Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide
Congratulations! You’ve landed on the debut print edition of the Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide.
Photo by Clark Lupton, Airviews Media
Summer 2024 Issue
Volume 1 | Issue 1
The inaugural print edition of the Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide has arrived! With a talented crew of writers, photographers and designers, our quarterly publication truly celebrates Smith Mountain Lake through stunning photography, compelling stories, expert advice and helpful resources.
Cover photo by Clark Lupton, Air Views Media
Explore the Summer 2024 Issue
From the publishers
From Pixels to Paper
by Andie Gibson & Jennifer Church
Welcome to the inaugural print edition of the Smith Mountain Lake Insiders’ Guide.
welcome
A Salute to the O.G.
by Andie Gibson & Jennifer Church
Before Google: How an adventure seeker and online pioneer founded the premier website for Smith Mountain Lake in 1998.
Activities
99 Things to do at SML
by Jerry Hale & Andie Gibson
Gear up for some unforgettable adventures that won’t break the bank.
Only at SML
a sweet summertime tradition
by Jerry Hale
More than just a convenient on-water treat service, Smith Mountain Lake’s Ice Cream Boat connects generations of lake lovers.
Boating
Boating at SML: 11 Top Tips
by Jerry Hale
Whether you call Smith Mountain Lake home or are just visiting our beautiful shores, heed this insider advice for a safe and fun experience.
Marina Guide
Chart Your COurse
by Jerry Hale
Fuel up, gear up and hit the water with our Insiders’ Guide to Smith Mountain Lake Marinas.
Golf Guide
Tee It Up
by Chris Gibson
Plan your perfect golf adventure at Smith Mountain Lake with our insider’s guide to SML courses, featuring essential tips and expert insight for players of all levels.
Waterfront Dining Guide
Dock, Dine & Delight
by Jerry Hale
Chow down on our expert insights into the 18 Smith Mountain Lake restaurants accessible by boat.
Events
Your One-Stop Source for Summer Fun
by Andie Gibson
Smith Mountain Lake is teeming with lively and exciting events throughout the summer.
Events
an insider’s guide to SML Fireworks
by Jerry Hale
Get details on when and where you can see fireworks at SML, plus expert tips on viewing them safely by boat.
Events
Raise A Glass
by ANDIE Gibson
Savor acclaimed wine and family-friendly entertainment at the new Wind Vineyards at Smith Mountain Lake.
Lodging Guide
Rest Easy
by Andie Gibson
Our resorts, rentals and other exceptional accommodations will have you wishing to extend your stay at Smith Mountain Lake.
Community Spotlight
Lake Christian Ministries
by Andie Gibson
Find out how this decades-old nonprofit is expanding to better serve the communities surrounding Smith Mountain Lake.
out & About
The Lake Scene
by SML Insiders’ staff
Explore highlights from lake-area community and social events, including the Portside BBQ Battle, Business After Hours and the SML Business Expo.
SML Resources
Insider Resources
by SML INsiders’ Staff
Gain expert insights to enhance your SML experience with our user-friendly guides and other essential resources.
Lake Reflections
The Advent of Summer
by Kristin Dunker
Read columnist Kristin Dunker’s take on how Smith Mountain Lake truly redefines the concept of summer.
We’d love your feedback and story ideas. Send them to info@smith-mountain-lake.com.
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Summer 2024 Advertisers
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our advertisers who believed in our vision and supported this inaugural issue!
- Allstate Insurance Agency – Thomas and Associates
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Smith Mountain Lake Real Estate
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices SML – Dana Montgomery
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices SML – Jada Turner
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices SML – Jane Sullivan Horne
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices SML – Vicki Millehan & Debbie Shelton
- Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals
- Captain Vic Sea Ray Services
- Cooper Contractors Inc.
- Deb Beran Properties
- Envisions Flooring & Interiors
- First National Bank
- Franklin Glass
- Gilbert Law PC
- JBohnBishop Mercantile
- Jo & Co. Jewelers
- Lake Retreat Properties
- Long & Foster Real Estate – Glenda & Steven McDaniel
- Marina 66 SML Recreational Boat Rentals
- Mariners Landing Resort and Country Club
- ML Realty – Mary Lou McDonald and Fred Cuffari
- Phil Hager Insurance Agency
- Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
- Spectrum Stone Designs
- The Copper Kettle
- Turner’s Dock Building
- VitaZen
- Wainwright & Co. – Nadine Bannard
- Webster Marine
SML Insiders’ Guide Distribution
Following are the tentative distribution points for the SML Insiders’ Guide. Please note that not all locations will have magazines immediately as it will take a few days to fill the racks and get to each business. If you have questions about where to pick up a print version, please email us at [email protected]. Thank you!
Bedford Area
- Bedford Welcome Center
Downtown Moneta
- Diamond Hill General Store
- Mayberry Diner
- ML Realty
- Lyons Team Realtors
- Moneta/SML Library
Eastlake
- Food Lion
- Mitchell’s Marina
- Lake Retreat Properties
- The Pointe at Mariners Landing
- Parkway Marina
- SML State Park – Main Office
- Bedford Landings Bed & Breakfast
- Sweetwater RV Park
- Goodhue Boat Company, Eastlake / Drifter’s
- Allesandro’s Restaurant
- COMING SOON: Virginia Dare Marina + Beacon Pub
Halesford Bridge
- Halesford Harbour Inn
- Red Rock Store
- Vinny’s Italian Restaurant
- CB Sales & Rentals
- Webster Marine Center
- Long & Foster Realtors
- Marina 66
- RE/MAX Lakefront Realty
- Wainwright Realty
- Gilbert Law Firm
- Parrot Cove Boat Rentals
- Cancun at Bridgewater Plaza
- SML Visitor Center
- MKB Realtors
- Bridgewater Marina
LakeWatch Plantation
- The Copper Kettle
- Smith Mountain Lake YMCA
Westlake
- Duck-in
- Hot Shots
- Cancun at Westlake
- SML Vacation Rentals / RSI
- Hager Insurance
- Casago
- Capps Home Building Center
- Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
- AllState
- Post Office (Westlake)
- Truist
- VitaZen
- Atlantic Union Bank
- Westlake Library
- Runk and Pratt
- The Willard Companies
- Old Oak Café
- Mama Ann’s
Scruggs
- Deb Beran Properties
- Goodhue Boat Company, Crazy Horse
- Bernard’s Landing Rental Office + The Cottage Gate
- The Lemon Drop (Bernard’s Landing)
- Napoli by the Lake
Wirtz
- Gills Creek Marina
- Napoli Cowboy
- Magnum Point Marina
- Brooks Mill Winery
Burnt Chimney
- Homestead Creamery
- Envisions + Franklin Glass
Southlake
- The Water’s Edge Country Club (Real Estate Sales Office)
- Turner’s Dock Building
- COMING SOON: Penhook Minute Mart, Carl’s Place, Whistle Stop
Subscribe
We’re exploring offering mailed subscriptions of the magazine. Until then, we invite you to subscribe to our weekly e-mail newsletter! Be the first to hear about Smith Mountain Lake events, new articles, contests, deals and more.
