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Each month we feature unique local experiences, upcoming events, and more about Smith Mountain Lake and surrounding Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties. Want to have updates emailed directly to you? Sign up for our monthly tourism eNewsletter!
Full Width Template Smith Mountain Lake is considered the recreation capital of Southwest Virginia, welcoming tourists and catering to the approximately 22,000 residents who call it home. But did you know the two-dam project that created it is an engineering marvel that produces clean energy for the surrounding region? SML was created in the 1960s…
Feb. 1, 2024 – There is something dreamy, adventurous even, about packing up for a weekend away with your significant other. Off the beaten path in the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains lies Smith Mountain Lake. Whether you seek days full of activities or more serene time spent relaxing with your loved one,…
Full Width Template With so much to see and do at Smith Mountain Lake both on and off the water, it can be tough settling on the perfect family-friendly itinerary. So we’re sharing our most tried and true, kid-approved activities and attractions to guarantee the whole family has a blast. Climb Aboard the Virginia Dare…
Full Width Template When you’ve had enough fun in the sun or if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep you and your family busy in the Smith Mountain Lake region. Here are 11 of our favorite ideas. Catch a Flick Take in a movie in the cool confines of…
Full Width Template When you visit Smith Mountain Lake, please bring your dog. We love them! And your pup will adore it here, too. These regional trails are great picks for a casual walk or heart-pumping hike with your four-legged friends. Please remember to always keep your dog leashed, bring plenty of water and pick…
Full Width Template Being the captain of your crew’s boating adventures means more than knowing how to operate the vessel. It’s also about understanding the rhythm of the lake, respecting the shared space and being mindful of those around you. Follow these tips for a safe and delightful experience on Smith Mountain Lake. Observe lake…
Full Width Template Are you looking for those perfect Instagrammable locations at Smith Mountain Lake? Look no further! From the iconic “V” in Smith Mountain to the charming Craddock Creek Lighthouse and beyond, SML boasts many picturesque spots to make your Instagram feed pop. 1. Smith Mountain There’s nothing more iconic here than the “V”…
Full Width Template With more than 20,000 acres of pristine waters and 500 miles of picturesque shoreline, Smith Mountain Lake is an outdoor lover’s paradise located at the foot of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. Stunning in all four seasons, you’ll be hard pressed to find a place with more scenic beauty than in…
SML Good Neighbors (Photo by Tabitha Collison.) Community service and social pursuits are important parts of life at Smith Mountain Lake. Volunteering comes naturally here. Residents of all ages dedicate their time and talents to faith-based and secular outreach programs while also finding time to immerse themselves in a variety of passions with like-minded friends.…
If your job allowed you to live anywhere, why wouldn’t you choose a spot as stunning, fun-filled and spirited as Smith Mountain Lake? With remote work opportunities on the rise, more and more people are moving to our region to enjoy abundant outdoor activities, a slower pace of life and temperate weather year-round. Here’s a…
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