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SML Fall Getaway Sweepstakes
Winner Announcement
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
𝗦𝗠𝗟 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 🧑🎨 From local art showcases to vibrant fall markets, this weekend at Smith Mountain Lake is packed with fun. Sample wines, kick back to live tunes and take a moment to connect, celebrate, and discover something new. 👆 A link to the full lineup of October events is in our BIO under EVENTS.
⭐ 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬
@virginiadarecruisesandmarina Fall Cruises, Fri–Sun
🎨 @smithmountainartscouncil 35th Annual Art Show reception and awards at Kaleidoscope Gathering Place, 6:30 p.m.
🍷 Try Before You Buy at @smlfinewines, 4–7 p.m.
Plus, Trivia Night at @mangossml, 7:30 p.m. and live music with Andy Burnette Trio at @hotshotssml, 7:30 p.m. and Thurston Howell at @harvesterperformancecenter, 8 p.m.
⭐ 𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬
Lakeside Local: Enjoy a vibrant market bringing talented local vendors to the heart of SML at Halesford Shopping Center, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mountain View Vintage Mkt in Bedford, 2–6 p.m.
Art Show Gallery viewing at Kaleidoscope Gathering Place, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
💗 Join Hands for the Cure Luncheon at Mariners Landing, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
🍸 Art of Pairing: A one-of-a-kind evening where class meets country in the most unforgettable way at @BowerCenter, 7–9 p.m.
Plus, live music with Dave Owens & the Dock Wizards at Harvest Moon Marketplace, 2-5 p.m., Karaoke Night at Hot Shots, 7 p.m., Rare Form at Mango’s Bar & Grill, 7 p.m., Eric Johnson at Harvester, 8 p.m.
⭐ 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬
Art Show Gallery viewing at Kaleidoscope Gathering Place, noon
🎵 Live music: Sunshine Band at Harvest Moon Marketplace, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and Shaun Cassidy at Harvester, 8 p.m.
Plan your weekend with the all the details from our website. 👆 Link in BIO under EVENTS
📸: Aerial photo by Casey Johnson, Realtor, courtesy of Lakeside Local Market
📸: Artwork photo courtesy of Smith Mountain Arts Council
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #SMLEvents #VirginiaEvents
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@destinationbedfordva

You may be tempted to feed the feathered friends that paddle by, but did you know there is an ordinance that prohibits the feeding of waterfowl within 500 feet of the shores of SML?
This ordinance is in place for compelling reasons. Feeding the waterfowl tarnishes the water and diminishes the recreational quality of our lake, while also putting the birds themselves at risk.
Read more in this guest post from Joanne Houpt of the @smithmountainlakeassociation 👉 6 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Feed Waterfowl at Smith Mountain Lake
👆 Link in BIO under BLOG.
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr

🚨 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗧𝗢 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥! 🚨 Our fall sweepstakes closes TONIGHT at midnight. ✨ Enter now for your chance to win an unforgettable autumn escape: two nights in a lakefront condo courtesy of ML Hospitality, boat rental, golf, foodie adventures, shopping and more—plus, SML Chili Festival fun at peak leaf season!🍂
🎁 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 $𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗦! 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 👉 Tap the link in our BIO for CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS or head here: smith-mountain-lake.com/fall-sweepstakes
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘:
✅ @mlhospitality – 2-night stay at Mariners Landing Resort
✅ One-day boat rental from @bridgewatermarina
✅ Round of golf for four at @marinerslandinggolf including carts and range balls
✅ $150 gift certificate to @tiffslakefront or @brunossml at Mariners Landing
✅ $150 gift certificate to @joandcojewelers
✅ $100 gift certificate to @jbohnbishopmercantile
✅ Welcome basket from @DebBeranProperties
✅ Two tickets for a sightseeing cruise aboard the @virginiadarecruisesandmarina
✅ $25 gift certificate to @mangossml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @thecopperkettlecosml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @smlcoffeehouse
✅ $25 gift certificate to @_giftsahoy1
𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥-𝗨𝗣 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘:
✅ $100 credit in the SML Insiders’ Shop
✅ Basket of goodies from the @smlchamber
✅ Two tickets for a sightseeing cruise aboard the @virginiadarecruisesandmarina
✅ $50 gift certificate to @windvineyardsatsml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @thecopperkettlecosml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @mangossml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @bridgewatersportswear
🗓️ Sweepstakes ends at midnight on Oct. 16, 2025.
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
💙 This giveaway is in no way sponsored by, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. See complete rules: smith-mountain-lake.com/fall-sweepstakes

Step into the past! 🕰️✨ Trace powerful stories in a single outing—from the Bedford Boys’ sacrifice to the everyday ingenuity on Booker T. Washington’s farm and the railroading era that shaped Roanoke. Most stops are 45–60 minutes from SML, so pair two sites with a simple lunch break. 🗺️🥪
📍 Bedford County: National D‑Day Memorial + Bedford Boys Tribute Center
📍 Franklin County: Booker T. Washington National Monument loop trail
📍 Roanoke: Virginia Museum of Transportation 🚂 + O. Winston Link Museum 📸
Explore the full list of Historical Attractions!👆 Link in BIO under MAGAZINE | Fall 2025
📸: Mike Butler | @blueridgebutler
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #VirginiaHistory #ExploreVirginia #BedfordVA #RoanokeVA
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@franklincountyshines
@destinationbedfordva
@bedfordcountyvirginia

🚨 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗗𝗔𝗬𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗙𝗧! 🚨 Don`t miss your chance to win the ultimate Smith Mountain Lake getaway! Our fall sweepstakes closes at midnight on October 16. ✨ Imagine a two-night lakefront condo stay at Mariners Landing Nov. 7-9, 2025, courtesy of ML Hospitality, boat rental, golf, shopping, dining, and more—plus, peak fall colors and SML Chili Festival fun! 🍂
🎁 𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 $𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗦! 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗡𝗢𝗪 👉 Tap the link in our BIO for CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS or head here: smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 $𝟯,𝟬𝟬𝟬:
✅ @mlhospitality – 2-night stay at Mariners Landing Resort
✅ One-day boat rental from @bridgewatermarina
✅ Round of golf for four at @marinerslandinggolf including carts and range balls
✅ $150 gift certificate to @tiffslakefront or @brunossml at Mariners Landing
✅ $150 gift certificate to @joandcojewelers
✅ $100 gift certificate to @jbohnbishopmercantile
✅ Welcome basket from @DebBeranProperties
✅ Two tickets for a sightseeing cruise aboard the @virginiadarecruisesandmarina
✅ $25 gift certificate to @mangossml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @thecopperkettlecosml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @smlcoffeehouse
✅ $25 gift certificate to @_giftsahoy1
𝗥𝗨𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗥-𝗨𝗣 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 $𝟯𝟬𝟬:
✅ $100 credit in the SML Insiders’ Shop
✅ Basket of goodies from the @smlchamber
✅ Two tickets for a sightseeing cruise aboard the @virginiadarecruisesandmarina
✅ $50 gift certificate to @windvineyardsatsml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @thecopperkettlecosml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @mangossml
✅ $25 gift certificate to @bridgewatersportswear
🗓️ Sweepstakes ends at midnight on Oct. 16, 2025.
📸: Bryce Scott, @bryce.rapid.imagery
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr
💙 This giveaway is in no way sponsored by, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. See complete rules: smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes

Included in the grand prize AND the runner up prize of our $3,000 SML Fall Getaway Sweepstakes is an unforgettable sightseeing cruise for two, courtesy of the @vadarecruiseboat! Fall colors look better from the water. 🚢
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
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This giveaway is in no way sponsored by, administered by or associated with Facebook or Instagram. See complete rules at smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes

Coffee tastes a little better on the boat, right? ☕️ This mug is perfect for boat lovers and makes a great gift for your favorite captain or first mate!
Click the link in our BIO 👆 and choose SHOP.
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #ad

Enjoy some retail therapy with a $25 gift card from Bridgewater Sportswear AND another $25 gift card from Gifts Ahoy. Shopping spree, here you come! 🛍️ Don’t wait – enter our $3,000 SML Fall Getaway Sweepstakes. 👇
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
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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
