Category — Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate News

Keeping up with the tradition carried over from last summer’s success, The Friends of Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Inc. presents the Music in the Park event, taking place throughout the 2011 summer season.

Are you a fan of warm summer nights, live bluegrass music and delicious hot dogs, snacks and drinks? This is the perfect chance for you to come out and enjoy local live entertainment from talented bluegrass bands and the Old Dominion Cloggers at each event. Bring a picnic or buy ice cream, hot dogs and other treats whose proceeds help support and fund the Smith Mountain Lake State Park community facility.

When/Where: The fun takes place every 4th Saturday during the summer at 8 p.m. at the Beach Pavilion in Smith Mountain Lake’s State Park, located at SML State Park, 1235 State Park Road, Huddleston, VA.

Fees are $5.00 per person and there is no parking fee. Children 12 and under are admitted for free.

The exciting lineup of bands is as follows:
July 23rd- Friday Night Band
August 27th- Wound Tight

Seating is limited, so bring your own lawn chairs or spread out a blanket and enjoy the beautiful weather, fine scenery, and family-friendly atmosphere that the Smith Mountain Lake area has to offer!

For more information, call (540) 297-6066.

The National D-Day Memorial located in Bedford, VA and near to Smith Mountain Lake offers its visitors an emotional and educational experience as they remember the events that took place on June 6, 1944. This summer, they are offering two unique opportunities to get your whole family involved in the rich history of the Bedford/Smith Mountain Lake area.

• The 2011 D-Day Memorial Family Day is “an opportunity to discover the lessons and legacy of World War II through interactive programs, tours and projects”. Throughout the day on Saturday, July 16th, 2011 there will be activities such as Victory garden projects, book-signings, models on display, and more, as well as many contests for family members to get involved with.
  

  Click image above for PDF of poster

  Contests/Attractions include:

  • More than 30 activity stations, all hands-on and family-friendly
  • Project Vintage Runway, taking place at noon on Saturday, July 16th-no registration fee is required but participants need to register with the Memorial by July 11th. Bring 40s attire in order to participate in the runway show: prizes will be provided to the winners. All ages are welcome.
  • D-Day Memorial Car Show-visitors can enter their cars in the show, but it is restricted to military vehicles and cars manufactured before 1950. Visitors vote on the winner, who will receive a People’s Choice Award.
  • A USO Idol singing competition, broken into two youth categories for ages 6-18 and one adult category
    (Performers must register by July 11th. There is a $10 entry fee and limited space available.)

  The event is sponsored by Woodmen of the World, Lodge 175 and the Kiwanis Club of Bedford. Regular fees apply for adults, but students under 18 are free.

  For more information contact April Cheek-Messier at (540) 586-3329 or at acheek@dday.org regarding any questions you have or to register for competitions. Also visit www.dday.org for more information or call (540)586-3329.

• In addition to the Family Day, there is also a D-Day Memorial WWII Day Camp called “Growing up in World War II” being held from Wednesday, July 27th through Friday, July 29th from 8:45am-1pm.

  The camp is open for registration for fourth through sixth grade students who will enjoy hands-on history activities, crafts, period games, and rationing-era snacks. A t-shirt and souvenir for all campers is included in the fees, and the children receive the opportunity to meet with living history veterans and re-enactors.

  Fees are $60.00 for the first child and $50.00 for each additional child, which include a t-shirt, craft and activity materials, daily snacks and instruction. Pre-registration is required and a $20.00 nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of registration.

  Take this opportunity to enrich the lives of your children by providing them with a glimpse of history!

  The camp is sponsored by the Bedford Elks Lodge #2844. Contact the Education Department of the National D-Day Memorial at (540) 586-3329 for more information or to register.

  Space is limited (only 35 participants) and you must pre-register, so don’t miss out on this opportunity to help give your child fuller understanding and greater appreciation of the sacrifices of those in military service during WWII and throughout history!

For more live musicians and entertainment as well as an opportunity to enjoy some great local wine, consider stopping by Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery located in the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake area on Saturdays this summer.

Each event will be held on Saturdays through September 3rd and will run from 7:00-10:00 pm.

The lineup of local musicians is as follows:

July 2nd: Kevin Marshall-a songwriter from Charlotte, NC who previously played in the Sutton Ain’t Right band. He is the cousin of local musician Scott Sutton.
July 16th: Square Peg-a jazz duo performing live
July 23rd: Kat Mills-an acoustic singer/songwriter based out of Blacksburg, VA
July 30th: Sparks Will Fly-A blues/rock/acoustic group based out of Roanoke, with Brittany Sparks on vocals, Billy McCray on guitar, and Scott Sutton on bass.
Hear some of their music at ReverbNation
September 3rd: Larry, Mike & Chip-a group of songwriters who will be performing as “songwriters in the round.”

The cost is $10 including glass and tasting. Kids & DDs get in free.

Bring lawn chairs and a picnic spread and sample Hickory Hill’s fine wines, available for purchase by the glass or bottle, all while enjoying live local musicians!

Offering fine wine and delicious gourmet cuisine, Chateau Morisette is the perfect place to spend your Sunday listening to free live music and enjoying grilled foods, soft drinks and wine available to be purchased beginning at noon. You can even bring your own picnic and just enjoy the atmosphere and free entertainment.

Chateau Morrisette holds these events every Sunday through October. On Sunday, June 26^th, the live music and entertainment begins at 1:00 pm and ends at 4:00. They are located at:
287 Winery Road SW in Floyd, Virginia.

This Sunday’s entertainment is Crusher Run, who has been playing bluegrass, traditional folk country, and folk music since the fall of 2000. They describe themselves as a “Goodtime Band”. You can hear their music at http://www.myspace.com/crusherrun

Come out for free entertainment and purchase some food from the grill. Be sure to bring your own seating.

If you’d rather do something earlier in the morning, a Sunday Brunch Buffet is held every Sunday June-October from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.

The buffet is $23.95 per adult and $12 for children under 12.

A limited a la carte menu is also available.

Take advantage of Chateau Morrisette’s special summer events!

For more information visit http://www.thedogs.com, email info@chateaumorrisette.com, or call (540) 593-2865

Every Friday this summer, Mariners Landing, located at 1217 Graves Harbor Trail in Huddleston, Virginia, is now hosting their “Finally Fridays” series. This series boasts live musical acts, delicious seafood cuisine with their signature Grand Seafood buffet available, and discounted overnight accommodations for those interested in staying for a little rest and relaxation at the resort.

Admission to the event is FREE each Friday.

On Friday, June 24, the Breeze Brothers are providing the musical entertainment.

The Breeze Brothers are set to play from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

For more information call (540) 297-4900

or visit http://www.marinerslanding.com

In a recent issue of Smith Mountain Laker Magazine, garden photographer, speaker and author Catriona Tudor Erler shares some of her knowledge and experience to help you create an amazing array of flowers around your own home. If the natural beauty exuding from every pore of Smith Mountain Lake compels you to want landscaping to match, follow this expert advice for a fabulous flower frenzy!

Erler recommends these following tips:

Good Soil

If you are not in a hurry, you could collect some organic materials-make sure compost, leaves, rotted manure, and weed-free straw are included in the mixture-and spread at least 5-6 inches on top of the existing soil. Let the worms do all the digging, while the decomposition of the materials will be improving your soil. In a couple of years, it will be ideal for planting.

For more immediate results, till the organic material into the existing soil yourself. If dealing with an area that has a lot of stones, it may be necessary to remove an area of at least 10-12 inches and replace it with a high-quality top soil. However, buyer beware as the quality control of top soil around SML leaves something to be desired. Erler’s personal experience has been a delivery of river bottom sand, almost nutrient-free, that hardened into a concrete of sorts, and another was a delivery of clay. So choose your supplier carefully!

Plant Performers

The challenge of creating your beautiful utopia with minimal care is to work smarter, not harder. Erler advises selecting some perennials that can bloom for long periods, survive with little or no rain at times and are low maintenance.

Geranium ‘Rozanne’-while not deer resistant-are worth protecting because of their garden performance of flowering in early summer and continuing until frost. Helenium ‘Sahin’s Early Flowerer’ will grow as high as 2-3 feet and is deer resistant. Border the flower bed with blanket flowers such as Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons’. Next to the Geranium ‘Rozanne’ and against the background of the lake is a perfect setting.

Don’t Forget the Foliage

Even flowers need a little down time, so while not blooming, offset the garden with foliage. Great possibilities are Hemerocallis ‘Golden Zebra’, Heliopsis ‘Loraine Sunshine’ and Cimicifuga ‘Hillside Black Beauty. Take advantage of the recent hybridizing of coral bells. With such a variety of foliage colors and typical availability at The Growing Place in Wirtz, there is nothing stopping you!

Other forms of flower and foliage are provided with shrubs which also fulfill the need for mass. Try Loropetalum ‘Purple Diamond, Sambucus ‘Black Lace’ and Weigela ‘Eyecatcher’ to start.

Create Dimension

“Reach for the sky,” says Erler. Don’t have everything the same height in the flower bed. Create some dimension with vertical elements by adding supports for vines to grow up tall, the shrubs will help and try some trees too. A few evergreen shrubs can even keep some green through the winter; one idea is a fastigiated conifer.

A final suggestion for this eye-tantalizing feast of flowers is repetition of planting patterns in the border. Keep in mind that alternating the blooming varieties and the foliage will create rhythm and balance in your design.

For more resources on fabulous landscaping around your home or assistance in buying lakefront property, call me, Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience selling waterfront homes, and am a long-time resident of Smith Mountain Lake.

Green can be beautiful on Smith Mountain Lake, whether you are talking about our lush golf courses or homes built with the environment in mind. Recently the Washington Post published an article about the first home LEED certified in Smith Mountain Lake; only 16 other homes in all of Virginia have earned that distinction as well. The home is no small bungalow either, at 5,200 square feet, it proves you can be big, bold and beautiful and still be environmentally friendly.

Wayne and Joan Pepper had owned their lakefront lot for several years and a decrease in the cost of building supplies gave them a green light to move forward with building their dream home. They wanted to have a home that was energy efficient and retirement ready, little did they know they would get much more than that! When the home was completed it had earned LEED-certification and that is not an easy feat.
What Is LEED?
LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is an internationally recognized building certification system developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). The main emphasis of LEED is promoting sustainable building practices. Any building that meets the requirements can earn certification whether it is a residential or commercial build. It works on a 100 point scale and even has bonus points available with some being based on regional environmental concerns.

LEED certification also takes in the whole life of the home being built, not just its energy efficiency. How and what materials a home is built with come into consideration. Waste management during construction must be kept to 10% of materials. Indoor air quality, using renewable construction materials and even storm water management play key roles in certification.

Storm water management is a special concern for residents of Smith Mountain Lake. Keeping the lake clean and clear is a top priority for those who live along its shores. The Pepper’s decision to build their vacation/retirement home came after visiting the lake. Smith Mountain Lake had everything they were looking for and now they have the first of hopefully many LEED-certified homes in the area.

Green can be beautiful on Smith Mountain Lake! Come for a visit, if you like it then move here!! Whether you are looking for a luxury waterfront home ready to move in to, or if you want a lot to build on, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate resource.

Prudential Waterfront Properties Realtor, Vicki Millehan, is starting 2011 with a great start. Not only is she celebrating her 20^th year with Prudential Waterfront Properties, but Vicki was also awarded the 2010 Chairman’s Circle Platinum Award which represents the top two percent of the network and recognizes realtors for their great sales measures in closed residential GCI or closed residential units. Vicki is no stranger to this award as she also received the Platinum Award in 2007, 2008, and 2009

In recent years, Vicki has been acknowledged for her exemplary service with a variety of awards including:

2010 – 2^nd Place Sales Professional Award Winner for the State of Virginia for sales measures in closed residential GCI, commercial GCI or closed residential units

2010 – The Legend Award (Awarded for receiving the Chairman’s Circle Award 5 Times)

2009 – 1^st Place Award Winner for the State of Virginia for sales measures in closed residential GCI, commercial GCI or closed residential units

2006 – Resort & Recreation Specialist (recognizing specialized knowledge, marketing skills, and successful Resort property, second homes or vacation property experience.)

2005 – “Top Individual Sales Award” by Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors

2004 – “Top Individual Sales Award” by Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors

There are proposed changes to county zoning ordinances under discussions, and you may be wondering exactly what this mean for Smith Mountain Lake.

The area around the lake is currently zoned A-1, which is for agriculture. The new changes would change the zoning to SA-1, which stands for suburban agriculture. This means that businesses such as slaughterhouses, landing strips, sawmills and primitive campgrounds would no longer be allowed. Mobile homes and parks will still be allowed, as there is a state law which says that any property zoned for agriculture must allow for these exceptions. The businesses which already exist will be allowed to remain, but if those businesses close, similar business will not be allowed to open there.

There are also proposed changes to residential zoning. Some subdivisions are currently zoned A-1; these would be changed to SR-1 and SR-2. Current R-1 properties would be changed to SR-1 and SR-2 as well.

Neil Holthouser, Franklin County director of planning and community development, spoke with residents at a town hall meeting last week about these changes, and how they would affect the area around the lake. As there has been some confusion in the past over what the current ordinances mean, hopes are that the new ordinances will allow the Smith Mountain Lake area to grow – with a more clearly defined idea of what the restrictions mean.

To find out about Smith Mountain Lake’s growth, and what a great place it is to own a ‘year round or vacation home, call Vicki Millehan, your local real estate expert, for all of your real estate needs.

Wondering what’s going on in the area for the month? The great thing about Smith Mountain Lake there is that there’s always something to look forward to.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, why not arrange a Singing Valentine for your sweetheart? The SML Harmineers Barbershop Chorus will be delivering Singing Valentines, with proceeds to benefit the Harmineers’ music program for local high school graduates. A quartet in fancy dress will provide two or more songs, a rose, and a card for $50. To arrange delivery, you can contact someone at the following numbers:

• Franklin County – 721-1437

• Bedford County – 297-9231

• Lynchburg County – (434) 851-9300

• Roanoke County – 977-0472

The Southwest Virginia Boat Dealers Association will be hosting the 2011 Boat Show at the Roanoke Civic Center, from February 25 – 27. What a great opportunity to see all the dealers on Smith Mountain Lake, or present your own products and services to boating enthusiasts. There will be a large selection, and a lot of dealer specific promotions, to take advantage of.

Hours will be February 25 from 1-7pm, and February 26 and 27 from 10am-7pm. Admissions are $7.50 for adults; kids 12 and under are free with an adult. Friday will be Free Admission Friday, with no admission being charged.

If you’re looking to experience all Smith Mountain Lake has to offer – by moving here or by buying a vacation home or condo – contact Vicki Millehan, long-time local resident and real estate expert, for all your real estate needs.