Category — Bedford County Virginia
The Luray Caverns of Page County
Virginia is full of natural and manmade wonders! From the Natural Bridge to Smith Mountain Lake, there is no end to all the wonderful things to see and do in Virginia. Nestled in the Shenandoah National Park, north of Roanoke, is Luray Caverns. Discovered in 1878, the Luray Caverns are breathtaking! Rock formations “sing” and bridal veils, the formations are as amazing as the day they were discovered!
It all started with a sink hole. A gust of air from a limestone sinkhole blew out a candle held by Andrew Campbell as he and friends were looking for caves in the area. What they ended up discovering was the largest series of caverns on the East. Purchasing the land at public auction, the men began to prepare the cave for visitors. The rest is history!
In 1880 The Smithsonian Institution sent nine scientists to examine the cavern system. They were amazed at the stalactite and stalagmite formations they found. One of the most popular formations is the Stalacpipe Organ! Located in the Cathedral, you really can play music on these stalactites! Using a system of electronically controlled rubber mallets you can hear the rocks make music! It has even been featured on Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
Giant Hall, Titania’s Veil, Dream Lake, and Fried Eggs are just a few of the other amazing cave formations you can see when you visit Luray Caverns. It is about a 2 hour drive from Bedford, Virginia, but well worth the drive! There is so much to do in the area you may need to just plan your vacation to Bedford!
Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! If you want to live in a land of natural and manmade beauty, call Vicki Millehan! A long time resident of Smith Mountain Lake and local real estate expert! From a winery to luxury waterfront homes, she can help you find your own piece of Virginia!
November 23, 2009 Comments Off
Tropic Heat at Smith Mountain Lake
Did you know you could practically visit Key West without ever leaving Smith Mountain Lake? Well if you don’t believe me, head on down to the Portside Grill and Bar! Located across from Marker R21, this piece of the tropics likes to boast it is the ONLY restaurant ON the water at the Lake. The reason they feel they can make the claim, is they actually extend out on a dock over the water. So if you are ready for a colorful meal, head on over by boat or by land!!
Lynn and Alice Swain run the restaurant right at the Virginia Dare Marina. This is convenient since they also operate the Virginia Dare cruises on the replica side wheeler!! With a tropical rhythm and food to compliment, most customers may feel they are in Key West! Every other Sunday, you can even enjoy the Steel Drum band from Quest Academy in Roanoke. On the opposite Sundays, a DJ will keep you swaying to the music! Portside Grill and Bar usually opens around 11am on Saturday and Sundays through Nov 1. Until Labor Day, you can catch the fun starting at about 2pm. Usually things wrap up between 9 and 9:30pm…but in the laid back spirit of Key West, you can enjoy the tropic heat until 11pm if the party is still going!!
Speaking of heat, you will hear locals praise the hot sauce at Portside! If you like the hot sauce have no fear, it can be bought in the marina shop! Now what is it they might be pouring the hot sauce over? The menu is simple but great! Peel and eat shrimp, and BBQ sandwiches can be found on the menu, but the most requested item is the Cheeseburger!! These bad boys are grilled right outside the bar and served fresh on an onion roll!! Just wash that down will a cool margarita and you will be hearing the island music.
Children are welcome too! There is ice cream to enjoy and an arcade to conquer. The carp are much obliged to the popcorn the kiddos toss them in the water. “We wanted to emphasize the family aspect, the food and the atmosphere. We don’t want people to be afraid to bring their kids. It’s a very family-friendly atmosphere,” said Alice!
So if you want to enjoy the tropics without leaving the Lake, you have to enjoy a meal at Portside Grill and Bar! If you are looking for a hot property in Smith Mountain Lake, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert! So come and visit Smith Mountain Lake, if you like it, then move here!!
August 15, 2009 Comments Off
Planning Your Visit to Smith Mountain Lake
There is so much to do at Smith Mountain Lake and the surrounding area in Franklin County, Bedford County, and Pittsylvania County that planning your trip is a real advantage. So where do you start? Finding a place to stay should be the first order of business! There are cottages and full sized homes both on and off the water available to rent. You can also take advantage of the wonderful bed and breakfasts available in the area! Camping is popular, while renting a houseboat could be the ultimate way to enjoy the lake. You can find several different kinds of Smith Mountain Lake rentals here.
Now it is time to decide what you are going to do on this visit. Is this a “get away from it all” vacation or a “do it all” vacation? This may actually effect where you want to stay, so you may want to have an idea of what you want to do before you finalize those accommodations. See – planning is helping already!! If this is a “do it all” vacation, you certainly have a lot to choose from. You can start in Moneta and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway to observe natural beauty and enjoy everything from hiking to mountain music programs. There are lots of historical and cultural activities you can enjoy! You can start looking for both entertainment and great places to eat at smith-mountain-lake.com!
Golf at championship courses like Mariner’s Landing is a big attraction in the area, of course. There’s even miniature gold and other family favorites at Hot Shots. If you like other sports, you have choices ranging from horseback riding to sailing. Of course you can’t forget wake boarding, kayaking, water skiing or fishing either!! You can get in on guided tours or strike out on your own. If you are going to be on the water, make sure you are familiar with Virginia boating guidelines. If you want to unwind from the stress of life, then there is nothing better than attending a wine tasting at any of the award winning wineries in the area! Or book a sunset cruise of the lake on the Virginia Dare,!! Just sounds like heaven, doesn’t it!!
With so much to do, you will probably have to come visit more than once! Be warned, Smith Mountain Lake can be addictive!! But don’t worry, if you like it, then move here! Call local real estate expert Vicki Millehan!! She can help you find your perfect place to make your home away from home! Or she can help if you want to become a “local”!! Smith Mountain Lake; come for the fun, stay for the lifestyle!!!
July 31, 2009 Comments Off
A Peachy Time in Bedford!
Normally when you talk about wine and fruit, everyone immediately thinks of grapes, but this weekend it is the peach that takes center stage! Peaks of Otter Winery is having an open house this weekend, August 1 and 2, celebrating the “other” fruits made into their award winning wines! It is free to all and they are open 11am -5pm each day!
At the open house you can sample peaches, nectarines, and apples. While you are there you can take a tour of the winery! They are starting to ramp things up getting ready for the fall crush. Peaks of the Otter is known for its specialty wines. The Chili Dawg wine is an award winning blend of apple and chili wines! Muy caliente!! This Dawg has a little bite to it so be careful!
Some of the unique wines on the list include: Pumpkin Pie, Go-Go-Goji, SweetHeart and Frosty Morn! Of course if Blueberry is a favorite fruit of yours, you cannot live without trying Blueberry Muffin-Mark Twain’s Favorite! This wine comes in a beautiful triangular bottle and is amazing! If you prefer chocolate for your palette you must try Apple Truffle! And last but not least, for the spicy folks there is always Kiss the Devil. This super hot wine is not for the faint of heart!
As the final days of summer begin to “wine” down, come visit us on the Bedford Wine Trail this weekend! Pack a picnic lunch and head out for a lazy day. After your picnic, grab a bottle of wine and take a stroll through orchards and vineyard. Families will enjoy bringing little ones to see the farm animals. We have a saying here in Bedford and Franklin County, if you like it then move here! If you are thinking of relocating to the Smith Mountain Lake area, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert!! If all this talk of wine has you thinking the winery life is for you check out the Savoy Lee! You could be the one making award winning wines next year!!
July 29, 2009 Comments Off