real estate: Small Plates, BIG Taste in Huddleston, VA - 09/15/10 04:17 AM
There is a new restaurant on Smith Mountain Lake, offering a new kind of dining experience; tapas-style dining. The Small Plates Restaurant offers small plates with BIG taste in Huddleston, VA. Located in Sportsman Marina, the restaurant opened on Memorial Day, and is going strong.
Tapas-style dining is very popular and usually can only be found in larger cities. The concept of this type of dining is to try various small, appetizer-sized dishes so you can enjoy several different flavors and foods at one time. Sharing tapas with a friend is highly encouraged! It allows the diner to experience new foods without … (1 comments)

real estate: Fun on Smith Mountain Lake - 08/11/10 02:51 PM
There are lots of ways to have fun on Smith Mountain Lake! Fishing, swimming, and boating are local favorite activities. Then there are things like golf and fine dining that you can enjoy on dry land. Know someone looking for some unique ways to enjoy the lake? Here are just a few suggestions!If you haven't had the chance to take one of the Virginia Dare's specialty cruises, there is one coming up you may not want to miss: it's a real "killer" of a cruise! Yep, it's time for a Murder Mystery Cruise! The next Murder Mystery Cruise will take place … (2 comments)

real estate: Thinking about a Smith Mountain Lake Condo? - 07/08/10 04:44 PM
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 … (2 comments)

real estate: Summertime on the Bedford Wine Trail! - 06/25/10 03:24 PM
Many people don't realize that Virginia has become a top producer of fine wines! While visiting Smith Mountain Lake, you can also explore the Bedford Wine Trail and discover what all the buzz is about!! Spend the day outdoors touring the vineyards and enjoy sampling the local flavors! There is nothing like Summer on the Bedford Wine Trail!!Stop by Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery where you can hike the beautiful Nature Trail at this family owned winery. You can even come back in the fall and help with the harvest if you like! The other wineries on the tour, including the … (0 comments)

real estate: It’s BBQ Time at the Sedalia Center - 05/21/10 04:38 AM
Summer is fast approaching Smith Mountain Lake and Bedford, VA. Just looking around the neighborhoods, you can see the season getting ready to begin. Boats are being prepped for the lake and students everywhere are counting down the last days of school before summer vacation. One of the favorite signs of the changing season is the smell of food on the grill, and that means one thing! - it's BBQ time at the Sedalia Center!!
The 5th Annual BBQ at the Sedalia Center is on Saturday, May 22nd this year. Lovers of barbeque will descend on Big Island VA to sample … (0 comments)

real estate: Staged to Sell in Smith Mountain Lake - 04/13/10 01:18 AM
One thing most sellers are painfully aware of is the number of homes on the market today. Whether you are selling your lakefront home on Smith Mountain Lake or a home in the country, one thing remains true; staging your home for your Open House will help it sell.
In today's market sellers need to pull out all the stops if they want to sell their home quickly. Most buyers are interested in a home that is ready to move into. In the cash strapped society of today, people want to have some recovery time after purchasing a home before they … (3 comments)

real estate: Jefferson’s Retreat Opens for the Season in Forest, VA - 03/25/10 01:04 AM
April 1st marks the season's opening day at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's villa retreat. Located a little over 30 miles from Smith Mountain Lake, this historical landmark is a look into the person who was Thomas Jefferson versus the President Thomas Jefferson. You can see the artifacts and hear the history of what happened after he left Washington.
Designed by Jefferson himself, Poplar Forest is said to be one of his greatest architectural accomplishments. Meticulous restorations have pulled this beautiful treasure back from the edge of ruin. It isn't just the home being restored; the landscaping is being brought back to … (0 comments)

real estate: Everyone is Irish in Smith Mountain Lake! - 03/11/10 12:22 PM
Ok, maybe not everyone 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 … (3 comments)

real estate: 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)

real estate: House Hunting 101 In Smith Mountain Lake: Part 2 - 02/06/10 10:42 AM
Last post we started a House Hunting 101 refresher course for those who are in the hunt for the perfect home! Whether you are looking for a waterfront property on Smith Mountain Lake or a farm in the Virginia countryside, these are some basic tips to remember when you are out home shopping. Hopefully they will help you avoid some pitfalls along the way. Let's jump right back in!
Lesson#3: Wait for the home that you really want! No one will argue with you that house hunting can be a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes those emotions get the best of … (0 comments)

real estate: House Hunting 101 in Smith Mountain Lake: Part 1 - 02/04/10 01:56 AM
There are many reasons why now is a good time to buy a house. Just to mention a few; interest rates are still at historic lows and there is time left to take advantage of the Home Buyers Tax Credit on that new Smith Mountain Lake home. But as you are looking for a home, there are a few things you should remember amid the excitement of the hunt! If you are in need of a House Hunting 101 refresher course, take notes!
Lesson #1: Don't look at homes that are outside of your price range! This may seem like a … (0 comments)

real estate: Smith Mountain Lake Home with a View! - 01/27/10 01:51 AM
Spring is in the air at Smith Mountain Lake! Well, not quite, but you can begin to sense that spring is just around the corner. With the recent monster snow storm and very wet fall, many lakefront homeowners are thinking about spring clean up! As visions of landscaping dance in your head, there are a few extra considerations to make when you have the pleasure of living on the water!
Let's talk trees! One of the reasons most people buy lakefront property is for the view! As you turn an eye to landscaping, don't forget to carefully plan where you are … (2 comments)

real estate: Making Cents on Smith Mountain Lake - 01/14/10 01:03 PM
People in Smith Mountain Lake and around the nation are looking for ways to cut back on their expenses! If you have tightened your belt to the point of breaking and are looking for some simple steps to cut back on utility costs, here are some tips that just might help! Most homeowners can easily take care of most of these on their own.
One of the easiest steps you can take is to do an energy audit. This may help you pinpoint the areas you can improve your home's efficiency. Some utility companies will provide an assessment free of charge … (2 comments)

real estate: 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)

real estate: Water Quality and Property Values at Smith Mountain Lake - 01/07/10 12:11 PM
Smith Mountain Lake is known for its crystal clear waters. Most of the lake's 500 miles of shoreline enjoys these clear waters all year around. There are some properties, however, that may have seasonal issues with water clarity and quality. Normally these are found close to the mouth of a few of the small stream inlets at the back of some of the coves. While this does not pose any environmental issues for the owners of the waterfront property in the area, it can affect the property value of the lot.
This is where having an agent who is familiar with … (0 comments)

real estate: “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)

real estate: Smith Mountain Lake Weddings - 11/03/09 01:18 PM
It may sound strange to talk about weddings in November, but when it comes to booking you want to make sure you have your venue in plenty of time. If you are considering a summer or fall wedding at Smith Mountain Lake, now is the time to consider what you want to do for your wedding by the water!
Just about every weekend from Spring through late fall, there is someone getting married somewhere at Smith Mountain Lake! With the variety of places to get married, it is no wonder. How about tying a "sailor's knot" and getting married on the … (0 comments)

real estate: Celebrating Thomas Jefferson in Forest, VA - 09/29/09 02:58 PM
It isn't often you to participate in the retirement celebration for an American President. This weekend, October 3rd, you can! Poplar Forest will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's retirement and his return to Virginia. The Richmond Symphony will be entertaining on the beautiful lawn of Poplar Forest, Jefferson's secluded retreat. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door, they also include a catered reception on the lawns of the retreat.
Jefferson retired from public life in 1809. He returned to what is now the town of Forest in Bedford County VA. The home at Poplar Forest … (2 comments)

real estate: Water's Edge Green - 09/23/09 12:05 AM
People flock to Smith Mountain lake every year for the golf on one of our championship courses.  When you buy a home at Water's Edge or one of our other waterfront developments, I want to keep you up to date on anything that might affect your satisfaction.
Vicki Millehan, Vickislakehomes.com
Dear Water's Edge Member,I would like to thank you for your patience during the past couple of months with the condition of various greens. As you may be aware, we have struggled with a new disease called "Take-all Patch," which attacks the root system of new greens. We have worked closely with … (0 comments)

real estate: Dinner On the Water at Smith Mountain Lake - 07/22/09 02:24 AM
 
You know it is not just anywhere you can jump in your sailboat as the sun slowly settles in the west and head to your favorite restaurant. Fortunately Smith Mountain Lake IS one of those places. There are over a dozen restaurants that not only serve your dinner lakeside, but even allow you to enjoy the water on the way! Boating to the restaurant brings a whole new meaning to "dinner cruise"!
If you are out on the water and want to grab a quick lunch, not a problem!!  Head over to Bridgewater Plaza, West of Marker R-28. The choices … (4 comments)