
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 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 ✨The Campbell Home
Located on Saunders Point in Huddleston, the Campbell home is a 3,000-square-foot renovated cottage featuring four bedrooms and three baths. Completely transformed by its owner, an interior design professor at a nearby university, the original home was gutted and reconfigured, turning the former master bedroom into a new front entrance.
The open floor plan centers around a spacious kitchen, while a newly added fireplace and screened porch offer cozy gathering spots. Outdoors, the level lot provides beautiful views of the lake and easy access to the dock. There’s no formal path or stepping stones so visitors to this home will have to walk on the grass.
🧡 Benefitting Charity: @bedfordride
The Mission of Bedford Ride is to improve the quality of life for Bedford County citizens by providing better access to non-emergency medical services.
Come by car or boat to experience the 34th Annual Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour, Oct 10-12! 🏡 Our insider’s guide includes descriptions and photos, detailed directions, plus a handy Google map with all the homes already plotted for the ultimate convenience.
Whether you’re cruising the lake or driving, you’ll enjoy beautiful fall foliage and inspiring homes, all while supporting awesome local charities!
Read the guide, download done-for-you directions to navigate the tour and more at the link in our BIO under EVENTS. 👆
✨ Win a pair of tickets for the tour.
Enter now at the link in our BIO under CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS. 👆
📸: Courtesy of @smlcharityhometour | Casey Johnson, @sml_remax
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr #smlcharityhometour #lakelife #waterfronthome
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@destinationbedfordva

A delightful welcome basket of goodies courtesy of @debberanproperties will make for a winning start to the lakeside getaway for our lucky $3,000 SML Fall Getaway Sweepstakes winner. 🎁 It could be you! Enter now. 👇
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 https://smith-mountain-lake.com/sweepstakes

𝗦𝗠𝗟 𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 🍂 October at Smith Mountain Lake is all about crisp mornings, golden views and weekends packed with fall happenings. Kicking things off is the Swing For The Cure Golf Tournament on Friday with SML Cancer Support Foundation and plenty of live music. Plan your month and map your perfect weekend lineup in our full October events guide 👉 Link in BIO under EVENTS
𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬
⛳ Swing For The Cure Golf Tournament at @marinerslandingsml 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
⛴️ @vadarecruiseboat, 12 p.m. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
🍷 Try Before You Buy at @smlfinewines, 4–7 p.m.
⭐ Plus, Hunter Overstreet at Falling Creek Park, 6–9:00 pm, ON3 at Hot Shots Bar & Grill, 7:30 p.m., trivia night at @mangossml, 7:30 p.m., Mac McAnally at @harvester_center@Harvester Performance Center, 8 p.m.
𝗦𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗬
🎤 Karaoke night at Hot Shots, 7 p.m., Last Call Party Band at Mango`s, 7 p.m. and Trae Crowder at Harvester, 8 p.m. and live music at Harvest Moon Marketplace.
𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬
🎃 Halloween Ceramics Class at @FablesandFeathers, 3–5 p.m.
Plan your October with our full events guide and links 👉 Link in BIO under EVENTS
📸: Casey Johnson, Realtor @sml_remax
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #SMLEvents #VirginiaIsForLovers #LakeLife #FallInVirginia #VirginiaEvents
@visitsmithmountainlake
@visitvbr
@visitfranklinco
@destinationbedfordva

SML Community Spotlight 💙 Since its founding in 2007, @smlgoodneighbors has provided a vital lifeline for children in Franklin and Bedford counties by offering a wide range of impactful programs, all free of charge.
Read more about their impactful work in the community! 👆 Link to full story in BIO under LIVING HERE.
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #smlgoodneighbors

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬? 🍁 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 = 𝐟𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. 🙌
The shoulder season shines with open docks, easy dining and wallet‑friendly lodging and rentals.
After Labor Day, the pace drops in the best way—lighter boat traffic, quicker restaurant seating and more availability for tee times and tours. Accommodations and boat rentals often discount this time of year, too. Build your perfect chill‑itinerary with our insider tips.
Explore all the reasons why fall is the best time to visit Smith Mountain Lake.👆 Link in BIO under MAGAZINE | Fall 2025
📸: Keith Wrenn
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #VisitSML
#VirginiaFall #FallGetaway #LakeLife #ExploreVirginia

SML Insiders has your sneak peek at the Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour — eight exquisite lakefront homes + handy maps to guide your tour while supporting eight local charities. ❤️ Come by car or boat, Oct. 10-12!
Our insider’s guide includes descriptions and photos, detailed directions, plus a handy Google map with all the homes already plotted for your convenience. Whether you’re cruising the lake or driving, you’ll enjoy beautiful fall foliage and inspiring homes, all while supporting awesome local charities!
👆 Link in BIO under MAGAZINE | Fall 2025
We`re giving away a pair of tickets 🎫 enter to win now!
👆 Link in BIO under CONTESTS & GIVEAWAYS
📸: @WilsonPremierProperties
#SmithMountainLake #SMLInsiders #SMLCharityHomeTour #VirginiaEvents #LakeLife #WaterfrontHome

🌽🍅 Local farmers` markets near Smith Mountain Lake offer so many seasonal delights! From the Westlake Farmers` Market to the Moneta Farmers` Market and Harvest Moon Marketplace, explore the best in fresh produce, jams, baked goods and more.
Explore more than 100 additional free and low-cost things to do at Smith Mountain Lake! 👆 Link in BIO under ACTIVITIES.
📸: Courtesy of the town of Rocky Mount, Virginia | @discoverrockymountva
#smithmountainlake #lovesml #visitsml #smlinsiders #destinationbedford #visitfranklincova #franklincountyshines #visitvbr

The grand prize of our $3,000 SML Fall Getaway Sweepstakes just got a lot more fashionable! 👗 Included is a $100 shopping experience at @jbohnbishopmercantile. Enjoy browsing the stylish clothing and accessories at this go-to SML boutique! 🛍️
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
