Things To Do

Spending the Winter at SML

Ideas for keeping Occupied during the Cold Months

                Fall was beautiful at Smith Mountain Lake.  The shorelines were ablaze with yellow, orange and red.  Sunrises over a steamy lake and sunsets in haze-free skies were breathtaking.  Boat traffic was suddenly almost non-existent, giving those who ventured out the chance to enjoy ducks on the wing, smooth water and giddy solitude.   

                With Virginia’s version of winter now upon us, how will the Lake’s round-the-calendar residents occupy all the hours spent on Lake-related activity during spring, summer and fall?  Any chance that the colder months at SML can be a delight, as well?  You bet!  Here are some ideas for getting out and about after the shorts, t-shirts and sandals have been reluctantly packed away.

                Whether you’re new to the area and are just finding your way around — or just need some thought starters as inspiration — keep this list handy for  moments when you’re hungry for a destination or project to occupy your time.  In most cases, we’ve given you contact information to help make it happen.  If you can’t find something that’s appealing on this list, count yourself a confirmed — dare we say hopeless — “stick-in-the-mud!”

• Roanoke Symphony: 343-9127 or www.rso.com for info and reservations.  Try the new “Supper at the Symphony” combo.

• Roanoke Opera: 982-2742.

• Roanoke Ballet Theatre: 345-6099.

• Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre: 888-397-3100 or www.tickets.com for info.

• Sun Music Hall & Cultural Arts Center, Floyd.  For schedule of upcoming events, call 745-7880 or visit www.wintersuninc.net.

• Broadway in Roanoke at the Civic Center: 853-LIVE (5483).

• Weekend concerts at Cattle Annie’s: 846-3206 or www.cattleannies.com. Go early and get dinner.

• Movies:  Choose from the listings and reviews in the “Inside Out” section of The Roanoke Times on Thursdays (also www.io.roanoke.com).  Want closer to home?  Try the recently opened 4-plex in Rocky Mount, 483-9121.  Bad news: Our own long-awaited screens at Westlake won’t be ready until spring, 2005.     

• Some live theatre possibilities:  Star City at Jefferson Center (800-343-2350 or www.jeffcenter.org for shows, dates and prices); Salem Civic Center (www.ticketmaster.com); Mill Mountain Theatre (342-5740 or www.millmountain.org).

• Reading:  Spend quality book time at an area library.  Moneta/SML (297-6474); Bedford (586-8911); Franklin County, Court St. in Rocky Mt. (483-3098); Pittsylvania County (434-432-7971); Roanoke (772-7597).  Check out a book on tape for those errand trips to Roanoke.  Prefer to rub shoulders with higher education?  Public is welcome at Thomas Stanley Library at Ferrum College (365-4426).

• Museums & Exhibitions: Military History/Tank Museum, Danville, (434) 836-5323 or www.aaftankmuseum.com; Explore Park, milepost 115 on the Parkway, 427-1800 or www.explorepark.org; Center in the Square Arts, Science, Theatre & History Museums (342-5700). 

• Seriously Fun Cooking Classes: Check it out at www.cookingmadefun.com

• Ballroom Dancing: US Amateur Ballroom Dancers’ Association (772-4388) can tell you where lessons are available, or try Arthur Murray in Roanoke (774-1900).

• Get serious about gazing the prolific Lake-area skies.  Viewing once a month at SML State park and free advice on getting started from Jim Shauberger at Scopes & Stuff, Rt. 122 at Westlake (721-2888).  

• Golf clinics every Saturday, Mariners Landing, 2-3:15 p.m. (297-7888).

• Adult & Children’s programs in Art, Astronomy, Sports, etc.  Franklin County Parks & Recreation (483-9293). 

• Get out your childhood musical instrument, tune up and join the Franklin County Band—amateurs welcome! Email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 721-4353.  

• Take a safe boating course through the Coast Guard Auxiliary (800-368-5647) or Roanoke Valley Power Squadron (774-2619).  Watch the newspapers for announcements of January class places and times.  

• Sports, Bingo & Trips for Seniors are offered through Bedford County Parks & Recreation (586-7682).

• Be “Dazzled” at one of Roanoke’s pro basketball games, thru April 9.  Ticket info at 266-1000.  

• Go to a high school winter-sports event (basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, etc). Marvel at the kids’ dress, behavior, cell-phone usage.

• Indoor Tennis: Court time and lessons available at Sun Tennis (725-4200), Countryside Tennis (563-0391) and N-Door (540-981-1281).

• Try Outdoor Tennis in sweats on a clear, crisp afternoon:  Franklin County Recreation Park and Mary Elizabeth Park in Rocky Mount have lighted courts, as does Liberty Lake in Bedford. 

• Indoor Rock Climbing: Rockwood, Roanoke (344-6795).

• Card Games: Bedford Parks & Recreation, Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m., Liberty Lake Park.

• Ice Skating in Roanoke: www.theicestation.com (265-1505); Star City Skate & Play, Hershberger Rd. (362-9500).

• Skiing: Watch the papers. All the area resorts will be advertising once cold weather arrives.

• Get a list of available activities at Bedford County Parks & Recreation (586-7682).

• Skeet & Trap Shooting: Experienced public welcome at Roanoke Rod & Gun Club, foot of Windy Gap Mountain (985-0506).  Members are eager to help show guests around.  Shooting instruction also available at River’s Edge Outfitters, Penhook (941-685-0357 or 540-685-0357).

• Winter Golf/Driving Range: Public welcome and special winter rates at The Westlake Golf & Country Club (721-4214); Mariners Landing (297-7888 or www.marinerslandinggolf.com); Willow Creek (Rocky Mt., 483-0797); Sycamore Ridge in Goodview (297-6490); London Downs (near Lynchburg (434-525-4653) or Poplar Forest (434-534-9418).

• Hiking (see item in Health & Fitness, below); also, numerous trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

• Bike Riding: Tune up your old bikes and work up your endurance on dry, crisp winter days. 

• Darts: Buy a board for your rec room (Dicks Sporting Goods, etc.) and invite the neighbors for a “tournament”.

• Bowling: at Rocky Mount Bowling center (483-8088). Keep your mind out of the gutter!

Health & Fitness

• Hike the summit loop trail on Roanoke Mountain. The 15-minute drive up (Walnut street from downtown to the Parkway) is scenic and a couple of laps around the short (1/10 mile) trail are an easy respite.  More aggressive hikers can walk the entire 4-mile scenic loop (begins at Parkway mile marker 120.3) or tackle the base-to-top trail at Mill Mountain.  Stop at the Zoo for a breather and to commune with the animals.

• Jazz it up with Jazzer Jill at SML Jazzercise (721-1988). 

• Hydraulic Resistance exercise equipment and programs, fitness counseling, at Curves, Westlake Towne Center (721-7032).

• Exercise at the Westlake YMCA, Willard Office Plaza (721-9622).

• Swim laps at the Franklin County YMCA, Rocky Mount (489-9622).  Or visit the Central BranchYMCA when you’re in Roanoke (425 Church Ave., 342-9622).

• Get an exercise regimen going at the Blue Ridge Fitness Center, Bedford (587-5581).

• Try massage therapy:  E.T.C., Inc., Westlake Towne Center (721-4545) or Massage Works (721-5528).

• Get bronzed at Good Looks Salon & Day Spa (721-4023).

• Ballroom Dancing: Lake Dancers sponsor open dances in Moneta and Bedford.  Or contact US Amateur Ballroom Dancers’ Association, Roanoke Valley Chapter (772-4388 or www.dancestudent.com). 

• Partner up with Lake Square Dancers (297-2254), Virginia Mountain Square Dancers (774-2455) or Roanoke Valley Shag Club (562-0940).

• Racquet Ball:  Roanoke Athletic Club (989-5758) has five courts.    

• A catered candlelight dinner party for two or more.  Jason Hardy at the Westlake Kroger Chef Shop (721-3102) will gladly help you plan and prepare.  

• Host a pinball “tournament” for a small group of friends at a nearby pub.

• Top off any Lake activity with a gourmet sandwich at Smith Mountain Coffee Café in Westlake Towne Center (721-3737).

• A session at Totally Naked Tattoo in Rocky Mount (482-0225).  Makes a great gift for someone who’s a little kinky.   

Volunteering/Charity

• Drop unneeded, gently used furniture and housewares at the Discovery Shop to benefit the American Cancer Society.  Scruggs Rd. near Dairy Queen, Mon-Sat. 10-5 (721-0050).

• Organize a last-minute group to watch the SML Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 11.  Bring new, unwrapped toys to drop boxes at Hales Ford Bridge, the State Park and many participating local businesses. 

• Offer to help Smith Mountain Lake Association with Lake-preservation activities.  Call 297-4046 or visit www.lynchburg.net/smla/.

• Stop by the SML Visitor’s Center and see what kind of volunteer help they can use.  Easy to find at Bridgewater Plaza, or call 721-1203.

• Contact your local Rescue Squad or Fire Co. and see how you can best support their fine and dedicated service to our communities.  

• Lake-area fine restaurants:  The Landing (Dinner Tue.-Sun., Lunch Sat., Sun. Brunch from 11-2, 721-3028); Blackwater Café (Dinner Tue.-Sat., 721-4333); Fallon’s (Lunch Wed.-Fri., Dinner Wed.-Sat., Sun. Breakfast 9-12 and Supper 1-5, 297-4562);  The Pointe at Mariners (Dinner Tue.-Sat., Lunch Wed.–Sat., Sun. Brunch (297-4900 or www.marinerslanding.com); Vieira’s (721-2058).

• Try someplace different in Roanoke:  Pick one from the many listings in The Roanoke Times’ “Out & About” section, every Thursday.

• Recommended “Worth the Trip” by those who dine out in Lynchburg:  Benjamin’s Great Cows and Crabs (434-534-6077); Charley’s (434-237-5988); Crown Sterling (steaks and chicken cooked over charcoal — 434-239-7944); Jazz Street Grill (authentic New Orleans — 434-385-0100); Grace Restaurant (fine dining in one of the oldest homes in Lynchburg - 434-386-9666)

• Old Virginia Christmas at Booker T. Washington National Monument, Dec. 3-4 (See Laker Events in Oct/Nov. issue.  Missed it this year?  Make a note for 2005!)  

• SML Holiday Boat Parade, Dec. 11, Main Channel.  Bundle up and get to a viewing spot with family and friends.

• Enjoy the Christmas Light Show at Natural Bridge or Bedford.  Watch the papers for details.

• Midnight on the Market, Roanoke.  Sidewalk food and festivities on New Year’s Eve (visit www.eventzone.org for info).

• “Three Perfect Days in Richmond” (visit www.hemispheresmagazine.com, October Issue, for suggested itinerary)

• Search the Internet for a cool B&B within 150-200 miles. Take a leisurely overnight trip, stopping to sightsee along the way.  Make it more enjoyable by detailing the car first!

• Williamsburg (much less crowded during winter months): Info at www.williamsburg.com.

• Surprise her with a splurge weekend at West Virginia’s famed Greenbrier Resort (www.greenbrier.com).

• Disney on Ice “Finding Nemo” at Roanoke Civic Center, Dec. 15-19 (888-397-3100 or   www.disneyonice.com) for tickets and info.

• Natural Bridge Zoo, I-81 between exit 175 & 180, (291-2420).

• Mill Mountain Zoo near Roanoke, (343-3241 or www.mmzoo.org). 

• Rightmire Children’s Museum (Amazement Square), Lynchburg, (434-845-1888).

• Clean a closet, purge your desk files, put bills on auto-pay. 

• Organize loose photos into albums by topic.

• Create a new family phone list with emergency numbers prominently displayed. Update your speed dial listings.

• Use a bad weather day to get ahead: Organize receipts for income tax time.

• Get something framed that will make a nice gift.  Both Artfully Framed in Westlake Commons (721-1218) and Lost Mountain Custom Matting & Framing (721-5513) can provide ideas and framing services. 

• Host a theme party: TV Star Costumes; “Bring 5 Jokes”; Trivial Pursuit®, Monopoly® or other board game; “Bring Favorite CDs,” “Bring Favorite Hors d’oeuvre,” or think up your own.         

• Begin a home-prepared gourmet dinner club with three other couples; pick a theme, serve Virginia wines. (See Chris in the wine department at Kroger for wine recommendations or watch for Saturday and Sunday Wine Tastings at The Diamond Hill General Store 297-9309.)