Smith Mountain Lake Holiday Spirit

Bring your family and friends to Smith Mountain Lake on November 27th and get in the holiday spirit by participating in the 2010 Virginia Dare Flotilla for Toys Boat Parade. Come on out to see boats decked out for the holiday season with lights and displays.


The event is held every year as a local toy drive for “A Child’s Christmas” sponsored by Lake Christmas Ministries. The parade hours are from 7pm to 9pm, with the boats leaving Virginia Dare Marina at 7pm. They will travel to Halesford Bridge at Bridgewater Plaza, circle past the Smith Mountain Lake State Park and return to Virginia Dare Marina.

Captains and crew members are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy as a donation. If you’re just coming to watch the parade, you can donate through local businesses. There will also be collection jars throughout Smith Mountain Lake, with proceeds going to purchase more toys for the drive.

If you don’t have a boat, join everyone on the lead boat in the parade, the Virginia Dare. Adults are $35.00 and kids 12 and under are $25.00. The price includes a 2 hour cruise, Hors d’oeuvres, assorted cookies and punch. For more information on the Flotilla, the cruise, or making donations call 297-7100 or visit www.vadarecruises.com.

Smith Mountain Lake will be bustling with activity throughout the weekend. The Flotilla for Toys is just one of many activities for families found in the area all year around. If you’re in the area visiting for the holidays, you may find yourself falling in love with Smith Mountain Lake! Call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, for more information on relocating to the area. There is no place like HOME for the holidays.

Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival in Forest VA

Not far from Smith Mountain Lake, on November 20th, you can enjoy the second annual Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival in Forest, Virginia. Held at Thomas Jefferson’s retreat, Poplar Forest, the event highlights some of the best wines in Virginia. The former president was well known for his passionate beliefs in the benefits of wine drinking. Come celebrate this famous politician and statesman with us!




The festival will run from 11am through 5pm on November 20th. “Mr. Jefferson” will be there as well to interact with visitors. You can also enjoy tours of Jefferson's home at Poplar Forest. The retreat is a true masterpiece, reflecting some of the best of Jefferson’s work in architecture. The home and grounds are clear expressions of his personal work and style.



There will be over a dozen wineries and food vendors at the festival. The wineries from the Bedford Wine Trail will be featured as well. Crafters will also have their works available, from beeswax candles to specialty chocolates. So come on out and enjoy a day of wine, history, music and artisans!



Advance tickets are available now and can be purchased online as well. Tickets are $20 in advance for a taster ticket, and $25 the day of the event. Non-taster tickets are $10, with children under 12 admitted free. A taster ticket includes a commemorative wine glass and wine tastings. Adults will be asked to show proof of age.



Poplar Forest is only open to the public April through November each year. Plan now to visit the retreat on November 28th for a holiday tour featuring holiday traditions from the 19th century, with apple cider and cookies being served. The site will close for the season on November 29th.



Come for a visit, and if you like it, then move here! Whether your dream home is a country retreat or a luxury waterfront home on Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource!