Category — boating

Calling all antique and classic boat enthusiasts (and all who are looking for a good time and a little nautical throw-back)! Please come and join the fun at the 21^st Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show on September 16^th and 17^th in Smith Mountain Lake!

This is a remarkable annual event that, for obvious reasons, draws plenty of locals, but also those from surrounding states. The boats are all a part of history, with each of these boats carrying its own tale—like pieces to a puzzle, none of them exactly alike. Where and how did the boat originate? How did that person become the current owner? What amazing incidents did they or a former owner get the privilege of experiencing with it? A thrilling part of the event for the owners of these classics is to excitedly share their boats’ escapades and listen to other boat owners, wide-eyed and with as much enthusiasm, share theirs as well.

The event will be held at the Mariner’s Landing Conference Center in Huddleston, VA. It is a family-friendly event that offers tasty food, vendors, activities and even some entertainment. Come on Friday 9-16, and take advantage of the buffet lunch at The Pointe. After that, enjoy the guided water cruise on the lake. It is sure to please with the breath-taking scenery, not to mention all the stunning homes, islands, and even the hydroelectric dam. Don’t forget the evening social for a spectacular ending to your day.

On Saturday 9-17, it’s SHOW TIME! Showcase your own boat or enjoy all the boats that are being shown. You won’t want to miss out on the activities—even the kids—crafts and entertainment. Souvenirs will be available to commemorate the fabulous time you’ll be enjoying. A delicious banquet dinner will be served in the ballroom at the Mariner’s Landing Conference Center. There will even be awards following the dinner. For more information or registration forms, please visit the website.

Be a part of all the excitement and seafaring tales! Maybe you have your own to tell on yet another fantastic weekend event. You can see why so many people are drawn to become residents of Smith Mountain Lake. For assistance in buying lakefront property, call me, Vicki Millehan. I will be more than happy to give you some housing suggestions. I have over 19 years of experience in selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake. My web page always has a current list of events that are taking place in Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake offers spectacular views and sightseeing, and Virginia Dare Cruises are a wonderful way to get out and experience the atmosphere of the lake in a new and exciting fashion.

Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina (located at 3619 Airport Road in Moneta, Virginia) is offering unique specialty cruises this summer in order to celebrate Parents’ Day and to enable participants to learn more about the wildlife here at the lake.

On Sunday, July 24th from 2-4 pm you are invited to give mom and dad a special gift for Parents’ Day-send them on a cruise where they can relax and indulge in a catered lunch while enjoying the plentiful sights and scenery. Parents are welcome to bring their children along. Children 5-12 are ½ of full rate and children 4 & under are ¼ of full rate. All prices include a 2-hour cruise, a delicious meal, tax, service charges, coffee & tea. A minimum of 30 people per cruise is required to sail.

Wildlife Wednesdays is another specialty cruise offered by our friends at Virginia Dare. On the first Wednesday of the month (April-November) from 12:00-2:00 pm, you can again enjoy a 2 hour cruise and a meal while a Smith Mountain Lake State Park Ranger teaches you more about the wildlife here at the lake. The next Wildlife Wednesday event will be held on August 3rd.

The menu for Wildlife Wednesdays includes: an appetizer, herb roasted pork loin, roasted chicken in a balsamic crème sauce, seasoned green beans, French onion rice, bread/butter, dessert, and coffee/tea.

The cost is $42.00 for adults, and the group rate is $38.00 per adult. Group rates apply for 30 or more adults.

To learn more about these special events, visit the dining and menu section of VA Dare Cruises at http://vadarecruises.com/cruises/dining-menu/.

Take some time out of your hectic schedule to enjoy these opportunities to have a day of cruising on the lake, relaxing and spending time with friends and neighbors, and enjoying a delicious hot meal!

Smith Mountain Lake is well known for its weekend getaways and as a summer vacation hotspot. But with its temperate climate, the region has grown into a year round travel destination boasting a growing residential community. A true “Four Season” community whose shorelines, services, amenities, and attractions create the perfect place to visit and live!!

There is no doubt Smith Mountain Lake has four seasons. Boating is most popular from the early spring all the way to the colorful days of fall. The brave of heart can even venture out on the lake in the winter. The average temperatures in January are highs in the mid forties to lows in mid twenties. The Lake does not freeze over, so about the only thing you can’t do on the Lake is ice skate!

In the crisp spring air you will see flashes of colorful phlox and bright jonquils! Azaleas will begin to put on their yearly show of brilliant colors. Then as spring gives way to summer, the lake becomes a flurry of activity. With perfect temperatures of the mid to upper 80’s during the day and lows in the 70’s at night, it is hard to beat Smith Mountain Lake in the summertime! That is until you see the fall foliage!! Many people come to the area just to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy autumn’s display! Finally as the hustle and bustle begins to slow down, a light dusting of snow puts everyone in the Holiday mood!

With such a wonderful climate, wineries and orchards love the 180 day average growing season. Some of the best wines in the country are made right here in Virginia! It is easy to fill your table with the bounty of the area at the local farmers markets! Spring through winter, Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to live and visit! It is not just your usual summer vacation fling!

The invitation is open all year round! Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here! When you are ready to buy your own lake front property, call Vicki Millehan! A local real estate expert and resident of Smith Mountain Lake!!