Ringing in 2010 on Smith Mountain Lake!

Out with the old and in with the new!! New Year’s celebrations at Smith Mountain Lake are in the final preparations for the big party! 2009 has been a year to remember! From the opening of The Southern and Southwest Virginia Fishing Trail at the 2009 Bassmaster Tournament to the record breaking snows of December, a lot has happened this year past. If you are ready to ring out the old year in style, the party at the Mariners Landing can’t be missed!

Mariners Landing is offering great “staycation” packages for the New Year celebration. The annual New Year’s Eve party in Huddleston will be featuring musical guest Dragonfly. They will be performing at Benjamin’s at The Pointe during the celebration! With great food, a champagne toast and more, there is no better way to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new!

In Roanoke you can attend the New Year’s Eve Blast at Roanoke Civic Center or the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hotel Roanoke. The New Year’s Eve Gala is a charity event that will feature a different band in both ballrooms. A balloon drop and champagne toast will round out the evening.

Now if you are looking for something a little more family friendly, you have a few different parties to choose from. You can celebrate the New Year at Still Waters Coffee House in Bedford. The admission is $20 per person and will include a dinner buffet, party favors and a non-alcoholic environment to ring in the New Year! In the Roanoke area you can enjoy an Enchanted Eve! The fun starts at 6pm and the first 500 kids will receive a free glow in the dark necklace! This celebration even includes fireworks at the stroke of twelve!

Over the last year, we have looked at all the different places and events available in Franklin County or Bedford County, VA. If you haven’t had the chance to visit yet, make 2010 the year to come! Come for visit and if you like it, then move here! Happy New Year to you and yours from Vicki Millehan! Thank you for making 2009 a year to remember!

Twas the Night after Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake

Twas the Night after Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake,

Nothing stirred on the water, no boat left a wake.

The Marina’s were quiet, sailboats tucked in with care

In the hopes that quite soon, Spring would be here!

The anglers were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of bass danced in their heads.

I with a glass of a sweet Bedford wine

Was enjoying the quiet and resting my mind.

When out on the lake there arose such clatter

I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew in a dash,

I heard a boat rumble and a bit of a splash.

The moon on the water cast a beautiful glow,

So I could see clearly the objects below!

There on the water, what should appear,

But a man in a boat with eight tiny reindeer?

I hollered at my wife “you’d better come quick!”

For I knew in an instant that this was St Nick!

I pondered a moment, what’s he doing here?

For Christmas has passed already this year.

Then through the dark I heard him call out,

As the reindeer were rocking the boat all about,

Closer and closer to shore the boat came

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen!

“To the middle of the boat, be careful don’t rock,

Or we’ll never make it to the tiny boat dock!”

When they made it to shore every one of them dry,

I let a out a whoop and St Nick heard my cry!

A smile on his lips and a nod of his head,

Soon let me to know I had nothing to dread.

So I asked him the question that burned in my mind

What was here at the lake that he hoped to find?

Imagine my shock when he states his desire,

To Smith Mountain Lake he wants to retire!

“I am looking for a place right here on the lake

A place with a pool, now that would be great!”

And I heard he exclaim as he sailed out of sight,

“Glad your Christmas was great! Now have a great night!”

                                                                                       Author: KW

When you are ready to retire, come visit Smith Mountain Lake! If you like it then move here! Vicki Millehan can help you find your dream lakefront home in Franklin County or Bedford County Virginia.

Breaking Records at Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding area were in the mood to break records this last weekend. Record breaking snow fall blanketed the area leaving some places with over 2 feet of snow! Lake dwellers saw more snow in this one monster storm than what they normally see for the year! Just as an example, in January of 2008, Franklin County saw a total of 4 inches of snow for the whole month! As residents dig out and road crews work to clear secondary roads, here are a few tips to remember for this wintry weather.


If you are going to be driving, take along a small winter weather driving kit. Make sure to include extra blankets, this really can be a life saver if you end up getting stuck in the snow. Keeping extra snack bars in your vehicle can be a good idea too. Of course you will want the basics of a small shovel, ice scraper, and booster cables. Candles and matches are always good to have on hand, but remember to crack the window open to avoid carbon monoxide build up. A bag of kitty litter or sand will come in handy if you run off the road. By spreading some in front of your tires, it will help you get the traction you need to get back on the road.

Smith Mountain Lake doesn’t normally get a lot of snow or ice. More wintry mix is being called for over the holidays, so make sure and plan ahead if you need to travel. Always let someone know where you are going and how you are getting there. Keep your cell phone charged in case you need to call for help.

While all this may seem like simple things, it is easy to forget when you don’t normally have to deal with this much snow. If you want to live somewhere that doesn’t normally get 18 inches of snow, come for a visit, if you like it then move here!

If you want more information on living in Franklin County and Bedford County Virginia, call Vicki Millehan! She is a long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake and a local real estate expert!

White Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake?

Winter storm warnings are in effect for our area this weekend so we may get that perfect white Christmas after all. So snuggle up next to the fire and break out your favorite Virginia wine and enjoy watching the snow fall! If you still have a few people left on your list to buy gifts for, don’t worry! Luckily you can find great gifts right here on the lake!

You can pick up food supplies and that last minute gift of wine at The Mouse Trap at Bridgewater Plaza. They have one of the largest selections of wines in the area. When you are done there you can head over to the Gifts Ahoy shop. You can find Smith Mountain Lake attire for any season, Vera Bradley accessories and homemade fudge. All wonderful gifts for the holidays!

If you want something unique or artistic, then hurry by The Little Gallery for that last minute gift! The original store is located at Bridgewater Plaza; recently they opened a second location at Westlake Towne Center next to the Westlake Library. They offer a wide range of fine art, handmade pottery and jewelry. Recently they have added woven glass art by Erik Markow and Thom Norris. Their art was featured on CBS News Sunday Morning Show.

It is hard to find a place a beautiful and convenient as Smith Mountain Lake! If you haven’t experienced it yet, then come for a visit! If you like it then move here! When you are ready to live on the lake, call Vicki Millehan! Your local real estate expert!

Christmas at the Savoy-Lee in Huddleston!

If you are in the Holiday Spirit, or if you are looking for some holiday spirits, then head on over to the Savoy-Lee Winery. Starting at noon and ending at 5pm every Friday and Saturday all the way through Christmas, you can enjoy the holiday open house in the winery’s tasting room! You may even find a gift for the wine lover on your Christmas List.


Each open house they will feature their Holiday Sangria. Get a group of friends together and enjoy a glass of wine around the fireplace. Oh… there will be fudge and other goodies too! In the spirit of giving the Savoy-Lee is making the recipe for their fudge available so you can share it with other family and friends! If you are looking for a last minute place to hold your holiday get together, whether it is a family affair or an after work get together, ask about availability of the tasting room.

Be careful though, you may just fall in love with the place! And if a small country winery is on your loved ones Christmas list you are in luck! The Savoy-Lee is currently available for purchase. This turn-key winery is already producing award winning wines! The winery grows both red and white European and French American hybrid grapevines. With the “season” not starting until March, there is still plenty of time to get all moved in and settled before jumping into the thick of things!

Bedford County has a growing reputation for great wines! Take some time and explore Virginia wine country along the Bedford Wine Trail! Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here! When you are ready to relocate to Virginia, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert and long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake!

Dickens of a Christmas in Roanoke!

Believe it or not, there are less than two weeks before Christmas! As you hurry about the last of your holiday shopping, don’t miss the last Friday of Dickens of a Christmas in Roanoke, VA. This 26 year old tradition is fun for the whole family. You may even get that last little gift you have been looking for! December 18th will be the last of this year’s festival.


This Roanoke holiday festival has won a “Best Tradition”-Platinum award from the Roanoker Magazine for the last six years! It has also won two Gold awards for “Best Annual Event”. But the recognition doesn’t stop there! Southeast Tourism Society has also voted it a Top Twenty Event in the Southeast! The Dickens of a Christmas started out as a way to encourage local shopping, but it quickly grew a life of its own! Shop owners and employees dress the part as downtown Roanoke is transformed into Victorian England for the holidays. They would offer cookies and cocoa to ease the stress of the holiday shopper. That tradition continues but as its popularity grew, so did the events!

Families can enjoy carriage rides, carolers in the street and vendors selling their wares! On December 18th you can even bring your four legged family members down for a pet costume contest! If that weren’t enough, St Nick can be found taking a stroll through the streets telling Christmas stories! Rumor has it that he may even have a few treats for children who have found their way onto the Nice List! Everyone can enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider, and cocoa!

If you are ready to live in a place rich with tradition, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find a home to call your own in Franklin or Bedford County! Come for a visit, and if you like it, then move here!

Christmas Lights in Bedford VA!

If you ask someone what the capital of Virginia is and they will tell you Richmond. If you ask someone what the Christmas Capital of Virginia is and the answer will always be Bedford! The light displays at Liberty Lake Park and the Elks National Home is a tradition many return back to Bedford to enjoy! Add the Bedford Festival of Trees and the Holiday Nights in Bedford and you understand why the town has earned that moniker!


It isn’t Christmas until the lights are up! You can enjoy over 30 acres of lights at the Liberty Lake Park. If you are struggling to get into the holiday spirit, this will definitely get you in the Christmas Mood! Bring the whole family to enjoy the festive displays. December 11th at 5:30pm, you can witness the switch flip and drive through the Christmas Lights at the Elks National Home. These light displays draw over 100,000 visitors to the area through the month of December! Come and see why! There are no admission charges so no need to feel scrooged!!

You can also enjoy the Holiday Nights in Centertown Bedford! Also starting December 11th all evening until 9pm, there will be shopping, carriage rides and you can find the Jolly man himself hanging out at the Bedford Museum. Santa and everyone else will be in Centertown every Friday night until Christmas.

Christmas time or summer time there is no better place to live then Franklin and Bedford County VA! Wineries and waterfront homes, cottages and country homes, whatever style of home you want, you can find it here! If you are looking for a Bedford home call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert!

Buying a Virginia Christmas Tree

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 not paying for the tree to be shipped across the country. Lastly, many local farmers will even offer Tree Delivery services, so be sure and ask about it!



Make a Holiday Memory!

You can sometimes even do a little Christmas shopping while you are there! At Dancing Hill Christmas Tree Farm in Bedford you can create Christmas memories. Bring the whole family and the dog too! Everyone is welcome to help you find that perfect tree. They have hot chocolate and cider to keep you warm, and a Gift Shop to browse for that one of a kind gift! In Bedford County, you can also buy live potted Christmas trees at Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm. They will be having a family fun day Sunday December 13th from 1pm – 5pm with free Christmas crafts for the kids and even pony rides available.

At Ponds-n-More in Roanoke you can purchase pre-cut trees that have been grown chemical and pesticide free. Most tree farms also have greenery for roping and have wreaths available too for all your holiday greenery!



Living in Smith Mountain Lake has many advantages, from fresh Christmas trees to summer fun on the lake! It is a great place to call home! Come for a visit, if you like it then move here! When you are ready to make Smith Mountain Lake your home call Vicki Millehan! Luxury home or lakeside cottage, she can help you find your Virginia home!

Buying Waterfront Property on Smith Mountain Lake

With 500 miles of shoreline, there is a lot of waterfront property available in Smith Mountain Lake! This community of 22,000 boasts some of the most beautiful sunsets in country. Homeowners can enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains reflecting off the lake right from their own backdoor. It truly is a wonderful place to live. It is these amazing waterfront homes that draw many people to the area. Buying waterfront property is completely different from buying a lot in the average community. Here are a few things to remember when looking at a lake front home.



First and foremost, you should work with a local real estate expert. That may sound cliché, but when dealing with a waterfront lot, you need the knowledge a local agent will bring to the table. A question such as “How stable are the water levels in the lake?” can make a big difference in the value of the property. In some lakes, the water level can fluctuate drastically; this can mean needing a specialized swivel dock for you to be able to keep your boat in the water. Smith Mountain Lake water levels do not experience large fluctuations, so most boat docks are able to be close to the shore. That brings up another good question; can you build your own dock and or boat ramp on the property? A local real estate agent can help you with these questions.


If you are looking at a more rural waterfront property, you may want to ask who will maintain the roads in the area. When purchasing a lot to build on, you should also ask what utilities are available. Don’t assume you can just hook up. Of course ,along those same lines, you may want to find out what kind of septic system is required for lakeside living. If community living is more your style, don’t limit yourself to just one option. Check out all the Smith Mountain Lake developments. Knowing all your options will help you make a better decision.


Waterfront properties are good investments. By doing your homework and working with a great agent, you can get the most out of your money! If you are ready to look at waterfront properties in Franklin or Bedford County, call Vicki Millehan! She is your Smith Mountain Lake real estate expert and long time lake resident!

Smith Mountain Lake Flotilla for Toys

Fall is slipping away from the Blue Ridge Mountains, making way for winter and the Christmas season. That means one thing in Smith Mountain Lake; it is time for the Flotilla for Toys boat parade. This year’s event will be held on December 5th at 7pm.




The Flotilla for Toys is the annual holiday boat parade led by the Virginia Dare! The parade starts at the Virginia Dare marina and makes it way to the Bridgewater Plaza and Hales Ford Bridge. The boat parade will then circle down Roanoke Channel past the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. You can even participate aboard the Virginia Dare itself! You can call about reservations at 540-297-7100. Boarding starts at 6:30pm and a cash bar will be available.



Participants and spectators bring unwrapped toys to benefit Lake Christian Ministries to share with local children in need. There are also drop off points throughout the area. This is the 12th year for the boat parade. At last year’s event, over 1400 toys were collected and over 500 area children received Christmas bags filled with toys and clothing.



Don’t miss this spectacular boat parade! Many residents have said it is the highlight of the year. Some even have Holiday parties to coincide with the flotilla and ask guests to bring a toy to donate. It is just another way Smith Mountain Lake gives as a community.



Come for a visit and if you like it then move here! There is nothing quite like Christmas on the lake. If you are ready for a waterfront home of your own, call Vicki Millehan. She is a local real estate expert and resident of Smith Mountain Lake! Next year you could be watching the parade from your own back deck!

Happy Thanksgiving Smith Mountain Lake!

The big day is almost here! The time of year where you enjoy family, friends and lots of comfort foods! It also kicks off some of the best shopping of the season. It is also time for a certain jolly old man dressed in red to show up at Smith Mountain Lake. It is a well known fact he does some of his best Holiday shopping right here!




Santa will be arriving at the lake on November 28th, at 1pm. He will be coming via boat of course and docking at Bridgewater Plaza. He will be available to visit with the children in his workshop from 1-4pm. There will also be free mini golf at Harbortown Mini golf that day starting at noon and ending at four. If you don’t get a chance to catch Santa then, don’t worry! He will be in his workshop December 5th, 12th, and 19th. When he is not at his workshop, Santa will be shopping the Smith Mountain Lake hot spots!



It is rumored that the big guy is using the Smith Mountain Lake Holiday Gift Guide to help him find the perfect presents for those on the nice list! One of his first stops will be Emerson Creek Pottery. He has several patterns on his list like Cranberry and a winter favorite, Snowman. After he picks up the pottery, rumor has it he is headed to the Savoy-Lee winery to pick up a few bottles of Virginia wine to relax with after his deliveries are complete. You don’t have to be Santa to be able to enjoy the holidays at Smith Mountain Lake! There are so many unique gifts available through the local merchants.



As you sit down to enjoy your Thanksgiving meal and start planning the hustle and bustle of the weeks ahead, don’t forget the Flotilla for Toys boat parade on December 5th! More information to come! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from Vicki Millehan and her team at Prudential Waterfront Homes. Don’t forget to visit Smith Mountain Lake this winter and if you like it then move here!

The Luray Caverns of Page County

Virginia is full of natural and manmade wonders! From the Natural Bridge to Smith Mountain Lake, there is no end to all the wonderful things to see and do in Virginia. Nestled in the Shenandoah National Park, north of Roanoke, is Luray Caverns. Discovered in 1878, the Luray Caverns are breathtaking! Rock formations "sing" and bridal veils, the formations are as amazing as the day they were discovered!

It all started with a sink hole. A gust of air from a limestone sinkhole blew out a candle held by Andrew Campbell as he and friends were looking for caves in the area. What they ended up discovering was the largest series of caverns on the East. Purchasing the land at public auction, the men began to prepare the cave for visitors. The rest is history!



In 1880 The Smithsonian Institution sent nine scientists to examine the cavern system. They were amazed at the stalactite and stalagmite formations they found. One of the most popular formations is the Stalacpipe Organ! Located in the Cathedral, you really can play music on these stalactites! Using a system of electronically controlled rubber mallets you can hear the rocks make music! It has even been featured on Ripley's Believe it or Not!

Giant Hall, Titania's Veil, Dream Lake, and Fried Eggs are just a few of the other amazing cave formations you can see when you visit Luray Caverns. It is about a 2 hour drive from Bedford, Virginia, but well worth the drive! There is so much to do in the area you may need to just plan your vacation to Bedford!

Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! If you want to live in a land of natural and manmade beauty, call Vicki Millehan! A long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake and local real estate expert! From a winery to luxury waterfront homes, she can help you find your own piece of Virginia!

Retirement and Tax Breaks in Franklin County

As most of you know the Home Buyers Tax Credit program has been continued. You can read most of the details in the recent blog: Buy a Smith Mountain Lake Home, Get a Tax Break! With current homeowners now being eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500, many are asking for details on the expanded program and what it means for them. It seems to be almost custom made for those who are ready to retire or downsize their home!


You can buy a lot of house for $800,000, but not everyone wants a lot of house to take care of! There is a whole generation of Baby Boomers who are just starting out on the road of retirement! On the top of their list is buying a retirement home. The new repeat buyer tax credit can be applied to a home that is smaller and even less expensive than your current home. There are many types of homes that qualify, if you want a condo or cottage on the lake, no problem! If you prefer to live on the lake in a houseboat, you are covered there as well! As long as it is a primary residence, you can buy the right sized home to fit your retirement plans!

Another benefit for retirees is the wider pool of buyers that will be looking for homes. Many of those ready to retire owned homes that were considered a few steps beyond what most first time homeowner would consider. These homes are now in demand for repeat buyers who are ready to take on the next level of home ownership! With the new program, you can sell your city home and buy a smaller home in the country and still qualify!

You can use the tax credit towards your home or you can use it as a down payment on that new sailboat! Whatever you choose to use it for, don’t miss out on this opportunity! You can take advantage of this program through April 30th, 2010 and will need to close by June 30th, 2010. Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to retire! Golf courses, fishing, sailing, hiking; these are just a few of the things you can enjoy in Franklin County!

There is so much to do in Franklin County, Virginia; come for a visit, if you like it then move here!! If you want to see what kind of homes are available in the area call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert and long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake!!

Buy A Smith Mountain Lake Home, Get a Tax Break!

The deadline for the First Time Home Buyer Tax credit was fast approaching, but we have good news!! The $8000 Tax Credit program has been extended! Not only do first time buyers now have until April 2010 to choose a home, but those current home owners who are looking to buy a home may also qualify for a new $6,500 credit! There is a little something for most everyone in the extended program!


If you were worried about missing the November 30th deadline, you now have until April 30th, 2010 to be under contract to buy a Smith Mountain Lake home and get a tax break! You can schedule your closing anytime through June 30th, 2010! The extra two months to close will hopefully avoid the backlog of closings agents have seen as the original deadline approached.

If you are a first time home buyer, not much has changed in the extension. Any home that can be used as a primary residence is eligible under the program. Even houseboats qualify under the extension! You cannot purchase a home from a family member and qualify for the tax credit. Income guidelines are $125,000 for single tax payers and $225,000 for those who are filing jointly. To be considered a first time home buyer you still must not have owned a principal residential property in the last three years. But with the new extension, if you own a home, you may still qualify for a tax credit!

Repeat Buyers are now eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500 on the purchase of a home. To be considered a repeat buyer, you will need to have owned and resided in a home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years. The income guidelines are the same as a first time buyer: $125,000 for single filers and $225,000 for married couples filing jointly. You can purchase any primary residence up to $800,000 and earn a 10% tax credit up to $6,500. For the first time buyers the highest amount of the credit is $8,000!

You can’t find a better incentive for buying that waterfront home you have been thinking of! Come visit Smith Mountain Lake, if you like it then move here! If you have questions about the Home Buyers Tax Credit extension, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert!

Smith Mountain Lake: Coffee and Art Blend Together

Coffee houses are becoming America’s front porch as neighbors and friends gather to share a cup of coffee or exotic teas while they catch up on the local news. At Smith Mountain Lake you can also enjoy some local art with that cup of joe! Just head over to the Westlake Towne Center and stop in at Solid Ground Coffee and Tea! They have begun displaying the work of local artists in their shop.




You can find the works of new artists as well as professional art work adorning the walls of the coffee shop. They will be rotating the art every 6 weeks or so and some piece are definitely for sale! The owners; Robert Carkin and Christopher Spoon, wanted to give Smith Mountain Lake’s local talent a place to display their work. But they are not stopping with art work. Live music is in the works as well!



They are planning open mike nights for Friday and Saturday nights. If you play an instrument or sing, the stage can be yours! You can even play your own original music! Overall they just want to celebrate the diversity of Smith Mountain Lake! Speaking of diverse, you have to try the different flavors of tea and coffee they have! Snow Plum Monkey and Khan’s delight are just a few of the flavors to be had! You can enjoy a heavenly pastry made by Chef Carkin too!



You can find a real sense of community here on the Lake. Virginia is definitely a place where art, community and history all come together! Come for a visit, if you like it then move here! Just give Vicki Millehan a call and she will help you find a place to call your own!

“Good Wine Makes for Good Cheer” in Huddleston, VA!

"I find friendship to be like wine, raw when new, ripened with



old age, the true old man's milk and restorative cordial."



Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Benjamin Rush


Poplar Forest, 1811



According to an old Italian proverb, good wine makes for good cheer, and this will be the case November 21st at the first ever Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival. The festival will take place at Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s Virginia retreat. Thomas Jefferson was a big advocate of the benefits of wine. He was pivotal in the import of wines from such countries as Italy and France.



At the festival you can enjoy, food, wine, crafts and live music! You must be 21 years old to enjoy the wine tastings, so be sure and bring your ID! You can enjoy wines from around the region! All of the wineries of the Bedford Wine trail will be there with some of their award winning wines to sample! Some of the wineries in the area, like the Savoy-Lee, actually use both red and white European and French American grapevines. It is these lovingly tended vines that produce the quality wine Virginia is becoming known for.



Located in Huddleston, the Savoy-Lee is a family run winery located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you have considered the life of a wine maker, you may want to check out this vineyard that is currently for sale! The beautiful surrounding area includes Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford and Roanoke! This is a turnkey operation that is already producing award winning wines. Many of the wines produced here are lovingly barrel fermented before being moved to the more modern stainless steel vats. This allows the wines to have a complexity that may be missing in some other wines.



You can sample the wines from this and other vineyards along the Bedford wine trail at the Festival. Come for a visit and if you like it then move here!! From wineries to luxury waterfront homes, call Vicki Millehan for all your real estate needs in the Smith Mountain Lake area!

Smith Mountain Lake Weddings

It may sound strange to talk about weddings in November, but when it comes to booking you want to make sure you have your venue in plenty of time. If you are considering a summer or fall wedding at Smith Mountain Lake, now is the time to consider what you want to do for your wedding by the water!


Just about every weekend from Spring through late fall, there is someone getting married somewhere at Smith Mountain Lake! With the variety of places to get married, it is no wonder. How about tying a “sailor’s knot” and getting married on the Lake!! The Virginia Dare side wheeler offers full blown wedding packages to exchange vows. Their wedding packages vary from rehearsal dinner to the wedding ceremony. The menu choices are fantastic! You can have anything from hors d'oeuvres to a full meal chosen from the menu, from open bar to cash bar, pretty much anything you need for a wedding or reception can be created in a package for you!

If you prefer a wedding overlooking the water, rather than on it, the Mariner’s Landing may be what you are looking for! Their wedding packages can be simple and intimate starting at around $1500 or you can go all the way up to Elegant and Extravagant at around $24,000. They even offer a wedding coordinator to help you plan all the details! Whether it is a weekday wedding or a weekend long celebration, they can help you create your dream wedding!

There are many breath taking places in Franklin and Bedford County to help you celebrate your Big Day! From the wineries to the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there are many ways to relax before you walk down the aisle! From beginning to end you won’t find a better place to tie the knot!

If you are still wondering why Smith Mountain Lake is such a popular place for these big events, then you need to plan at trip to the area! Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here! There are many places to enjoy whether it is for your Big Day or just a family vacation! If you are ready to make a commitment to a new home on Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert!

Smith Mountain Lake: Not Just a Summer Thing!

Smith Mountain Lake is well known for its weekend getaways and as a summer vacation hotspot. But with its temperate climate, the region has grown into a year round travel destination boasting a growing residential community. A true “Four Season” community whose shorelines, services, amenities, and attractions create the perfect place to visit and live!!




There is no doubt Smith Mountain Lake has four seasons. Boating is most popular from the early spring all the way to the colorful days of fall. The brave of heart can even venture out on the lake in the winter. The average temperatures in January are highs in the mid forties to lows in mid twenties. The Lake does not freeze over, so about the only thing you can't do on the Lake is ice skate!



In the crisp spring air you will see flashes of colorful phlox and bright jonquils! Azaleas will begin to put on their yearly show of brilliant colors. Then as spring gives way to summer, the lake becomes a flurry of activity. With perfect temperatures of the mid to upper 80’s during the day and lows in the 70’s at night, it is hard to beat Smith Mountain Lake in the summertime! That is until you see the fall foliage!! Many people come to the area just to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy autumn’s display! Finally as the hustle and bustle begins to slow down, a light dusting of snow puts everyone in the Holiday mood!



With such a wonderful climate, wineries and orchards love the 180 day average growing season. Some of the best wines in the country are made right here in Virginia! It is easy to fill your table with the bounty of the area at the local farmers markets! Spring through winter, Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to live and visit! It is not just your usual summer vacation fling!



The invitation is open all year round! Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! When you are ready to buy your own lake front property, call Vicki Millehan! A local real estate expert and resident of Smith Mountain Lake!!

Tis’ the Season at Smith Mountain Lake

The peak of fall is upon Smith Mountain Lake! The leaves are at the height of their autumn display of colors. The wineries have finished the fall crush and the wonder of wine making is well underway. Boat owners are contemplating whether to brave the cold or winterize their boats. As the weather cools, lake activity begins to slow. This all adds up to one conclusion: tis’ the season… to buy that vacation home!


One of the best times to purchase a vacation home is during the off season. After enjoying one last peak season, sellers will put their property on the market. This makes it a good time to get a great deal on a lakefront home! So why put Smith Mountain Lake at the top of your list? Oh, let us count the ways!!

Seasons of Fun!

Many of the things real estate experts will tell you to look in buying a second home can be found right here on the lake! The first tip is to get the most “bang for your buck.” You want to find a location that boasts a long season for the things you want to enjoy. At Smith Mountain Lake you can enjoy golfing, fishing and hiking year round, weather permitting. The boating season is a long one; you can even look for properties from the water while enjoying a cruise on the Virginia Dare! This side paddlewheel replica cruises the Lake from April – December, ending with the big holiday Flotilla for Toys parade!! And that is just the outdoor activities! With award winning restaurants and so much more in the area, it is very hard to get bored at the Lake!

Retire to the Lake!

Another tip for purchasing a vacation home is considering your retirement. When most people retire, they sell their primary residence and second home and begin to look for that perfect place to retire. We have that covered too! Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to retire! There are many different types of communities and homes to choose from. Retirement here means whatever you want it to! Lazy days spent enjoying the view or fishing. Or you can take in the arts and history of the surrounding area. You can enjoy nature hikes, golfing, sailing and horseback riding for a more active lifestyle. We haven’t even mentioned the vineyards!! The list just goes on and on!!

Come See in Off Season

The last tip of the day in buying a second home is visit in the off season. Some resort locations become a wasteland in the off season. You do not want to buy a family vacation home in an area that will be abandoned after the peak season. Smith Mountain Lake is a booming community all year round. Having a neighbor who will keep an eye on things when you aren’t around is a great thing! If you want to check out Smith Mountain Lake in the off season, then you should come on November 7th! You can enjoy the SML Fall Chili and Craft Festival while you are here!

If you are ready to start looking for your vacation home on the Lake, call Vicki Millehan! Whether you are looking to buy a home in a planned community or buying a winery of your own, her team can help you find the home you are looking for! There is something to enjoy in every season at Smith Mountain Lake!

Natural Bridge of Virginia

Just north of Bedford County Virginia, you can find one of nature’s most amazing displays: Virginia’s Natural Bridge. Twenty stories high, this solid rock display was made by nature’s own hand. So take a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the glorious colors of fall as you head to this wonder of nature! The next few weeks are the peak of fall color in this area of Virginia!






Place of History

There is a lot of history here, starting 300 years ago with the Native Americans of the area. This natural bridge was a sacred site for the area Monacan Tribe. The Cedar Creek carved a 215 foot high, 90 feet wide arch through the mountain, creating a solid rock bridge over the water. Many believe George Washington carved his initials in the arch during a 1750 surveying trip. Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge from King George III in 1774 for 20 shillings, along with 157 acres of land. Jefferson called it, “the most Sublime of nature’s works.” Jefferson even built a two room cabin and began to use it as a retreat. Many notable figures of history stayed there: James Monroe, Sam Houston and Henry Clay, to name a few.



Family fun at the Bridge

Today there are many things to do if you decide to spend the day at the Natural Bridge. Now through November you can enjoy the Corn Maze! You can “get lost in a good time” with the whole family. Scarecrows are scattered throughout the 6 acres of the maze; any child who finds 10 wins a prize! There is also the Drama of Creation light show each night. This has been a bridge tradition since 1927! There is so much to do. Your Natural Bridge visit includes: Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge Caverns, Cedar Creek Trail, Native American Village, Drama of Creation, and more! You can spend the day and not run out of things to do!



This is an area so full of history and natural wonder! If you want to live closer to it all, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find what you are looking for! If you haven’t had a chance to see Bedford County and the surrounding area, then come for a visit! If you like it, then move here!!

Wine, Music and Moonbeams in Bedford, VA!

You know that Bedford County is known for its history and its wine! This weekend you have the chance to enjoy both, plus a little music and some stargazing too! You can enjoy candlelight tours of the Old City Cemetery, Spooky Ghost stories, and checking out the lovely hues of autumn leaves, all without leaving the area!

Gravestones Talk!
On Saturday evening, you can choose from lots of great things to do with the family. If you love history and stories of days gone by, then the Old City Cemetery Candlelight tours is right up your alley! The Old City Cemetery can be toured any day of the week from dusk until dawn. The daytime visits are free! The Mourning Museum is open 11am -3pm everyday of the week through October. There are other museums on the site to tour as well. But if you want to enjoy an interactive experience then the Candle light tour is the way to go! Actors dress up as the cemetery residents and share their story. It is quite an experience! For more information you can call 434-847-1465.

Spooky Tales!
If you want a more spooky experience, then spend Saturday at Peaks of Otter Winery! During the day you can enjoy a beautiful tour of the winery and enjoy the Peak Foliage Open House. It is FREE from noon to 5pm! Enjoy fresh cider and apples; try some of the unique wines of the vineyard! Then head over to the Peaks of Otter Lodge for the final evening program of the season: Spooky Ghost Stories! One of our fine Park Rangers will tell “home brewed” ghost stories based on the legend and lore of the mountains! Costumes welcome!! There will be free candy too! So bring the little ones out for a fun night starting at 7:30pm in the Flat Top Room.

Starry Night!
Lastly, if you want to just sit back and enjoy the stars then head over to Hickory Hills Vineyard! This free event starts at 6pm on October 24th. Live music will play until the sun goes down and the stars come out! Local astronomer Jim Schauberger will be on hand with his telescope to give a tour of the clear night sky! The night tour will begin at 10PM, bring the kids, the blanket and dress warm! You can even a picnic under the stars! If you have binoculars or even your own telescope, bring those too and enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s night skies!!

These are just a few of the things going on around Bedford, VA! So come for a visit, and if you like it then move here! Finding your perfect waterfront property does not have to be scary! Just give Vicki Millehan a call! She can help you find the right home for you!

Apple Pickin’ in Bedford VA!

This weekend is the annual Apple Harvest Festival at Gross’ Orchard. This looks to be a fun family day and the best part about it is admission is FREE! Add the Free Cider and Entertainment and this is a day you do not want to miss! Gross’ Orchard is located at 6817 Wheats Valley Rd in Bedford VA.




Located at the foot of the beautiful Peaks of Otter, this family orchard has been in operation since before the turn of the century. The Orchard is now being run by the third and fourth generations of the family. The Orchard specializes in mountain grown peaches and apples. You can purchase right from the online store or you can come and pick your own!



The Apple Harvest Festival has fun for all ages! You can enjoy live bluegrass music or take a spin with a Buggy Ride. There will be food and crafts and even apple butter making going on! So come on out and enjoy some free cider while you listen to the music! Swing by the store and pick up some fresh jellies, jams or even a country ham! If you like the cider, make sure and pick some up to enjoy at home!



The Gross’ Orchard also has the Apple Valley Homeplace if you want a quite place to stay! The Homeplace is a 3 bedroom home surrounded by the orchards. You can sit on the front porch and just relax or you can hike through the peach and apple trees! The Apple Valley Country store is just around the bend! You can enjoy the mountain’s breath taking views!



Apples to Apple wine, Bedford VA has a lot to keep you busy this fall. Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here!! If you are trying to pick out the perfect home in Bedford or Franklin County VA, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find your own Virginia front porch to sip cider on!

Best of Smith Mountain Lake for Christmas

It may be hard to believe, but Christmas is less than 90 days away! Actually truth be told, we are under 75 days left until the big day! While that may seem like a really long time left to do your shopping, if you are considering having something shipped, you may want to start shopping now! Don’t forget all the wonderful things you can order from right here in Smith Mountain Lake!




Emerson Creek Pottery makes a great gift! Each piece of this beautiful pottery is handmade. Using clay from their property, they create each piece without a template or stencil. The work of Emerson Creek Pottery has been seen at Mt. Vernon, Monticello and even the Smithsonian! A gift from any of their collections could easily become a family heirloom. From the popular Fields of Iris to the holiday favorite Cranberry, there is something for everyone’s tastes!



Of course the most sent Christmas gift from Bedford and Franklin Counties in Virginia is wine! Whether your loved one prefers the classic taste of a Hickory Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, or something bold and hot like Peaks of Otter’s Chili Dawg, there is a wine for every palette! You can check out most of the area’s top wineries on the Bedford Wine Trail. Many of the wineries, like the Savoy-Lee, have online ordering to make Christmas Shopping easy! Watch for information on where shipping wine may be prohibited!



Of course, the best way to shop is to come for a visit! If you like it, then move here! But even if you can’t make it for a visit, you can have some of Smith Mountain Lake delivered right to your door for Christmas. Don’t forget to check out the jellies and jams available in the area too, as well as the heirloom quality quilts. (Here’s a list of fine stores in the area.)



There is no place like the Blue Ridge Mountains for Christmas! Snow covered mountains reflected on a beautiful lake can be the view out of your front door. If you are looking for a waterfront home where you can celebrate Christmas, call Vicki Millehan! Her team can help you find a Home for the Holidays!!

Falling in Love with Smith Mountain Lake

The hustle and bustle of summer at Smith Mountain Lake is pretty exciting. Lots of activities and days in the sun seem to fly by way too fast! A sunset summer cruise is pretty amazing. But don’t count out the ol’ Lake just because autumn is here! You may be surprised at what you may find if you take a Saturday to cruise the lake in fall!




Don’t winterize that boat just yet! There are some pretty spectacular things to see. There is probably nothing more peaceful than the lake in the fall. Boat traffic is pretty slow compared to summer months, so there is certain tranquility to a crisp autumn cruise. The air is fresh and the foliage is breathtaking! One real advantage is the colors seems to last just a little longer around the lake, giving you more time to take it all in! So grab a cup of coffee and a blanket for the trip home and spend some time enjoying fall from the water!



Of course, for those who prefer sailboats to powerboats, fall is a great time on the lake! The breezes are more reliable in autumn and with lighter boat traffic, you can tack to your heart’s content!! On most Saturdays and Sundays in October, you can catch a sailboat race! There is even a sailing school right on the lake! Yes, just because you have to trade your swimsuit for a jacket, doesn’t mean that enjoying being on the lake is over!



If you haven’t had a chance to “fall” in love with Smith Mountain Lake, then you need to come for a visit! If you like it, then move here! From hot summer days to snow covered mountains there just isn’t a bad time to call Franklin County and Bedford County home!



If you want to call this area home, then call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert! She can help you find the home you have been looking for! From wineries to lake front properties, there is no place like Smith Mountain Lake!!

Dealing with the “Rip Rap” at Smith Mountain Lake

I know what you are thinking, but no, we do not have a lot of “riff raff” at Smith Mountain Lake! What we do have is “Rip Rap” shorelines. Rip Rap is a way to combat erosion along the banks of the lake. Rocks are put into place to help keep soil erosion down to a minimum. So, how can you tell if you need to control erosion, and if so what is the best way to go about that and safeguard your property’s value?




What is Rip Rap?



Rip Rap is rock or other material used to protect shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings and other shoreline structures against scour, water or ice erosion. It works by deflecting the force or energy of the water from soft soil or sandy banks. Rip Rap rock can be seen in sea walls and even under overpasses along the highways to prevent erosion.



The first thing you need to do to determine if you property qualifies for erosion control on Smith Mountain Lake is check out the Shoreline Management guide. Not all lots on the lake qualify or need erosion control. If you have a beach or a very gentle slope from the land into the water, you probably don’t need to even worry about it. If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful beach, the last thing you want to do is put a pile of rocks on it! But if you are having an erosion problem, this simple and inexpensive protection can be invaluable! Some property owners have reported losing 10%-20% of their lots to erosion if they don’t take this precaution!



Do You Think You May Have Active Erosion?



It doesn’t matter if you have a flat lot or a steep lot. The problem can stem from currents to how much boat traffic you have in your part of the Lake. If you think you may have an erosion problem, you can contact a local landscape expert to come and take a look for you. They can let you know if you have active erosion on your lot. If you do, then contact American Electric Power (AEP). AEP can issue permits to deal with structures for erosion control. For additional information or applications you can contact them at; aepsmp@aep.com or call at 1-540-489-2556.



Working together to protect our shorelines helps keep Smith Mountain Lake the beautiful Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains! If you haven’t had a chance to visit us, come on over, and if you like, it then move here! If you want your own beach on Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert for Franklin County and Bedford County VA!!

Food for Thought at Smith Mountain Lake!!

Virginia has long been known as an agricultural state. In recent years we have become known for our beautiful wineries and orchards. It only makes sense that Farmer’s Markets are a wonderful place to take full advantage of the area we live in. Right here in Smith Mountain Lake/ Moneta we have Moneta /Smith Mountain Lake Community Market. This market is a season market open through October 31st. Roanoke Natural Food Co-Op has locally grown food available all year round and is open to members and non-members to purchase fresh and organic produce.


Green is Good!

“Going Green” is a very popular catch phrase. Many people are doing their best to “buy organic” in an effort to be more environmentally friendly. But did you know buying at a local farmer's market can make a larger “green” impact than just buying organic? The more shipping involved, the more damage you can have to the environment. Roanoke Natural Food Co-Op has the Gold Standard when it comes to produce; locally grown organic food. If you don’t have this available in your area, buying at the local Farmer’s Market is the next best thing!

Show Me the MONEY!

One of the top reasons for shopping at a local Farmers Market is economic. Normally, you can get fresher produce at a lower price than what you will find at a supermarket. By eliminating the costs of shipping and handling you get to keep more money in your pocket! Even better, by buying produce at the local market, you are helping keep your money in the community. This will help keep the economy healthy in your area!



Closer = Healthy

Did you know if you buy from a community market, you may be buying foods that pack a more nutritional punch than food that has been shipped across the country? Locally grown food can be picked when it is ripe, farmers do not have to allow for shipping time. Fruits and vegetables increase in nutritional value the closer they get to ripening, so the closer=the healthier!! Not to mention it tastes so GOOD!!

Other Local Farmer’s Markets

In Franklin County and Bedford County VA, we have several local markets! The Westlake Farmer’s Market (next to Lake Inn Motel) is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Oct. 10.The Bedford Farmer’s Market in Centertown Bedford is open Tuesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.The Farmer’s Market in downtown Rocky Mount is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

So come on out this Saturday and enjoy the fall bounty of our local markets! Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here! If you are ready to live healthy and happy at Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find the pick of the crop when it comes to Lakefront properties!

Celebrating Thomas Jefferson in Forest, VA

It isn’t often you to participate in the retirement celebration for an American President. This weekend, October 3rd, you can! Poplar Forest will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s retirement and his return to Virginia. The Richmond Symphony will be entertaining on the beautiful lawn of Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s secluded retreat. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door, they also include a catered reception on the lawns of the retreat.
Jefferson retired from public life in 1809. He returned to what is now the town of Forest in Bedford County VA. The home at Poplar Forest was one of his greatest designs, but unknown to many outside the area. The home itself is described as such: “Poplar Forest is considered Jefferson’s most mature architectural masterpiece. At Poplar Forest, elements from ancient, Renaissance Palladian and 18th century French architecture, as well as British and Virginian design, fuse into a harmonious whole.” It has also been designated a National Historic Landmark.
This weekend also offers a chance to visit with “Jefferson” himself. Bill Barker of Colonial Williamsburg will visit with guests as late president! Mr. Barker has portrayed Jefferson for the last 20 years. He has even portrayed him at the Palace of Versailles and the White House. It isn’t often you can spend the afternoon with Thomas Jefferson and the Richmond Symphony!
Franklin County and Bedford County VA are full of great opportunities! In an area rich with history and natural beauty, there is much to see and do! Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! If you are interested in relocating to the area, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find your own Virginia retreat!

Buying a Retirement Home in Smith Mountain Lake

For many people, buying a home after retirement is not on the agenda. But with the final days of the tax credit upon us, it may be time to take a second look at purchasing a home. In the boom days of the real estate market, many couples who were retiring decided to sell their homes at top prices. But, instead of buying, they chose to rent or maybe even spend time travelling. Well, now maybe a perfect time to become a first time home buyer… again!


If you have not owned a principal property in the last three years, you may qualify for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's (ARRA) $8000 Tax credit for first time home buyers. Time is quickly coming to a close on the program that is scheduled to end on December 1st. That means if you are considering buying a home you must close no later than November 30th. First time home buyer can qualify for a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price. The maximum credit is $8000. You can find more information in the previous blog, Attention First Time Home Buyers in Franklin and Bedford County, VA! This is good news for retirees that may be ready to purchase a home again!


Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to retire! There are many different types of communities and homes to choose from. With award winning golf courses to beautiful wineries, Franklin and Bedford County in Virginia are wonderful places to call home. If you are looking for an income producing property , there is even a winery for sale with a great family home on site. With the tax credit incentive; the time is perfect to purchase a retirement home now! Home prices are still low, but are starting to rise. In order to qualify for the ARRA, you should begin the contract process no later than October 15th! There is still time to find that perfect home!


Golfing, fishing, hiking and boating are all wonderful ways to spend your golden years! Franklin County and Bedford County offer all of that and more! If you want to see what kind of home can meet your retirement needs call Vicki Millehan! She has lived in Smith Mountain Lake for over 20 years and has been lake properties for over 18 years! Come for a visit, if you like it- move here!!


Golfing, fishing, hiking and boating are all wonderful ways to spend your golden years! Franklin County and Bedford County offer all of that and more! If you want to see what kind of home can meet your retirement needs call Vicki Millehan! She has lived in Smith Mountain Lake for over 20 years and has been lake properties for over 18 years! Come for a visit, if you like it- move here!!

2009 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is Here!

If you have been looking for a reason to come check out the area, there is no better time than this weekend! September 26 and 27 is the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival at LakeWatch Plantation! It is still not too late to buy advance tickets at a discount! You can even buy them online, but hurry, advance tickets are available until September 23rd!


The SML Wine Festival is a favorite event and one of the most popular with visitors! Wineries from across the state come to offer samples of their top wines. Add to that wonderful food and live music and you have a great weekend ahead of you! With so many wines and so little time, how do you know what wines to sample first?


Well, first off, if you are going to be sampling a lot of wines: bring a designated driver! Law Enforcement will be present to make sure everyone stays safe. Secondly, bring your ID! You would hate to miss out on sampling award winning wines. This may sound simple, but they are very important tips!


When it comes to sampling, you may want to check out the different vendors BEFORE you start. Taking a stroll around the Festival will give you an idea of what wines are available to try. With such a large variety of wines, some people even have a little notebook to make notes in so they know which wines they want to go back and sample. They can also make note of what they liked the best! This may sound serious, but with such diverse wines to choose from, it really helps!


Just as an example, let’s take a look at a Peaks of Otter Wine; Chili Dawg. This is an apple wine with chili pepper wine blended in. This is one HOT DAWG! Of course it isn’t as hot as their Kiss the Devil wine. That one is made from 30 varieties of peppers! The name says it all! Then if you take a look at some of the Hickory Hill wines, you will see how broad the difference in wines can be! Smith Mountain Lake Redbud is a sweet dark rose wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc. There is also a wonderful “breakfast wine”, Smith Mountain Lake Sunset, it is a great dessert or brunch wine (and the 2007 Virginia Governor’s Cup Winner).


There is almost no better time to visit Smith Mountain Lake than during the SML Wine Festival! With over 20 wineries participating, you can truly see and taste the best of Virginia! So come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! Vicki Millehan can help you find the perfect waterfront home! She can even tell you more about the Savoy Lee. An award winning winery for sale now in the Smith Mountain Lake area! Who knows, maybe next year YOU could be a vendor at the wine festival!!

Finding the Dream on Smith Mountain Lake!!

You have finally decided you are ready to take the plunge and purchase that dream home on Smith Mountain Lake! You couldn’t pick a better place to buy a home! The area has much to offer. With so much to choose from, how do you decide the home that is right for you? The answer depends on your needs.


Let’s start with the reason you are buying a new home. Is this home going to be your primary residence or a second home? If you are looking for a place to get away from it all or looking for a place to grow roots, knowing the answer to this basic question will help your agent narrow down the potential homes for you! If you are not sure yet what you are really looking for, make a list of what you WANT in a home and what you need. This list will be a big help as you look at properties.


The next thing you want to determine is LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!! Do you want a waterfront property with its own boat slip? Do you prefer a view of the mountains? Do you need your own dock or is a community marina OK? It may seem like you have many different options, that’s because you do! Do you want to live in a community with all the amenities or in a luxury waterfront home of your own?


If you desire the convenience of community living, check out the Cottages on Contentment Island. You can have a lake view of the sunset or enjoy the pool! There is even off lake storage for your boat in the wintertime! With these features, the townhouses here make a great retirement home or second home!


If you want a luxury home all your own, you can’t go wrong with a custom home with its own dock and houseboat slip. However, if you are looking for a place to take the family on the weekend or for and investment property, there are condos available that would be perfect! So knowing what you are going to be using your home for makes a big difference! From $1.6 million luxury homes to a townhouse on the lake, Smith Mountain Lake has a home for you!


If you are ready to start looking for your Waterfront Dream Home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert! Vicki can even help you become the owner of the Savoy Lee, an award winning winery! If you have not decided you want to live in the area yet, then come for a visit; if you like it, then move here!!

Water's Edge Greens

Dear Water’s Edge Member,

I would like to thank you for your patience during the past couple of months with the condition of various greens. As you may be aware, we have struggled with a new disease called “Take-all Patch,” which attacks the root system of new greens. We have worked closely with Virginia Tech over the summer to correct the problems and we are seeing many improvements. The last couple of weeks have been ideal growing conditions and the weaker greens are recovering nicely.

During the course renovation there was much debate as to the type of fairway greens we should use. Currently, we have a mix of Bluegrass and Rye in the fairways along with some Bent. We chose to move forward with Bluegrass because of its playability and the color it provides year-round; however, we have not seen the results we were looking for with the new Bluegrass.

After much consultation and close guidance from Virginia Tech, we are making a change in the fairway grasses. This does not mean we will be closing the course, but we will be interseeding all fairways with “Memorial” Bentgrass, This is a creeping Bentgrass that is one of the top rated fairway grasses on the market. This means fairways will be able to be cut at lower heights and provide a pristine playing surface. In addition, we should be able to keep fairways drier throughout the year giving the ball more roll for distance.

Interseeding with the “Memorial” Bentgrass will begin next week in all fairways. It is important during the germination process and grow-in that we reduce impacts to allow for growth. Carts will be restricted to cart path and roughs only through at least the end of October.

We are excited about this change and are confident that you will see the benefits as the Bentgrass takes over in our fairways. The transition to the Bentgrass will take several years to occur but will offer a playing surface second to none.

Thank you for your continued confidence and please bear with us during this transition.

Ronald L. Willard
President
Willard Construction of Roanoke Valley, Inc.

Centerfest in Bedford VA!

The kids are back to school and the lazy days of summer are past. That doesn’t mean you can’t make time for a little fun and a weekend getaway! It may just take a little more planning. If you are looking for something to shake off those work week blues, check out Bedford’s Centerfest September 25th and 26th!

Centerfest is one of the largest street festivals in region. Live Music will keep everyone moving to the beat! With four different music stages, there will be a little something for everyone to enjoy. Craftsmen and Artisans will have their wares on display! You can see some of the best works from the entire state right here at Centerfest! You won’t find any other place that will have as many exotic and wonderful foods to sample either! So grab the family, or just bring yourself, and head to Bedford for a quick weekend getaway on September 25th and 26th.

On Saturday, admission will be free during the day. There will be an Art Show, a Motorcycle Show, Safety Fair and a Car Show! Several children’s activities have been scheduled throughout the day, with local organizations on hand to share information on the different programs available in the area! If you can make it for Friday night, you can enjoy the Centerfest Kickoff Concert! For more information you can call 540-586-2148.

Fall is here and there is no better time to enjoy the Virginia countryside than now. So take a slow drive to the Smith Mountain Lake area and unwind from your work week! Come for a visit; if you like it, then move here! If you are looking for a weekend retreat, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert for Franklin and Bedford County!!

Bedford County Treasure!!

Johnson’s Orchards is indeed a Bedford County treasure. Located right beside the Peaks of Otter Winery, you can pick your own apples, peaches, nectarines, and plums or buy fresh picked with the work all done! The Winery and the Orchard are owned by Danny and Nancy Johnson. The land has a long history with the Johnson Family. So it only seems fitting, that a mystery from long ago is often retold at the Orchard. The Mystery of Beale’s treasure!

Sometime around 1820, a man named Thomas Jefferson Beale is said to have buried a treasure worth over 30 million dollars (present day valu) in Bedford County, VA! The Beale Treasure has been legend for years! Johnson’s Orchard has been featured on Unsolved Mysteries, the BBC, Travel Channel and FOX for their ties to the treasure! Mr. Beale left ciphers to disclose the treasure and its location. Only the cipher for what was in the treasure has been broken! The key to that puzzle was the US Declaration of Independence!

If you can decode the remaining ciphers, you can find the location of the vault. The treasure vault supposedly holds gold, silver and jewels! Danny Johnson has people ask if they can dig for the treasure, as long as they fill out the paperwork and promise to fill the holes back in, he is usually pretty accommodating. The Winery has even created a wine in honor of the legend called “Golden Nugget Pear”. Now that treasure is a little bit easier to come by!

The treasures you find at Johnson’s Orchards and at the Peaks of Otter Winner are legendary! From award winning wines to the fruits of fall, there is something for everyone! So if you are in the mood for a mystery; grab a bottle of wine and the remaining Beale ciphers and see if you can break the code! While you are here, don’t forget to enjoy the Bedford Wine Trail! Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! Vicki Millehan can help you find your treasure in Bedford County! From luxury homes to waterfront properties, she is your local real estate expert!

Attention First Time Home Buyers in Franklin and Bedford County,VA!

I think everyone knows what a great area Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding areas of Virginia are! Personally I don’t think there is a better part of the country! If you have been dreaming of owning a home in Bedford or Franklin County, now may be the time. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s $8000 Tax credit for first time home buyers will soon be over. It is not too late to take advantage of the program!!

The program is open until December 1, 2009. If you want to qualify for the program, you need to get started as soon as possible. Closing should be started no later than October 15th. To be eligible for the credit; you need to complete the purchase of the home by November 30, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when you close and the title transfers to the new home owner. Because of the newer lending guidelines closing can take a little longer. But that doesn’t mean it is too late, but time is running out!

First time home buyer can qualify for a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price of the home with a maximum credit of $8000. So the question is: who qualifies for the tax credit. Under the Act, a first time home buyer is someone who has not owned a principle residence in the last three years, whether under your name or your spouse’s. The home purchased can be a new home or a resale.

The income guidelines are pretty simple. To receive the full tax credit, a single taxpayer’s maximum income is $75,000. For married taxpayers who file jointly, $150,000 is the maximum. If you make more than those amounts, the tax credit is calculated by income, up to $20,000 above the maximum. Just as an example, if a single taxpayer has an income of $95,000 they will not qualify for any of the credit. If they have an income of $85,000, then the credit amount is calculated according to that income.

If you have any questions about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, call me - Vicki Millehan! I can help you find that dream waterfront property and help you find out if you qualify for the tax credit. There is so much to see and do here in Smith Mountain Lake, VA! Come for a visit, and if you like then move here!!