Category — vacation in smith mountain lake

A few nights of classical music are in store this Labor Day weekend for those of us who are lovers of music here at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. Partake in a few evenings of musical enlightenment as you listen to the beautiful sounds of master musicians such as Maestro David Stewart Wiley, Tracy Cowden, Philip & Tara Bouknight and Leah Marer Wiley during the 2 days of exciting musical events and local concerts.

• On Friday, September 2 at 7:00 p.m. Tracy Cowden and David Stewart Wiley will grace the Trinity Ecumenical Parish stage in Moneta on duo pianos, providing the lake crowd with the privilege of enjoying their program entitled “Duo Piano Fireworks: From Sea to Shining C”. Throughout this program you will hear 176 keys dueling in harmony, with favorites such as Rachmaninoff Romance, Grieg Norwegian Dance, selections from Petrouchka, a Hungarian Dance and the Haydn Variations by Brahms, and a Gershwin Porgy and Bess Fantasy. There will also be a sampling of piano music from Maestro Wiley’s score to the locally filmed “Lake Effects” movie starring Jane Seymour. For a sneak peak at the scoring and to enjoy all the classics, get your tickets early for the program because they are sure to sell out!

• In addition, there will be a program on Sunday, September 4 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. entitled “Labors of Love: from Boheme to Bernstein” in which the Bouknights and the Wileys will perform classic “Labors of Love” from beloved hit musicals and the silver screen as well as popular arias, duets and trios. The program is built for the three shining vocalists and the accompanying piano in order to share with us the musical expressions of love and love’s labor’s lost. Bring a date or your spouse to this night of musical enchantment conveniently located near the lake, and hear classics including duets from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Mozart’s Don Giovanni & Marriage of Figaro, Bizet’s Carmen, Copland’s The Tender Land, Bernstein’s Candide & West Side Story, and Puccini’s La Boheme as well as themes from theater classics including Gone With the Wind, Rent, My Fair Lady, and many other romance favorites.

Tickets for these events cost $20 each or $35 per ticket for both performances and they are available by mail when addressed to SMAC, P.O. Box 70 in Moneta, VA (24121) (please include a self-addressed stamped envelope) and they will also be available at the SML Visitors Center, Print-n-Paper, and the General Store. Come get swept away with us while enjoying a few nights of entertainment and refined romance on this very special Labor Day weekend!

Both concerts will be held at Trinity Ecumenical Parish in Moneta, VA on Route 122 at Lakemount, Moneta. For tickets or information contact (540) 297-0965 or (540) 309-1676.

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!

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.

If you were on the fence about taking a vacation this year (or even are planning ahead for next year), it’s not too late to arrange a fabulous, affordable getaway to Smith Mountain Lake. Not only will the beautiful sight of what’s been called the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains” be relaxing in and of itself, it also provides excellent recreation for those who enjoy a more active time.

At SML, the scenery is absolutely astounding, the fun is endless, and there are accommodations to fit almost all time constraints and budgets. Rentals are available by the long weekend, week, and even the month. You can choose to deal directly with the private homeowner or SML vacation rental property managers. Similar to other vacation spots, rates are based on the season, size of the rental property, and the amenities included. SML Vacation Rental costs tend to be quite a bargain when making comparisons to similar waterfront resorts across the country.

Peak season typically runs June – August. Check in and out for peak season is usually on a Saturday, renting in full week increments is requested, and in most cases, you’re expected to supply your own linens.

The mid-season time is usually 4-6 weeks prior to and following summer. This would be perfect for someone who still wants to enjoy pleasantly warm weather, but is looking for a getaway with fewer visitors around. There tend to be modest discounts from peak rates during this time and more flexibility with check in and out times. Often daily or weekend rate options are even available.

Low-season is generally mid-October through mid-April. If you love the fabulous view, appreciate the mild weather, and are looking for a more reclusive escape, this would be the time for you to plan your SML vacation. You will enjoy the benefit of discounts ranging from 20%-50%, flexible check in and out dates, and daily, weekend and monthly rate options.

For boat owners, most of the SML lakefront rentals include a dock. Be sure to ask when you are securing your rental. However, public SML boat launching ramps are typically easy to locate and nearby. If you are unable to bring your own boat, there are marinas that rent pontoon boats, ski boats, PWCs (Seadoo, Yamaha, etc.) and other motorboats.

While SML is quite a secluded sanctuary for a vacation, you may be asking yourself if there are stores and services available around the area. SML has that covered too! Several large supermarkets, banks, marinas, dozens of restaurants, two YMCAs, two libraries, doctors, an urgent care center, dentists, veterinarians and many retailers are all located just a few miles away. Almost all of your needs can be easily accommodated within very close proximity of the lake. Your vacation haven is just awaiting your arrival, so call and make the arrangements today!

Once you’ve rented here, you might think about settling here. For 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.

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

Looking for something exciting to do this weekend?

Beyond the Green Indoor Golf and Sportsbar is one of Smith Mountain Lake’s newest sports bars/entertainment venues, offering a fun and exciting atmosphere and enhancing the nightlife scene in downtown Moneta. Their facility boasts a full service bar, 8 flat screen TVs and 2 HD golf simulators allowing guests to play all the PGA courses from Moneta! Come in for delicious lunch, dinner and drinks and watch your favorite sports games live any time during the bar’s regular hours:

Mon 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Tues-Thurs: 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sun: 12:00 pm -11:00 pm

This weekend there will also be two live music acts performing:

Friday, June 24^th – Robotic Jive

Robotic Jive on Facebook

Saturday, June 25^th – Barefoot West

Barefoot West on Facebook

Music starts at 9pm. There will be no cover charge and the bar is open late, serving food and beverages until 1 am. Come out and join the fun with live music, drinks, great food and virtual golf at Smith Mountain Lake’s newest premier location for exciting music acts and entertainment!

Beyond the Green is located at:

1035 Mercantile St, Suite 100, Moneta

For more information call (540) 296-0871

Or visit them on Facebook:

Beyond the Green on Facebook

Looking for a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year? How about a “staycation” in Smith Mountain Lake? Bring the whole family to celebrate together, or give mom some much- deserved relaxation time in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is easy to say “Thanks, Mom,” with a weekend in Smith Mountain Lake.

Ahhhh…the Spa

This is definitely the way to a mom’s heart – a day of spoiling at the spa! And the Pure Spa in Smith Mountain Lake has a wonderful way to make the Monday after Mother’s Day anything but BLAH! The Mommy and Me Monday on May 9 is the perfect gift for moms with little princesses at home. The day includes manicures, pedicures and mini-makeovers. Appointments are limited, so make your reservation soon! If mom needs some alone time to unwind, splurge with a massage package just for her. No matter where you live – the spa is a great way to make ma say “ahhhh!”

A Little Wine Can Be a Good Thing

If your mom needs a little more intensive therapy than a day at the spa can offer (rumors say this can be the case for moms with boys!), a week on the Bedford Wine Trail may be in order! “Five Wineries…One Big Adventure” is the trail’s motto, and it is a wonderful way to recuperate from a year of being “mom.” Beautiful orchards and vineyard nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, a glass of award-winning wine in her hand, and a few visits to historical sites in the area…if this sounds like something your mom would love, then the Bedford Wine Trail has you covered this Mother’s Day!

There are lots of wonderful things to do in and around Smith Mountain Lake. Come for a visit, if you like it, then move here. When you are ready for a luxury waterfront home, call Vicki Millehan! She is your local real estate expert, and longtime Smith Mountain Lake resident.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a place where you can enjoy it all. From the water to the history, there is a little bit of everything within the park. You can do the traditional park-like activities, meaning hiking and fishing or you can try something new, like testing your wilderness skills or visiting an exhibit on the folklore of Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park was developed in 1967, after Appalachian Power dammed the Roanoke River in Smith Mountain Gap, near Huddleston. The company donated a parcel of land for the park and the State of Virginia bought the rest. In 1975, the construction began and, finally, in 1983 the park was officially open to visitors. Ever since then this place has been swarming with people taking advantage of all the various things to do.

During the heat of summer you will find many sunbathers and swimmers enjoying the park’s 500 foot beach. On any given evening you will smell the burning campfire, and maybe even hear some campfire tunes coming from the 50 primitive campsites or the 20 cabins. Can’t you just picture yourself jumping in for a refreshing swim? Maybe you’d feel more at home singing along by the campfire while roasting up a marshmallow.

Smith Mountain Lake Park is a great example of how enjoyable and varied the Smith Mountain Lake area is. This park reflects the natural beauty and the laid back atmosphere of the whole town.

Perhaps you would like to stick around and enjoy the park and the town all year long or maybe you just want to check it out a little more. Either way, you need some one to show you around town. Vicki Millehan is one of the area’s top real estate agents and she has chosen this lovely place to call home, so let her be your guide. Vicki will be more than happy to tell you all about what it is really like to live in Smith Mountain Lake and find you a great Virginia property here.