cider and even mead, the world’s oldest fermented beverage. With 11 stops on the trail, you’ll experience a unique vibe and personality at each place. Some have live music, food trucks, corn hole, disc golf, trivia, and other fun games, while others may be the perfect place to relax and watch the evening sunset.
Smith Mountain Lake makes up the southern border of Bedford and is among the most popular vacation and recreational spots on the East Coast! Enjoy water sports, fishing, and breathtaking sunsets. Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers a public beach, trails, cabins, and camping. Bedford’s only lakefront resort, Mariners Landing, features many amenities including unique restaurants and an 18-hole championship golf course.

While in Bedford, be sure to stop by the Bedford Area Welcome Center. The Welcome Center not only offers information about the area, but also a gift shop, firefighters’ gallery, RV hook-ups, electric car charging station, LOVE sign, and more.  The Center is open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

You will need more than a day to experience it all! Go to DestinationBedfordVA.com or call (540) 587-5681 to find out more.

The post Where Ordinary Ends, Bedford, Virginia, Begins appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Audra State Park:
Audra State Park is known for its picturesque scenery, including the Middle Fork River, rock outcroppings, and lush forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and picnicking.

Fish Hawk Acres:
For culinary enthusiasts, Fish Hawk Acres is a local farm and market offering fresh, locally sourced produce and gourmet foods. Visitors can explore the farm and enjoy farm-to-table experiences.

West Virginia Wildlife Center:
This wildlife education facility features native West Virginia wildlife in natural habitats. It’s an educational and family-friendly destination. And be sure to visit the gift shop while you are there to find unique WV gifts to remember your trip.

Civil War Trails:
Upshur County has historical significance from the Civil War era. With 5 landmark signs around the county, you can explore the Civil War Trails and visit the sites that played a role in this pivotal period of American history.

West Virginia Wesleyan College:
Explore the campus of West Virginia Wesleyan College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1890. The campus is known for its historic architecture and beautiful surroundings.

Jawbone Park:
Whether it’s all decorated for the holidays, or filled with music and vendors during festival season, Jawbone Park is a favorite destination spot conveniently located in downtown Buckhannon. Jawbone is home to our annual events, such has The WV Strawberry Festival, Almost Heaven BBQ Bash, Festival Fridays, and more! Jawbone Park offers an abundance of green space, a playground, and a covered stage for a variety of entertainment year round.

Outdoor Recreation:
Upshur County offers plentiful river access for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and more. Upshur County is also home to an 8+mile (and growing) trail system for hiking, biking, running, or casually exploring our beautiful outdoors. You will also find areas for camping, hundreds of miles for off-road exploring, and lots of natural beauty in places like West Virginia State

Wildlife Center, the waterfalls at Fidler’s Mill, Pringle Tree Park, and so much more.
For travelers who prefer to travel by small plane, Upshur County Regional Airport (W22) is located just off Brushy Fork Road less than two miles from beautiful downtown Buckhannon. Airport patrons are greeted by a stunning view! Pilots and passengers can take advantage of available hangar space or aircraft tie downs, and use the airport’s courtesy car to attend a business meeting, grab lunch, or go see a wonderful show. Take advantage of our low Jet A and 100LL prices by letting our line staff fuel you while you are out. Freshen up and grab a cup of coffee in our terminal before taking off to your next destination.

Fly in, grab a bite to eat, catch an incredible play put on by the Buckhannon Community Theatre, before turning into to one of our many cozy cabins for the night. Come experience our Small Town Getaway with Big Time Charm! #visitupshur
Contact the Upshur County Convention & Visitor Bureau for more information on lodging, local attractions and upcoming events in our area. Find out more at VisitUpshur.org

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