luxury homes: You’ll be Amazed at the Things to do in Bedford VA! - 10/22/10 03:57 PM
Bedford, Virginia seems to always have something on the calendar that's fun to do, and October is no exception. You'll be amazed at the things to do in Bedford, VA! From family fun to "unliving" history, it is a great time to visit!There are several different mazes to choose from in the area. Through October 31st, you can head out to the Corn Maze at Morgan Farm. They are open seven days a week, and have a pumpkin patch, too. The MAIZE at Layman Family Farms is fun for all ages! You can enjoy a hayride, or pick out the perfect … (3 comments)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour - 09/13/10 04:56 PM
If you have ever had the chance to visit Smith Mountain Lake, you know why it is called the "Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains." There are some beautiful luxury waterfront homes along the shore. If you have always wondered what they are like inside, you will soon have the chance to see some of them. October 1st and 2nd will be the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour.The tour has its roots in the 1991 SML Multiple Sclerosis Home tour, set up by Jeanne Wagoner. They hoped to raise at least $10,000 for the charity, by allowing a tour of … (0 comments)

luxury homes: Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway Turns 75 - 08/31/10 03:40 PM
Seventy five years ago, as part of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal efforts to create jobs, construction on the Blue Ridge Parkway began. Completed in 1983, this has become one of "America's Favorite Drives." Connecting the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, driving here is a real pleasure with views unmatched anywhere else. In the Smith Mountain Lake area, you can hop onto the Parkway at Roanoke, via the Visitor's Center, or even at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. This September, come and celebrate as Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway turns 75!Designed as a recreational road, the Parkway … (0 comments)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: Basics of Buying in Smith Mountain Lake - 05/15/10 09:19 AM
For first time home buyers, purchasing a home can be one of the most exciting and scariest things will ever do. But, with a good real estate agent at your side, it should never be confusing! One of the most common questions first time buyers have is, "What is it I am paying for at closing?" Let's take a look at the basics of buying in Smith Mountain Lake.
One of the first things you will see at closing is the information concerning your mortgage. Some mortgages have something called "points." Points are simply a fee that you pay upfront so you can … (0 comments)

luxury homes: Bedford Wine and Relaxation for Mom - 04/24/10 02:17 AM
April showers bring May flowers and May flowers mean Mother's Day is just around the corner! If you are looking for a great way to tell Mom "thanks" for all the things she does, look no further than Bedford County, VA! From special Mother's Day Cruises on Smith Mountain Lake to a weekend enjoying the Bedford Wine Trail, you can find something to let Mom know she is special!
In case it is sneaking up on you, Mother's Day is May 9th. You can spoil her with a 2 hour Mother's Day Cruise aboard the Virginia Dare replica sidewheeler. She can … (2 comments)

luxury homes: What’s in Bloom at Smith Mountain Lake - 04/18/10 03:33 AM
Just about anyone living on Smith Mountain Lake will tell you the climate is wonderful! While the lake does have four distinct seasons, the winters are usually mild and spring is very temperate. This all adds up to a great growing season for plants and flowers. For those who love to have their hands in the soil, Smith Mountain Lake has many plant nurseries and greenhouses where you can purchase your favorite blooms.
Just a little way down the road from Smith Mountain Lake is Hardy, VA. Here you can find Walter's Greenhouse. They boast one of the largest selections in … (2 comments)

luxury homes: Time to Brawl on Smith Mountain Lake - 04/11/10 02:17 PM
It's finally here! This weekend the Blue Ridge Brawl will be held on Smith Mountain Lake! April 15th -18th top anglers from across the US will converge on Parkway Marina in Huddleston to fight for top honors at this Bassmaster Elite tournament. There will also be activities for the whole family to enjoy.
There will be free parking for the event and you take can advantage of a complimentary water shuttle between Bernard's Landing and the Parkway Marina. The water shuttle will run from 2pm - 6pm on Friday and noon - 6pm the rest of the weekend.
Wear your college … (0 comments)

luxury homes: Cruisin’ Smith Mountain Lake - 03/31/10 03:57 PM
It is that time of year! April 7th, you can start enjoying the wildlife of Smith Mountain Lake aboard the Virginia Dare! On the first Wednesday of each month, you can learn about the local wildlife while enjoying a cruise on the Lake! You can learn about the flora and fauna of the area and even learn a little more about Smith Mountain Lake State Park!
On the Wildlife Wednesdays, a Smith Mountain Lake State Park nature interpreter will be on board to help narrate the noon cruise! Cruises leave the dock at noon on Wednesday and boarding starts at 11:30am. … (2 comments)

luxury homes: Jefferson Center in Roanoke - 03/07/10 01:04 PM
If you haven't swung by the Jefferson Center in Roanoke for awhile, you have a great excuse to do that on March 12th! Blue Highway will be celebrating their 15th anniversary with a night of music at the Jefferson's Shaftman Performance Hall. It will be quite a show!
Blue Highway has a big following in bluegrass and other music genres. Beyond bluegrass, they will also be performing some Gospel music favorites and original work as well. But don't expect just music! There is usually a good bit of humor thrown in to the mix as well. You can even purchase a … (0 comments)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: Virginia's Natural Bridge! - 10/23/09 08:42 AM

Just north of Bedford County Virginia, you can find one of nature's most amazing displays: Virginia's Natural Bridge.  Twenty stories high, this solid rock display was made by nature's own hand. So take a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the glorious colors of fall as you head to this wonder of nature! The next few weeks are the peak of fall color in this area of Virginia!
Place of History
There is a lot of history here, starting 300 years ago with the Native Americans of the area. This natural bridge was a sacred site for the … (0 comments)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: Heaven in Franklin County, VA - 07/17/09 03:47 AM
Everybody is looking for their own little piece of heaven. If you happen to be lucky enough to live in Franklin County, VA you are halfway there!! If your idea of the good life is a new home close to Smith Mountain Lake, then you have to check out THE FARM. Built by the Willard Companies, The Farm is nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains alongside Smith Mountain Lake.
There are 17 waterfront homes located in Hammocks Pointe and The Farm even has lots as large as 5.4 acres in size! With a total of 63 properties, this … (2 comments)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: 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)

luxury homes: 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)