virginia: "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)

virginia: Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival November 6 - 10/17/10 04:04 PM
Grab a bowl and spoon, and get ready to dig in! It is time for the 8th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Fall Chili and Craft Festival! Come join us lakeside on November 6th, for a full day of fun by the water. It will be a "hot" time in Smith Mountain Lake, depending on how spicy you like your chili!The chili cook off will start at 9am, when competitors start cooking up a whole mess of chili! Tasting will begin at noon, with judging starting at 3pm. Trophies will be handed out around 4pm, with awards going to such categories as … (0 comments)

virginia: 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)

virginia: Smith Mountain Lake has Diversity! - 07/31/10 03:14 PM
If there is one thing Smith Mountain Lake has, it is diversity! We have a sparkling lake, with over 500 miles of shoreline, and we are surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. From waterfront property to golf communities, you can find different types of real estate available in the area.This diversity of real estate in Smith Mountain Lake means that just about anyone can find their dream home. Prices for real estate in Smith Mountain Lake are diverse, as well.  There is something for every budget, from older lakefront homes that offer great deals, to brand new condos right on … (0 comments)

virginia: Music in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake - 07/21/10 03:53 PM
Smith Mountain Lake is known for its beauty, and one of the best places to enjoy the lake is at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This Saturday, July 24th, is going to be a great weekend to visit! Bring the whole family, and enjoy Music in the Park at Smith Mountain Lake.Music in the Park will start at 8pm, and last until 10 that evening. Head over to the Smith Mountain Lake Beach pavilion for some great music, and dancing fun! Charlie Greer and the Roanoke Valley Pickers will be providing the foot stompin', good-time music, and the Old Dominion … (2 comments)

virginia: A Peach of an Open House at Bedford! - 07/14/10 05:21 PM
Usually, when you read about an open house on our real estate blog, you probably expect to hear about the great features of a lovely home on Smith Mountain Lake. This time, we are talking about a real "peach" of an open house in Bedford -  the Peaks of Otter Winery's "A Peachy Open House." Starting July 24th, and running every weekend through August, you can check out the peaches, apples, and nectarines that make some of the most unique wines you'll ever taste!
Every Saturday and Sunday, from 12pm to 5pm, head out to enjoy the beautiful grounds of the … (0 comments)

virginia: 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)

virginia: 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)

virginia: Living on the Water in Smith Mountain Lake - 06/28/10 04:16 PM
There are several reasons why living on the water in Smith Mountain Lake is a dream come true for so many people. You can step out onto your own private boat dock, or head out onto the water to enjoy a spectacular view. A beautiful lake with a mountain surround seems like a small piece of heaven in the Blue Ridge Mountains!Because there is so much to do and see in the area, Smith Mountain Lake makes a great place to have a vacation home! With its temperate climate, you can actually use your home  year-round. Many buy a waterfront property … (2 comments)

virginia: Making Your Home Look Hot on Smith Mountain Lake - 06/16/10 03:43 PM
Summer is a wonderful time to work on those to-do lists around your Smith Mountain Lake home! Getting the painting, siding, roofing, and window repairs done are definitely easier when the skies are clear. Making your home more energy efficient - while you're working to make it more attractive and comfortable - is always a great idea. Here are a few tips if you are thinking about making your home look hot this summer!
If you are using a contractor to do the work, be sure to do your research! Check with friends and neighbors to see who they used. Unfortunately, there … (0 comments)

virginia: Plan Ahead for July 4th on Smith Mountain Lake! - 06/13/10 03:29 AM
It may seem a little early to start planning, but the Fourth of July is one of the most popular holidays on Smith Mountain Lake! In an area surrounded by living history, you have a lot to choose from during the holiday weekend.
If you are planning to enjoy the Annual Fireworks show from the water and need to rent a boat, you may want to call now for reservations. Many of  the boat rentals along the lake have already started waiting lists for the weekend. The same goes for accommodations. The time to book is now!
The over the water … (0 comments)

virginia: 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.
… (0 comments)

virginia: 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)

virginia: Priced to Sell on Smith Mountain Lake - 04/30/10 04:48 PM
One of the biggest questions any seller has is; "How long will it take to sell my house?" There is so much is tied into the answer. Like when to put an offer on another house and how soon you might be moving? Pricing your Smith Mountain Lake home right is the first step in a fast sell. 
The Power of Price
In the current market, there are homes that are snatched up in less than 30 days and others that linger on the market for months. Two houses may even be comparable in size, features and updates but one home … (0 comments)

virginia: Priced to Sell on Smith Mountain Lake - 04/30/10 04:42 PM
One of the biggest questions any seller has is; "How long will it take to sell my house?" There is so much is tied into the answer. Like when to put an offer on another house and how soon you might be moving? Pricing your Smith Mountain Lake home right is the first step in a fast sell. 
The Power of Price
In the current market, there are homes that are snatched up in less than 30 days and others that linger on the market for months. Two houses may even be comparable in size, features and updates but one home … (0 comments)

virginia: 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)

virginia: Living History in Bedford, VA - 04/07/10 03:46 PM
Bedford Virginia is a place full of history. This weekend, April 10th and 11th, you can experience living history as the National D-Day Memorial Foundation presents Prelude to Invasion. Historical interpreters and the 29th Living History Association will be enacting what life was like for American servicemen as they prepared for D-day.
On Saturday the event will run from 10am until 5pm. They will be recreating a World War II encampment. Included in the re-enactment will be military vehicles, military gear, and other period vehicles. You can feel the morale of the men as they prepared for war.
Sunday you can … (2 comments)

virginia: 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)

virginia: 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)

virginia: 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)