
Welcome to the
Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide
Tucked in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Smith Mountain Lake is a refreshingly different place to unwind, explore and connect. Whether you’re planning a vacation, relocating or just looking for things to do, SML Insiders is your go-to guide. Our seasonal magazine, dining guide and weekly email deliver stunning photography, local events, can’t-miss experiences and insider tips—so you can enjoy the best of lake life in every season.
Find Your Home Base
Smith Mountain Lake Vacation Rentals and Other Lodging
Planning a weekend escape or extended stay? Smith Mountain Lake offers waterfront rentals, cozy cabins, resorts, hotels, B&Bs, campgrounds and houseboats. Many are pet-friendly and great for families, groups or couples. For extra comfort, explore luxury rentals and full-service resorts for a more relaxing and upscale experience.
SML Insiders is the definitive publication for living, playing and exploring at Smith Mountain Lake. Packed with stunning photography, local stories, expert tips and seasonal guides, it’s a must-read for residents and visitors alike. Find it in print at 75-plus key locations around the lake and online for year-round inspiration and insider access.
food and drink scene
Smith Mountain Lake Dining & Entertainment Guide
Our annual guide to food and fun is your passport to the best bars and restaurants at SML. From laid-back bites to waterfront fine dining, it’s packed with maps, pet-friendly picks and insider tips. Available in print and online, it’s the go-to resource for unforgettable lakefront meals on and off the water.

Every season at Smith Mountain Lake brings new ways to explore, play and create lasting memories on and off the water.
Explore #SMLInsiders on Instagram
🌳👟 Looking for a leisurely hike the whole family can enjoy? Head to Smith Mountain Lake Community Park! Just 15 minutes southeast of Westlake Corner, this 37-acre gem features an easy 1.7-mile trail that loops around the park’s peninsula, offering stunning lake views at every turn.
Beyond the trail, you`ll find a fishing pier, playground, beach, picnic shelters, and restrooms—perfect for a full day of fun. Open year-round from dawn to dusk, SML Community Park is your go-to spot for a peaceful outdoor escape.
Explore more about this family-friendly hiking spot in our insider`s guide! 👇
👆 Link in BIO under ACTIVITIES.
📷: Bob Houpt
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@franklincountyshines

From vine to glass at SML. 🍇🍷 Our Runner‑Up Prize in the $3,000 Fall Getaway Sweepstakes features a $50 @WindVineyardsSML gift certificate, plus more local favorites.
𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 👉 Click the link in our BIO for CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS or head here: smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlva
💙
This giveaway is in no way sponsored by, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. See complete rules at https://smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes

The SML Charity Home Tour is back Oct 10-12! Tour eight exquisite lakefront homes while giving back to the community. 🏡 SML Insiders has your sneak peek + handy maps to guide your tour while supporting eight local charities.
❤️ Plus, what to bring, accessibility notes and details on how to visit by boat or by car. 👉 https://smith-mountain-lake.com/events/charity-home-tour/
👆 Link in BIO under MAGAZINE | Fall 2025
We`re giving away a pair of tickets 🎫 enter now! 👆 Link in BIO under CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS
📸: Casey Johnson, REALTOR | Courtesy of @SMLCharityHomeTour
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #SMLCharityHomeTour #VirginiaEvents #LakeLife #WaterfrontHome

⛳️ The oldest course at Smith Mountain Lake, The Waterfront Country Club, is a championship layout designed by George Dillon. It offers a true test of skill with tight, tree-lined fairways and challenging greens. Located about 7 minutes south of Westlake Corner, this private course allows unaccompanied guests to play if their home course`s PGA Professional makes the tee time.
Get more expert insight on The Waterfront and other SML courses in our Insider`s Guide to Smith Mountain Lake Golf. 👆 Link in BIO under ACTIVITIES.
📸: Bryce Scott, @rapidimagery
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlgolf
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@franklincountyshines

Making a weekend of the SML Charity Home Tour? 🏡✨ From cozy condos to waterfront homes, browse options and filter by dates, size, and amenities.
👆 Link in BIO under LODGING
🗺️ Full Charity Home Tour insider guide (maps, FAQs, directions, tips) 👆 Link in BIO under SML Charity Home Tour | 2025
See what else is happening around the lake October 10-12 👉 Link in BIO under EVENTS
📸: Casey Johnson, REALTOR | Courtesy of @SMLCharityHomeTour
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #SMLCharityHomeTour #VirginiaEvents #WaterfrontHomes #SMLLodging #VirginiaGetaway
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@destinationbedfordva

The runner up in our fall sweepstakes will win $100 in credit from the SML Insiders store! 🎁 Choose from personalized lake-themed apparel, drinkware and home décor to step up your lake living style.
𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 👉 Click the link in our BIO for CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS or head here: smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlva
💙
This giveaway is in no way sponsored by, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. See complete rules at https://smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes

Show your pride in SML with a modern, nautical twist with this awesome nautical flags T-shirt! ⚓ Available in 10 colors, it`s super soft and a unisex fit, perfect for both guys and gals.
Click the link in our BIO 👆 and choose SHOP.
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders

𝗦𝗠𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 ✨The Campbell Home
Located on Saunders Point in Huddleston, the Campbell home is a 3,000-square-foot renovated cottage featuring four bedrooms and three baths. Completely transformed by its owner, an interior design professor at a nearby university, the original home was gutted and reconfigured, turning the former master bedroom into a new front entrance.
The open floor plan centers around a spacious kitchen, while a newly added fireplace and screened porch offer cozy gathering spots. Outdoors, the level lot provides beautiful views of the lake and easy access to the dock. There’s no formal path or stepping stones so visitors to this home will have to walk on the grass.
🧡 Benefitting Charity: @bedfordride
The Mission of Bedford Ride is to improve the quality of life for Bedford County citizens by providing better access to non-emergency medical services.
Come by car or boat to experience the 34th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, Oct 10-12! 🏡 Our insider’s guide includes descriptions and photos, detailed directions, plus a handy Google map with all the homes already plotted for the ultimate convenience.
Whether you’re cruising the lake or driving, you’ll enjoy beautiful fall foliage and inspiring homes, all while supporting awesome local charities!
Read the guide, download done-for-you directions to navigate the tour and more at the link in our BIO under EVENTS. 👆
✨ Win a pair of tickets for the tour.
Enter now at the link in our BIO under CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS. 👆
📸: Courtesy of @smlcharityhometour | Casey Johnson, @sml_remax
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlcharityhometour #lakelife #waterfronthome
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@destinationbedfordva
