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01 May 2007 |
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A Parallel Universe Every once in awhile we get to take an epic journey to what seems like a different world yet meet people with the same sense of community we feel here at Smith Mountain Lake. This spring, Laker graphic artist Josh Ashton and I delivered the old SML X-Star to its new owners, the Dobbins family of Whitefish, Mont. Selling the boat was a bit like sending a child away to college, but the free room and board (and lift tickets to Big Mountain Resort) made the 48-hour trip all worthwhile. When I first saw Flathead and Whitefish lakes with their beautiful shorelines abutting the Rocky Mountains, it made my heart pound with excitement. It reminded me of the day in 1992 when I first laid eyes on Smith Mountain Lake. In addition to exceptional hospitality, the Dobbins family showed us local landmarks, how to snowboard Big Mountain, and the area’s nightlife and eateries. Ironically, Flathead had its own lifestyle and entertainment magazine called Flathead Living that was founded in 2001, the same year as the Smith Mountain Laker. We ended up sharing more similarities than differences and realized the people out west are quite cool. Back at SML, the remaining Laker staff members were busily (albeit peacefully) putting together another record-breaking issue. At 160 pages, it’s 16 more than we’ve ever produced. Inside this issue we tackle the eternal questions burning in your mind: If I wanted to, could I drive around this Lake? Who is the area’s best internet service provider? And what the heck does “maintenance-free living” really mean, anyway? Other great stories you don’t want to miss include the 2007 SML wake boarding preview and the Laker’s list of best bets on things to do this summer. Be safe, and stay to the right, Micah J. Gaudio Publisher P.S. The views and opinions expressed by the publisher are those of the publisher only and do not necessarily reflect the views of Laker employees or advertisers (but probably do).
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Last Updated ( 07 June 2007 )
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Lakeside Singers Do It Again |
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01 May 2007 |
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Yee-Haw! Lakeside Singers’ concert features an old-time Western theme By Kate Hofstetter Dig out your western garb. Liz Stubelt is at it again. This year, Stubelt, president of Lakeside Singers, is putting together a program of show tunes from some of the past’s most popular Western musicals – shows like Oklahoma, Paint Your Wagon, and Pecos Bill. She's also throwing in songs those old-time cowboys sang in the movies. "We wanted tunes that relate to the West and are upbeat and fun," Stubelt said, adding that there will also be a comedy routine and, as always, audience involvement. This is 19th year the songfest has been held at the Lake, and Stubelt's 7th year for planning it. Originally, it was performed at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park but in recent years was moved to Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, where it will be held this year June 1-2. A reception, typically hosted by another local club, follows the concert. Tickets, which are $8 in advance and $9 at the door, will go on sale in May at several locations, including the Trinity office, SML Visitor's Center, Halesford Store, and The Little Gallery. Theme of this year's concert is "How The West Was Sung Whoopi-ti-hi-yay."Stubelt, who has been singing since she was a young child, develops the theme for the shows then selects songs and decorating ideas, which are presented to the Board of Directors and Officers for their input. "We try to choose music most audience members will relate to," she said. There are 60-80 members in the choir and although new singers are always joining, Sandra Richardson is the only one who has sung every year since the group was formed. Carol Brewer is also an original singer who has rejoined the group after taking a break for a few years. Since the choir sings four-part harmony, both male and female voices are needed. Velshera Johnson will serve this year as conductor and Susan Spataro, who heads up the music department at Ferrum College, will be the pianist. Anyone interested in joining the Lakeside Singers should call Stubelt at 540.721.1232. The only requisite for being a member is that you like to sing. There is also a wide range of ages within the group. Vice-President Lori Suon's daughter, Rylee, has been part of the show since she was 4 years old.
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Last Updated ( 20 April 2007 )
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01 May 2007 |
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Smith Mountain Lake's 2nd Annual No-Wake Fireworks A New Laker Tradition by Jerry Hale In the interest of boating safety on Smith Mountain Lake, the Laker magazine is again partnering with the SML Water Safety Council and the Smith Mountain Eagle to organize and promote “No-Wake Fireworks” for 2007. Our goal: To make the safe and sane “No-Wake” approach to fireworks at SML a standard part of the area’s July 4th celebration this year and beyond. Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success. The No-Wake initiative was embraced by Lakers who understood how treacherous the boat ride home from the professional-grade, over-water fireworks display had become. A bad habit had developed over the years: after the show, thousands of boaters stampeded for home as if it were a race. The hurried exodus created a treacherous and uncomfortable mix-master of wakes, with too many boats running too fast too close together — and in the dark to boot. Authorities agreed that the potential for swamping or collision had become high. Many Lakers recognized the danger as well and were staying ashore rather than subject their boat and crew to the disorderly departure. But last year was different — far different. Heavily publicized and fueled by night-time boating safety concerns, the obvious good sense of establishing a No-Wake Zone surrounding the fireworks viewing area hit home. The post-show departure was calm, safe and wake-free; boaters actually exchanged pleasantries as they idled away side-by-side, enjoying their summer evening afloat in a hurry-free, worry-free fashion. In fact, with distinctive boats from the SML Power Boating Association (SMLPBA) serving as on-water boundary markers, boaters also slowed to idle as they approached the viewing areas, making it much more serene and comfortable for those already on-station. It made for a great night of boating on Smith Mountain Lake — one we are asking all Lakers to help make happen again in 2007 and beyond. This year’s over-water fireworks display, again sponsored by Saunders Volunteer Fire Company and Parkway Marina, will be held on July 4 at 9:30 p.m. Boaters are asked to observe the No-Wake Zone identified on the accompanying map (also on the FREE Laker Visitor Info maps available in our magazine racks) the night of the fireworks. Simply allow an extra half hour for a leisurely trip home that begins with idling the first mile or so up whichever channel you travel. Once traffic has dissipated, you can accelerate to a prudent nighttime cruising speed, staying especially alert for other boats headed your direction. Indeed, the 2nd Annual No-Wake Fireworks has been endorsed by many Lake organizations that are eager for their members, constituents and customers to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. Endorsers are listed alphabetically in the accompanying box, and we thank them for their help with this important safe-boating initiative. It’s important that all SML skippers do their part to make boating on SML safe and enjoyable for everyone. Complying with the No-Wake initiative is an important step. Please help spread the word among your friends and neighbors and have a great July 4th holiday! Optional Accompanying Box: List of Endorsers as of April 1st Boards of Supervisors - Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties Friends of SML State Park LakeWatch Plantation Moneta Ruritans Scruggs Rescue Squad SheDoos Smith Mountain Eagle Smith Mountain Lake Association Smith Mountain Laker magazine SML Antique and Classic Boat Club SML Boating Association SML Chamber of Commerce SML Lions Club SML Marine Volunteer Fire & Rescue SML Newcomers SML Power Boating Association SML Rotary Club SML Striper Club SML Water Ski Club SML Women’s Club Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers’ Association (SWVBDA) The Willard Companies Tri-County Lake Administrative Commission (TLAC) US Coast Guard Auxiliary US Sail and Power Squadron Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) Virginia Dare Marina Cpt. William Tice, Master of the Virginia Dare WSLS News Channel 10
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Last Updated ( 20 April 2007 )
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Summer 2007 Wakeboarding Preview |
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01 May 2007 |
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2007 "Get Wake" Opportunities Big Air Is Back At SML! by Jerry Hale Lakers who love wakeboarding – or who just enjoy being amazed by the “big air” tricks of accomplished riders – have several opportunities to catch the wake scene at Smith Mountain Lake this summer. Here’s a rundown on what you can expect. June 16: East Coast Freestyle at Bernard’s Landing – Area MasterCraft® dealer Bridgeside Marine and Ronix® Wakeboards, a pro line being featured this summer in Bridgeside’s new Freestyle Board Shop, will host the first stop on the four-event MasterCraft East Coast Wakefest series. MasterCraft will award one of its killer X-Star® towboats to the top rider at the end of this series, so you can bet the hot pros will be out to score an early lead here at SML. Ronix will be there scouting the amateurs and has pledged to award a pro contract during this competition. As we saw last year, the cove at Bernard’s offers great viewing from both land and water. Registration ($35) is from 8-9:30 a.m.; Novices will begin about 10 and Outlaws will be riding in the early evening. Call Bridgeside Marine (719-2628) for more details. Admission is free. Refreshments available. The Laker magazine invites participants and spectators to an after party at the Bernard’s Landing Clubhouse, with food and beverages for sale by Bernard’s. Music will be provided by The Noizies, a local band. No cover charge. July 14th: Wake ‘N Skate Board Shop’s 4th Annual Smith Mountain Wakefest at Bernard’s Landing – Gary Ellis and the Wake ‘N Skate Team will again host a terrific all-day wake event for area boarders, towed by the new MB Tomcat®. Rider registration ($35) will begin at 8 a.m., with the Grom (youngster) competition starting at 9. Intermediates, Over 40s and Experts will follow, with Outlaws showing their incredible flips and spins toward the end of the event. Prizes for top men and women riders in each division will be awarded. Visit with reps from CWB® and Liquid Force® at the on-site board shop. Spectator admission is free. Refreshments will be available. Come by boat or car. Kids are welcome to swim at Bernard’s sandy beach; there will be a winch for wake skaters and a water trampoline for swimmers. For more info, call Wake ‘N Skate at 540.721.1941. August 10-12: Liquid Force Pro Stock Photo Shoot – Thanks to Wake ‘n Skate Board Shop, Liquid Force® has heard about SML and will bring a dozen or so top Team riders here for three days of boarding activity, all to be captured in video and photos to showcase their 2008 products. The action will be houseboat-based, with exact locations and schedules available at the shop and posted online at smithmountainlaker.com once they are determined. The general public is welcome to come out and watch, but are asked to travel at no-wake speeds in the areas where riding is taking place. Wake ‘N Skate will host a customer appreciation event at its Bridgewater Plaza store on Friday evening, Aug. 10. Enjoy free food, beverages and a chance to meet the pro riders here for the photo shoot. Kids may bring (or buy) something to be autographed!
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Last Updated ( 20 April 2007 )
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01 May 2007 |
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90 days of summer By Andie Gibson & Jerry Hale Whether you are a year-round resident or just here for a week of fun and relaxation, there are plenty of things to do in the Smith Mountain Lake region to keep you busy. Since summer is the perfect time to explore, the Laker staff put together a Summer Fun Guide. It includes activities in the SML area as well as Lynchburg, Roanoke and the surrounding region. From historical museums to ideas for the thrill-seekers, you’ll find it here. So enjoy your summer and play safely! Take a vineyard and winery tour - Virginia wines are becoming ever more popular and a trip to our local wineries can be a fun and educational day. Check out Hickory Hill Vineyards (540) 296-1393 or Peaks of Otter Winery (540) 586-3707. Hit a wakeboarding festival - This summer, SML will host numerous wakeboarding festivals. Challenge the water, yourself and the other contestants – or just spectate. Check out visitsmithmountainlake.com for details. Visit the Smith Mountain Lake State Park – Located on Route 626 in Bedford County, the park offers boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, and camping. Open daily, 8 a.m. to dusk. (540) 297-6066 Visit the birthplace of Booker T. Washington - Located on Route 122, the Booker T. Washington National Monument features scenic walking trails and a variety of educational events throughout the season. (540) 721-2094 Take a tour of the Smith Mountain Dam - See how electricity is generated, watch presentations in the mini-theater, and take part in hands-on exhibits. Enjoy the picnic area and overlook. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 pm. (540) 985-2587 Honor our soldiers at the National D-Day Memorial - Visit the memorial in Bedford to recognize the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of the Allied Armed Forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. dday.org (540) 586-3329 or toll free (800) 351-DDAY. Go skydiving - Experience the fear, rush, relief and satisfaction of accomplishing this feat. Adrenaline Air Sports at the SML Airport takes you on a ride you will never forget. Jumps and training for all levels of jumpers. (540) 296-1100 Hit the links - Mixing challenge and scenic beauty, the golf courses of SML have earned national recognition. Spend a morning or afternoon on rolling greens with the mountains as a backdrop. Public courses include The Westlake Golf & Country Club (540) 721-4214, Mariner’s Landing (540) 297-7888 and Sycamore Ridge (540) 297-6490. Take a cruise on the Virginia Dare - Dress up for an elegant evening, have the party of your dreams, or just get on board for a night of mystery. The Virginia Dare offers a variety of options for those who want to enjoy a leisurely tour of the Lake and a great meal. Charter or join one of the regularly scheduled cruises. (540) 297-7100, vadarecruises.com Spend an evening at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre – An excellent night of drama, music and comedy will also teach you little-known facts about the history of Franklin County. Located in Ferrum. (540) 365-4335 See a show at Mango’s - Mango’s Bar & Grill at Bridgewater Plaza is the place to be for live weekend entertainment. Hear area bands like Key West, The Clue, Burning Bridges and more. Also check the schedule for karaoke nights and special events. Mango’s is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Call (540) 721-1632 or visit mangosbarandgrill.com for the entertainment schedule. Cool off at Homestead Creamery – A great place to enjoy delicious homemade ice cream. Pick up orange, strawberry or chocolate milk and a variety of other fine foods while you’re there. Route 122 in Burnt Chimney. (540) 721-2045 Have lakeside campfire/weenie roast - Invite your neighbors. (E-mail
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if you want to include a sing-along.) Take a drive to the top of Smith Mountain - Dry days and 4-wheel-drive only! See the July/Aug 2006 issue of the Laker for details at smithmountainlaker.com. Organize a "float in" - Gather friends with their inner tubes, rafts, PFDs, and noodles together in your cove on a hot summer afternoon. Tether a cooler for beverages and snacks. Enjoy the Peaks of Otter - Hike Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill, some of the most popular trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stay for a picnic or dinner at the restaurant and lodge. There’s also camping and a gift shop. Parkway mile marker 86. (540) 586-4496 Head to Portside Bar & Grill – You’ll feel like you’re in the Key West section of SML when you visit the Tiki Hut at Virginia Dare Marina. DJs, dancing and sunset views make this a festive place to gather with friends. Come by boat or car, always with a designated driver. (540) 297-7100, vadarecruises.com. Go to a Caribbean Festival at The Pointe at Mariners Landing - Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy live music and a delicious menu of Caribbean fare. (540) 296-1215, marinerslanding.com Join a club or organization - Meet other Lakers with similar interests. See Page X to find just the right group for you. Celebrate the Lake – A weekend full of fun events in tribute to our Lake paradise. “Old-Time Good Time” tent barbeque and hoedown Friday night at 5:30 p.m. at Indian Point. Boat parades, antique boat show and jazz festival on Saturday. Sunday, enjoy a special water fair scheduled at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. 540.719.0690, smlassociation.org Go horseback riding – Shadow Ridge Stables (540) 721-5120, Fox Creek Saddlery (540) 586-6330, Blackwater Equine Farms (540) 484-9048, Smith Mountain Farm & Stables (434) 927-5199 Learn about antique boats – Attend the Antique and Classic Boat Show Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Pointe at Mariners Landing. Information at woodenboats.net. Boat to the July 4th Fireworks – This is a “no-wake” event. See Page X for details. Tour the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum - Not only is the Institute an educational museum, it is also a working farm. The museum reaches back into the 1800s, discovering forgotten farm tasks, clothing, lifestyle and even toys. Open mid-May through mid-August, it also hosts a variety of festivals, exhibits, and special guests. Route 40 in Ferrum. (540) 365-4416 Catch a movie inside one of four air-conditioned theaters at Westlake Cinema - We couldn’t leave it off the list. Find show times at westlakecinema.com or call (540) 721-6314. Volunteer - While fun trips and exciting adventures make you feel good, giving a day to someone else can make you feel even better. As a family or on your own, donate some time to a local charity. Pack a picnic and boat to an island – Remember, all trash goes home with you! Test your putt-putt and arcade game skills - Kids aren’t the only ones who can be challenged by Harbortown Miniature golf or Safari Mini-Golf. Even if you are a master on the greens, you can be facing a challenge. For rainy day fun, kids of all ages can also enjoy the Underground Arcade or Fun-N-Games. See an art show - Discover unique paintings, drawings, sculpture, pottery and more from members of the SML community as well as outside artists. Check out The Little Gallery at Bridgewater Plaza. (540) 721-1596, thelittlegallerysml.com Take the Bedford Historic Tour - Guided tours through the Historic District are available by calling Lynchburg Historic Tours at (434) 846-1868. Include lunch or dinner at Olde Liberty Station, a 100-year-old restored train station listed on the National Historic Registry. 515 Bedford Ave., (540) 587-9377, oldelibertystation.com Visit the Bedford City/County Museum - Explore Bedford’s history, including the Native Americans, the Civil War, farm life, World War II and now. Find your history in the genealogy library. 201 E. Main Street, Bedford, (540)586-4520. Go on an Osprey hike – Learn about this fascinating “fish hawk,” watch live video and take a stroll to catch a glimpse of these magnificent raptors in person at the SML State Park. Held Wednesdays from 5-5:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:15 a.m. to noon throughout the summer. (540) 297-6066. Catch an event at the Sedalia Center - Nestled between Bedford and Big Island, the Sedalia Center hosts cultural festivals throughout the year. Catch the Bluesfest, Bluegrass, the Country Fair or the Gospel Festival. (434) 299-5080 Feed the Fish – Stop by Bridgewater Plaza for fun with the local marine life. (Note: It’s illegal to feed water fowl.) Shop for antiques – Check out the Bedford Antique Mall and many other area shops. Take a cruise on the Southern Belle - Private charters, Lake tours, sunrise and sunset cruises, dockside bar and grill, karaoke and other specialty events on a recently remodeled 48-passenger cruise boat. (540) 483-8881, southernbellecruises.com Visit Historic Centertown Bedford – A great place to shop, dine and take in historic sites. Annual summertime events include the Red, White & Bluegrass Festival in May, Libertyfest and Hunter’s Retreat – The Battle at Liberty in July, and the Bedford Blues & BBQ in August. (540) 586-2148, centertownbedford.com Take a boat trip to dinner - Choose any of SML’s lakeside pubs and restaurants. Be sure there's a "designated skipper" for the trip back home, and don’t forget to check the weather. Catch some stripers for a fish fry – Grill ’em, bake ’em, enjoy ‘em. Contact an appropriate charity and take someone special for a boat ride. Teach someone to water ski – Check out our surefire tips in the July-August 2006 issue of the Laker at smithmountainlaker.com. Perfect your docking skills – Call 721-7222 if a lesson is in order. Organize your dock house – See article Page X for some ideas. Celebrate the accomplishment with a dock party. Make "detailing the boat" a family project. Then have a swim party. Invite distant friends for the SML Charity Home Tour weekend, Oct. 5-7. Get out your old lawn games: Frisbee, badminton, croquet, jarts, etc. You've got them collecting dust somewhere! Find and enjoy old-fashioned fun. Take a boat or PWC ride to some part of the lake you haven't seen in years. Invite friends and marvel at the changes! Begin keeping your boat gas receipts for VA road tax rebate. Resolve to submit them when the season's over. (Rebate form available online at www. tax.virginia.gov.) Grease a watermelon for your grandkids - Old time FUN! Get out on the Lake on a clear night to stargaze. Lay down and look up. It's like having a personal planetarium. Get candles and have an elegant dinner on your dock or deck at dusk – Avoid cooking with prepared entrees from the grocery store. Buy a cute new towable and offer the neighbors a try. It's giggles for young and old alike. Anchor in a cove, turn on the tunes and read. Take a sunset cocktail cruise – Bring soft drinks for the designated skipper. Go to a part of the Lake you've never been to before – Introduce yourself to someone new who’s out on their dock. Put hanging baskets or flower pots with colorful summer flowers on your dock. Find a quiet cove and swim off the boat on a hot afternoon. Wear PFDs or throw out a line with one attached, especially if the boat is drifting. Go sunrise fishing. Or just get out with coffee and the paper and enjoy the early morning serene scene. Take in an exhibit at the Academy of Fine Arts - Exhibiting an eclectic mixture of theatre, dance, music and visual arts, the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center offers something for everyone. 1815 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg, (434) 846-8451, lynchburgarts.org Sight-see on the Blue Ridge Parkway - Considered one of America's most scenic drives, the Parkway spans 450 miles and offers picnicking, fishing and more. See the Kanawha Canal's lock at the James River Trail Overlook at mile post 63.6. Check out Explore Park – One of Western Virginia's premier educational and recreational facilities, Explore Park includes mountain biking, hiking, fishing, outdoor historical and environmental education. Open through Oct. 31. Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford County. (540) 427-1800 Explore the Old City Cemetery Museums & Arboretum - A 200 year-old Virginia Historic Landmark with a 26-acre garden cemetery, it has more than 20,000 citizens buried there. The Hearse House features a 1900 horse-drawn hearse, antique tools, gravestones and carvers. Included are four small museums and a Confederate section. Open daily from dawn to dusk. 401 Taylor Street, Lynchburg, (434) 847-1465. Spend a Saturday morning at the Roanoke Farmers Market or the Lynchburg Community Market - Still in use, the open-air markets offer everything from fresh vegetables to unique gifts. Visit Appomattox Court House National Historical Park - This is the site of Robert E. Lee's surrender to Ulysses S. Grant, ending the War between the States and where our nation reunited on April 9, 1865. Open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Route 24, North of Appomattox, (434) 352-8987 See Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest - Thomas Jefferson's "retreat" home is his final architectural work - an octagonal house surrounded by an array of flower gardens. 1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, (434) 525-1806, poplarforest.org See a play at Mill Mountain Theatre - Enjoy musicals, comedies, dramas and premiers live on two stages. (800) 317-6455, millmountain.org Take off to the Virginia Museum of Transportation - See vintage cars, trains, carriages, exhibits, and the gift shop. 303 Norfolk Ave., Downtown Roanoke, (540) 342-5670, vmt.com Check out the animals at Mill Mountain Zoo - 2404 Prospect Road, Mill Mountain Park, Roanoke, (540) 343-3241, mmzoo.com Gaze down at Roanoke from its famed Star - The historic Mill Mountain Star is one of the world’s largest man-made stars. It features a gorgeous scenic overlook and a walking area. (540) 342-6025 Take a child to a museum - Children are encouraged to play, explore, learn solve problems and be artistic at Amazement Square, 27 Ninth Street, Downtown Lynchburg, (434) 845-1888. See the science museum, the planetarium, the history museum and more at Center in the Square, One Market Street, Downtown Roanoke, (540) 342-5700. Attend a Baseball Game - Catch Lynchburg’s Hillcats (434-528-1144) or the Salem Avalanche (540) 389-3333. Tickets range from $4 to $7. Both teams are Class “A” in the Carolina League. Visit historic Chatham - See Virginia’s only two street car diners, the 1853 Greek Revival Courthouse, and to take the walking tour of this 1777 town full of Victorian architecture. chatham-va.gov See Natural Bridge - This incredible 215-foot Natural Wonder is located off 1-81 in Natural Bridge. Explore the creek and walk under the bridge. The path leads to a Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls. The Wax Museum, Haunted Monster Museum, Toy Museum and the Dark Maze are waiting for your enjoyment. (800) 533-1410, naturalbridge.com Venture to Virginia’s Safari Park - Virginia’s largest and only drive-through zoo. Feed the elk, ostrich, zebra, and 400 other animals. Three miles of roads, a petting zoo, gift shop and picnic area are available. 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, (540) 291-3205 Make homemade chili – On a rainy day, perfect a chili recipe to enter in the SML Fall Chili Festival in November. More information at (540) 721-1203 or visitsmithmountainlake.com Rent something fun - Rent a houseboat and live on the water for a week, or find a variety of toys for a day of non-stop fun. Local marinas and businesses offer canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes, wakeboards, jet skis, hydrobikes, paddleboats, pontoon boats, ski boats and fishing boats. Register for Vacation Bible School – Get yourself and/or your kids involved with a local church. Junior Golf Camps – Get ‘em started early. The Westlake Country Club (540) 721-4214 and Mariners Landing (540) 297-7888 are both offering camps this summer. Take some Lake photos – Then enter them in the Four Seasons of SML Photo Contest sponsored by the SML Chamber of Commerce. (540) 721-1203 or visitsmithmountainlake.com Pick up trash in and around the Lake – Even if you missed Take Pride in SML Clean-Up Day, but you can still do your part. Take a class at the 4-H Center – Junior programs include horseback riding, computers, fishing, wildlife, outdoor skills, sewing, swimming and more. There are classes for adults, too. (540) 721-2759 Take sailing lessons – Lessons available at several lake locations including the Smith Mountain Lake Sailing Academy. (540) 719-0009 Take a child to a program at SML State Park – Choices include Junior Rangers, Night Hikes, Campfires, Canoe Trips, Creek Adventures, Woodland Hayrides, Fish Printing, Osprey Hikes and more. (540) 297-6066 Enjoy bluegrass and country music at SML State Park – Saturday nights. Check the Laker calendar or call (540) 297-6066. Take advantage of Free Friday – Visit the Art (540) 342-5760, History (540) 342-5770 and Science (540) 342-5710 museums of Western Virginia, downtown Roanoke. Go skinny dipping on a hot summer night – Boat to a secluded cove if neighbors have prying eyes. SWIM WITH PFDs after dark! Treat yourself to a massage – Time at the Lake is about relaxation anyway. Good Looks (540) 721-4023, Massage Works (540) 721-5528. Get in shape! – Check out Curves (540) 721-7032, Jazzercise (540) 721-1988, HealthWise (540) 871-0224 or the SML YMCA (540) 721-0236 for local options. Fish with a guide – The SML Chamber lists 13 fishing guides who can help get you started or provide a special treat for out-of-town guests. (540) 721-1203, visitsmithmountainlake.com Take a trip to the SML Visitor’s Center – Even if you lived here for years, you’ll discover something new at the center, which is located at Bridgewater Plaza. Pick up literature, inquire about becoming a volunteer or find out more about the latest Lake events. (540) 721-1203, visitsmithmountainlake.com
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Last Updated ( 10 May 2007 )
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