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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

The Best Spot for Your Smith Mountain Lake Home

So you have made the decision to buy your perfect waterfront property on Smith Mountain Lake. You know what you are looking for in a home, but one question remains to be answered: do you buy in a cove, or on the main channel? There are several things to consider when you are choosing the best spot for your Smith Mountain Lake home.



If your idea of a great lakeside home includes lots of privacy, purchasing a home located in a cove may be more of what you are looking for. Coves tend to be quite a bit more private than living on the main channel. They are ideal spots, if swimming plays a big role in your lakeside plans. Living in a cove is usually a little quieter as well, since there is less boat traffic.


But if you want the beautiful, wide-open views that are available on Smith Mountain Lake, a home on the main channel can give you what you want. Gorgeous vistas of open water and the Blue Ridge Mountains are wonderful to wake up to everyday. Life on the main channel has its advantages too!


One last thing you need to consider is what kind of lot you are looking for. There is a wide variety of lots available on the lake. You can find properties that are wooded, landscaped, steep, flat, and even some with acreage. You may want to look at the different kinds of properties to decide what will work best for your family.


Smith Mountain Lake is a great place to live! Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! When you are ready to relocate, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert, and a long-term resident of Smith Mountain Lake.

Blue Ridge Institute in Ferrum VA

Just a ways down the road from the Smith Mountain Lake Visitors Center on 122 South is the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum in Ferrum, VA. The museum is considered by many to be the center for Blue Ridge Mountain Folklore. The institute was created in 1970 by Ferrum College to preserve the folklore of the Blue Ridge region. They offer more than just exhibits and galleries, but also have a living history farm. The farm is a re-created 1800’s Virginia-German farmstead.

The farm museum is like stepping back in time. You will be able to experience what life was like in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains. The farm’s interpreters dress in period costume and live life as it was in 1800. A thirty mile trip took the whole day or more! As you watch them cook over an open hearth, tend heirloom gardens, and complete the never ending list of farm chores,you realize how fast things move in the modern day.

The exhibits like the Virginia Rocks: The History of Rockabilly in the Commonwealth and other galleries at the museum are free. The Heritage Archives held in the Blue Ridge Institute are a collection of photos and recordings of the area. They even have the Galax Old Time Fiddlers Convention tapes available to listen to. There are admission fees for the farm museum, but you can make reservations for a more “hands on” experience through the different programs they offer.

History runs richly throughout the area. From Jefferson’s Poplar Forest home to the National D-Day Memorial, every generation will find something to interest them. Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here! Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, can help you find a place to call home in the Blue Ridge Mountains!

Winter and Wine on the Bedford Wine Trail

The day of wine and roses is just over 3 weeks away! No matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong adding a bottle of Virginia wine! Of course picking the right wine takes some research! So shake off those winter blues and hit the Bedford Wine Trail!


100 years ago you would have found tobacco and tomato fields in the landscape of Bedford County. Today, you can find some of the best wines produced in Virginia! You can sample these wines by visiting the wineries that make up the Bedford Wine Trail. Of course this is all just in the name of research! After all we are just trying to find that perfect Valentine’s wine!

You can start out at the Savoy-Lee. Grab some friends and head over to enjoy your own winter games! Every weekend in January and February from noon to 5pm, you can enjoy board games while sharing a bottle of wine or a glass of sangria. You can even pick up a great fudge recipe in the process!

If you are looking for something to do the weekend of Valentine’s Day, check out the Winter Whites and Red Hearts event at Hickory Hills Vineyard and Winery. Hickory Hills is well known for its white wines and many of them are award winners! You have to try the Smith Mountain Lake Mist or the Lake Chardonnay. One of their most recognized whites is the HHVW Vidal Blanc. This dry white wine is aged in stainless steel and has won multiple awards!

There are several ways to check out the wines at Peaks of Otter Winery. You can see what they have to offer at the Virginia Wine Valentine Showcase at Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, VA on February 6-7. The debut of the 2008s is part of the showcase. February 12-14 you can enjoy a Happy Valentine’s Day at the winery itself! A warm fire and wonderful wines! Newlywed can even receive a free gift! Best of all it is free!

Virginia is for lovers and people love Smith Mountain Lake! Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here! Call Vicki Millehan when you are ready to relocate!