SML Insiders’ Guide Magazine Winter 2025-26

Discover the magic of Smith Mountain Lake in its most serene season, from sparkling views to warm, welcoming traditions.

Photo by Keith Wrenn

Winter 2025-26 Issue

Volume 2 | Issue 3

In this issue, explore our essential winter events guide, inspiring wedding stories and a curated roundup of venues, plus a refreshed health and wellness section with a fitness feature to jump start goals for the new year. You’ll also find a deep dive into the SML arts scene, from concerts and theater to hands-on creative workshops. Read individual stories or flip through our digital issue!

ARTICLES
DIGITAL ISSUE
ADVERTISERS
PICK UP A COPY
SUBSCRIBE
ARCHIVES

Explore the Winter 2025-26 Issue

We’d love your feedback and story ideas. Send them to info@smith-mountain-lake.com.

Cover photo by Keith Wrenn, kwfilmz.com.

Winter 2025-26 Advertisers

  • 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 – Kimberly Willard
  • Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices SML –
    Vicki Millehan & Debbie Shelton
  • Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals
  • Bruno’s Clubhouse Bistro
  • Construction Marketing
  • Deb Beran Properties
  • Eastlake Primary Care, Inc.
  • Envisions Flooring & Interiors
  • Gilbert Law PC
  • Jo & Co. Jewelers
  • Lake Christian Ministries
  • Lake Retreat Properties
  • Long & Foster Real Estate –
    Glenda & Steven McDaniel
  • Mariners Landing Resort and Country Club
  • Mountain View Orthodontics and Dental Sleep Center
  • Perfect Getaways
  • Phil Hager Insurance Agency
  • RE/MAX Lakefront Realty Inc. – Tim Basham
  • Seven Oaks Landscape-Hardscape
  • Smith Mountain Lake Association
  • Smith Mountain Lake Dental Practice
  • Southern Lights Outdoor Lighting & Audio Systems
  • The Copper Kettle
  • The Sanctuary
  • Tiff’s Lakefront
  • Turner’s Dock Building
  • VitaZen
  • Webster Marine

Local Business Showcase

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

Subscribe to SML Insiders

Display of SML Insiders magazine covers

Subscribe to the Magazine

Subscribe and we’ll mail each issue of SML Insiders’ Guide straight to your home or office. Makes a great gift for all the SML lovers in your life!

SUBSCRIBE
a preview of an SML Insiders email on a laptop, a phone and a tablet device

Subscribe to the Free E-Newsletter

Subscribe to our FREE weekly e-mail newsletter where you’ll be the first to hear about SML events, new articles, contests, deals and more.

SIGN UP

Explore Our Seasonal Magazine for All Things SML!

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.

Magazine cover for Smith Mountain Lake Insiders Summer 2026 Issue
Magazine cover for SML Insiders 2026 Dining Guide
Magazine cover for Smith Mountain Lake Insiders Spring 2026 Issue
Magazine cover for SML Insiders Winter 2025-26 Issue
Magazine cover for SML Insiders Fall 2025 Issue
ALL ISSUES
SUBSCRIBE
ADVERTISE

Share this post with other SML friends!