April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, and each year, Smith Mountain Lake locals hope they bring the lake water levels up as well. Though the area has had its share of springtime rain, the noticeably low water levels here are raising some concern. Several regional news outlets are providing explanations for the levels, starting with news on the fishing front.  According to WDBJ7 news outlet,  a nearby hatchery requires water from Smith Mountain Lake to help hatch striped bass each year. American Electric Power lets water flow through the SML dam to provide for this need. By doing so, the lake looses water even as residents hope the weather will bring it to full pond in preparation for summer lake recreation.  In addition to providing for a healthy fishery, the lake simply hasn... 05/18/2012

In our last post, we addressed home design that includes kid-friendly space for young children and grandchildren who will visit regularly. Teen aged children and grandchildren, however, are not to be left out. Though Smith Mountain Lake offers countless activities to engage teenagers, a private bedroom made special for them will help them love to visit even more. Planning a retirement home or seeking a second home to buy means thinking years ahead. You may only have small children in the family currently, but soon those babies and children will become teens, and their bedroom and privacy needs will change. Or, you may want to skip over playrooms to game rooms for engaging several teen aged grandchildren and their friends. As you plan space for a special teenager, remember they are more ... 04/20/2012

Planning for the house and property you will retire at is often accompanied by more questions than you’ve ever had to face when choosing a home at other seasons of life. Retirees aren’t only planning around their own needs and desires, by this point in life they’re considering location, space and convenience for children and grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and so on. A popular home building and buying trend at Smith Mountain Lake is to include kid-friendly space for the beloved children that will frequent the house.  As you determine how to create playrooms and bedrooms perfect for your grandchildren and your relatives’ children and grandchildren, HGTV.com has numerous helpful ideas. Of course, no one can beat a child’s own thoughts so before making any decisions, ask ... 04/17/2012

  Looking for a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? How about a “staycation” in Smith Mountain Lake? Bring the whole family to celebrate together, or give mom some much- deserved relaxation time in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is easy to say “Thanks, Mom,” with a weekend in Smith Mountain Lake. Ahhhh...the Spa This is definitely the way to a mom’s heart – a day of spoiling at the spa! And the Pure Spa in Smith Mountain Lake has a wonderful way to make the Monday after Mother’s Day anything but BLAH! The Mommy and Me Monday on May 9 is the perfect gift for moms with little princesses at home. The day includes manicures, pedicures and mini-makeovers. Appointments are limited, so make your reservation soon! If mom needs some alone time to unwind, splurge with a massage... 04/23/2011

  “Homes for sale in Smith Mountain Lake” – those words are often the beginning of the journey to home ownership, when they're typed into the search bar on an Internet browser. Over 80% of all buyers start their home search online. With so many listings to choose from, how can you be sure your home is standing out from the rest? Price There are many reasons why setting the right price for your home is so important. Overpriced homes languish on the market, and often end up selling for much less than the original price. The right price means selling your home in the shortest amount of time, for the most amount of money! But there is more than one way in which price can affect the sale of your home. Price also makes a difference with internet searches. Most internet home search sites will ... 04/15/2011

Though Smith Mountain Lake makes one feel as though they’re on a permanent vacation, the commercial side of life is still a big part of the lake community. Many SML residents enjoy both life and work in this beautiful, scenic location.    Though there are larger businesses located at the lake such as state-of-the-art health clinics, grocery store chains and land development groups, small businesses are plentiful and well supported here too. Lately, it seems like there is a new small business at Smith Mountain Lake opening every month. Retail stores specializing in distinctive, fun clothing and home decor do well at SML. Restaurants from casual, cafe style to fine dining formal are both easily accepted at Smith Mountain Lake. Even lake recreation-oriented places are able to take advanta... 04/14/2011

  Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to live. I should know, because I am a long time resident of the area! There is nothing quite like waking up to your own lakefront views. It will only take one visit to see why this is called the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Be warned, though – many people have come for a visit and never left. They end up buying a home and living on Smith Mountain Lake! Summer is fast approaching, and thoughts of long, warm days on the water are floating through the air! This is the season that draws all the lake lovers to area. If you have fallen love with Smith Mountain Lake and are thinking of buying a home on the water, there are a few things to keep in mind as you search for the perfect home. Living along the shoreline is one of the perks of a waterfront... 04/08/2011

When you’re looking for a new home, property or vacation destination we know you’re not only thinking of your family, you’re considering what it might be like for your pets too.  After all, they need space to exercise, interesting woodland creatures to chase, a great view from their perch on the bay window seat and friendly neighboring pets. At Smith Mountain Lake, your pets will have all this and more.    In addition to large lot space that provides plenty of room for running free inside the fencing, most Smith Mountain Lake homes have a park-like setting with trees, a thriving woodland animals population, private drives and wide roads for walking or running together, and best of all, a great big lake to dive into and cool off in or enjoy a picturesque view of from the window.    Smit... 03/29/2011

Certainly a high priority of movers is to choose a location where the school systems are well managed, effective and reputable. Anyone considering a Smith Mountain Lake home or property can learn a lot about the area by knowing what kind schools are around - even if they don’t have students in the home. The state of an area’s school systems and educational opportunities reflect the priorities of the community.    Guests of Smith Mountain Lake will be encouraged to know that the three counties surrounding SML - Franklin County, Bedford County, and Pittsylvania County, support excellent, properly managed and successful schools and educational centers. In addition to the public school systems are multiple private education options in each county. Click on the links below to get smart abou... 01/12/2011

Whether you’re an expert freshwater fisherman, hobbyist or fishing is something you’ve always wanted to get into, Smith Mountain Lake is the spot for you. The lake has a solid reputation for being one of the absolute top fishing destinations on the east coast - even attracting the ESPN Bassmaster Elite Series Pro tournament in 2007, 2009 and 2010.    All year long SML residents and visitors take advantage of its excellent fishing waters, getting out on the lake with bait and tackle ready. What’s more, the camaraderie between fisherman makes for a friendly and inviting fishing community.    According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Smith Mountain Lake’s 20,600 acres is one of Virginia’s premier fisheries. It boasts primarily largemouth bass as well as plenty of ... 12/27/2010

Recently we talked about selling your home in today's market. Correct pricing, making necessary repairs, and always having your home ready to show were some of the things we covered. But what are some other steps you can take in making your home stand out above the rest? Here are some hot tips for Smith Mountain Lake Home sellers.   Tip #1 Make that first impression count! It has been said many times, but you only get one chance at a first impression. From curb appeal, to a sparkling clean home, the first look a potential buyer has of your home is the one they will carry with them. Getting them to have a positive emotional response to your home is key. Having a home that is warm and inviting will make the impression you are hoping to make. Clean and prepare you home as if your mother-i... 10/25/2010

Grab a bowl and spoon, and get ready to dig in! It is time for the 8th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival! Come join us lakeside on November 6th, for a full day of fun by the water. It will be a "hot" time in Smith Mountain Lake, depending on how spicy you like your chili!The chili cook off will start at 9am, when competitors start cooking up a whole mess of chili! Tasting will begin at noon, with judging starting at 3pm. Trophies will be handed out around 4pm, with awards going to such categories as "Best Chili," "People's Choice," and "Showmanship." The event will be held lakeside, at the Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta.If you want to get in on the cooking, you can get your Official Contestant Application at the Chamber of Commerce website. All entries need to be rec... 10/17/2010

It is that time of year again! The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival 2010 is finally here! This event is one of the most popular with visitors, so if you have been looking for a great excuse to get away to Smith Mountain Lake, this is it! Wineries come from all over the state of Virginia to offer you samples of their best wines.This year's festival is on September 25th and 26th at the LakeWatch Plantations in Moneta, Virginia. The festival hours are 11am - 6pm on Saturday and 11am - 5pm on Sunday. You can try wines from 27 of the best Virginia wineries. There are taster and non-taster tickets available, so if you do plan on sampling a lot of wine, bring a designated driver. Also don't forget your ID; you will be asked to prove that you are of legal drinking age. Without your ID, you won... 09/22/2010

It may be hard to believe, but fall at Smith Mountain Lake is just around the corner! Now is the time to start planning your autumn lake getaway! Of course, one of the biggest events of the entire year is the Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival.The 22nd Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held September 25th and 26th this year. Advance tickets are already on sale for $18.00 for tasters; the ticket price for designated drivers is $12. You can purchase your advance tickets at many merchants in and around the area, or online.There will be 27 Virginia wineries participating in the Festival, as well as 85 craft and food vendors. Festival-goers will also enjoy live music from several great bands. The Festival will be held at LakeWatch plantation in Moneta, right off of Route... 07/28/2010

There are a lot of wonderful things to do in the summer time here at Smith Mountain Lake! Fishing, boating, and hanging out with friends on the water are just a few fun activities that can take you back to memories of summers in your childhood. If you really want to step back in time - to the place of poodle skirts and classic cars - then boy, have we got a place for you! Head on over to the Mayberry Drive-In and Diner in Moneta!When Bob Craig and Kathy Gentry first opened the Drive-in and Diner in 2008, they weren't sure if it would last. But they have ended up with something that is quickly becoming a Smith Mountain Lake classic. Located in Moneta, right in the middle of a quiet field, this family-friendly place is definitely unique! "We have a diner in the middle of a cow pasture. It... 07/24/2010

Usually, when you read about an open house on our real estate blog, you probably expect to hear about the great features of a lovely home on Smith Mountain Lake. This time, we are talking about a real "peach" of an open house in Bedford -  the Peaks of Otter Winery's "A Peachy Open House." Starting July 24th, and running every weekend through August, you can check out the peaches, apples, and nectarines that make some of the most unique wines you'll ever taste! Every Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm, head out to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyards and orchards. Bring a picnic lunch, and head out for a relaxing day. Families will enjoy bringing little ones to see the farm animals. Or you can grab a bottle of wine, and take a romantic stroll. Known for its specialty wines, P... 07/14/2010

If you are looking for Fourth of July fun in Bedford, you will actually have to start looking on July 3rd! Many of the holiday activities will fall on Saturday this year. There are lots of things to do and see. You can start your day at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's Virginia retreat.The Independence Day Celebration at Poplar Forest will start at 11am. There will be musical performances, dancing, and games. You can also step back in time with historical entertainers, storytelling, and living history demonstrations. Admission is $5.00 for adults, and young people under 16 get in free. At 1:30pm, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence. What a great way to start your celebration of freedom!You can also celebrate by remembering the sacrifices that have been made for o... 06/30/2010

Spring is in the air at Smith Mountain Lake! Well, not quite, but you can begin to sense that spring is just around the corner. With the recent monster snow storm and very wet fall, many lakefront homeowners are thinking about spring clean up! As visions of landscaping dance in your head, there are a few extra considerations to make when you have the pleasure of living on the water! Let's talk trees! One of the reasons most people buy lakefront property is for the view! As you turn an eye to landscaping, don't forget to carefully plan where you are planting your trees. Knowing how tall a tree will grow and how wide its branches will spread is key in maintaining your line of sight to the water. You also have to remember that there may be some restrictions to the plants and trees you can ... 01/27/2010

The day of wine and roses is just over 3 weeks away! No matter how you celebrate Valentine's Day, you can't go wrong adding a bottle of Virginia wine! Of course picking the right wine takes some research! So shake off those winter blues and hit the Bedford Wine Trail! 100 years ago you would have found tobacco and tomato fields in the landscape of Bedford County. Today, you can find some of the best wines produced in Virginia! You can sample these wines by visiting the wineries that make up the Bedford Wine Trail. Of course this is all just in the name of research! After all we are just trying to find that perfect Valentine's wine! You can start out at the Savoy-Lee. Grab some friends and head over to enjoy your own winter games! Every weekend in January and February from noon to 5pm, ... 01/21/2010

If you haven't bought your Christmas tree yet this year, it is not too late to get a tree! Living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains has its advantages this time of year! Some of the best trees can be found at the local tree farms. Whatever your preference; firs, pines or spruce, there is a perfect tree waiting for you in Virginia! Buy Local Just like buying from the local farmers market in summer, buying your Christmas tree locally does more than get you a beautiful tree. Buying local keeps your money local. This helps your community and supports the area families. There are immediate benefits too! Buying from a tree farm usually means your tree is fresh cut. This means less drying out, better needle retention and less fire hazard! Prices are usually more competitive because you are... 12/07/2009