"Lake Effects" filming at Smith Mountain Lake

Film crews shooting the movie Lake Effects here at Smith Mountain Lake hoped to capture the lake's many activities the area has to offer. Many of the background scenes were shot in late June with the movie's primary plot being shot in October. Some Smith Mountain Lake residents were even part of the action.




Aerial shots were taken in a helicopter piloted by Lee Hussy of Penhook, capturing the many boats on the lake as well as wakeboarding. Then they moved on to Penhook Boat Dock on a boat owned by Bill Timmins, where extras Harper Lee Dillon and father Reed Dillon were filmed feeding the fishes at the marina gas dock.



Shooting also took place at Dam Island where John and Tanya Doss of Harrisonburg and their daughters Kayleigh and Madison were featured in a family picnic scene. Playing the part of their family dog was Keely, a rescue dog owned by Rick and Nancy Ellet of Moneta. Kids playing around the lake's many docks and the lakeside Tiki Bar near R11 are also of local interest.



The movie is in its last week of filming with Sunday, Oct. 31st. scheduled to be the last day. Meanwhile you can find the movies Director Michael McKay and his crew at Fallon's Restaurant in Moneta. The movie, which stars Jane Seymour and other familiar faces, is due to be out sometime next year.



So whether you are a local ready to relocate, here for the filming, or just following the progress of the movie on the internet, don't wait until next year to see what Smith Mountain Lake has to offer. The area has many activities for every season as well as being a thriving community.



Call Vicki Millehan, a long time resident and the local real estate resource, to help you find the perfect Smith Mountain Lake condo or waterfront home for you.

Good Old Hospitality for Film at Smith Lake Mountain

Whether you live in the area, or are visiting to see the filming of Lake Effects set at or around Smith Mountain Lake, use good old hospitality and etiquette when near the set.


Here are some tips you can follow.

For Spectators:

• Stay off the set. If you come across the perimeter of a shoot, don’t cross it. There’s a lot of equipment on set and a spectator could trip over cords and be injured. Equipment is expensive and if broken can delay filming.

• Be quiet. If you’re watching either from land or water, keep noise to a minimum. Sound equipment is very sensitive and can pick up whispering and talking. Boaters the key word is “idle”. A revving boat can ruin a scene.

• Respect the Actors. If you see them in a restaurant eating dinner assess the situation before approaching. They are not performing at this time and boundaries should be respected. Otherwise, take a quick moment to ask for their autograph, most are glad to be approached.

For Extras:

• Turn off cell phones and pagers. If they ring or beep during filming the scene may have to be reshot. Also, no talking. During the scenes you should pretend to talk and not actually vocalize anything.

• Be careful of your wardrobe. A plain or solid colored shirt is best. No logos as these would have to be edited out due to trademark infringement.

• Respect the actor’s when they are working. They are getting paid for this time and it’s not polite to pull out your autograph book. Also remember the cast and crew always eats first during meals.

Show the cast and crew a positive view of Smith Mountain Lake and the way we want to be remembered. If you’re here for the filming and love the area and all Smith Mountain Lake has to offer, relocate or consider a second home here.

For information about relocating to Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate resource.

Hot Tips for Smith Mountain Lake Home Sellers!

Recently we talked about selling your home in today’s market. Correct pricing, making necessary repairs, and always having your home ready to show were some of the things we covered. But what are some other steps you can take in making your home stand out above the rest? Here are some hot tips for Smith Mountain Lake Home sellers.




Tip #1 Make that first impression count!
It has been said many times, but you only get one chance at a first impression. From curb appeal, to a sparkling clean home, the first look a potential buyer has of your home is the one they will carry with them. Getting them to have a positive emotional response to your home is key. Having a home that is warm and inviting will make the impression you are hoping to make. Clean and prepare you home as if your mother-in-law who was getting ready to visit.



Tip #2 Kitchen and Bathrooms can sell a home!
It really is true, a dated kitchen or bath can make a big difference in the value of your home. If you are going to spend money on remodeling, this is usually the place to start. Normally, you will get back at least 85% of what you put into your kitchen or bath. It can also make a big difference when a buyer is making a decision on which home to buy; the one with the nicest kitchen and bath will normally take center stage! These are the most important rooms to keep clean and fresh as well! Odors you may not notice, a buyer will.



Tip #3 Quick pick-me-ups!
There are some quick pick-me-ups that you can do all around your home. Launder your curtains and press them before hanging. Replace dated light and plumbing fixtures to give an upgraded look without the remodeling costs. Fresh paint on the walls will also help make a home feel clean and new. Don’t forget to look up! Ceilings can often be forgotten when prepping your home; they may need to be freshened up as well.



If you are ready to buy or sell you Smith Mountain Lake home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, her team is ready to meet all of your real estate needs!

You’ll be Amazed at the Things to do in Bedford VA!

Bedford, Virginia seems to always have something on the calendar that's fun to do, and October is no exception. You’ll be amazed at the things to do in Bedford, VA! From family fun to “unliving” history, it is a great time to visit!




There are several different mazes to choose from in the area. Through October 31st, you can head out to the Corn Maze at Morgan Farm. They are open seven days a week, and have a pumpkin patch, too. The MAIZE at Layman Family Farms is fun for all ages! You can enjoy a hayride, or pick out the perfect pumpkin, before you head out to get lost in the maze! Layman Family Farm will offer their fall fun through November 13th. There is also a corn maze at Mariners Landing, which will be open through November 21st.



If you are looking for a “spirited” experience, but missed the Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library’s Ghost Walk, do not fear! You can still be a part of the Ghost Tours at Historic Avenel! There have been many stories of paranormal activity at Avenel. You can tour the house with Ghostec, a paranormal research group that has been documenting the activity in the home for several years. There is one last chance to take part in this year’s tour: Thursday October 28th at 7pm! Make reservations today, by calling 540-330-1651.



Bedford, VA is a beautiful and historic town that dates back to 1782, when it was known as the “Town of Liberty.” After the Ghost Tour at historic Avenel, you may be convinced that some of those early homeowners are still hanging around. It is easy to see why! If you are interested in relocating to Virginia, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource for the Smith Mountain Lake area.

Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival November 6

Grab a bowl and spoon, and get ready to dig in! It is time for the 8th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival! Come join us lakeside on November 6th, for a full day of fun by the water. It will be a "hot" time in Smith Mountain Lake, depending on how spicy you like your chili!




The chili cook off will start at 9am, when competitors start cooking up a whole mess of chili! Tasting will begin at noon, with judging starting at 3pm. Trophies will be handed out around 4pm, with awards going to such categories as "Best Chili," "People's Choice," and "Showmanship." The event will be held lakeside, at the Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta.



If you want to get in on the cooking, you can get your Official Contestant Application at the Chamber of Commerce website. All entries need to be received no later than 5pm on October 29th. You can also call the Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center at 800-676-8203, for more information on being a contestant!



The festival opens to the public at 11am and runs through 4pm. There will be lots of good music, with band like the Harmoneers Waterfront 4 Quartet, and Kyle Edgell. Festival goers will get to sample lots of chili, and even help with the judging. One of the most coveted titles is the "People's Choice" award. Whether you like mild, hot, or atomic chili, there is something for every chili lover.



So head out and enjoy a day of food, crafts, and music. You can come out by boat or by car, with lots of free parking available. It's just another great way to enjoy fall on Smith Mountain Lake!



Do you wish you lived closer to the lake? Call Vicki Millehan; she is your local real estate expert, and a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake. From waterfront homes to a house in the country, she can help you find the right place to call home!

Selling Your Home in Today’s Market

Turn on the radio, or any cable news show, pick up the paper, and you will see headlines about the current real estate market. Is it rebounding? What does the foreclosure mess mean for those trying to buy or sell a home? The scenarios go on and on. It can leave you wondering when will be the right time to sell your Smith Mountain Lake home. Talk to a local real estate agent, and they can give you the real picture for your area. Selling your home in today’s market doesn’t mean you have to give your house away. It just means you have to know what to expect.




First and foremost, find out the actual market value of your home. Your agent can help you do a Market Analysis of your home. You may have to let go of any preconceived number you have in your head. Or, you may be pleasantly surprised as well! Understanding what your home is worth will help you make the right decision on the asking price.



The Price Must Be Right

Setting the right price makes all the difference in how quickly your home will sell. It is the gateway through which all buyers will pass. I have seen experienced real estate agents setting prices high, because they are afraid of a low ball offer – this helps no one! If the price is set too high, you will often have buyers looking, but walking away to buy a home that has more for the money. Sellers must be competitive in their pricing.



What should you do if you get a ridiculously low offer? As hard as it is to do, bite your tongue and respond with a reasonable counter offer. While it can feel very insulting, don’t let your emotions play into the negotiations. There have been times when a low offer still turned into a viable sale. You have nothing to lose by giving a counter offer.



To Repair or Not to Repair

This may seem like common sense, but if you are asking if you should repair it, you probably need to repair it. While a having fixer-upper was just fine before, now those homes are competing with short sales and bank owned properties. Do what you can to make your home move-in ready. It will pay off.



Lastly, be flexible and be ready! Making sure your home is ready to show at any time is really important. With the internet, buyers can see homes at the click of a mouse. This really helps cut back on “Looky Lous”. Most people who are taking the time to come see your home truly are potential buyers, so keep your home ready to show!

If you have a question about selling your Smith Mountain Lake home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource and a long-time resident of the area!

“Falling” in Love with Smith Mountain Lake

If you have ever had the chance to visit Smith Mountain Lake, then you know the wonderful things you can do here! From boating, to golf, and everything in between, you can find something fun to do. Everyone has a favorite season on the lake. But with the leaves turning vibrant shades of red and gold, it is easy to see why people are “FALLing” in love with Smith Mountain Lake!




A great way to enjoy the wonders of fall on the lake is by getting out for a great game of golf! Smith Mountain Lake boasts some of the best courses in the area, and has quickly become one of the Virginia’s favorite golf destinations.



The course at the top of the list is The Water’s Edge. Fall colors abound on the wooded fairways. With greens poised along the water's edge, it gives new meaning to the term “water hazard”! This championship golf course was designed by Robert Loving Jr., and has been featured in Golf Digest magazine.



Another popular way to see the sights of fall is by hiking. There are many spots to hike, but you don’t have to look any farther than our own Smith Mountain Lake State Park! There are 13 trails in the park, ranging from a half-mile to three miles in length. You can enjoy hardwoods, pine forests, and beautiful fall vistas as you hike the trails.



No matter how you want to take advantage of the great Smith Mountain Lake weather, you can find something to do any time of year. Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! Call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource. Whether it is a home on the water, or a cottage by the golf course, she can help you find the right Smith Mountain Lake home to fall in love with!