Smith Mountain Lake, Dream Come True

06/08/2026

We are so excited for Pirates Weekend next month! The Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina will be going out on a cruise from 12-2pm! When they come back we will be having a WATER BATTLE in our cove in front of Portside at 1:30!
Book your cruise at www.vadaresml.com / call 540-297-7100 or come by boat and be ready to have a water fight!

06/01/2026

I’ve always wanted to try sailing!

Looking for a unique way to experience Smith Mountain Lake? Trade the motor for the wind and discover the peaceful beauty of sailing! 🌊⛵

Whether you're a seasoned sailor or have always wanted to learn, Smith Mountain Lake offers opportunities to take sailing lessons or charter a sailboat for a relaxing day on the water. There's something truly special about gliding across the lake powered only by the breeze, surrounded by stunning scenery and quiet coves.

Sailing offers a slower pace and a chance to disconnect from the hustle of everyday life while creating unforgettable memories with family and friends. From breathtaking sunsets to gentle waves and fresh lake air, it's an experience unlike any other at SML. ☀️⛵

🔗 Find local sailing resources and other water activities:
https://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/boating-watersports/

Photo by: Domenic Bottino

Visit Franklin County, Virginia
Destination Bedford Virginia
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

05/28/2026

Did you know Smith Mountain Lake is a true four-season destination?🌸☀️🍂❄️

While summer brings sunny lake days and an average high of a comfortable 84°F - perfect for boating, swimming, fishing, and waterfront dining - every season at SML offers something special to experience.

Spring welcomes blooming landscapes and outdoor adventures, summer is filled with festivals and fun on the water, fall brings stunning mountain colors and crisp air, and winter offers peaceful lake views and cozy getaways. No matter the time of year, there's always something happening around Smith Mountain Lake.

From live music and community festivals to seasonal celebrations and outdoor recreation, SML is a destination worth exploring all year long. 🌊

🔗 Check out upcoming events and start planning your next visit:
https://www.visitsmithmountainlake.com/festivals-events/

Photo by: Alicia Hodges

Visit Franklin County, Virginia
Destination Bedford Virginia
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

05/27/2026

Did you know Smith Mountain Lake is home to more than 20 marinas? 🌊🚤

Whether you're planning a full day on the water or just a relaxing afternoon by the lake, SML's marinas offer everything you need to make the most of your visit. From boat rentals, fuel docks, and supplies to lake access and friendly local service, these marinas help keep summer fun going all season long.

Many also feature waterfront restaurants and bars, making it easy to pull up by boat, grab a bite to eat, enjoy live music, or relax with beautiful lake views after a day on the water. ☀️🍔🎶

No matter how you enjoy the lake - boating, tubing, fishing, cruising, or dining - Smith Mountain Lake's marinas are an important part of the experience.

Photo by: Andrew Krysinski

Visit Franklin County, Virginia
Destination Bedford Virginia
Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

04/01/2026

🌽🍅 Local farmers' markets near Smith Mountain Lake offer so many seasonal delights! From the Westlake Farmers' Market to the Moneta Farmers' Market and Harvest Moon Marketplace, explore the best in fresh produce, jams, baked goods and more.

Discover 100+ more free and low-cost things to do at Smith Mountain Lake! 👇

https://smith-mountain-lake.com/activities/things-to-do-sml

📸: Courtesy of the town of Rocky Mount, Virginia | Discover Rocky Mount

03/24/2026

Painting day at Dream Come True! It’s a challenging paint job for sure! Being that the lake comes up to the foundation, the ladders on the back side have to go in the water! Not to mention the high eves that have to be stained😬. I will post finished pics in a couple of days!

03/09/2026

🎉 Happy 60th birthday, Smith Mountain Lake!

On March 7, 1966, the lake officially reached full pond, transforming farmland, forests and river valleys into the 22,000-acre destination we know and love today.

To celebrate this milestone year, the new issue of SML Insiders includes a decade-by-decade timeline tracing the people, places and milestones that shaped the lake we cherish today.

Explore the timeline and discover how Smith Mountain Lake has evolved over the past 60 years. 👉 smith-mountain-lake.com/sml-history/timeline/
Find it in the new issue or read online at the link in the comments.

💬 We’d love to hear from you:
What is your first or favorite memory at Smith Mountain Lake? Drop it in the comments below!

📷: Bryce Scott, Imagery, LLC

Visit Smith Mountain Lake Virginia's Blue Ridge Bedford Virginia Franklin County, Virginia