Planning Your Visit to Smith Mountain Lake

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 to have an idea of what you want to do before you finalize those accommodations. See - planning is helping already!! If this is a “do it all” vacation, you certainly have a lot to choose from. You can start in Moneta and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to observe natural beauty and enjoy everything from hiking to mountain music programs. There are lots of historical and cultural activities you can enjoy! You can start looking for both entertainment and great places to eat at smith-mountain-lake.com!

Golf at championship courses like Mariner's Landing is a big attraction in the area, of course. There’s even miniature gold and other family favorites at Hot Shots. If you like other sports, you have choices ranging from horseback riding to sailing. Of course you can’t forget wake boarding, kayaking, water skiing or fishing either!! You can get in on guided tours or strike out on your own. If you are going to be on the water, make sure you are familiar with Virginia boating guidelines. If you want to unwind from the stress of life, then there is nothing better than attending a wine tasting at any of the award winning wineries in the area! Or book a sunset cruise of the lake on the Virginia Dare,!! Just sounds like heaven, doesn’t it!!

With so much to do, you will probably have to come visit more than once! Be warned, Smith Mountain Lake can be addictive!! But don’t worry, if you like it, then move here! Call local real estate expert Vicki Millehan!! She can help you find your perfect place to make your home away from home! Or she can help if you want to become a “local”!! Smith Mountain Lake; come for the fun, stay for the lifestyle!!!

A Peachy Time in Bedford!

Normally when you talk about wine and fruit, everyone immediately thinks of grapes, but this weekend it is the peach that takes center stage! Peaks of Otter Winery is having an open house this weekend, August 1 and 2, celebrating the “other” fruits made into their award winning wines! It is free to all and they are open 11am -5pm each day!

At the open house you can sample peaches, nectarines, and apples. While you are there you can take a tour of the winery! They are starting to ramp things up getting ready for the fall crush. Peaks of the Otter is known for its specialty wines. The Chili Dawg wine is an award winning blend of apple and chili wines! Muy caliente!! This Dawg has a little bite to it so be careful!

Some of the unique wines on the list include: Pumpkin Pie, Go-Go-Goji, SweetHeart and Frosty Morn! Of course if Blueberry is a favorite fruit of yours, you cannot live without trying Blueberry Muffin-Mark Twain’s Favorite! This wine comes in a beautiful triangular bottle and is amazing! If you prefer chocolate for your palette you must try Apple Truffle! And last but not least, for the spicy folks there is always Kiss the Devil. This super hot wine is not for the faint of heart!

As the final days of summer begin to “wine” down, come visit us on the Bedford Wine Trail this weekend! Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a lazy day. After your picnic, grab a bottle of wine and take a stroll through orchards and vineyard. Families will enjoy bringing little ones to see the farm animals. We have a saying here in Bedford and Franklin County, if you like it then move here! If you are thinking of relocating to the Smith Mountain Lake area, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert!! If all this talk of wine has you thinking the winery life is for you check out the Savoy Lee! You could be the one making award winning wines next year!!

Contentment Found in Franklin County!

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 shopping, you will have everything you need at your fingertips!
If you are ready for to find a new state of mind, you are ready for Contentment!! For more information on The Cottages at Contentment Island, or any of the other fabulous communities on Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan! Working with a local agent can make all the difference! Franklin County, VA has a lot to offer, so come for a visit and if you like it, then move here!

Dinner On the Water at Smith Mountain Lake

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. Just head over to the Pizza Pub and enjoy your lunch while gazing at the water! Chopsticks have you covered for Chinese food and lunch buffet. Are ya getting hungry yet?

Kings Point Pub can be accessed from Lake Haven Marina. Their menu ranges from Guinness Pie to Seafood. There are so many choices there is not room to fit them all! From Mexico Viejo to Marina Café at Mitchell’s Point, there are a range of style and prices available to you with boat access. You can find more information here!

Now let’s get back to that evening cruise to dinner at sunset!! At Smith Mountain Lake you can enjoy a sunset cruise to fine dining!! Just East of Marker R-11 you can dock at the Sportsman Marina and make your way to Sportsman Inn. Here you can dine with a view of the water. If you head West of Marker R-11, you will find the Landing Restaurant. Both of these restaurants offer fine dining and Gourmet food to enjoy while you soak in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains!! There are not a lot of places on earth you can find that!!

From fine dining and luxury homes to afternoon sailing and pizza, Smith Mountain Lake has something for everyone!! Come take a “dinner cruise” on the lake and if you like it, then move here! If a new home is on the menu for you, Vicki Millehan is a local expert who can help you find what you are looking for! From winery to lakefronts, there is something to satisfy almost anyone in Virginia!!

Heaven in Franklin County, VA

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 beauty of Franklin County, the Farm has been built as a low impact development. In keeping with the rural feel of the area they have created lots of open spaces in the community. This makes for a beautiful community and reduces the impact storm water runoff has on the lake. These home are more than just beautiful, they are smart too! The waterfront homes have been built in accordance with Earth Craft House Program. You can’t get much smarter than homes that protect the environment and help reduce utilities!!

The final heavenly amenity is that residents of the Farm will have opportunity to join The Waterfront Country Club!! This country club boasts a premier golf course that is just minutes from the Farm. From fine dining to a round of golf on the rolling greens, you will never get bored enjoying life on the Farm!

There is so much to enjoy in Franklin County, VA that you might just find yourself wanting to buy a little piece of heaven! How many places can you look for a new home from the deck of a boat? If you are tempted to find a little piece of heaven, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you “buy the Farm” so to speak! If nothing else some visit Smith Mountain Lake. If you like it, then move here!!

Something Fishy at Smith Mountain Lake

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 what does Smith Mountain Lake itself have to offer? Well, I am glad you asked!! Smith Mountain Lake is a perfect angler destination. With dozens of fish to chose from, we have a little something for everyone. Stripers helped make the lake famous for its fishing and local folk aren’t just telling a fish story when they say they have pulled a 20 pound Striper off their line! From walleyes to muskies and channel catfish to sunfish, there are a lot of catches to choose from. Not to mention several varieties of bass!! To learn how to get your Virginia fishing license, click here. You can even check the fishing conditions right from your home!!

With 500 miles of shoreline and the Blue Ridge Mountains for a backdrop, can there be any better place for a fishing vacation? There are even professional guides available for the ultimate fishing vacation! The only thing better than visiting Smith Mountain Lake is living here!! Like we always say if you like it, then move here!! If you are looking for a home on the water or just a cottage close to the lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is a local real estate expert who can help you find your dream waterfront home!!

Golf at Smith Mountain Lake: Fore!!

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 featured in Golf Digest. The par-3 seventh hole is famous for being an island green surrounded by water! This is a private course.
For a semi-private course, you have to try Mariners Landing! This course is open to the public but also sells memberships. The Mariners Landing was designed by famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones. You can play along the water's edge for several holes and take on the signature 156 yard, par-3 at the 5th hole! With a beautiful clubhouse and paved cart path, this is a beautiful course for a day of golf.
You can check out these and other courses here. If you want to find a beautiful place to play the ancient game of golf you do not have to travel far if you live in the Smith Mountain Lake area! From championship holes to beginner shots, you can find a course to challenge your golf skills! Come visit our greens, and if you like it, then move here! Whether it is buying a luxury home or one of the Nantucket style cottages, Vicki Millehan is the local real estate agent who can help. Check out the nearby winery for sale: the Savoy-Lee! When they say this region has a lot to offer, they really mean it!!

Summer at Smith Mountain Lake!!

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 to the lake for fresh air and family time.
As the air begins to cool you know it is time to head in for dinner! From steaks to hot dogs, everything tastes better when cooked on the grill or over the fire pit! Most people remember sitting in their swimsuit and towel eating a hot dog fresh off the grill. Ok, admit it, that memory made you smile as you remembered days gone by.
There is something about living on the water that stirs the spirit and the soul!! If living on the water has been a dream of yours, Smith Mountain Lake should definitely be on the top of your list! A breathtaking 40-mile long, 20,600 acre lake, with 500 miles of shoreline! Add the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and gorgeous homes and you have found a small slice of heaven!
If you want more information on the opportunities in and around the area contact Vicki Millehan! She has more than 18 years experience selling real estate in the Smith Mountain Lake area! From vineyards to luxury homes, she can help you find a home to make memories in!!

July 4 Weekend in Bedford County!

If you looking for an awesome spot to celebrate the 4th of July, or if you are wanting to just be outdoors enjoying the wonder of Bedford County, this weekend is packed with great things to do! For those looking for the red, white and blue, you can celebrate the Red, White and YOU at Peaks of Otter Winery. Try some Chili Dawg wine!! It is a fun apple-pepper wine that is really something to talk about! You can even take a hike on the Appalachian Trail while you are there!

As you celebrate our independence you can pay tribute to some of the men and women who fought for freedom at the

D-Day Memorial. Tours will be offered throughout the day. If you just want to take the long weekend to enjoy the great outdoors, you may want to check out the presentation at the James River Visitor Center. You can also visit the demonstration at Peaks of Otter Winery on cultural history of the Southern Appalachians. From soap making to woodworking, there is something for everyone!

Bedford County has not forgotten the kids! Kids ages 3 to 14 are invited to participate in the weekly Kids Fishing program at the Abbott Lake Dam. We provide bait and tackle, or you may bring your own pole for luck. So bring your little angler 9am -11am and at the very least they will have a fish story or two to tell around the picnic table!

For the big kids July 3rd is a day not to miss in Moneta!! There will be a Downtown Celebrations Car Show being held from 5-8pm. Anything goes - new cars, old cars, trucks, etc. A DJ will spin your favorite 50's sock hop and beach music. There will be kids' face painting and a bounce house, a beer truck for the adults, and all of the restaurants and shops will be open late. If you want to enter a vehicle, it's $20 to register in advance, and $25 the day of the show. The best part is admission is FREE to spectators! Don’t forget your folding chairs so you can relax and listen to the music. If you have any questions you can call 540-871-0321 for more details!

Bedford County has a lot to offer this 4th of July weekend. Then again, it has something to offer every weekend. From festivals to fireworks, and even

buying your own winery, there is something for everyone. So come visit and if you like it MOVE HERE! If you want to take a look at the Savoy-Lee Winery take the Virtual Tour! The price has just been reduced to make a great opportunity even better! For information, please contact Vickie Millehan at (540) 520-2401 or by emailing her for more details.

Chance of a Lifetime In Smith Mountain Lake

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 Stewart. The Savoy-Lee produces 1200 cases of wine currently but is set to ramp up to 5000-6000 cases a year. Looking to the future, the current owner have completed the tasting room and everything is laid out to accommodate tourists groups as well as weddings and private parties. So this winery works hard for its owners now and has the potential to be one of the most lucrative area vineyards. The winery is poised for nationwide distribution with creative marketing.

In the vineyard, the growing season is March to October with the harvest and crush taking place in August through October. Savoy-Lee Winery grows both red and white European and French-American hybrid grapevines. They include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

After the harvest is over and all the bottles are laid in, you can take a rest in the glory of fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains without ever leaving your home! During the winter you can watch the snow fall or relax in the hot tub! This property offers a unique opportunity to an entrepreneur who seeks a lucrative and challenging future in a calm and beautiful environment. Vicki Millehan of Smith Mountain Lake can fill you in on how this winery could be yours before the fall crush.
You can also take a virtual tour here.