Category — Virginia Attractions

Just a few hours’ drive from Smith Mountain Lake lays Highland County, VA. Aptly dubbed “Virginia’s Switzerland” due in part to its alpine landscape, Highland is home to the annual Maple Festival; a celebration of one of the county’s primary industries. The festival always draws a crowd, and with this year’s unseasonable warm weather, 2012 is expected to bring record breaking attendance.

The festival will be held over two consecutive weekends: March 10-11 and 17-18. Hotels, B&B’s, and cabins book up well in advance, but there are generally last minute deals available. Visit the festival’s website for more information!

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.

What is the best way to keep vacation costs down? Consider vacationing in your local area.

If you live in Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect vacation spot. There are so many wonderful activities for you and your family to enjoy.

If you follow these tips, this beautiful vacation spot can be very affordable:

First, with the rising price of gas, take advantage of one of the credit cards that offers rebates or rewards when you purchase gas using their credit card. In order to reap the most benefits from credit card offers, make sure these charges are included in your vacation budget.

Second, consider planning your vacation during mid or low season. Peak season at Smith Mountain Lake is from June through August. Peak season demands the highest rental rates and the least amount of flexibility on check-in and check-out dates, as well as the length of your stay.

If you visit Smith Mountain Lake during mid season, four to six weeks prior to or after peak season, not only will it be less crowded, but your rates will be discounted. You will also have flexible check-in and check-out dates as well as the option of daily or weekend rates.

You will get the best bang for your buck if you visit Smith Mountain Lake during the low season, from mid-October through mid-April. Rental rates can be discounted by as much as 50%; check-in and check-out dates are very flexible; and you will have the option of renting by the day, week, or month.

Third, take advantage of Mariners Landing vacation packages. They offer a variety of packages from fishing and golfing to romance, wine, and honeymoon packages.

Fourth, as Rachel Ray always suggests, check with the locals to find the most affordable restaurants that offer the best food. Smith Mountain Lake locals are always friendly and will be glad to offer up some advice.

Remember, Smith Mountain Lake is not just a summer resort. No matter when you plan your visit, there will always be activities and events for your family to enjoy.

Or, call me, Vicki Millehan. I will be more than happy to give you some 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.

Starting as an idea in January of 2003, “The Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail“ quickly became an amazing and well-received over 300-mile trail accentuating the extraordinary vitality of the region’s musical heritage. Due to the tremendous response from counties, cities, towns, state agencies tourism organizations and music venues, a steering committee with representatives from these organizations and places meets every month to guide the direction this is going, make decisions and even implement policies. Many of the events take place near Smith Mountain Lake, making it convenient for residents to take the “crooked road” to fun.

If you are a music lover, you don’t want to miss out on this incredible chance to experience the history of this region’s music in such a distinctive way. Keeping in mind that the focus of “The Crooked Road” is the musical heritage, do not just dismiss experiencing this unique opportunity because you are not necessarily a music enthusiast. There are plenty of other things included on the trail such as museums, crafts, historic and cultural programs and even outdoor recreational activities.

As mentioned above, the trail includes so many different venues-over 300 miles worth. In Franklin County alone, there are at least a dozen places included in the trail. For instance, on Mondays 7pm – 9pm, 77 Restaurant would be a great place to go. Thursdays can be fun-filled days beginning at Dairy Queen on Franklin Street (weekly Sept-May) from 9am-10am. Then, on the 3^rd Thursday of the month, head on over to Franklin County Department of Aging on Tanyard Road from 11am-Noon. Also, on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of the month, Waidsboro Ruritan Building on Ruritan Road is the place to be from 7pm-9:30pm.

Maybe you’d prefer a weekend musical treat; in Franklin County, Rocky Mount Community and Hospitality Center is part of the trail on the 2^nd and 4^th Fridays of the month from 6pm-9pm. There is a small admission of $5 per person, but is a great time for all. If you’d rather experience part of the trail on a Friday for free, on the 2^nd Friday of the month, go to Crossroads Ruritan Building on Dry Hill Road from 7pm-9pm (except December).

Franklin County even has weekly Saturday events as part of the trail. If you want something earlier in the day, go to Sheriff Shively’s Storehouse from 11am-4:30pm (weekly through Nov 7^th). But if you would enjoy something a little later in the evening, the place to be is Redwood Ruritan Building on Old Franklin Turnpike beginning at 7pm. There are plenty more Franklin County participants in the trail and whatever your schedule preference, it is well worth your while to experience “The Crooked Road” and see first-hand where the unique musical heritage has led Virginia throughout history.

For more information about events in your area, click on The Crooked Road Interactive Map. For assistance in buying lakefront property, contact Vicki Millehan. I have over 19 years of experience selling waterfront homes in Smith Mountain Lake and am a long-time resident of the area.

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!

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

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

Just north of Bedford County Virginia, you can find one of nature’s most amazing displays: Virginia’s Natural Bridge. Twenty stories high, this solid rock display was made by nature’s own hand. So take a drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy the glorious colors of fall as you head to this wonder of nature! The next few weeks are the peak of fall color in this area of Virginia!

Place of History

There is a lot of history here, starting 300 years ago with the Native Americans of the area. This natural bridge was a sacred site for the area Monacan Tribe. The Cedar Creek carved a 215 foot high, 90 feet wide arch through the mountain, creating a solid rock bridge over the water. Many believe George Washington carved his initials in the arch during a 1750 surveying trip. Thomas Jefferson purchased the bridge from King George III in 1774 for 20 shillings, along with 157 acres of land. Jefferson called it, “the most Sublime of nature’s works.” Jefferson even built a two room cabin and began to use it as a retreat. Many notable figures of history stayed there: James Monroe, Sam Houston and Henry Clay, to name a few.

Family fun at the Bridge

Today there are many things to do if you decide to spend the day at the Natural Bridge. Now through November you can enjoy the Corn Maze! You can “get lost in a good time” with the whole family. Scarecrows are scattered throughout the 6 acres of the maze; any child who finds 10 wins a prize! There is also the Drama of Creation light show each night. This has been a bridge tradition since 1927! There is so much to do. Your Natural Bridge visit includes: Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge Caverns, Cedar Creek Trail, Native American Village, Drama of Creation, and more! You can spend the day and not run out of things to do!

This is an area so full of history and natural wonder! If you want to live closer to it all, call Vicki Millehan! She can help you find what you are looking for! If you haven’t had a chance to see Bedford County and the surrounding area, then come for a visit! If you like it, then move here!!