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
