Living at Smith Mountain Lake: An Insider’s Guide

Living at Smith Mountain Lake is undeniably appealing from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but what about the off-season? Not surprisingly, one of the most frequently asked questions we get is, “What’s it like to live year-round at Smith Mountain Lake?”

During peak season, visitors experience the lake at its best—basking under sunny skies, enjoying warm waters and indulging in abundant outdoor activities. However, many have concerns about the quieter months and the lack of urban conveniences.

After more than two decades as a full-time SML resident, I’m happy to share my insights on what to expect if you’re considering making our little slice of heaven your permanent home. 

Smith Mountain Lake is more than just a seasonal escape; it’s a thriving community that pulses with life throughout the year.

While many falsely assume the area becomes a ghost town after Labor Day, the reality is quite the opposite. Businesses, restaurants, clubs and organizations continue to operate, serving both locals and visitors who prefer the quieter charm of the post-summer season.

Oh, and not everyone flees to warmer climes once autumn rolls around. One big reason is because fall is so magnificent at Smith Mountain Lake!

September brings lower humidity, blue skies and amazing sunrises and sunsets that you just don’t get the rest of the year. It’s not unusual for temperatures to be in the upper 70s and lower 80s well into September and October. Water temperatures also remain warm.

Fall also is bustling with festivals and events around here, including the SML Wine Festival, Chili Festival, Antique and Classic Boat Festival and SML Charity Home Tour.

And did I mention the spectacular fall foliage? One of my favorite things to do is throw on my favorite SML sweatshirt and head out for a fall foliage boat tour with my wife and neighbors. If you go during the week, you’ll likely experience very little boat traffic—another great perk of the off season at Smith Mountain Lake!

Winters here are mild. Whatever snow we get rarely survives the next day’s warming, and the lake never freezes over because of the constant water motion created by our hydroelectric dam (though some smaller coves may get a thin layer of ice from time to time).

If snow or ice is in the forecast, those with steep driveways may park vehicles up top to make sure they can get to drive-to commitments, but that often turns out to be an unnecessary precaution.

Retirees simply say, “Hey, I’m retired. I’ll sit tight until the thaw.” Those who work at home only suffer if the power blips. 

There’s no shortage of things to do in the off season at Smith Mountain Lake, and our welcoming residents are eager to invite you to join the fun.

Churches, of course, operate year round as do most clubs and organizations. And once you make SML your full-time home, you’re sure to find a community of like-minded enthusiasts who share your passions.

Off-season activities at Smith Mountain Lake are abundant, and our friendly residents are ready to welcome you to join in the fun.

Art and Music

Are artistic pursuits your thing? The Smith Mountain Arts Council (SMAC) hosts art and photo shows, coffee house-style concerts, plays and other entertainment that bring folks together to enjoy (and participate in) artistic delights. There are also book clubs, as well as photography clubs and writing groups.

Interested in performing? The SML Steel Drum band is always eager for new members, no musical background required. The SMAC Players welcome actors, set designers and builders, promoters, ticket-takers—anyone interested in amateur theater.

Musicians can look into joining the Smith Mountain Lake Harmeneers (a barbershop chorus), Southwest Virginia Songwriters Association, SML Boomer Band or Lakeside Singers, a large mixed chorus that performs popular and traditional music in four-part harmony.

SML Newcomers Club

Newcomers are welcomed with open arms by the SML Newcomers Club, which helps them navigate the ins and outs of lake life.

Whether it’s joining a hiking group or sampling the local cuisine with a dining club, there are countless ways to connect with fellow residents and forge lasting friendships. Many in this club are not actually newcomers but longtime lake residents who continue to enjoy the activities and fellowship.

Fitness

Fitness and yoga buffs will find ample facilities in and around the region. The Smith Mountain Lake YMCA, Crosswhite Athletic Club and Mariners Landing Wellness Center are the largest options, with the latter two including indoor pools. All three offer a variety of group classes, pickleball courts, and strength and cardio equipment. 

We also have a number of facilities that offer options on a smaller, more intimate scale such as the Centre at VitaZen, Jazzercise, Underground Fitness, CrossFit SML, LAT Wellness Studio, Yoga with Ash, Southlake Spa and Salt Room, Full Distance at Mariners Landing and Body Shoppe Fitness, a personal training studio with a state-of-the-art AllCore360° core therapy machine. 

I recommend trying out a few to find your best fit. And, remember, fellow exercisers are another instant friend group when you’re living at Smith Mountain Lake.

Golf and Country Clubs

In addition, Smith Mountain Lake has four golf courses—two private and two public—that are open year round, weather permitting. In addition to golf, they offer social activities, dining and other indoor and outdoor amenities such as tennis/pickleball courts and swimming pools.

Anyone the least bit altruistic will find myriad opportunities to volunteer—and, again, make new friends in the process—when living at Smith Mountain Lake, VA.

A few groups and organizations eager for volunteers to help make things happen for the community year round include:

• Smith Mountain Lake Good Neighbors
• Lake Christian Ministries
• The Agape Center
• Step, Inc.
• Habitat for Humanity
• Healing Strides Equine Assisted Therapy
• Rotary Club of SML
• SML Civitan Club
• SML Lions Club
• Discovery Shops of SML
• Children’s Assistive Technology Service
• Military Officers Association of America
• American Association of University Women
• SCORE
• SML Charity Home Tour
• Take Pride in Smith Mountain Lake Cleanup Days
• Smith Mountain Lake Association
• SML Water Safety Council
• Tri-County Lakes Administrative Commission

Libraries, historic sites, fire and rescue squads, animal rescue groups and the SML Regional Chamber of Commerce all welcome volunteers with open arms.

Education

Smith Mountain Lake offers diverse educational opportunities for residents of all ages. Public and private K-12 institutions provide a strong foundation, while esteemed colleges and career centers support continuous learning and personal growth.

Public schools in Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania counties excel, with specialized programs and partnerships with community colleges. Private education also thrives, highlighted by Smith Mountain Lake Christian Academy’s focus on academic, athletic and spiritual development.

Nearby Ferrum College provides undergraduate and graduate programs in a private liberal arts setting, while nearby cities offer additional options for higher education. Right along the shores of SML, the W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Center hosts Road Scholar programs for adults, as well as youth-focused camps and workshops.

Healthcare

Smith Mountain Lake offers comprehensive and accessible healthcare services, supported by three nationally recognized health systems: Carilion Clinic, Centra Health and LewisGale Regional Health System. 

With state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional physicians, they cover a wide array of medical specialties, including cardiology, imaging and urgent care. Residents and visitors rest assured knowing that top-notch care is readily available at SML and in nearby cities like Roanoke, Lynchburg and Charlottesville. 

Embrace Smith Mountain Lake

Ultimately, it’s the people of Smith Mountain Lake who make this place truly special. Warm, welcoming and unpretentious, they embody the spirit of southern hospitality, eager to share their love for this idyllic spot with newcomers and old-timers alike. 

So if you’re craving a break from the hustle and bustle of city living, consider making Smith Mountain Lake your full-time home. Amidst its inviting waters and majestic mountain backdrop, you’ll discover a community like no other—one that’s bound together by a shared love for life, laughter and the simple joys of lakeside living.