Category Boating
16 Expert Tips for Boating at Night on Smith Mountain Lake

Few experiences at Smith Mountain Lake rival being on the water after sunset. I’ve been boating here since 2003, and…
Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks: An Insider’s Guide (2026)

Smith Mountain Lake always manages to delight residents and visitors with Independence Day weekend fireworks that are truly dazzling, especially…
Low Water at Smith Mountain Lake: Expert Safety Advice

With Smith Mountain Lake water levels running 5 feet or more below full pond — and no significant rainfall in…
15 Smith Mountain Lake Islands You Should Explore (2026)

An insider’s guide to Smith Mountain Lake’s public islands: Where to go, what to know and how to enjoy them…
Smith Mountain Lake Guide to Marinas and Public Boat Ramps (2026)

Familiarizing yourself with Smith Mountain Lake marinas and public boat launches is essential, whether you’re setting off for a leisurely…
Keeping SML Safe: Guide to Water Safety Organizations (2026)

Whether you live at Smith Mountain Lake or vacation here, enjoying the water safely should always be top of mind.…
Lake Reflections: Unexpected Boating Benefits

Up until a few years ago, the length and breadth of my boating experience consisted of canoeing, an occasional bowrider…
How to Dock a Boat at Smith Mountain Lake: An Insider’s Guide (2026)

Many who visit or relocate to Smith Mountain Lake have little or no experience with boats. Yet the call to…
How to Use Smith Mountain Lake Channel Markers (2026)

Navigating Smith Mountain Lake isn’t just about operating the boat. It requires an understanding of the lake’s comprehensive channel marking…
Smith Mountain Lake Ice Cream Boat: A Sweet Summer Tradition

The Smith Mountain Lake Ice Cream Boat is a one-of-a-kind attraction and a beloved summertime tradition here at Smith Mountain…
Smith Mountain Lake Waterfront Dining Guide (2026)

20 Lakefront Restaurants to Try by Boat At SML Insiders, we don’t just write about waterfront dining—we live it. We’ve…
Enjoy the Wake, Respect the Lake

How to Tow and Wake Responsibly on Smith Mountain Lake Towed water sports such as tubing, skiing, wakeboarding and wake…
Print Magazine Distribution Locations
BEDFORD AREA
- Bedford Welcome Center
- Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce
- Huddleston Sunoco
- Liberty Station Restaurant
DOWNTOWN MONETA AREA
- Diamond Hill General Store
- Food Lion
- Lyons Team Realtors
- Mayberry Diner
- ML Realty
- Moneta/SML Library
EASTLAKE
- Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast
- Bruno's Clubhouse Bistro
- Drifter's / Goodhue Boat Company, Eastlake
- Lake Retreat Properties
- Mitchell's Point Marina
- Parkway Marina
- SML State Park - Main Office
- Sweetwater RV Park
- The Pointe at Mariners Landing
- Tiff's Lakefront
- Virginia Dare Marina / Beacon Pub / Portside Grill & Bar
HALESFORD BRIDGE
- Bridgewater Marina
- Cancun Bar & Grill
- CB Sales & Rentals
- Fun-N-Games Arcade
- Gilbert Law Firm
- Gifts Ahoy
- Halesford Harbour Inn
- La Casa Toscana
- Long & Foster Realtors
- Mango's Bar & Grill
- Marina 66
- MKB Realtors
- Parrot Cove Boat Rentals
- Pizza Pub
- Red Rock Store
- RE/MAX Lakefront Realty
- Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center
- SML Coffee House
- SML Vacation Rentals
- Vinny's Italian Restaurant
- Wainwright Realty
- Webster Marine Center
LAKEWATCH PLANTATION
- The Copper Kettle
- Farmhouse Catering
WESTLAKE
- Atlantic Union Bank
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
- Booker T. Washington National Monument
- Cancun Bar & Grill
- Capps Home Building Center
- Casago
- Crosswhite Athletic Club
- Hager Insurance
- Hot Shots Bar & Grill
- Joe's Pizza
- Mama Ann's Gifts & Goodies
- Old Oak Café
- Ridge View Bank
- The Bagel & I
- The Discovery Shop
- The Willard Companies
- Truist Bank
- VitaZen
- Westlake Cinema
- Westlake Library
ROCKY MOUNT
- Billiards & More
- crafted by Virginia Furniture Market
SCRUGGS AREA
- Bernard's Landing Rental Office
- Coasters / Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater
- Deb Beran Properties
- Gills Creek Marina
- Magnum Point Marina
- Napoli by the Lake
- Napoli Cowboy
BURNT CHIMNEY
- Envisions Flooring & Interiors
- Franklin Glass
- Homestead Creamery
SOUTHLAKE
- Nick's Penhook General Store
- Read Between the Wines
- Penhook Minute Market
- The Little Mule Café
- The Dock at SML
- The Water's Edge Country Club (Real Estate Sales Office)
- Turner's Dock Building