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!