bedford county va: Smith Mountain Lake: A Home for All Seasons - 08/19/10 12:14 PM
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 mild 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 … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Valhalla in Virginia! - 08/14/10 04:06 PM
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 … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Art, Food and More in Bedford, VA - 08/06/10 04:25 PM
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, … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Virginia Is for Lovers! - 01/02/10 12:44 PM
Go into just about any department store this week and you will have no doubt the Holidays are over. Pre-lit Christmas trees are on sale for $10 and that $3 wrapping paper is now fifty cents! So what will you see when you head down that seasonal product aisle at your local stores? Those candy hearts and heart shaped boxes of chocolates can mean only one thing! Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Virginia is for Lovers! So if you are looking for a romantic place to spend time with that special someone, head to Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia!
Now you … (3 comments)

bedford county va: The Night After Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake! - 12/26/09 03:48 AM
Twas the Night after Christmas on Smith Mountain Lake, Nothing stirred on the water, no boat left a wake.The Marina's were quiet, sailboats tucked in with careIn the hopes that quite soon, Spring would be here!
The anglers were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of bass danced in their heads.I with a glass of a sweet Bedford wine Was enjoying the quiet and resting my mind.
When out on the lake there arose such clatterI sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew in a dash, I heard a boat rumble … (2 comments)

bedford county va: Christmas at the Savoy-Lee in Huddleston! - 12/17/09 02:11 PM
If you are in the Holiday Spirit, or if you are looking for some holiday spirits, then head on over to the Savoy-Lee Winery. Starting at noon and ending at 5pm every Friday and Saturday all the way through Christmas, you can enjoy the holiday open house in the winery's tasting room! You may even find a gift for the wine lover on your Christmas List.
Each open house they will feature their Holiday Sangria. Get a group of friends together and enjoy a glass of wine around the fireplace. Oh... there will be fudge and other goodies too! In the … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Dickens of a Christmas in Roanoke! - 12/12/09 01:57 PM
 
Believe it or not, there are less than two weeks before Christmas! As you hurry about the last of your holiday shopping, don't miss the last Friday of Dickens of a Christmas in Roanoke, VA. This 26 year old tradition is fun for the whole family. You may even get that last little gift you have been looking for! December 18th will be the last of this year's festival.
This Roanoke holiday festival has won a "Best Tradition"-Platinum award from the Roanoker Magazine for the last six years! It has also won two Gold awards for "Best Annual Event". But … (2 comments)

bedford county va: Buying a Virginia Christmas Tree! - 12/07/09 12:12 AM
If you haven't bought your Christmas tree yet this year, it is not too late to get a tree! Living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains has its advantages this time of year! Some of the best trees can be found at the local tree farms. Whatever your preference; firs, pines or spruce, there is a perfect tree waiting for you in Virginia!
Buy Local
Just like buying from the local farmers market in summer, buying your Christmas tree locally does more than get you a beautiful tree. Buying local keeps your money local. This helps your community and supports … (2 comments)

bedford county va: Retirement and Tax Breaks in Franklin County - 11/18/09 01:54 PM
As most of you know the Home Buyers Tax Credit program has been continued. You can read most of the details in the recent blog: Buy a Smith Mountain Lake Home, Get a Tax Break! With current homeowners now being eligible for a tax credit of up to $6,500, many are asking for details on the expanded program and what it means for them. It seems to be almost custom made for those who are ready to retire or downsize their home!
You can buy a lot of house for $800,000, but not everyone wants a lot of house to take … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Buy A Smith Mountain Lake Home, Get a Tax Break! - 11/14/09 01:51 AM
The deadline for the First Time Home Buyer Tax credit was fast approaching, but we have good news!! The $8000 Tax Credit program has been extended! Not only do first time buyers now have until April 2010 to choose a home, but those current home owners who are looking to buy a home may also qualify for a new $6,500 credit! There is a little something for most everyone in the extended program!
If you were worried about missing the November 30th deadline, you now have until April 30th, 2010 to be under contract to buy a Smith Mountain Lake home … (0 comments)

bedford county va: “Good Wine Makes for Good Cheer” in Huddleston, VA! - 11/06/09 04:12 AM
"I find friendship to be like wine, raw when new, ripened with old age, the true old man's milk and restorative cordial."
 
Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Benjamin Rush
Poplar Forest, 1811
 
 
According to an old Italian proverb, good wine makes for good cheer, and this will be the case November 21st at the first ever Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival. The festival will take place at Poplar Forest, Jefferson's Virginia retreat. Thomas Jefferson was a big advocate of the benefits of wine. He was pivotal in the import of wines from such countries as Italy and France.
 
At … (2 comments)

bedford county va: Wine, Music and Moonbeams in Bedford, VA! - 10/21/09 01:29 AM

You know that Bedford County is known for its history and its wine! This weekend you have the chance to enjoy both, plus a little music and some stargazing too! You can enjoy candlelight tours of the Old City Cemetery, Spooky Ghost stories, and checking out the lovely hues of autumn leaves, all without leaving the area!
Gravestones Talk!
On Saturday evening, you can choose from lots of great things to do with the family. If you love history and stories of days gone by, then the Old City Cemetery Candlelight tours is right up your alley! The Old City … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Apple Pickin’ in Bedford VA! - 10/16/09 08:09 AM
This weekend is the annual Apple Harvest Festival at Gross' Orchard. This looks to be a fun family day and the best part about it is admission is FREE! Add the Free Cider and Entertainment and this is a day you do not want to miss! Gross' Orchard is located at 6817 Wheats Valley Rd in Bedford VA.
 
Located at the foot of the beautiful Peaks of Otter, this family orchard has been in operation since before the turn of the century. The Orchard is now being run by the third and fourth generations of the family. The Orchard specializes … (0 comments)

bedford county va: Best of Smith Mountain Lake for Christmas - 10/14/09 04:31 AM
It may be hard to believe, but Christmas is less than 90 days away! Actually truth be told, we are under 75 days left until the big day! While that may seem like a really long time left to do your shopping, if you are considering having something shipped, you may want to start shopping now! Don't forget all the wonderful things you can order from right here in Smith Mountain Lake!
 
Emerson Creek Pottery makes a great gift! Each piece of this beautiful pottery is handmade. Using clay from their property, they create each piece without a template or … (2 comments)

bedford county va: Falling in Love with Smith Mountain Lake - 10/10/09 03:20 AM
The hustle and bustle of summer at Smith Mountain Lake is pretty exciting. Lots of activities and days in the sun seem to fly by way too fast! A sunset summer cruise is pretty amazing. But don't count out the ol' Lake just because autumn is here! You may be surprised at what you may find if you take a Saturday to cruise the lake in fall!
 
Don't winterize that boat just yet! There are some pretty spectacular things to see. There is probably nothing more peaceful than the lake in the fall. Boat traffic is pretty slow compared to … (4 comments)

bedford county va: Dealing with the “Rip Rap” at Smith Mountain Lake - 10/06/09 01:50 PM
I know what you are thinking, but no, we do not have a lot of "riff raff" at Smith Mountain Lake! What we do have is "Rip Rap" shorelines. Rip Rap is a way to combat erosion along the banks of the lake. Rocks are put into place to help keep soil erosion down to a minimum. So, how can you tell if you need to control erosion, and if so what is the best way to go about that and safeguard your property's value?
 
What is Rip Rap?
Rip Rap is rock or other material used to protect shorelines, … (4 comments)

bedford county va: Food for Thought at Smith Mountain Lake!! - 10/02/09 02:10 AM
Virginia has long been known as an agricultural state. In recent years we have become known for our beautiful wineries and orchards. It only makes sense that Farmer's Markets are a wonderful place to take full advantage of the area we live in. Right here in Smith Mountain Lake/ Moneta we have Moneta /Smith Mountain Lake Community Market. This market is a season market open through October 31st. Roanoke Natural Food Co-Op has locally grown food available all year round and is open to members and non-members to purchase fresh and organic produce.
Green is Good!
"Going Green" is a very … (2 comments)

bedford county va: Buying a Retirement Home in Smith Mountain Lake - 09/26/09 11:19 AM
For many people, buying a home after retirement is not on the agenda. But with the final days of the tax credit upon us, it may be time to take a second look at purchasing a home. In the boom days of the real estate market, many couples who were retiring decided to sell their homes at top prices. But, instead of buying, they chose to rent or maybe even spend time travelling. Well, now maybe a perfect time to become a first time home buyer... again!
If you have not owned a principal property in the last three years, you … (3 comments)

bedford county va: 2009 Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is Here! - 09/22/09 02:16 PM
If you have been looking for a reason to come check out the area, there is no better time than this weekend! September 26 and 27 is the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival at LakeWatch Plantation! It is still not too late to buy advance tickets at a discount! You can even buy them online, but hurry, advance tickets are available until September 23rd!
The SML Wine Festival is a favorite event and one of the most popular with visitors! Wineries from across the state come to offer samples of their top wines. Add to that wonderful food and live music … (3 comments)

bedford county va: Finding the Dream on Smith Mountain Lake! - 09/18/09 07:03 AM
You have finally decided you are ready to take the plunge and purchase that dream home on Smith Mountain Lake! You couldn't pick a better place to buy a home! The area has much to offer. With so much to choose from, how do you decide the home that is right for you? The answer depends on your needs.
Let's start with the reason you are buying a new home. Is this home going to be your primary residence or a second home? If you are looking for a place to get away from it all or looking for a place … (2 comments)