Smith Mountain Lake, the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway and Bedford’s landmark, the Peaks of Otter, offer a scenic playground in which to spend countless hours. But there are also year ’round art and culture activities for the enjoyment or residents and visitors alike.

Bedford has quite an active art and agri-tourism scene, so much in fact, that a group of local artist and business owners have partnered with the Artisan Center of Virginia to form The Bedford Artisan Trail with more than 80 trail sites to explore. Also visit Goose Creek Studios to check out an array of local artists works in Bedford and learn about other art stops along the trail that you won’t want to miss. In addition, the county offers a rich variety of seasonal fairs, festivals, and orchard events.

Other cultural attractions include:

The Bower Center for the Arts, a visual and performing arts outlet that provides high quality education, group and individual instruction. 305 N. Bridge St., Bedford VA 24523. (540) 586-4235.

The Little Town Players, a community theatre organization that produces four plays or musicals a year and performs at the National Elks Home, 931 Ashland Ave., Bedford VA 24523.

The Sedalia Center, a private, non-profit educational center offering programs in the arts, ethnic cultures, environmental awareness, health, and inner development. 1108 Sedalia School Rd., Big Island, VA 24526. (434) 299-5080.

The Bedford Wine Trail will help you find the six wineries in Bedford County. Mild winter temperatures, warm summers, fertile soil and the protection of the Blue Ridge Mountains make this Piedmont plateau an exceptional location for excellent grape and fruit harvests used in the production of quality wines.

The Bedford Museum showcases Bedford’s history, including early Native American life through the War Between the States, and further into the 20th Century. It features three floors of exhibits that show the historical significance to the Bedford area.