blue ridge mountains: Current Market Conditions at Smith Mountain Lake - 11/29/10 05:44 AM
Have you been wondering about the conditions for buying or selling a home at Smith Mountain Lake? Right now, conditions are extremely favorable. Prices are stable, interest rates are great, and there is an attractive range of homes from which to choose.

Nationwide, mortgage rates are stabilizing slightly higher than the all-time lows set just weeks ago. 30-year fixed mortgage rates are at 4.25% for well-qualified buyers, and current 15- year fixed rates are at 3.75%. There are plenty of terrific values to be found in the Smith Mountain Lake area!
 
The purchase of second homes and vacation … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: "Lake Effects" filming at Smith Mountain Lake - 10/31/10 04:22 PM
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 … (2 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Selling Your Home in Today’s Market - 10/16/10 03:53 AM
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 … (3 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Fall at Smith Mountain Lake is Right Around the Corner - 07/28/10 03:31 PM
It may be hard to believe, but fall at Smith Mountain Lake is just around the corner! Now is the time to start planning your autumn lake getaway! Of course, one of the biggest events of the entire year is the Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival.The 22nd Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will be held September 25th and 26th this year. Advance tickets are already on sale for $18.00 for tasters; the ticket price for designated drivers is $12. You can purchase your advance tickets at many merchants in and around the area, or online.There will be 27 Virginia … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Fourth of July Fun in Bedford, VA - 06/30/10 03:39 PM
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, … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: The Blue Ridge Parkway Offers Scenic Beauty In Bedford County - 05/26/10 04:20 PM
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 … (2 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Smith Mountain Lake: A Great Place to Live!! - 05/23/10 02:38 PM
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.
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blue ridge mountains: Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Home: Ready to GO! - 03/30/10 02:14 PM
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 … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Spring Clean and Seeing Green on Smith Mountain Lake - 03/20/10 06:33 AM
Just take one look outside and you can see that spring is making its debut in Smith Mountain Lake! This weekend the weather will be sunny and warm with temperatures in the 70's forecasted. Take advantage of the beautiful weather and spend some time outside spring cleaning! With the unusually heavy snowfall this year, you may find a few more things on your spring to do list, especially if you have your home for sale!
Step One: Clean up debris! Living in the Blue Ridge Mountains can pretty much guarantee you have some leaves and sticks to clean up from the … (2 comments)

blue ridge mountains: What Do You Need from Your Smith Mountain Lake Home? - 03/05/10 04:45 AM
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 … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Angling at Smith Mountain Lake - 02/27/10 02:29 PM
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 … (2 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Family Fun in Roanoke VA! - 02/16/10 02:22 PM

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 … (2 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Getting Your Home Ready for Market in Bedford VA - 02/10/10 12:41 PM
The town of Bedford in Virginia is well known for all the history that can be found on almost every corner. But one place where history may not be quite as celebrated is in the clutter that has accumulated over the winter months. Even though there are plenty of thing to keep you busy during any season; the piles of novels, Sudoku puzzles and extra blankets are a history of how you spent your time while indoors. If you are thinking of putting your house on the market, or if you are just getting a jump start on spring cleaning, here … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Time to Start Planning that Smith Mountain Lake Vacation! - 01/31/10 03:10 PM

Believe it or not we are just a few short days away from February! It seems like it was just last week we were enjoying the fun of the fall harvest! Now we are already turning a longing eye towards spring with summer just a few months away! If you want to visit Smith Mountain Lake this year, it is never too early to start planning! So here are some highlights of what's coming up for the spring and early summer this year!
Make your reservations early for the ESPN Bassmaster Elite Tournament: Blue Ridge Brawl! The big event takes … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Be Amazed in Lynchburg, VA - 01/11/10 10:37 AM
Are you ready to be amazed? Well then, you need to take the family to visit Amazement Square in Lynchburg, VA. Less than 30 miles from Bedford, you will find this "hands on" children's museum. Children can jump, slide and climb their way through four floors of interactive exhibits! Every second and fourth Saturday of the month they even have a family fun night with a reduced admission 5pm-8pm. But, on Saturday January 16th, you can get the whole day's admission for $3 and take part in Maltese Mystery Day!
From 10 am until 5pm your children can enjoy the fun … (0 comments)

blue ridge mountains: A Driving Force: Blue Ridge Parkway! - 08/25/09 11:29 AM
Running along the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the road they call, "America's Favorite Drive!"  It is the Blue Ridge Parkway! Whether you are visiting Smith Mountain Lake or a resident, this road is something to be experienced! You can catch a ride onto the Parkway at Roanoke, via the visitor's center, or even at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. This is one drive you won't regret!
In summer, the fields are full of beautiful Virginia wildflowers, in the fall; the trees will bring out their finest colors to dance on the crisp air of autumn! The Blue … (6 comments)

blue ridge mountains: Meet Vicki Millehan of Smith Mountain Lake - 03/31/09 10:30 AM

For over 20 years, I have called Smith Mountain Lake my home and for over 18 years have considered it my privilege to sell real estate in this area.  During that time, I have been a top producer for Prudential Waterfront Properties while doing what I love:  matching potential buyers with just the right property in the Smith Mountain Lake region.  Of all the decisions people make when buying or selling a home, the selection of the right real estate agent is the most important.  I strive to give each client the personal touch and go to great lengths to … (1 comments)