real estate: Chance of a Lifetime In Smith Mountain Lake - 06/30/09 04:48 AM

It isn't often you have the chance to buy a turnkey working vineyard.  This is the chance of a lifetime. The breathtaking Savoy-Lee Winery is available for purchase. This is a great opportunity to embrace a revenue generating lifestyle. Recently, the winery became even a better value when the owner reduced the price.  Pressing personal circumstance make the owner willing to sell a lifelong dream at a bargain price.
This winery can be found in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills with 117 acres and a fully stocked 7 acre lake.  You can watch over assets from a beautiful 3500 sq. … (0 comments)

real estate: Celebrate Freedom in Bedford County! - 06/28/09 02:57 AM
All across the country, marching bands are getting ready for the big 4th of July Parades! Families are getting ready to enjoy a weekend of fun and food. If you live in or near Bedford County Virginia there are lots of activities to choose from. One hidden jewel of Bedford County is Poplar Forest; Thomas Jefferson's personal retreat.
It was 200 years ago this year that Jefferson retired from public office and first stayed at Poplar Forest. Construction of the home began in 1806, as Jefferson planned his retirement from politics. He was happy to be free of the weight of … (0 comments)

real estate: Treating Dad on the Trail!! - 06/19/09 06:13 AM
This weekend treat dad on the Bedford Wine Trail!! Spoil him with wine tasting at the Father's Day Celebration at the Peak's of Otter Winery on June 20th and 21st. If Dad loves the outdoors you can take him to Hickory Hills Vineyards and Winery where he can hike the beautiful Nature Trail, sample wines and even receive a free gift just for being the World's Greatest Dad!!
Of course, the other wineries on the tour, including Savoy-Lee, Leo Grande, and White Rock Vineyards, offer a great afternoon of tasting in a picture postcard setting.  If Dad has enough ties and … (0 comments)

real estate: Surviving Tough Times in Your Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Home - 06/12/09 12:18 PM
In these interesting economic times, everyone needs to find some creative ways to make it through.  Many who bought vacation homes back in 2006 or before have seen the stock market take a nose dive and may have taken a hit on the value of their personal residence.  As compelling a region as Smith Mountain Lake it,  selling the second home here to eliminate the mortgage, insurance, and utility costs may seem to be the best thing to do right now.
This time is not the best time to sell a second home.  Nationwide, demand has dropped - by 31% since … (0 comments)

real estate: Celebrate Your Freedom - Visit the National D-Day Museum at Bedford, Virginia - 06/10/09 04:59 AM

Several days ago, calendar watchers observed that June 6 was D-Day, when 65 years ago, 150,000 Allied soldiers stormed the beaches of Normandy to make way for the million troops who would follow to liberate Europe from Nazi control.  Only a few old men who participated still survive, but at the time of the attack, many participants in this key World War II battle were mere teenagers at the time, who joined the Army to help their country but ended up making history.
Since 2001 this day, considered a turning point in the war, has been memorialized at the National … (0 comments)

real estate: Is a Waterfront Property Right for You? - 06/05/09 02:47 AM
Smith Mountain Lake offers an array of lake front homes.  There are cozy condos and magnificent luxury homes.  You can find many different homes to suit your budget needs, too.
There are many benefits to waterfront property.  One of the most obvious benefits is that you have the lake right there.  You have instant access to the water.  You can jump in or grab your boat from your own property. It is complete convenience.  This is what most people think about when they start shopping for a lakefront home.
However, there is a flip side to a lakefront home.  The thing … (0 comments)

real estate: What About Bob? and Smith Mountain Lake - 06/03/09 11:52 AM
Smith Mountain Lake has a Hollywood connection.  Many people may not realize it, but this area was the backdrop for What About Bob? a hit 1990s movie.  This comedy was filmed right off the lake and the locals even got to get in on the fun.
People are always fascinated with Hollywood.  It is easy to become star struck, but you do not have to meet a Hollywood A-lister to get the inside scoop about how movies are made.  You can visit Smith Mountain Lake and meet people who were here when “What About Bob?” was being filmed.
The movie was … (0 comments)

real estate: Where to Find the Right Second Home in 2009 - 05/29/09 09:35 AM
The real estate market reflects the economy and times are very uncertain right now.  However, for some buyers this is the perfect opportunity to find their dream home at amazing prices and in amazing locations. 
Many people are taking the opportunity to buy a second or even third home.  It takes careful consideration, though, to get the best deal.  It is smart to use a talented and knowledgeable agent who can help you through the process and ensure that you will get the house you want for the price you want.
Vicki Millehan can walk you through every step of … (0 comments)

real estate: What’s So Great About the Smith Mountain Dam? - 05/27/09 04:44 AM
It’s hard to miss the Smith Mountain Dam.  It is, after all, why there is a Smith Mountain Lake.  It should be no surprise that it is a treasured landmark and a popular attraction in the area. 
Owned by the Appalachian Power Company, the dam opened in May, 1976 to serve as the main source of power in the area.  Damming the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers created a 32 mile lake which offers great recreational opportunities, but the dam itself is interesting as well. The dam welcomes you to tour the visitor center where there is an abundance of information … (0 comments)

real estate: Do You Really Need An Agent to Buy Your Smith Mountain Lake Home? - 05/22/09 05:16 AM
Buying real estate may seem simple on the surface, but it is not something that everyone can handle on their own, especially when looking for a second home or out of state property.  Buyer’s agents are here to help you through the buying process and to ensure your best interests are at the forefront of every deal.
Many people figure they can buy real estate without any assistance.  Many times, the idea behind it is to save money.  You may think you are getting an agent when you talk to one who has listed a property, but that person is actually … (3 comments)

real estate: House Hunt from the Deck of the Virginia Dare - 05/16/09 12:20 PM
What is the first thing you think of when you think about Smith Mountain Lake?  The lake, of course!  Shopping for a new home in Smith Mountain Lake can be a spectacular experience if you check out lake front homes from the deck of the Virginia Dare.
The Virginia Dare is a 19th century side paddle wheeler.  It will take you on a 2-hour cruise along the lake, starting near the State Park along 10 miles of shoreline in Smith Mountain Lake. 
It is named after Virginia Dare who has become a legendary literary figure.  The first white child born … (0 comments)

real estate: Help Pay the Mortgage by Renting your Smith Mountain Lake Home - 05/12/09 05:49 AM
Does your idea of the perfect vacation spot include water sports, fishing, golf, and plenty to do in the area?  Do you enjoy escaping for long weekends to a serene place where you can enjoy your favorite pastimes amidst friendly local residents?  Long term, do you see yourself retiring to a place like this?
If your answer is “yes” to these questions, you are a good candidate for buying a vacation home.  Yet, you wonder if this is cost effective.  Because the area is in great demand, Smith Mountain Lake is a great location for you and your family – … (0 comments)

real estate: Smith Mountain Lake: So Pretty You Might Want to Stay - 05/07/09 07:20 AM
 
The stunning scenery of Smith Mountain Lake makes the area a magnet for vacationers all year round.  It’s just a matter of when you want to come.
There are three main rental periods throughout the year in Smith Mountain Lake – peak-season, mid-season and low-season.  Understanding each season will help you to make the best rental plans and ensure that you can find the property you want.
Peak-season is the busiest season and occurs from June to August.  Waterfront rentals during this time run from $400 to $4000.  The cost is generally determined by the size of the home and … (0 comments)

real estate: Sizzling Summer Homes in Smith Mountain Lake - 05/05/09 12:24 AM
When people vacation, they often flock to warm and inviting places like lakeside resorts.  Though natural warmth and beauty are abundant, the atmosphere may be unwelcoming.  It takes some of the fun out of vacation when the locals act like they wish you would leave. 
This is not the case in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia – not just a vacation destination but a community that envelopes visitors into the local community
However long you wish to stay – Smith Mountain Lake welcomes you. 
There’s plenty to do in the area, all available to visitors. Once you visit Smith Mountain … (2 comments)

real estate: Smith Mountain Lake will Sparkle and Shine in 2009 - 04/30/09 12:23 AM
May 2, 2008 is the date set for Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake.  This annual community clean up brings everyone together for a great cause – keeping Smith Mountain Lake beautiful.
The event uses volunteers that work on boat and foot to clean up along the lake area and shoreline.  Everyone is welcome to be a part of the clean up effort.  Whether it is picking up trash along the water’s edge or dropping off rubbish at the many drop-off points, volunteering for the event is something that brings great pride in this close-knit community. 
Getting involves is a … (0 comments)

real estate: Smith Mountain Lake – A Second Home Second to None! - 04/27/09 02:04 AM
Smith Mountain Lake is a beautiful area with a relaxing atmosphere so it is no surprise that many people want to buy a second home in the area.  When buying a second home it is smart to shop around and really get to know about the area in which you are buying.  After all, when you commit to a second home, this means that you also committing much of your future vacation time and lots of your future income to it.  You better fall in love it with  it! This will allow you to prepare yourself for making the purchase.
The … (0 comments)

real estate: Diversity is the Word to Describe Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate - 04/23/09 12:36 AM

 Smith Mountain Lake is called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains" for a reason.  This area is exquisite.  It is highlighted by the sparkling lake with over 500 miles of shoreline.  The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains give it a hidden feel that makes Smith Mountain Lake seem like a quiet oasis.  It should be no surprise that real estate in this area is highly coveted.
The vast diversity of the real estate in Smith Mountain Lake means that anyone can find their perfect home.  There are planned communities with shared amenities or private lots with plenty of acreage.  Older … (0 comments)

real estate: The Virginia Triathlon Series Comes to Smith Mountain Lake - 04/20/09 06:40 AM
Smith Mountain Lake is the spot for event #5 of the Virginia Triathlon Series.  This event will be an amazing display of sportsmanship and physical endurance.  It takes great strength and dedication to endure the grueling three legged race through varied terrain.
This event takes place in a challenging course sat at the state park.  The first leg is the 750 meter swim that finishes at the swimming beach.  Then participants continue to the 20K bike path and finish off with a 5K run course inside the park.
The event takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2009.  It starts at 9:00 … (2 comments)

real estate: ESPN Bassmaster Elite Tournament in Smith Mountain Lake - 04/15/09 09:19 AM
The biggest event in Pro Bass Fishing is coming to Smith Mountain Lake on April 22, 2009.  The 4 day ESPN Bassmaster Elite Tournament is a nationally-recognized competition that brings 100 of the best bass fishermen in the world to Smith Mountain Lake. 
The tournament travels to various locations with Smith Mountain Lake as one of the chosen locations.  The title of this leg of the tournament is called the “Blue Ridge Brawl. ”
While the main event is the pro anglers, the event also will have various other events set up for everyone to enjoy.  There is the “Casting Kids … (0 comments)

real estate: Hit the Green in Smith Mountain Lake - 04/13/09 04:15 AM
Smith Mountain Lake has the weather and the set up for the perfect golf game.  Our area courses are designed for top notch play.  You will find amazing courses, like the newly redesigned Water’s Edge Country Club right here in Smith Mountain Lake.
The golf courses in the area are championship – premier caliber.  There are international-level designs and breath taking scenery.  You get the best courses laid right down in the middle of some of the most beautiful land in the south. 
There are 5 major golf courses in the area.  These courses suit everyone from the beginner … (3 comments)