Mountain Fruit & Produce — Local services in Bedford

If you are the sort who actively seek out experiences that lie beyond the ordinary- beyond the pre-packaged and impersonal, then I can heartily recommend finding your way to this roadside attraction along that stretch of Virginia route 43 as it stretches from Bedford to the Peaks of Otter and the Blue Ridge Parkway. While those naturally splendid destinations will afford the expected thrills to one's senses, our experience at this charming stop along the highway were the perfect complement to the adventure. Homemade ice cream using the area's abundant fruit, hot fruit pies, and other delights make this the perfect place to take a break, and the friendly folk behind the counter will make this a welcome pause in the oft-hectic time spent on the...

Driven by this little store many times on the way to the Peaks of Otter and never stopped in. Today, the Peach Ice Cream sign caught my eye especially. I resolved to stop by on the way back. Luckily, we got there just in time before they closed at 6, and they had the ice cream! While I haven't eaten it yet, (that's for after dinner) we have taste tested 5 different salsas, from black bean and corn to peach to strawberry, and we loved them. I have apple butter for breakfast, too! Overall a charming little shop with dozens of items you won't find many other places that will surely be a staple of our future trips...

Fantastic little country store, easily accessible (maybe 2 miles) from the Blue Ridge Parkway along VA-43. Fresh fruit & produce - the main orchard that supports it is about 2 miles away - and seasonal things like pumpkins (and gourds!) and mums. Inside is a really nice home-style deli (fresh peach ice cream and made-on-the-spot fry pies are a MUST), and shelves chock full of preserves, sauces, spices, cider, cheese, spreads, pickles ... much of it local. I dare you to walk out without a bag of something! For my biker brothers and sisters, ETHANOL FREE GAS. Very friendly and worth a short detour from...