"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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Fourth of July Fun in Bedford, VA

If you are looking for Fourth of July fun in Bedford, you will actually have to start looking on July 3rd! Many of the holiday activities will fall on Saturday this year. There are lots of things to do and see. You can start your day at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia retreat.




The Independence Day Celebration at Poplar Forest will start at 11am. There will be musical performances, dancing, and games. You can also step back in time with historical entertainers, storytelling, and living history demonstrations. Admission is $5.00 for adults, and young people under 16 get in free. At 1:30pm, there will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence. What a great way to start your celebration of freedom!



You can also celebrate by remembering the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. The National D-Day Memorial will be open until 5pm on July 3rd. You can view fireworks that evening from the Centertown Bedford or Liberty Lake Park.



If you are going to be in the Smith Mountain Lake area, the Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks and Fire Company Fund Raiser will be held on Saturday. All funds raised from the day go to the fire company, which is located at the Parkway Marina. Starting at 5pm, you can enjoy music, food, and fireworks. There is no admission fee, but parking is $10.00 per carload.



Thomas Jefferson loved this area of Virginia, and with good reason. In his own words, "In point of soil, climate...and good neighborhood, I think it the finest part of Virginia." If you are looking for a good neighborhood to live in, you can’t get a better endorsement than Thomas Jefferson! When you are ready to live in Bedford County, call Vicki Millehan! Live the American Dream on Smith Mountain Lake.

Dreams Come True On Smith Mountain Lake

We have always said Smith Mountain Lake is a magical place – the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains! This past weekend, people found out dreams DO come true on Smith Mountain Lake. 48 lucky families purchased condos available at Bridgewater Pointe for amazing prices! All 48 units were sold by Prudential Waterfront Properties in one day.


In what was undoubtedly the opportunity of a lifetime, the condos were available to purchase through a buyers lottery. For $5,000, you could put your name in for a chance to buy one of the condos. If your number was drawn on June 27th, you were able to pick your condo! If your name wasn’t drawn, the $5,000 was returned.

They expected about 100 people to participate in the lottery. Over 300 folks actually showed up! Those who were lucky enough to have their number drawn, walked away with their very own Smith Mountain Lake condo. They have 30 days to arrange their financing and close on the property.

As you can well imagine, there are definitely some very excited people in the area. The three- to four- bedroom homes were being offered at 30%-40% below the assessed value. Some of the properties started as low as $200,000! The deal even included being able to become a member of the Waterfront Country Club with no initiation fee! That is a $10,000 perk! Dreams really do come true on Smith Mountain Lake!!

When you are ready for your own waterfront dream to become a reality, call Vicki Millehan! An agent of Prudential Waterfront Properties and long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake, Vicki’s team can help you find a great deal on a beautiful home on the lake!

Making Your Home Look Hot on Smith Mountain Lake

Summer is a wonderful time to work on those to-do lists around your Smith Mountain Lake home! Getting the painting, siding, roofing, and window repairs done are definitely easier when the skies are clear. Making your home more energy efficient – while you're working to make it more attractive and comfortable – is always a great idea. Here are a few tips if you are thinking about making your home look hot this summer!



If you are using a contractor to do the work, be sure to do your research! Check with friends and neighbors to see who they used. Unfortunately, there are many scammers who "were doing a job in the neighborhood and had extra supplies" and have a «great deal» for you. Try to stick with licensed contractors!



What should you look for in a contractor?
There can be quite a bit of difference in the costs for the same project, so getting estimates from three different contractors is a good place to start. You can also visit your local home improvement store to get a ballpark price for the supplies. One of the benefits of remodeling your home is the increase in property value. You don’t want to spend so much that you won’t see a good return on your money when you sell.


Accidents do happen, especially in a construction zone filled with power tools, ladders, and building supplies. Ensuring that the contractor is licensed, bonded, insured, and covered by worker's compensation means you are limiting the liability of your home owner’s insurance. Most contractors won't mind showing you a copy of their paperwork when you get an estimate.



Improving your home is a great way to protect your investment. If you are considering listing your Smith Mountain Lake home for sale, call Vicki Millehan! Her team can help you know what repairs are a «must» for the area. Complete your landscaping plan with a “SOLD” sign in the front yard!

The Blue Ridge Parkway Offers Scenic Beauty In Bedford County

Known as “America’s favorite drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway was recently recognized by Yahoo Travel as one of America’s Top 10 Road Trips. You can hop onto the parkway at Roanoke or Peaks of Otter Visitor Centers. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a great drive in Bedford County. It will take your breath away.




Along the parkway, you can find several lodges. The Peaks of Otter Lodge is the one closest to Smith Mountain Lake. You can see some wonderful mountain vistas from here. There are great photo opportunities to be had, as wildlife is often seen near the lodge! Located in Bedford, VA, the lodge offers two restaurants, Lake View Restaurant and Otter Creek Restaurant & Gift Shop. The Lake View is open year 'round; Otter Creek just opened for the 2010 season.



As we head into summer, the fields lining the parkway are full of beautiful Virginia wildflowers. Be sure to come back in the fall, when the trees will bring out their brightest colors for travelers along the road. Drivers will find several visitor centers along the way.



Just past the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center, you will hit the road’s highest elevation at 3950 ft!! The weather can vary a lot at high altitudes; be sure to check the forecast for several communities along the road so you have an idea of what to expect. It is always a good idea to carry jackets and some emergency supplies in the trunk of your car. You can find more Safety Tips on the BRP website!



As you drive the Parkway, don’t forget to stop at Smith Mountain Lake! Come for a visit; if you like it then move here! If you want to buy a vacation home of your own, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert! She can help you navigate the road to home ownership in Smith Mountain Lake!

Smith Mountain Lake: A Great Place to Live

Smith Mountain Lake is known as the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains". Beautiful shorelines and spectacular mountain vistas can be seen from almost any home in the area. Temperate weather and friendly neighbors make Smith Mountain Lake a great place to call home.




There are over 500 miles of shoreline on Smith Mountain Lake, spanning several counties. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains like a hidden treasure, there is no better place for the perfect escape! Once you have had a chance to visit, you will understand why there is little doubt as to why so many people buy homes here.



The types of real estate available in Smith Mountain Lake are very diverse. Some properties are vacation or second homes. Others belong to year-round residents. That is one of the benefits of the area. It isn't just a resort town; it is a strong, close-knit community.



We have planned communities like the Cottages at Contentment Island or private lots with plenty of trees. You can build your own dream home or get a great bargain on an older lakefront condo. Whatever kind of property suits you can be found here. There is a wide variety in home prices, too! You may be surprised by how much home you can afford on Smith Mountain Lake.



Come for a visit, and if you like it, then move here! VickiMillehan is your local real estate resource. With over 18 years of real estate experience and as a 20-year resident, Vicki knows Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding communities. Just call when you are ready to enjoy summers on the lake!

Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Home: Ready to GO!

One of the nice things about owning a vacation home on Smith Mountain Lake is that the mild climate normally allows for year round use. Unfortunately, not everyone can take advantage of that and some are only able to use their home during the warmer months. If you fall into the last category, the time has come to get your lakefront home ready for the summer season!


Packing for the first trip

If you winterized your vacation home at the end of summer last year, you may have taken your linens home with you. When you are rounding everything up to bring back to the lake, don’t forget extra towels and linens for guests. If you are going to be using your home frequently over the summer, you may want to restock all toiletries and cleaning supplies you will need. Luckily, Smith Mountain Lake is not just a resort town but a year round community, so you can pick up everything you need right here in town!

Turn It On!

First thing to do once you arrive is turn the water back on if needed. If you have no leaks, go ahead and turn on the hot water heater. It may seem pretty elementary, but in the excitement this can get missed. Cold showers are never fun! Don’t forget to flush the pipes if you winterized them. Last, plug the major appliances back in and you should be back in business!

Even if you don’t own a vacation home on Smith Mountain Lake; come for a visit, if you like it then move here! Call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find a waterfront property to call your own!

Everyone is Irish in Smith Mountain Lake!

Ok, maybe not everyone one is Irish, but anyone CAN BE Irish for the day as Smith Mountain Lake celebrates St Patrick’s Day. From family fun to great food, you can take your pick on how to celebrate! Here are just a few of the things going on at the lake!


Take the whole family to the Hot Shots Family Fun center on Saturday, March 13th for a St Patty’s Day themed day of fun. There will even be live music by the band Dragonfly! If you are looking for something a little more adult, head over to The Landing for their St Patrick’s Day party! They will have drink specials and live entertainment!

On March 17th you will find green galore throughout Smith Mountain Lake! You can start out the morning at the Bluebird Bakery and Grill for some green eggs and fried green tomatoes for breakfast. If you are more in the mood for lunch several are restaurants are offering up the traditional corned beef and cabbage in honor of the day!

The Blackwater Café will be serving special Irish beers on March 17th. They will also have Irish fare on the menu; Shepherd’s Pie, corned beef, and a seafood medley! Over at Bruno’s you can even try some Guinness Stew and fish-n-chips.

Over at Finz Bar and Grill, you can dance the evening away with Irish music, Irish food and drink specials! No matter how you want to spend St Patrick’s Day or even the weekend before, there is just too much to choose from! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the area, now’s your chance! Come for a visit and if you like it, then move here.

When you are ready to move to Smith Mountain Lake or the surrounding area, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert. She will help you find the right home for the right amount of “green”…and that’s no blarney!!

What Do You Need from Your Smith Mountain Lake Home?

Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to live! Granted, I may be a bit prejudiced having been a resident for decades! But many people have come for a visit and found themselves moving to this little piece of heaven in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Some purchase a vacation home and others become permanent residents in our community. Determining how and when you are going to be using your home is the first step to happiness on buying in Smith Mountain Lake!


The first thing to ask yourself is what you are going to be using your home for. Is this going to be the place for a weekend getaway or is it a permanent residence? Or will it be both? Your vacation home can easily become your retirement lake home. Once you decide what you are going to use your home for, you can look at what you need from it.

What do you want from your lake home? Is private water access a must or is a community boat ramp located nearby all you really need? In Smith Mountain Lake you have a view almost anywhere you buy a home, but you can choose from mountain vistas or sparkling waterscapes! Wooded lots make for excellent privacy!

Are there activities you want to enjoy without ever leaving home? Swimming, boating and fishing are all favorite water sports people like to enjoy from their own docks. If you prefer golf to fishing, a home next to one of the award winning courses may be a better fit for you.

Sometimes it is hard to know what you want if you haven’t had the chance to live in a waterfront property before. Working with a real estate agent who knows the area is a real plus! They can help you figure out what will work best for your lifestyle! If you have questions about life on the lake, call me, Vicki Millehan! Over 18 years experience in selling waterfront properties!

Angling at Smith Mountain Lake

With warmer weather approaching us here in Smith Mountain Lake, more anglers are ready to hit the water as more docks and boat ramps are finally shedding their icy coats. The weather next week should start hitting the 50’s - at least during the day. As the water slowly begins to warm, the stripers will finally begin to be more active and start showing the aggression anglers enjoyed in December.


Spring will bring many opportunities for the anglers of Smith Mountain Lake! Adding to the fun of fishing itself, there is currently a raffle being held of two Marshall Positions for the BassMaster Elite Blue Ridge Brawl on Smith Mountain Lake! The Blue Ridge Brawl is April 15-18, 2010. A Marshall rides with an Elite angler during the tournament. This is your chance to be part of one of the biggest fishing tournaments in Virginia! Not to mention seeing how a pro does it!

The deadline for purchasing raffle tickets is the first week of March, so get your tickets now! You can purchase raffle tickets at Virginia Outdoorsman Sporting Goods, Bedford County, Franklin County and Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Centers. You can find out more information about the raffle and the current fishing conditions on the Virginia Outdoorsman fishing report!

There is nothing like living on the lake and being able to fish off your own dock! If you haven’t had a chance to see what life can be like living on Smith Mountain Lake, it is time to find out! Come for a visit if you like it then move here! Where else can you house hunt from the deck of the replica side wheeler? Call Vicki Millehan and start hunting for your perfect waterfront home!

Picking Up Golf in Smith Mountain Lake!

There are many reasons why people love Smith Mountain Lake. For some it is the mountain and lake views, still others love having a waterfront property with a private boat dock. But the answers you will hear the most seem to be golf and fishing!


Weather permitting, both of these activities can be enjoyed all year around here at the lake, but with spring around the corner, you will start seeing more people venturing out on the greens with their clubs! If you are ready to pick up the game of golf this year, here are some of the reasons Smith Mountain Lake is the place to live!

One of the Mid-Atlantic's most popular golfing destinations, the lake boasts some great courses! Golfers can enjoy wooded fairways and vibrant greens running right up to the water’s edge! The area also has several courses to choose from! From beginner to expert golfer, you can find a course to meet your level of play.

The Water’s Edge is an 18 hole PGA Championship course. Designed by Robert F. Loving, Jr. and was featured in Golf Digest magazine. There are views of the Peaks of Otter and most of the course is within sight of the lake. This is a very challenging private course! The par-3 seventh hole is famous for being an island green surrounded by water!

For a semi-private course, you have to try Mariners Landing! This course is open to the public but also has private memberships available. The Mariners Landing was designed by famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones. The par 72 course offers a great game for any level of golfer. If you are up to the challenge, see if you can beat the signature 5th hole; a 156 yard par-3 shot!

Come for a golf vacation on Smith Mountain Lake, if you like it then move here! When you are ready to buy your waterfront home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert!

Family Fun in Roanoke VA!

If you have been looking for a way to shake off the winter doldrums, check out what's happening at the Roanoke Civic Center. It is worth the drive even if you are coming from Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford or beyond! Bring the whole family and enjoy a night out on the town in Roanoke.


If you have a young child then you have probably become familiar again with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse gang. Well, the gang is ready for a musical adventure in Disney Live! Rockin' Road Show! Cool songs mark this crazy adventure with Mickey and the gang. This is a show both you and your children will enjoy! There will be two performances on Saturday February 27th at 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Tickets are already on sale!


You can also enjoy a little "March Madness" of your own! On their 84th consecutive season tour, the Harlem Globetrotters will be struttin' their stuff on Thursday March 4th at 7pm at the Civic Center! The 2010 Magical Memories tour will showcase the high flying stunts the Globetrotters are famous for. Definitely fun for the whole family!


Before or after the show, you can treat the family to a Hindenburg at Macados! You can feed the whole family on this trademark sandwich made with an entire loaf of French bread! Or you can enjoy an Annie Oakley, a Betty Boop or maybe a Cowpoke will hit the spot. This eclectic sandwich shop is a Roanoke original!!



There is always plenty to keep you busy no matter what the season. Come for a visit, if you like it then move here. When you ready to relocate to the area, call Vicki Millehan! Your local real estate expert and long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake!