Smith Mountain Lake has Diversity!

If there is one thing Smith Mountain Lake has, it is diversity! We have a sparkling lake, with over 500 miles of shoreline, and we are surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. From waterfront property to golf communities, you can find different types of real estate available in the area.




This diversity of real estate in Smith Mountain Lake means that just about anyone can find their dream home. Prices for real estate in Smith Mountain Lake are diverse, as well. There is something for every budget, from older lakefront homes that offer great deals, to brand new condos right on the water. You may be surprised at what you can afford to buy!



If you are looking for a waterfront home, you might be shocked at the variety of prices you may see. There are several things that can influence the value of lakefront property. Location means a lot in real estate, and when talking about Smith Mountain Lake, the view can be just as important.



What kind of vista do you want to have out your backdoor: mountains, water, wildlife, or all of the above? “The better the view, the higher the price” is usually the norm. There are many who gladly sacrifice privacy, to wake up to a picture-perfect scene every morning.



Another factor in the price of a waterfront home is the slope. At Smith Mountain Lake, there are some lots that are nearly flat, with a very gentle slope to the water. They are only five to 10 feet above the water level. There are other lots that are so steep, the owners put in steps to make it down to the water’s edge. Usually, “the gentler the slope, the higher the price,” BUT, this also means that if you are willing to live on a steeper slope, you can get nicer home for a great price!



Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! No matter what type of home you are looking for, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource for Smith Mountain Lake!

Summer's the Time to Visit the Mayberry Drive-In and Diner in Moneta, Virginia

There are a lot of wonderful things to do in the summer time here at Smith Mountain Lake! Fishing, boating, and hanging out with friends on the water are just a few fun activities that can take you back to memories of summers in your childhood. If you really want to step back in time – to the place of poodle skirts and classic cars – then boy, have we got a place for you! Head on over to the Mayberry Drive-In and Diner in Moneta!


When Bob Craig and Kathy Gentry first opened the Drive-in and Diner in 2008, they weren’t sure if it would last. But they have ended up with something that is quickly becoming a Smith Mountain Lake classic. Located in Moneta, right in the middle of a quiet field, this family-friendly place is definitely unique! “We have a diner in the middle of a cow pasture. It was lack of common sense,” said Craig.

That sure hasn’t stopped locals and visitors from flooding the establishment. You can’t find a better climate for a drive-in! Few to no mosquitoes, perfect weather, and enjoying a good movie with your convertible's top down make this something that definitely should be added to your summer “to-do” list! And that's just the environment; then there is the food at the diner.

“We make everything homemade. Our homemade chicken salad and the macaroni salad are both customer favorites,” said Gentry. “I make a special butterscotch pie, and our house dressing is a homemade recipe. We have a lady that comes and makes fried green tomatoes from scratch.” They even offer a call-ahead service, so that customers avoid missing any of the movie by having their food ready when they get there.

Check out these coming attractions to the site: retro carnival rides, like the tilt-a-whirl, that fit the 50’s theme of the diner. Also coming soon: music events! The Mayberry Diner is open daily 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Movies at the drive-in start at dusk. For more information, and show listings, call 540.296.1480.

Bedford and Franklin Counties in VA are great places to live! When you are ready to buy a home in the area, call Vicki Millehan! From quiet homes in the country to lakefront property, she can help you find your own part of Smith Mountain Lake to call home!

Music in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is known for its beauty, and one of the best places to enjoy the lake is at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This Saturday, July 24th, is going to be a great weekend to visit! Bring the whole family, and enjoy Music in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake.


Music in the Park will start at 8pm, and last until 10 that evening. Head over to the Smith Mountain Lake Beach pavilion for some great music, and dancing fun! Charlie Greer and the Roanoke Valley Pickers will be providing the foot stompin’, good-time music, and the Old Dominion Cloggers will be on hand to entertain.


You can bring your own food to enjoy, or indulge in ice cream, sausages, hot dogs and other refreshments that will be sold at the event. Children 12 and under get in free, and adult admission is only $5. Music in the Park is sponsored by the Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park.


Even if you can’t come out on Saturday night, the State Park is a great place to spend the day. You can fish without being eaten up by mosquitoes, go hiking, or even learn a little bit about the history of the area. The park also has a 500-foot beach, where you will find lots of swimmers cooling off in the summer heat. If you want to stay, there are 50 outdoor campsites, and 20 cabins available for camping.


Smith Mountain Lake State Park is just one of the wonderful things you can find in the area. From living history, to some of the best Virginia wines, Smith Mountain Lake has a lot to offer. When you are ready to buy a waterfront home on the lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert, and a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake!

Sail Away on Smith Mountain Lake

One of the best things about living on Smith Mountain Lake is having fun on the water. One great way to do that is sailing. Don't know how to sail? No problem! You can learn to sail away on Smith Mountain Lake, at the on-site sailing school!




Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School provides US sailing-certified instruction. They can accommodate everyone from beginning sailors, to advanced coaching for those with experience who just want to improve their sailing skills! You can take classes on the school's sailboats, or on your own boat, if you have one!



The classes focus on safety, good seamanship and, of course, having fun! Classes for beginners will include basic boat handling and sail trim. Instruction also covers sailing principles, and includes on-the-water training. Experienced sailors can receive instruction on racing, and things like spinnaker maneuvers with your crew.



Sailing is a great way to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake! If you love sailing then you should check out the Blackwater Yacht Racing Association races! The summer racing season just ended, but come September, the fall keelboat racing will begin. There are also regattas and social events scheduled throughout the year. If you would like to get involved in the racing, there are usually skippers looking for good crew members!



Of course, the best way to enjoy the lake is from your very own boat dock right in your own backyard! When you are ready to live on Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource. If your dream house is a luxury waterfront home, she can help you find the right place to set sail from on Smith Mountain Lake!

A Peach of an Open House at Bedford!

Usually, when you read about an open house on our real estate blog, you probably expect to hear about the great features of a lovely home on Smith Mountain Lake. This time, we are talking about a real “peach” of an open house in Bedford – the Peaks of Otter Winery’s “A Peachy Open House.” Starting July 24th, and running every weekend through August, you can check out the peaches, apples, and nectarines that make some of the most unique wines you’ll ever taste!


Every Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm, head out to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the vineyards and orchards. Bring a picnic lunch, and head out for a relaxing day. Families will enjoy bringing little ones to see the farm animals. Or you can grab a bottle of wine, and take a romantic stroll.

Known for its specialty wines, Peaks of Otter has some fantastic spicy wines in their line-up. If you like it HOT HOT HOT, then you will definitely find something to inspire your taste buds here! The Chili Dawg wine is an award-winning blend of apple and chili wines! This Dawg definitely bites!! If you prefer something even more “caliente,” you may want to try Kiss the Devil. This is a super-hot wine made from 30 varieties of peppers! Most people only cook with it!

There are many more unique wines that you will only find in Bedford, Virginia! Pumpkin Pie, Go-Go-Goji, SweetHeart and Frosty Morn are just a few of the other wines available. Blueberry Muffin-Mark Twain's Favorite comes in a beautiful triangular-shaped bottle.

Come for a visit and if you like it then move here! From lakefront homes to mountain views, there is something for everyone! If you are thinking of relocating to the Smith Mountain Lake area, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert!!

Thinking about a Smith Mountain Lake Condo?

There are many types of homes available to buyers today. Have you been thinking about a Smith Mountain Lake condo, but aren’t sure if that is the life for you? Condominiums, or condos for short, are a great option for many buyers. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of buying a condo.




Let’s talk about price! Most of the time, a condo is going to cost less than a single-family residence in the same neighborhood. For a young couple just starting out, or someone who is ready to retire, lower prices make it easier to live in your preferred neighborhood without breaking the bank.



Another way a condo may save you money is in lower maintenance costs. Most condominiums require very little maintenance from the homeowner. Monthly condo association fees usually pay for yard work and major repairs, such as replacing the roof or painting the outside of your home. What is covered by the Condo Association varies from place to place, so be sure and ask to see – in writing – what is covered by yours.



There are other benefits to living in a condominium community. You may find that you have access to wonderful amenities. Clubhouse, spa, and a community pool are all common perks. You also have the benefit of a very social community. Because of the close-knit atmosphere, you may find yourself with more social engagements than you can handle!



You won’t find a condo with better views than those available on Smith Mountain Lake! Come for a visit; if you like it, then move here! From beautiful condos to luxury waterfront homes, you can find the home that fits your family. Call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource for Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding area!