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!

"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!

Buying a Smith Mountain Lake Home After Foreclosure

In 2009, foreclosures totaled over 2.8 million homes. In 2010, the predicted numbers are even higher; close to 3 million homeowners may face foreclosure. So what does that mean for the people who lost their homes due to the downturn in the economy? One of the valid questions is, “How long before I can become a homeowner again?” Fortunately, it may be sooner than some realize.


Losing your home to foreclosure can be heart-wrenching, but there is light at the end of the tunnel! While some who have been through it believe they have to wait up to seven years before trying to buy again, in actuality, you may be eligible for a FHA loan three years after foreclosure. If they required previous homeowners to wait seven years, the housing market may never recover.

Here are a few facts about qualifying for an FHA loan after foreclosure. You do have to wait until three years after your foreclosure is finalized. Your credit score will be reviewed, and in most cases, a minimum score of 620 needs to be maintained. Even if you have faced more financial difficulties since the foreclosure, don’t assume you are out of luck. Talk to a mortgage professional to explore your options.

A Word Of Caution

While you may be able to get a loan sooner than three years after foreclosure, the high-risk lenders will limit your options. High-risk lenders often charge very high interest rates and fees, thus turning you quickly upside down, once again, on a home. If you can, wait at least 24 months before considering buying a home. If you must buy sooner, 12 months of improvement on your credit history can make a big difference in the interest rate you will receive.

Having a home foreclosed on is life changing. In most cases, the foreclosure was unavoidable, due to job loss, a cut in pay, or serious illness. Just remember, it does not put the dream of home ownership out of your reach. If you are facing, or have faced, losing your home, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.

If you live in the Smith Mountain Lake area and want to know more information about buying your next home, call Vicki Millehan. She is your local real estate resource!

Poplar Forest: Thomas Jefferson’s Second Home

Many people own a second home, a place to get away from all the daily stresses of life. There are many families who own such a home in Smith Mountain Lake, but they aren’t the first to be drawn to this part of Virginia. While most people know about Monticello, not everyone is familiar with Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s second home.

Poplar Forest was a personal retreat for Jefferson. He only designed two homes for himself, Monticello and Poplar Forest. The retreat was nearly lost after years of decline, but in 1984, a group determined to save the retreat. They purchased the 50 acres remaining from the more than 4,000 acres that were originally part of the estate. Conservation and restoration have transformed Poplar Forest, and visitors can now enjoy seeing a part of American history.

The home is the only octagonal brick house completed by Jefferson. His architectural design for the home was amazing in its time; the construction boasts floor-to-ceiling windows for circulation, skylights, and even an indoor bathroom. Jefferson used the property throughout his retirement years.

A major part of the restoration is based on the archeology of the grounds, restoring the home and gardens to their condition in Jefferson’s time. That process is ongoing today. On October 9th, you can hear the latest findings at Poplar Forest. The Archeology Open House will host tours at 11:15am, 12:15 pm, and 2:15 pm. Check out the latest discoveries, and take a tour of the archeology lab.

Poplar Forest is an important part of Virginia’s history. Thomas Jefferson often visited the property, to escape from the rigors of life in Washington. The retreat gives visitors a chance to see Jefferson’s private world. Even 200 years ago, people needed a haven for retreat!

Whether you are looking for a second home, or a retirement home, you can find it here! If you need information about relocating to Smith Mountain Lake or the surrounding area, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource, and can help you find a waterfront retreat to call home

Fall Can Be a Great Time to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal

If your home has been on the market for more than a few months, it may be time to see if you need a little “facelift”. Fall can be a great time to increase your home’s curb appeal without spending a lot of money. Making your home stand out above the rest can help your Smith Mountain Lake home sport the best decoration of all: a SOLD sign!


Keep it Clean!
Besides keeping the lawn neat and clean, the dog days of summer usually do not see a lot of outside maintenance needed on your home. Now that fall is here, it may be time to step up your game! Make sure to keep gutters clean from fall debris, or better yet add a leaf guard. Trim back the non-flowering bushes and shrubs as they begin to enter their dormant stages, to keep everything neat. Fall is also a great time to plant new trees or shrubs, to liven up your landscape.


A Touch of the Season
The best thing about fall is the abundance of ways you can enhance your curb appeal! Chrysanthemums come in a variety of bright and brilliant colors that can really make your front porch or stoop come alive with fall! They are very hearty plants that do not require a lot of attention, and they seem to shout “autumn is here!” A seasonal welcome mat and fall wreath on the door can make your home very appealing to potential buyers. The best thing about these fall decorations is they can create high impact with low costs!


It may seem simple, but making your home seem inviting can be the key to your home standing out from the rest. Taking the time to enhance your curb appeal can make the difference in whether or not a potential buyer requests a showing of your home. Need help selling your Smith Mountain Lake Home? Call Vicki Millehan, she is your local real estate expert! Sign up for a free online Market Analysis of your home.

Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is Finally Here!!

It is that time of year again! The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival 2010 is finally here! This event is one of the most popular with visitors, so if you have been looking for a great excuse to get away to Smith Mountain Lake, this is it! Wineries come from all over the state of Virginia to offer you samples of their best wines.


This year’s festival is on September 25th and 26th at the LakeWatch Plantations in Moneta, Virginia. The festival hours are 11am – 6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday. You can try wines from 27 of the best Virginia wineries. There are taster and non-taster tickets available, so if you do plan on sampling a lot of wine, bring a designated driver. Also don’t forget your ID; you will be asked to prove that you are of legal drinking age. Without your ID, you won’t be able to sample all the fabulous wines!

There will be 85 craft and food booths throughout the grounds, as well. You can also take in the three live bands that will be entertaining festival goers. Barefoot West and Burning Bridges will take the stage on Saturday; Sunday’s entertainment will be Barefoot West again, and The Worx. Great wine, good food and good music – ddoes it get any better than this?

The LakeWatch Plantation is located directly of Route 122 and about one mile south of Hales Ford Bridge. This is definitely a weekend not to miss! There will even be free parking. The event benefits the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce.

If you can’t make it out this weekend, you can always plan a trip to any or all of the wineries on the Bedford Wine Trail. You can create your own personal Wine Festival! Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy Smith Mountain Lake. Come for a visit, if you like it; then move here! If you want more information on the homes available in the area, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource!

Small Plates, BIG Taste in Huddleston, VA

There is a new restaurant on Smith Mountain Lake, offering a new kind of dining experience; tapas-style dining. The Small Plates Restaurant offers small plates with BIG taste in Huddleston, VA. Located in Sportsman Marina, the restaurant opened on Memorial Day, and is going strong.




Tapas-style dining is very popular and usually can only be found in larger cities. The concept of this type of dining is to try various small, appetizer-sized dishes so you can enjoy several different flavors and foods at one time. Sharing tapas with a friend is highly encouraged! It allows the diner to experience new foods without fear. It is a great way to expand your culinary experience!



Small Plates also has both indoor and outdoor bars. The Dam Bar is located below the main dining area. Guests can enjoy music and dancing on Friday and Saturday evenings. The outdoor R11 Tiki Bar is on the shoreline, and serves lunch and dinner all week. The Tiki Bar is popular among boaters. It also has live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.



The menu ranges from beef and poultry dishes, to seafood. Small Plates Chef Justin Fada, has been receiving rave reviews from customers. Owner Waller Perrow is also known to add his own dishes to the menu. He also has a culinary degree and has owned restaurants and bars before. He plans to keep the bar open year-round, adding holiday events to the calendar.



You can find some great food on Smith Mountain Lake. Being able to take the sailboat out to get dinner is one of the perks of living on the lake. If you want to relocate to Smith Mountain Lake area, call Vicki Millehan! She is a long-time resident, and your local real estate resource.

Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour

If you have ever had the chance to visit Smith Mountain Lake, you know why it is called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains.” There are some beautiful luxury waterfront homes along the shore. If you have always wondered what they are like inside, you will soon have the chance to see some of them. October 1st and 2nd will be the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour.



The tour has its roots in the 1991 SML Multiple Sclerosis Home tour, set up by Jeanne Wagoner. They hoped to raise at least $10,000 for the charity, by allowing a tour of their homes. To everyone’s amazement, over 1,200 people attended the tour, and over $49,000 was raised by auction items, ticket sales, and sponsors. Nineteen years later, the tour is still going strong, with eight homes participating this year.


One of the things that makes this home tour so unique, is the fact that you can take the tour by boat, or by car. Directions for getting to the homes by either means are available on the tour website. The docks are marked by orange balloons, and there will be someone there to help you dock your boat. There are several local charities benefiting from the tour this year:

• BEDFORD CHRISTIAN FREE CLINIC, INC.

• BEDFORD HOSPICE HOUSE, INC.

• FREE CLINIC OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, INC.

• HELPING HANDS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY

• LAKE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES

• LYNCHBURG DAILY BREAD

• ROANOKE VALLEY INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK


You can enjoy the tour, and a great day on the lake, all at the same time! If you haven’t had the chance to see the area, come for a visit. If you like it, then move here! Are you looking a luxury waterfront home to make your own? Call Vicki Millehan; she is your local real estate resource for Smith Mountain Lake!

Retirement on Smith Mountain Lake

A lot of people are trying to decide what they are going to do for retirement. With the current housing market, and whispers of a second dip in the economy, it can be a difficult decision about where to live out your golden years.




Is it time to purchase a retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake? With interest rates at record-breaking 60-year lows, now may be exactly the time to purchase a second home, keeping retirement on Smith Mountain Lake as part of your plans.



When it comes to retirement, you may not find a better place than Smith Mountain Lake. There are so many different types of communities and homes to choose from. From award-winning golf courses to beautiful wineries, Franklin and Bedford County in Virginia are perfect places to call “home.” Because of the tourism demands, you can even purchase a home now and rent it out, to help cover the costs of ownership.



Whether you are 30 or 50, purchasing an eventual retirement home on Smith Mountain Lake is a wise investment. You and your family can enjoy weekend getaways without having to pay for expensive hotel rooms, or dining out. You can also recoup some of your costs by using your home as an income property. With the temperate climate on Smith Mountain Lake, you may be able to rent your home out no matter what time of year it is.



Franklin County and Bedford County have much to offer those who are thinking of retirement! Fishing, golf, pottery classes, and many more activities are pastimes that can be enjoyed throughout the year. If you are ready to see what kind of retirement home you can have on Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan. Vicki has lived in the area for over 20 years. Come for a visit – if you like it, move here!

Smith Mountain Lake: A Home for All Seasons

There are many reasons to make Smith Mountain Lake your home. Fabulous waterfront properties, 500 miles of shoreline, great fishing, and pristine waters can all be found right here. Oh, and have we mentioned the golf courses, the wildlife, or the history surrounding the area? Of course, of all the things that make Smith Mountain Lake the ideal place to call home, the weather may be the best reason of all. Our climate helps to make Smith Mountain Lake a home for all seasons!




Each and every season here is distinct. Even though the climate is mild, you don’t have to worry about not knowing what season you are in! Summer temperatures normally stay in the 70s to 80s, which is perfect weather for fun on the water, and summer sports. Summer is one of the busiest times on the Lake; swimming, boating, and fishing rank high as preferred activities.



It won’t be long, and you will see why fall is a great time to be living in or visiting Smith Mountain Lake. Whether you are driving down the Blue Ridge Parkway, or out on the lake, the fall foliage will take your breath away! This is also the time for the Fall Harvest and Crush at the local orchards and wineries. After a 180-day average growing season, the grapes are ready to become some of Virginia’s best award-winning vintages. At Hickory Hills Vineyard, you can even participate in the fall crush!



For a lot of hot summer vacation areas, fall is just the slowdown that signals the end of the season. That isn’t true at Smith Mountain Lake! You can come for a weekend getaway any time of year. And unlike other popular vacation areas, it doesn’t become a ghost-town either. There is a healthy residential community here, with all the amenities! About the only thing you can’t do at the lake is ice skate, because it doesn’t freeze over! But, a light covering of snow helps make the holidays on Smith Mountain Lake perfect.



You can boat on the lake throughout the year, but the most popular times are early spring to late fall. In spring, the flowers put on a colorful display, and the seasons start all over again. From the bright yellows and blues of spring flowers, to the holiday decorations on display during the holidays, Smith Mountain Lake is truly a home for all seasons!



No matter what time of year it is, you are invited to come for a visit; if you like it, then move here! When you are ready to make Smith Mountain Lake your home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource and a long-time resident!

Valhalla in Virginia

Although many Vikings have long sought Valhalla, little did they know that it was right here in Roanoke the whole time! Okay, Valhalla Vineyards have actually only been around since 1998, but they are quickly becoming the stuff of legend. Great wines, and a beautiful setting, make this Valhalla in Virginia something to see.


Located in Roanoke, the Vineyard has similar growing conditions to those you can find in the Rhone Valley of France. They produce world-class wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and more on 21 acres. Valhalla was the first vineyard outside of California to produce Alicante Bouschet, and among the first in Virginia to grow Syrah.

One of the unique features of Valhalla is the barrel cave. During the cave's excavation, a Buddha statue was found – and he still watches over the vineyard today. The barrel cave runs 60 feet underground, and maintains the perfect temperature at which to age award-winning wines. Over 300 barrels line the cave walls.

If you are looking for a place to hold an unforgettable wedding, look no further. The Cellar Door, Valhalla’s mountain-top chalet, is an ideal and memorable location for weddings and receptions. The Cellar Door has 2,800 square feet of indoor space, with a wine bar and fireplace. There is also a 1,600 square foot outdoor stone patio, with a fireplace and partial covering, for a total of 4,400 square feet. The winery can accommodate up to 150 guests.

Valhalla Vineyards has produced some wonderful wines. In their first year of bringing their wine to market, they garnered the coveted Governor’s Cup for their 1998 Syrah. The accolades didn’t stop there! The wines of Valhalla have won over 100 national and international awards, and they have been featured in Wine Spectator and Decanter magazines.

There are several ways to enjoy the bounty of Valhalla Vineyards. You can join the Wine Club, and receive wine delivered to your door four times a year. You can also enjoy the special Wine Maker Dinner Series, with Chef Jason Pollard.

Virginia is for lovers, and that definitely includes wine lovers! If you are ready to live in the wine country around Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan. She is your local real estate resource!

Fun on Smith Mountain Lake

There are lots of ways to have fun on Smith Mountain Lake! Fishing, swimming, and boating are local favorite activities. Then there are things like golf and fine dining that you can enjoy on dry land. Know someone looking for some unique ways to enjoy the lake? Here are just a few suggestions!



If you haven’t had the chance to take one of the Virginia Dare’s specialty cruises, there is one coming up you may not want to miss: it’s a real “killer” of a cruise! Yep, it’s time for a Murder Mystery Cruise! The next Murder Mystery Cruise will take place on August 20th at 7:30pm. This two-hour dinner cruise features a crowd participation who-done-it murder mystery! Great food, good laughs and a mystery to solve – does it get any better than this? Well, that depends on your view.


If you are ready to see Smith Mountain Lake from a different perspective, then check out Smith Mountain Lake Parasail, and get a bird’s eye view of the lake! It is a great way to spend the last of those long summer days; soaring above the lake in a parasail is incomparable. They offer individual, and tandem flights over the water.


Whether it is a local favorite like the Virginia Dare, or something new like SML Parasail, you can usually find something exciting to do in Smith Mountain Lake. If you like, you can even look for your next home right from the deck of a boat! Now where else can you do that?


When you are ready to buy your own waterfront home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert. And if you haven’t had the chance, come for a visit; if you like it, then move here!

Art, Food and More in Bedford, VA

Talk about your one-stop shop! You can take in art, food, and more in Bedford at The Electric Company. Voted “Small Business of the Year,” The Electric Company is actually several businesses in one. There are classes and workshops available as well. Located within the old Bedford Electric Company’s 1890 building, there is art and fun for everyone!




If you are in need of your own fine art supplies, head over to Rembrandt’s Closet, and check out the Artful Cat. After getting what you need to create your own works of art, you can wander through the other spaces within the store, and check out the antiques, crafts and collectibles. You may be surprised at the treasures you'll find!



Ready to watch some local artists create their masterpieces? Head over to the Art on Depo. This shop features the work of over 30 local artists. Visit the artists' studios, and watch them as they work. The Art on Depo also offers classes in watercolor painting, drawing, pottery, and more. You can even take a class to learn quilting!



If all of that shopping and artwork viewing makes you hungry, have no fear – you can get some great food at the Artisan Cafe. Serving from 11am to 2pm, the Cafe is a great place to stop for lunch. Gourmet sandwiches, or a crisp salad make a nice start, but you have to try one of their fresh-made desserts! They use only organic vegetables, and have become known for their homemade spreads. Take-out and catering are available as well.



Local artists, fine wines and great food; is there anything you can’t find in Bedford or Franklin County, Virginia? Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here.! Want more information on living in Smith Mountain Lake or the surrounding area? Call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate resource.