Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery is family owned and has ties that go back to the very beginning of Smith Mountain Lake. Owners Roger and Judy Furrow are natives of Roanoke VA. You could say Roger's father had a hand in creating Smith Mountain Lake. He was a part of the crew who helped built Smith Mountain Lake Dam. Twenty-Five years ago Roger and Judy planted their first 250 vines, now this vineyard is into the second generation and going strong! Hickory Hills has a lot of history behind it. It was actually Virginia's 75th winery and the Second winery in Bedford County!! Hickory Hills is a part of the Bedford Wine Trail as well. With the fall crush just starting to ramp up, there is a unique aspect at Hickory Hills that is hard to find anywhere else. You can become a part of the harve... 08/28/2009

  A new business will be opening its doors this fall in the Westlake area! The owners have one goal in mind: keeping the people of Smith Mountain Lake healthy!! Smith Mountain Lake Wellness and Fitness will be opening soon on Westlake Road. Members of the new facility will have access to many programs that will help keep them in shape on general principles and to enjoy the many recreational activities in the area! Owner Rob Jordan has been a personal trainer in the Smith Mountain Lake area for over two years. He said SML Wellness and Fitness center has one focus, providing one on one training for clients. Every employee will be a certified personal trainer. They will offer their members expertise ranging in nutrition, weight training and fitness management.  Unconvinced? Check out their... 08/12/2009

There is so much to do at Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding area in Franklin County, Bedford County, and Pittsylvania County that planning your trip is a real advantage. So where do you start? Finding a place to stay should be the first order of business! There are cottages and full sized homes both on and off the water available to rent. You can also take advantage of the wonderful bed and breakfasts available in the area! Camping is popular, while renting a houseboat could be the ultimate way to enjoy the lake. You can find several different kinds of Smith Mountain Lake rentals here. Now it is time to decide what you are going to do on this visit. Is this a "get away from it all" vacation or a "do it all" vacation? This may actually effect where you want to stay, so you may want... 07/31/2009

Contentment - Noun; Definition; a state of satisfaction. Synonym: See Happiness! Many people are searching for contentment; few know it can be found easily at THE COTTAGES at Contentment Island. You don't have travel all the way around the world to find happiness. You just have to head for the place they call the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains: Smith Mountain Lake!! The Cottages at Contentment Island offer luxury townhouses where style and elegance come together! This development is a waterfront community with 62 beautiful townhomes. Each townhome has its own covered boat slip, which makes it easy to enjoy the lake! Within the community there is a pool, tennis courts, nature trails and a fitness center. Conveniently located close to fabulous golf courses, cultural events, and shoppin... 07/24/2009

  You know it is not just anywhere you can jump in your sailboat as the sun slowly settles in the west and head to your favorite restaurant. Fortunately Smith Mountain Lake IS one of those places. There are over a dozen restaurants that not only serve your dinner lakeside, but even allow you to enjoy the water on the way! Boating to the restaurant brings a whole new meaning to "dinner cruise"! If you are out on the water and want to grab a quick lunch, not a problem!!  Head over to Bridgewater Plaza, West of Marker R-28. The choices range from sandwiches to Chinese food. If your idea of irony is eating a submarine sandwich at the lake, you can pull up to the dock at the Bridgewater Plaza and grab a sandwich from Moosie's or the Mouse Trap! If you are craving pizza, that's covered too. J... 07/22/2009

Everybody is looking for their own little piece of heaven. If you happen to be lucky enough to live in Franklin County, VA you are halfway there!! If your idea of the good life is a new home close to Smith Mountain Lake, then you have to check out THE FARM. Built by the Willard Companies, The Farm is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside Smith Mountain Lake. There are 17 waterfront homes located in Hammocks Pointe and The Farm even has lots as large as 5.4 acres in size! With a total of 63 properties, this premier subdivision is located across from the esteemed community; The Boardwalk on Rt. 616. But these homes are more than just beautiful. The Willard Companies have worked hard to protect the beauty that surrounds Smith Mountain Lake. With a heart to preserve the... 07/17/2009

Well, there is something fishy going on at Smith Mountain Lake and the fishermen are glad to hear it!! The Southern and Southwest Virginia Fishing Trail was launched at the 2009 Bassmaster Elite 100's Series Blue Ridge Brawl Tournament at Smith Mountain Lake. The trail is designed to help anglers plan their dream fishing vacations. You can even plan your trip according to species of fish you are want to hit on. According to Joe Bondurant, Tourism Director for Virginia's Amherst County ,"If someone wants to hit some of Virginia's best fishing spots for different species, the Trail gives them an idea of where to go and where to stay. The Trail makes it possible to plan a vacation that would take them from fishery to fishery, all across the southern and southwestern parts of the state." So... 07/15/2009

Golf has been called "the gentleman's game", but is can be fun for anyone! From championship courses to beginner courses, the courses are ringing with the sounds of the game. You can take in the beauty of the area or close a business deal. Golf is definitely attracts all types of people! Smith Mountain Lake has emerged as one of the Mid-Atlantic's most popular golfing destinations.Stunning wooded fairways and luscious greens along the water's edge make for quite a game of golf!! The Water's Edge course offers championship-caliber play while other courses in the area are great for beginners. Offering private and public courses, there is something for all levels of play! The crowning jewel of our courses is The Water's Edge! The course was designed by Robert F. Loving, Jr. and was feature... 07/10/2009

Lifelong memories are made on these lazy hot summer days! Or at least they can be when you are blessed to live on the water! When the temperature soars, nothing is quite as exhilarating as running at full speed down the dock and jumping right into to the refreshing topaz blue water of Smith Mountain Lake! The kids seem to enjoy it too! From May to September, the long days seem short when filled with water skiing, wake boarding and swimming! On the weekends the relatives come out to the lake with all their toys in tow!! Jet skiers and kayakers can be seen dotting the lake as everyone relaxes and recharges around the water. With the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and breathtaking shorelines, it is hard not to be nature lover. Even those who do not enjoy getting wet seem to love coming... 07/08/2009

It isn't often you have the chance to buy a turnkey working vineyard.  This is the chance of a lifetime. The breathtaking Savoy-Lee Winery is available for purchase. This is a great opportunity to embrace a revenue generating lifestyle. Recently, the winery became even a better value when the owner reduced the price.  Pressing personal circumstance make the owner willing to sell a lifelong dream at a bargain price. This winery can be found in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills with 117 acres and a fully stocked 7 acre lake.  You can watch over assets from a beautiful 3500 sq. ft home on the property. The Savoy-Lee has already won awards such as the 2006 Virginia Governor's Cup Wine Competition where they took the Bronze. Virginia wines have won praise from Bon Apetit magazine and Martha... 06/30/2009

All across the country, marching bands are getting ready for the big 4th of July Parades! Families are getting ready to enjoy a weekend of fun and food. If you live in or near Bedford County Virginia there are lots of activities to choose from. One hidden jewel of Bedford County is Poplar Forest; Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat. It was 200 years ago this year that Jefferson retired from public office and first stayed at Poplar Forest. Construction of the home began in 1806, as Jefferson planned his retirement from politics. He was happy to be free of the weight of office and was quoted as saying, "Never did a prisoner, released from his chains, feel such relief as I shall on shaking off the shackles of power." As he shook off the shackles, he made his way to Poplar Forest, where he ... 06/28/2009

It doesn't matter if you are searching for a first or second home; today's market is great for people who are looking for a beautiful home to call their own. Because of the great interest rate and low prices, many people are looking into buying a vacation home for the first time!  Here are a few things to consider when purchasing a vacation home! What do you call ‘heaven"? Is it a beautiful home nestled close to Smith Mountain Lake? Is it a retreat deep in the woods? What is your idea of the perfect vacation? Deciding what type of home you want and where is the first step in buying vacation property. From Condos to Single Family Homes, there is a wide variety to choose from. Using a local realtor will help you find the perfect house for your family's needs! One way that can help you rea... 06/26/2009

For many people, the low interest rates and lower home prices make for a perfect recipe to finally be able to fulfill their dream of a second home.  Whether you are thinking of that beautiful vacation home or thinking of how you could profit from having second-home rental income, now may be the perfect time for you to consider investing in a second home. So what are some of the things you need to know before heading out into the market?   One of the most important things:  Evaluate your needs and long-term goals. You need to consider what type of second home best suits the way you will use your home. Are you looking for a weekend getaway or as a future place to retire and relax? For weekend getaways, the drive time from your primary residence to your second home should be long enough to... 06/21/2009

Several days ago, calendar watchers observed that June 6 was D-Day, when 65 years ago, 150,000 Allied soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy to make way for the million troops who would follow to liberate Europe from Nazi control.  Only a few old men who participated still survive, but at the time of the attack, many participants in this key World War II battle were mere teenagers at the time, who joined the Army to help their country but ended up making history. Since 2001 this day, considered a turning point in the war, has been memorialized at the National D-Day Memorialin Bedford, Virginia.  This site was selected as a tribute to the sacrifice made by Bedford families; of the 35 sons of tiny Bedford who went off to war, 19 were lost on Omaha Beach at Normandy and four more died i... 06/10/2009

Smith Mountain Lake offers an array of lake front homes.  There are cozy condos and magnificent luxury homes.  You can find many different homes to suit your budget needs, too. There are many benefits to waterfront property.  One of the most obvious benefits is that you have the lake right there.  You have instant access to the water.  You can jump in or grab your boat from your own property. It is complete convenience.  This is what most people think about when they start shopping for a lakefront home. However, there is a flip side to a lakefront home.  The thing that people do not consider is the responsibility that comes with living on the lake.  You are responsible for upkeep.  You have to keep the water and the dock in good shape.  You have to do clean up and repairs often.  It is ... 06/05/2009

Smith Mountain Lake has a Hollywood connection.  Many people may not realize it, but this area was the backdrop for What About Bob? a hit 1990s movie.  This comedy was filmed right off the lake and the locals even got to get in on the fun. People are always fascinated with Hollywood.  It is easy to become star struck, but you do not have to meet a Hollywood A-lister to get the inside scoop about how movies are made.  You can visit Smith Mountain Lake and meet people who were here when “What About Bob?” was being filmed. The movie was filmed here during the fall of 1992.  Stars Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfus were on hand to film the movie in the nearby town of Moneta just off the lake.  A real home in town was used and the signs and buildings were made up to look like the fictional movi... 06/03/2009

The real estate market reflects the economy and times are very uncertain right now.  However, for some buyers this is the perfect opportunity to find their dream home at amazing prices and in amazing locations.  Many people are taking the opportunity to buy a second or even third home.  It takes careful consideration, though, to get the best deal.  It is smart to use a talented and knowledgeable agent who can help you through the process and ensure that you will get the house you want for the price you want. Vicki Millehan can walk you through every step of the process.  Plus, she is located is the heart of one of the best areas for new home buying.  Smith Mountain Lake is one of those ideal real estate areas because it is a paradise location that has not yet been discovered by the mass... 05/29/2009

It’s hard to miss the Smith Mountain Dam.  It is, after all, why there is a Smith Mountain Lake.  It should be no surprise that it is a treasured landmark and a popular attraction in the area.  Owned by the Appalachian Power Company, the dam opened in May, 1976 to serve as the main source of power in the area.  Damming the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers created a 32 mile lake which offers great recreational opportunities, but the dam itself is interesting as well. The dam welcomes you to tour the visitor center where there is an abundance of information at your disposal.  In fact, over one million people have toured the dam since it opened. The visitors center offers an audio-visual presentation that shows the dam being built and there is a mural on the wall that shows how the Smith Moun... 05/27/2009

Buying real estate may seem simple on the surface, but it is not something that everyone can handle on their own, especially when looking for a second home or out of state property.  Buyer’s agents are here to help you through the buying process and to ensure your best interests are at the forefront of every deal. Many people figure they can buy real estate without any assistance.  Many times, the idea behind it is to save money.  You may think you are getting an agent when you talk to one who has listed a property, but that person is actually working for the seller. In the end, though, you could actually end up paying more money, far more money, than you would have if you had just used a buyer’s agent in the first place.  Doing a purchase on your own involves many more tasks than just ... 05/22/2009

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a place where you can enjoy it all.  From the water to the history, there is a little bit of everything within the park.  You can do the traditional park-like activities, meaning hiking and fishing or you can try something new, like testing your wilderness skills or visiting an exhibit on the folklore of Smith Mountain Lake.  Smith Mountain Lake State Park was developed in 1967, after Appalachian Power dammed the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap, near Huddleston. The company donated a parcel of land for the park and the State of Virginia bought the rest.  In 1975, the construction began and, finally, in 1983 the park was officially open to visitors.  Ever since then this place has been swarming with people taking advantage of all the various things t... 05/20/2009