Seventy five years ago, as part of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal efforts to create jobs, construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway began. Completed in 1983, this has become one of "America's Favorite Drives." Connecting the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, driving here is a real pleasure with views unmatched anywhere else. In the Smith Mountain Lake area, you can hop onto the Parkway at Roanoke, via the Visitor's Center, or even at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. This September, come and celebrate as Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway turns 75!Designed as a recreational road, the Parkway is something people often drive just for the fun of it. Some of the most spectacular views of Virginia can be seen from the road. Just past the Peaks of Otter Visitor Cent... 08/31/2010

A lot of people are trying to decide what they are going to do for retirement. With the current housing market, and whispers of a second dip in the economy, it can be a difficult decision about where to live out your golden years. Is it time to purchase a retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake? With interest rates at record-breaking 60-year lows, now may be exactly the time to purchase a second home, keeping retirement on Smith Mountain Lake as part of your plans. When it comes to retirement, you may not find a better place than Smith Mountain Lake. There are so many different types of communities and homes to choose from. From award-winning  golf courses to beautiful wineries, Franklin and Bedford County in Virginia are perfect places to call "home." Because of the tourism demands, you... 08/28/2010

Back in the days before air conditioning cooled our homes, some lucky homeowners had "summer kitchens". This meant that in the heat of summer, the main kitchen was located in its own building, separate from the main house, thus keeping the heat of cooking outside.Today, we still love to cook outside, and many homeowners are bringing back the days of the summer kitchen to Smith Mountain Lake. Modern outdoor cooking, however, is no longer limited to the small charcoal grills of a few years ago that were only big enough to burn, excuse me - cook, a few hamburgers or hot dogs at a time.Today's summer kitchens are splendid affairs, as beautiful as they are useful. They may be located on a deck or as part of a patio, sometimes with a swimming pool as a centerpiece, and often screened in to ke... 08/25/2010

The sparkling waters of Smith Mountain Lake are home to many avid boating fans, so it will come as no surprise that these same boaters will want to attend Smith Mountain Lake's Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show coming September 18th.  Started back in 1991, the show has grown through those 20 years to be a lively area event. This year will be no exception with over 50 antique and classic vessels expected to be on display. Visitors will see everything from canoes to cruisers, mahogany hulls to utility boats, and outboards to runabouts.   The event is open to the public on Saturday, September 18th from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is free, although donations are encouraged as they will be going to this year's featured charity.  Held at Mariner's Landing, 1037 Whitetail Drive in Huddleston, Vi... 08/23/2010

I don't know how long it takes to fill just any old lake, but it took almost two and a half years to fill Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Filling of the lake began on September 24, 1963, and ended on March 7, 1966. By damming the Blackwater River and the Roanoke River, Smith Mountain Lake was created for the purpose of generating electricity.   The 40-mile long lake has about 500 miles of shoreline, much of which is devoted to some of the area's most beautiful homesites. The lake covers 20,600 acres and has 32 square miles of surface, so no wonder it took over two years to fill. Not a filling job for your garden hose!  Smith Mountain Lake's deepest point is near the dam and is about 250 feet. The average depth of the lake is 55 feet but outside the coves, depths generally run from 80 t... 08/22/2010

Whether you are looking for a vacation home or a year round residence, Smith Mountain Lake offers you the best in waterfront living.  Anchored by a 22,000 acre man-made lake, Smith Mountain Lake itself has 500 miles of shoreline.  It is known for its fishing, its boating, and its opportunities for water sports - but the town is also renowned for its championship golf courses, area attractions, and friendly townspeople. As a resident of Smith Mountain Lake myself for over 20 years, I know the Lake both as a resident and a Realtor®.  My husband Bill and son Trey and I have created a wonderful home at the Water's Edge community where we enjoy a rich social life full of "lake activities".  Because I know what Smith Mountain Lake offers to prospective buyers, I offer my clients a whole lot m... 08/20/2010

There are many reasons to make Smith Mountain Lake your home. Fabulous waterfront properties, 500 miles of shoreline, great fishing, and pristine waters can all be found right here. Oh, and have we mentioned the golf courses, the wildlife, or the history surrounding the area? Of course, of all the things that make Smith Mountain Lake the ideal place to call home, the weather may be the best reason of all. Our mild climate helps to make Smith Mountain Lake a home for all seasons!Each and every season here is distinct. Even though the climate is mild, you don't have to worry about not knowing what season you are in! Summer temperatures normally stay in the 70s to 80s, which is perfect weather for fun on the water, and summer sports. Summer is one of the busiest times on the Lake; swimming... 08/19/2010

Although many Vikings have long sought Valhalla, little did they know that it was right here in Roanoke the whole time! Okay, Valhalla Vineyards have actually only been around since 1998, but they are quickly becoming the stuff of legend. Great wines, and a beautiful setting, make this Valhalla in Virginia something to see.Located in Roanoke, the Vineyard has similar growing conditions to those you can find in the Rhone Valley of France. They produce world-class wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and more on 21 acres. Valhalla was the first vineyard outside of California to produce Alicante Bouschet, and among the first in Virginia to grow Syrah.One of the unique features of Valhalla is the barrel cave. During the cave's excavation, a Buddha st... 08/14/2010

There are lots of ways to have fun on Smith Mountain Lake! Fishing, swimming, and boating are local favorite activities. Then there are things like golf and fine dining that you can enjoy on dry land. Know someone looking for some unique ways to enjoy the lake? Here are just a few suggestions!If you haven't had the chance to take one of the Virginia Dare's specialty cruises, there is one coming up you may not want to miss: it's a real "killer" of a cruise! Yep, it's time for a Murder Mystery Cruise! The next Murder Mystery Cruise will take place on August 20th at 7:30pm. This two-hour dinner cruise features a crowd participation who-done-it murder mystery! Great food, good laughs and a mystery to solve - does it get any better than this? Well, that depends on your view.If you are ready ... 08/11/2010

So you have made the decision to buy your perfect waterfront property on Smith Mountain Lake. You know what you are looking for in a home, but one question remains to be answered: do you buy in a cove, or on the main channel? There are several things to consider when you are choosing the best spot for your Smith Mountain Lake home.If your idea of a great lakeside home includes lots of privacy, purchasing a home located in a cove may be more of what you are looking for. Coves tend to be quite a bit more private than living on the main channel. They are ideal spots, if swimming plays a big role in your lakeside plans. Living in a cove is usually a little quieter as well, since there is less boat traffic.But if you want the beautiful, wide-open views that are available on Smith Mountain La... 08/04/2010

When is a full offer not good enough?  How about when an auction company is "teasing the public"? You are probably wondering what I am talking about in the above sentence!   Does it sound crazy?  Here is the story: A house is listed at Smith Mountain lake for $549 a year ago, it was reduced to $499k last August.  March of this year it was reduced to $449K.  July 16, the price is reduced to $374K.  July 20, verbiage is added to state that the property will be auctioned. July 23, the price is lowered again to $299K.  July 30, our client writes a full price offer with no contingencies....a very clean contract with a large down payment.  The contract is rejected?!?!?!  The sellers want to know if our clients will pay more for the property....uh...NO!  August 1, the property is raised $50,00... 08/02/2010

If there is one thing Smith Mountain Lake has, it is diversity! We have a sparkling lake, with over 500 miles of shoreline, and we are surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. From waterfront property to golf communities, you can find different types of real estate available in the area.This diversity of real estate in Smith Mountain Lake means that just about anyone can find their dream home. Prices for real estate in Smith Mountain Lake are diverse, as well.  There is something for every budget, from older lakefront homes that offer great deals, to brand new condos right on the water. You may be surprised at what  you can afford to buy!If you are looking for a waterfront home, you might be shocked at the variety of prices you may see. There are several things that can influen... 07/31/2010

Smith Mountain Lake is known for its beauty, and one of the best places to enjoy the lake is at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This Saturday, July 24th, is going to be a great weekend to visit! Bring the whole family, and enjoy Music in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake.Music in the Park will start at 8pm, and last until 10 that evening. Head over to the Smith Mountain Lake Beach pavilion for some great music, and dancing fun! Charlie Greer and the Roanoke Valley Pickers will be providing the foot stompin', good-time music, and the Old Dominion Cloggers will be on hand to entertain.You can bring your own food to enjoy, or indulge in ice cream, sausages, hot dogs and other refreshments that will be sold at the event. Children 12 and under get in free, and adult admission is only $5. M... 07/21/2010

One of the best things about living on Smith Mountain Lake is having fun on the water. One great way to do that is sailing. Don't know how to sail? No problem! You can learn to sail away on Smith Mountain Lake, at the on-site sailing school!Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School provides US sailing-certified instruction. They can accommodate everyone from beginning sailors, to advanced coaching for those with experience who just want to improve their sailing skills! You can take classes on the school's sailboats, or on your own boat, if you have one!The classes focus on safety, good seamanship and, of course, having fun! Classes for beginners will include basic boat handling and sail trim. Instruction also covers sailing principles, and includes on-the-water training. Experienced sailors ca... 07/18/2010

There are many types of homes available to buyers today. Have you been thinking about a Smith Mountain Lake condo, but aren't sure if that is the life for you? Condominiums, or condos for short, are a great option for many buyers. Let's take a look at some of the benefits of buying a condo.Let's talk about price! Most of the time, a condo is going to cost less than a single-family residence in the same neighborhood. For a young couple just starting out, or someone who is ready to retire, lower prices make it easier to live in your preferred neighborhood without breaking the bank. Another way a condo may save you money is in lower maintenance costs. Most condominiums require very little maintenance from the homeowner. Monthly condo association fees usually pay for yard work and major rep... 07/08/2010

Smith Mountain Lake Boaters Use Caution, It Appears that Virginia Game Wardens Have Lost Common Sense! I have heard numerous reports of Virginia Game Wardens enforcing nit picky rules and regulations while letting gross violations slide by.  It was bad enough when I was hearing of Memorial Day harassment of boaters on Smith Mountain Lake near Roanoke VA (getting ticketed for laying on the back of boats sunning, sitting on the back of boats while at anchor).  For the 4th of July Celebrations I am hearing of tickets for people not having just the "at anchor" lights on while watching the fireworks but not have the anchor down.  The reason I call this petty and nit picky is that the game wardens were actively ignoring the violators of the no wake ordinances and the vast amounts of alcohol b... 07/08/2010

We have always said Smith Mountain Lake is a magical place - the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains! This past weekend, people found out dreams DO come true on Smith Mountain Lake. 48 lucky families purchased condos available at Bridgewater Pointe for amazing prices! All 48 units were sold by Prudential Waterfront Properties in one day. In what was undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime, the condos were available to purchase through a buyers lottery. For $5,000, you could put your name in for a chance to buy one of the condos. If your number was drawn on June 27th, you were able to pick your condo! If your name wasn't drawn, the $5,000 was returned. They expected about 100 people to participate in the lottery. Over 300 folks actually showed up! Those who were lucky enough to have thei... 06/29/2010

There are several reasons why living on the water in Smith Mountain Lake is a dream come true for so many people. You can step out onto your own private boat dock, or head out onto the water to enjoy a spectacular view. A beautiful lake with a mountain surround seems like a small piece of heaven in the Blue Ridge Mountains!Because there is so much to do and see in the area, Smith Mountain Lake makes a great place to have a vacation home! With its temperate climate, you can actually use your home  year-round. Many buy a waterfront property as a weekend getaway in the area, and end up retiring here. What a great return on your investment!Waterfront properties are highly sought after. That is what makes them a great investment! These properties hold their value. They may be mildly affected... 06/28/2010

Many people don't realize that Virginia has become a top producer of fine wines! While visiting Smith Mountain Lake, you can also explore the Bedford Wine Trail and discover what all the buzz is about!! Spend the day outdoors touring the vineyards and enjoy sampling the local flavors! There is nothing like Summer on the Bedford Wine Trail!!Stop by Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery where you can hike the beautiful Nature Trail at this family owned winery. You can even come back in the fall and help with the harvest if you like! The other wineries on the tour, including the Savoy-Lee, Leo Grande, and White Rock Vineyards, offer a great afternoon of tasting in a picture postcard setting. The final winery on the trail is the Peaks of Otter Winery, famous for its hot and spicy wine named "Ch... 06/25/2010

Summer is a wonderful time to work on those to-do lists around your Smith Mountain Lake home! Getting the painting, siding, roofing, and window repairs done are definitely easier when the skies are clear. Making your home more energy efficient - while you're working to make it more attractive and comfortable - is always a great idea. Here are a few tips if you are thinking about making your home look hot this summer! If you are using a contractor to do the work, be sure to do your research! Check with friends and neighbors to see who they used. Unfortunately, there are many scammers who "were doing a job in the neighborhood and had extra supplies" and have a «great deal» for you. Try to stick with licensed contractors! What should you look for in a contractor? There can be quite a bit o... 06/16/2010