Tag: lake life

2021 Interior Design Trends for Your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Martha O’Hara Interiors.

Since the start of the pandemic in March, we’ve been forced to spend more time indoors. As a result of lockdowns and distancing, the importance of personal space has become crucial. Now, more people are investing in lake houses, hoping for much-needed outdoor space and a remedy for that familiar “cooped up” feeling.

Due to spending ample time at home, many of us are paying more attention to interior design. After all, if you’re going to spend all day working from home, you might as well enjoy the decor! If you’re looking to re-evaluate your lake home’s feng shui, we’ve got some tips for you.

We spoke with interior designer Karen Parziale, the lead designer of The Real Estate Staging Studio in New York, to learn more. Recently, she’s been redesigning her family’s home on Lake Paradise, and she has advice on the latest interior design trends for lake lovers. 

Biophilic Design

Photo courtesy of Hirouyki Oki via Arch Daily.

A combination of the root words “bio” (life) and “philic” (love of), this concept of biophilic design refers to embracing nature in your interior decor. This concept does not just refer to pictures or representations of nature, but rather incorporating actual pieces from the outdoors inside of your home.

Although the biophilic design trend has been popular since the ’70s and is especially trending this year, it dates back to ancient times. The hanging gardens of Babylon are perhaps the first depiction of biophilic design in action.

In your lake home, one manifestation of biophilic design might be adding live plants inside your home. And not just potted desk plants. Karen says that it’s trending for plants to be the “big focal point of the room.” She adds, “from a feng shui perspective, the lake has water and earth energy already. Incorporating natural elements like plants, distressed wood, and twigs into your home design helps with balance. You want to have a mix of everything.” 

Green Design

Photography by Michael Moran via InteriorDesign.net.

It’s always great when interior design trends align with sustainability. Green design has been trending for many years, but it’s becoming prevalent now and will continue in 2021. Like biophilic design, green design is about connecting with nature. However, while biophilic design is more about the connection itself, green design focuses on environmental well-being more broadly. “It’s all about a healthier home,” Karen explains. “This trend involves being intentional about using eco-friendly materials in construction.”

This popular notion of ‘going green’ applies to both interior decorating and landscaping designs. It’s becoming trendy to opt for ground covers over grass to conserve water and choosing furniture that uses recycled materials. In other words, what’s in style is also good for the environment — win-win! 

Sense of Warmth

Photo courtesy of Homebunch.com.

Lake houses are not meant to be cold, detached environments. They’re a place of connection with friends and family. In the world of interior design trends, it’s becoming popular to reflect this sense of warmth into the design intentionally.

Karen specifies that a home’s warm feel should not be conveyed through a country aesthetic. “The plaid patterns and ‘deer-on-the-wall’ look is over,” she says. “Instead, incorporate congruous, earthy tones in a sophisticated way. You also want it to be warm without being modern and glitzy.” In keeping with a sense of warmth, open-concept spaces are trending. The idea of removing walls and borders and installing big, expansive windows evokes a laid-back, welcoming feel consistent with the lake lifestyle. 

Overall, the biggest interior design trends for 2021 are all about the incorporation of nature and sustainability. In keeping with this idea, it’s no coincidence that Pantone’s color trend report for Spring 2021 names “a range of shades inspired by the beauty of nature” as colors to watch out for next year.

The theme of nature is also timely, given what we’re all craving during the pandemic. “With COVID, people are realizing they’re tired of living in little spaces,” Karen comments. “They want to be outside more and have outdoor space.” She explains that her business has become busier recently, as she’s designing these outdoor spaces and helping people connect with nature.

Whether it’s through using recycled wood, creating an open concept living room, or replacing plaid patterns with warm tones, we hope you can incorporate these trends into your decor. After all, this connection with nature is what lake living is all about. 

Fall Lake Activity: Spotting Wildlife

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of nps.org.

With winter just around the corner, we’re all trying to squeeze in the remaining months of enjoyable weather. In particular, autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors at your lake house.

There’s Halloween and Thanksgiving’s seasonal charm, an array of beautiful fall leaves, and there’s exciting wildlife to spot. The next time you’re lounging in an Adirondack chair in your backyard this season, keep an eye out for these creatures!

Squirrels and Chipmunks

Wild chipmunk in a Boreal forest, North Quebec, Canada.
Photo courtesy of eekwi.org.

Perhaps one of the most common creatures you’ll find at your lake house is the squirrel. Squirrels are one of the quintessential animals of fall. They spend the entire season preparing for the long winter ahead. This preparation means “fattening up” and burying acorns all across your property. Once winter hits, you’ll find them digging up the acorns that they stashed in October.

Squirrels have the uncanny ability to smell their buried acorns beneath a foot of snow. What’s in store for the nuts they forget? They’ll eventually become trees in your backyard!

Peregrine Falcons

Photo courtesy of fieldmuseum.org.

During autumn, spotting wildlife is not too difficult due to the influx of migrating birds heading south for the winter. One migratory species is the Peregrine falcon. Able to fly up to 200 miles per hour, these majestic birds are the fastest animal on earth.

Each fall, Peregrines travel to South America, and typically, they take a short break in South Florida before crossing the Gulf of Mexico on the remainder of their trip. If you own a lake house in the southern U.S., it’s worth making a Florida Keys trip to watch peak migration during October. Make sure to bring your binoculars! 

Monarch Butterflies

Photo courtesy of wkms.org.

Birds aren’t the only creatures that you’ll find migrating this season. According to the International Union for Conservation and Natural Resources, the monarch butterfly migration northward from Mexico each spring is a “threatened phenomenon.” Despite this endangered state, you’re still likely to spot these stunning butterflies on their journey back to Mexico in October. By November and December, they’ll have settled down, so be sure to enjoy them while you can!

Beavers

Photo courtesy of boredpanda.com.

One advantage of spotting wildlife on the lake is getting double the possibilities of sightings with land and water creatures. During the fall, you may find adorable families of beavers around the shoreline of your lake or another nearby body of water. More than likely, they’ll be busy gnawing at a tree to build their dams.

It’s no wonder beavers are known as “nature’s engineers” as they’re masterfully skilled at constructing habitats. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, be sure to keep a safe distance. If you notice them slap their tail on the water, it’s a sign you’re too close.

Elk

Photo courtesy of Explore Big Sky.

If you own a lake house in the American west, you may be fortunate enough to spot an elk. These massive animals (the largest animal in the deer family) enjoy mountainous areas such as Yellowstone National Park. However, some elk herds have been found in more wooded areas.

If you’re hoping to find an elk during your next outdoor adventure, a piercing bugling noise may reveal this creature’s presence. During the fall mating season, male elk let out these high-pitched calls to attract females. October is part of peak bugling season, so keep your ears open! 

Although we are in the midst of a pandemic, it’s provided an optimal time for lake-lovers like us to observe the natural world around us. Spotting wildlife at your lake house is a fun, timely hobby for the whole family. All you need is a camera, a pair of binoculars, and a keen sense of observation!

Things You Need to Know About Bug Spray

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of whattoexpect.com.

In summer, you’re living your best lake life. But then, after only five minutes outside, mosquitos start landing and biting. Ugh. Fortunately, you can deal with these pests by installing ceiling fans and screens. But when you’re away from your lake home, there’s one established method for keeping the bugs at bay — bug spray. It’s almost synonymous with the smell of summer. Despite its widespread use, there’s a lot of unanswered questions you may have about bug repellent. At Lake Homes Realty, we’re here to answer them.

Does Bug Spray Actually Work?

Photo courtesy of Gud Gear.

In short, yes! Bug spray works by repelling insects rather than killing them. Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide in our breath, sweat, and pores because it helps them find food (i.e., your blood). Mosquitos can detect carbon dioxide from up to 35 meters away! Essentially, bug spray works by disguising your scent. 

To achieve a scent that repels, most products use DEET — the most well known and widely tested active ingredient in bug spray. The U.S. Army first developed DEET in 1946, and it’s been in public use since 1957. Today, the U.S. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved 120 DEET products. Natural plant-based mosquito repellents are popular as well, and plenty of natural ingredients repel mosquitos. However, according to the National Poison Control Center, they do not last as long as synthetic products. 

How Should I Apply Bug Spray?

bug spray station
Photo courtesy of Theme Park Tourist, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Unlike sunscreen, more is not better when it comes to bug spray. Most repellents can be harmful in large quantities. Joseph Conlon, a technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, instructs, “ALWAYS apply according to the label specifications. The label is a federal law. If you over-apply, you are violating federal law.” Instead, you should apply one smooth layer over the exposed skin, ideally from 4-8 inches away.

Because bug repellent contains pesticides, it’s important to avoid applying it to the face, hands, and open wounds. Also, please do not allow children to apply repellents to themselves. The risk of getting the spray in their eyes is too high. 

After applying, keep in mind that lotions take 20 minutes to set in, while sprays provide protection immediately.

Which Goes on First: Bug Spray or Sunscreen?

Photo courtesy of MrsFields.com.

Sunscreen first, then repellent. If you think it’d be simpler to combine them, don’t. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not recommend lotions or spray products that mix sunscreen and repellent. When wearing both, keep their different application times in mind. While sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours (though this varies based on sweat, swimming, etc.) bug spray lasts at least four hours. 

Is it Ok to Sleep with Bug Spray On?

woman sleeping in a sleeping bag in a tent
Photo courtesy of cottonbro studio via Pexels

Since most bug sprays are chemical, it’s good to wash it off when you go into your lake house. However, if you fall asleep after a long day in the sun, you’re probably fine. Joseph Conlon comments, “Repellents are generally quickly metabolized and excreted, so there is probably little harm as long as one is applying the proper amount.” Just be sure to never spray indoors, for risk of inhaling the fumes! 

Which is the Most Effective Bug Spray?

Photo courtesy of oars.com.

The first rule — always look for an EPA registration number. From there, it’s up to personal preference. REI has a comparison chart with the pros and cons of different brands. You can also use this search tool to identify EPA approved insect repellent. However, some products are ineffective. According to these mosquito repellent testers, you should skip the bracelets and citronella candles. For tried-and-true bug sprays, here are some products to try: 

What bug sprays work best for you?

Creating a Haunted Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

It’s mid-October, and the spooky season is upon us. It’s time to pick out costumes, start planning Halloween parties, and buy endless bags of candy corn. This holiday is particularly fitting for those of us who live on the lake. When it comes to evoking a haunted, intriguing autumn feel, there’s no better environment than a fog-covered lake and a house full of Halloween decorations. Whether you’re gathering around your outdoor fire pit to tell ghost stories or turning your back porch into a pumpkin patch, the abundant trees, and remote location will create the perfect spooky atmosphere. To amplify this perfect lakeside Halloween setting, we have some tips on how to turn your lake house into a fun haunted adventure.

Spooky Wreaths

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SpoOkY Bones 💀🎃🕷

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By hanging a spooky wreath, you’ll show your guests that you’re committing to the Halloween theme before they even step into your home. Like the photo above, you can invoke the Friday the 13th theme, a scary movie that takes place on the lake. Or you can create your own DIY craft. For example, you could make a black wreath with sticks jutting out in every direction, and even place a fake crow in the mix to add a spooky touch to your door. Before entering your haunted lake house, your guests will have a small taste of what to expect.

Bowls of Treats

Plastic pumpkins filled with Halloween candy
Photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping.

There’s no better way to embrace the Halloween season than with candy. During this time of year, there’s always an abundance of tasty treats at your local stores. If you prefer to make your own snacks, there are plenty of easy and fun recipes for Halloween snacks. Pick your favorite spooky treats and add them to your scary decor scheme. Whether you use small decorative bowls, pumpkins, or cauldrons to hold your tasty treats, your guests will be thankful that there are a few treats among all the tricks that your haunted lake house might play. 

Witch’s Cauldron

Image courtesy of Amazon

One surefire way to ensure that spookiness is in the air at your lake house is by investing in a smoky witch’s cauldron. To set up this decoration, buy a large plastic black cauldron, suspend it with three long sticks, and add water and dry ice. Especially if it’s already an overcast day, the mysterious fog from your cauldron will create a genuinely ghostly setting for telling scary stories by the fire on your patio. If you use the same setup on the lakeside of your home, you might even impress your neighbors across the slough. 

Graveyard Tombstones

Decorative funny Halloween graveyard tombstones
Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.

A classic Halloween yard decoration that never gets old is a makeshift graveyard. You can use cardboard and spray paint to create ghostly tombstones and arrange them in your front yard or near your dock, and put them on display with spotlights. With this decoration, you can aim for laughs like in the photo above, or you can make them a little more sinister. Whichever you choose, the Fall lakeside atmosphere is sure to provide the perfect eerie backdrop for a graveyard at your haunted lake house. 

Funny Skeleton fishing on lake Halloween humor
Photo courtesy of Home is Where the Boat is.

We hope that these spooky ideas inspire you to start decorating your own lake house for Halloween. Between the chill in the air, the fog drifting over the lake, and all your creative decorations, you’ll have the perfect haunted house in no time. If you’re looking for more holiday tips and decor inspiration, make sure to check out our articles here.

Top 5 Lake Areas to View the Best Fall Foliage

Posted on Camille Smith

Although temperatures in the Northeast may be above 70 degrees and it’s still appropriate to walk outside in shorts, don’t be fooled — Fall is certainly around the corner. Along with this seasonal shift, our beach vacations are becoming a thing of the past for 2019, but that doesn’t mean that our lake living has to end. When planning a weekend to the lake this Fall, one of the most popular activities is taking a road trip to check out the changing leaves. This October is the prime time to scout out the best Fall foliage in the Northeast. Of course, there is no better backdrop for autumn leaves than a panoramic view of a serene lake. Whether you’re in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or anywhere in between, these are some of our favorite lakes to view the best fall foliage. 

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland during the fall
Photo courtesy of Garrett County Chamber of Commerce via NorthernVirginiaMag.com.

At this gorgeous lake in Maryland, you really can have it all. With its four season climate in the mid-Atlantic region, a perfect blend of serene nature views combined with commercial luxuries, you can enjoy your lake house here all year long. While you’re in the area, be sure to check out Deep Creek State Park for a hiking or camping adventure. As peak season for the changing leaves approaches in late October, it’s the perfect time to browse through our listings to find your home away from home.

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont

Lake Memphremagog in Vermont during the fall
Photo courtesy of Vermonter.com.

Beginning in the delightful small town of Newport, Vermont and extending all the way to Magog, Quebec, Lake Memphremagog is a 31-mile freshwater glacial lake. In addition to serving as a functional source of drinking water for thousands of people, this expansive body of water is also surrounded by breathtaking views of golden Autumn leaves. If you’re looking to get to know the area and catch some trout, bass, or catfish, Gardner Memorial Park has family-friendly fishing access on the shores of Lake Memphremagog. You might even catch a glimpse of the alleged Memphremagog monster that, according to some viewers, resides in the waters. You’ll find a selection of listed homes set along Lake Memphremagog here on our website.

Lake Harmony – Split Rock in Pennsylvania

Lake Harmony serene during autumn
Photo courtesy of Split Rock Resort.

When dreaming of fall leaves, mountains, and a life on the lake, you might find the perfect spot in our listings on Lake Harmony. As a reservoir in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor activities and stunning views of autumn foliage. For kid friendly activities, check out the Split Rock Water Park, and for those with an eye for adventure, there’s plenty of snow sports and water sports. Whatever the activity, you’re sure to be surrounded by a peaceful, lush landscape.

Finger Lakes in New York 

Photo courtesy of VisitFingerLakes, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In addition to being known for amazing wine, the Finger Lakes region near Rochester, New York is also renowned for its impressive views of fall foliage. Lake living in the region is done on one of the eleven lakes that create the “fingers” in the famous name. October is a great month to visit the area for the foliage views. Although it isn’t winter yet, you can also use the chairlifts at the Bristol Mountain Ski Resort to get an overhead view of every Fall color in the valley. For an aerial glimpse that’s a bit more adventurous, you can also book a hot air balloon ride through the end of October. While in the area, be sure to also check out the historic sites in the region, including several museums.

Chautauqua-Allegheny in New York

bear lake new york
Photo courtesy of Daniel Mennerich via Flickr.

With the massive Lake Erie on the northern end, the rustic and historic Chautauqua-Allegheny area in New York also includes Bear Lake, Cassadaga Lake, Chautauqua Lake, and Findley Lake that you can check out this Fall. Whether you want to go fishing, boating, or spot wildlife, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone in this beautiful region. Chautauqua-Allegheny also boasts a few unique attractions such as Allegany State Park and Griffis Sculpture Park. Regardless of your chosen pastime, you’re sure to get amazing views of golden brown, red, and yellow autumn leaves – especially in peak season around mid-October.

As October approaches, it’s time to trade swimwear for Fall sweaters, hop in the car, and check out these colorful, impressive views of Northeastern foliage this season. You may just find your dream lake home in the process. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Lake Clean-up Events Near You!

Posted on Staff
Photo courtesy of Romano Fernandes via Pexels

July is the official “Lakes Appreciation Month,” but you can play your part in keeping America’s favorite freshwater bodies clean and healthy year-round with these lake clean-up events near you.

Lake Jordan, Alabama

The Lake Jordan Homeowners & Boat Owners Association, better known as the Lake Jordan HOBO, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the reservoir’s recreational opportunities, water quality, and cleanliness.

Each April, community members and volunteers from the surrounding area take to Bonner’s Landing Boat Ramp to participate in the HOBO’s annual lake clean-up day.

Complete with a catered lunch and free t-shirts provided by Alabama Power, the event is one of the largest on the lake all year.

Since its inaugural run in 1991, the Lake Jordan HOBO’s clean-up day has contributed to the collection of more than 15 million pounds of debris across Alabama’s lakes.

To learn more about the Lake Jordan community, or to get involved in the next HOBO clean-up event, please visit https://www.lakejordanhobo.org/.

Lake Gaston, Virginia

Lake Gaston spans an impressive 20,300 acres across both Virginia and North Carolina. The Lake Gaston Association serves as a voice for business and property owners across state lines and throughout the five counties the lake touches.

In addition to keeping members up to date with Lake Gaston happenings, the Association also advocates for the lake’s protection and preservation through its Lake Clean-Up Committee.

In June, Association members, waterfront property owners, and lake-area shops and businesses participate in a lake-wide clean-up event by removing trash along Lake Gaston’s shoreline and taking to the water in kayaks and canoes to remove trash and other debris.

For more information, contact the LGA at LakeCleanup@LakeGastonAssoc.com or 888-586-6577.

Lake Hamilton, Arkansas

The Trash Bash Council has one mission: keep Arkansas’ lakes beautiful.

The Council organizes two annual events appropriately named “Trash Bash for Cash” and the “Trash Bash.”

“Trash Bash for Cash”, held each spring, is a four-hour fundraising event during which teams work together to clean specific areas across Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine.

After the four hours are up, teams drop off their bags of trash and trash-bag-sized items — like busted coolers and fishing nets – in a designated area to be counted by members of the Trash Bash Council.

For each bag or item collected, the Council pays $5 to put toward additional events throughout the year.

Each team can raise up to $200 through Council contributions alone, but members can increase their fundraising potential by pledging donations of their own.

In the fall, the Trash Bash Council hosts THE “Trash Bash,” a day-long clean-up effort on the shores and roads surrounding Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine, and the Ouachita River.

Named the largest clean-up effort in Arkansas by Keep Arkansas Beautiful, the “Trash Bash” also includes a catered BBQ lunch, prize drawings, free t-shirts, and live entertainment.

Visit arkansastrashbash.org for more on how you can get involved.

Prevent Invasive Species on Your Lake

Posted on Staff

Imagine the most beautiful summer day: The sun is shining, the fish are biting and a cool breeze is blowing in. You enter a promising cove and notice patches of bright green vegetation floating on the water.

After a few casts, you feel weight on your line. You eagerly reel in your catch only to find a string of those bright green weeds dangling from your hook.

Moments later, they’re wrapped around your propeller.

These pesky plants, known as hydrilla, aren’t just annoying water vegetation. They are one of the worst invasive aquatic species in the United States.

Such species, and others like it, pose serious threats to freshwater ecosystems, human safety and the economy.

As a lake lover, it is important that you familiarize yourself with these “aquatic hitchhikers” and learn how you can prevent an infestation on your favorite body of water.

Common Species

Hydrilla – These plants are characterized by bright green, often serrated, leaves on tubular stems that extend into the water as deep as 30 feet.

Tendrils of leaves often grow together, forming patches across the water’s surface. These patches prevent sunlight from reaching underwater vegetation and restrict water flow.

Patches of hydrilla also serve as perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Water Hyacinth – This species is known for its thick, waxy, oval-shaped leaves and lavender flowers that sit atop spongy, air-filled stems.

These plants are notorious for rapid growth: a single population can double in size in just one week.

Water hyacinth’s ability to multiply quickly, combined with its seed-viability of up to 30 years, makes the species extremely dangerous to the surrounding environment.

Populations of hyacinth are often large, and as the vegetation dies off and starts to decay, the amount of oxygen in the water is reduced. This reduction ultimately ends up suffocating the fish who live there.

The larger the population, the quicker the lake’s water is de-oxygenated.

Zebra Mussels – These animals are identified by their “D”-shaped, creamy shells and their brown/black zig-zag stripes.

Zebra mussels are one of the most devastating species to be introduced to America’s fresh water bodies as population densities can reach more than 100,000 zebra mussels per square meter.

A single female zebra mussel is capable of producing as many as one million eggs in a summer, each of which has an average lifespan of two to five years after fertilization.

This species costs communities thousands of dollars in maintenance each year. Dense mussel populations clog intake pipes and filters and affect effectiveness of water treatment plants.

Zebra mussels also pose a threat to human safety with their sharp, broken shells blanketing beaches and lake beds.

Prevention Methods

Though many lakes are already infected by these and other common invasive species, there are still plenty of bodies of water left to protect.

Whether your lake is free of such species or already home to one of these aquatic hitchhikers, it is important that you take the necessary precautions to avoid introducing new species to its waters.

There are a multitude of ways to ensure such species are not introduced in your lake.

Stopaquatichitchhikers.org, a site dedicated to keeping the country’s freshwater bodies safe, is currently promoting a “Clean. Drain. Dry.” campaign, which emphasizes that prevention starts with you.

The website encourages lake goers to remove all mud, vegetation and visible organisms from lake equipment upon leaving the water and before transporting this equipment back home.

Equipment exteriors should be rinsed with hot, high-pressurized water and interiors with warm, low-pressurized water. Boat and jet ski motors should also be flushed with hot water for at least two minutes after exiting the water.

Before leaving the boat ramp or water access area, all devices that may retain water, including the bilge and livewells, should be drained.

All equipment should be dried off with a towel and allowed to dry out for at least five days before reuse.

Though these steps may seem optional or unnecessary, each is vital to keeping your lake protected from potentially harmful invasive species.

For more information on the hitchhikers in your area, and additional prevention tactics, visit the the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers website.

Smith Mountain Lake: The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Posted on Staff

In Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is a big deal.

Nestled in a valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, “The Jewel of the Blue Ridge” stretches across three rural counties in southwestern Virginia, including Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania.

With 20,800 acres and 580 miles of shoreline, the 40-mile long reservoir easily dwarfs every other lake in the state. In fact, its total market value is $470.3 million, more than twice the size of the second biggest lake, Lake Gaston.

Homes for sale on Smith Mountain Lake range from around $180,000 to more than $10 million, totaling out to $302.6 million in home market value. So, for those seeking a new home on or near the water, there are more than enough options by way of inventory.

However, when it comes to living at the lake, it’s about so much more than just real estate. It’s all about the lake lifestyle.

Ways to Play

Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s most popular recreational lake.

From spring to fall, lake goers can be seen waterskiing, canoeing, boating and kayaking. But that’s just a few ways to play. There’s also parasailing, golfing, camping at the Smith Mountain Lake State Park, and above all else, fishing.

The Jewel of the Blue Ridge is every angler’s dream.

The Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament is just one of many ESPN-featured national professional fishing tournaments.

Photo courtesy of LT Burnette via The Bass Cast

Bassmaster has even ranked Smith Mountain Lake in the USA’s 25 best bass fishing lakes. The favorite sport fish among anglers include largemouth bass, catfish, yellow perch and striped bass to name a few.

Because the community surrounding the lake is so heavily populated–there are 22,000 permanent residents–there’s no shortage of super fun annual events to keep residents busy.

All throughout the spring and summer, there’s everything from classic boat shows and photography contests to beer festivals and triathlons.

Every September for 30 years and counting, the SML Wine Festival features 27 Virginia wineries, 85 artisans, craft and food vendors and live music. There are also chili festivals, art shows and the ever-popular Oktoberfest.

Visitors even have the chance to be airborne. Smith Mountain Lake Aviation offers scenic 40-minute flights, giving participants a bird’s eye view of the sprawling lake and all the gorgeous wooded scenery surrounding it.

Around Town

You can only stay in the water for so long. After a long day of swimming and fishing, you might be in the mood to see what the neighboring towns have to offer by way of a good time.

Is a vacation really a vacation if there isn’t delicious food to choose from every single day? Even permanent residents make it a point to know all the yummy hotspots around town.

Are you craving a good ole’ fashioned, home-cooked meal? Or maybe you have a taste for sushi or hibachi. All around the lake there are tons of cafes, diners and grills. You should probably just try them all.

Smith Mountain Lake is filled with top notch cuisine to satiate any appetite.

It also has a refreshingly convenient location despite the fact that it’s safely tucked away in the Virginia countryside.

Just between Roanoke and Lynchburg, the lake is only two hours from Raleigh, North Carolina and a four hour drive from Washington D.C. So don’t worry, you won’t be too far from civilization.

Roanoke’s very own New York-inspired Broadway offers a variety of shows for theater lovers to enjoy. In fact, their arts and culture scene is teeming with excitement.

Check out some live music, gallery and museum exhibitions and all kinds of performing arts like ballet and opera.

The nightlife is alive and well too, with endless selections of breweries, comedy clubs, musical acts and even food trucks.

And this is just in Roanoke! The recreational opportunities in the other nearby cities could be another blog post entirely.

The point is, Smith Mountain Lake is more than just a body of water. It promises a good time for all. More than likely, you’ll run out of vacation time before you run out of things to do.

So plan a visit today, or better yet, browse some of our Smith Mountain Lake homes for sale and build a life here. You definitely won’t regret it.

 

Finally Fall: The Perfect Lake Activities for Autumn

Posted on Staff

It’s the greatest time of the year! Yes, lake lovers, as the oppressive heat of late summer gives way to lower humidity and the changing of the season, fall is finally upon us.

Fall at the lake means more activity, not less. Comfortable temperate days give way to marshmallow fueled evenings with good fishing and colorful foliage in between.  

The lake in autumn is an experience all its own. While traffic to the beach begins to wane, the lake is just getting warmed up as the destination of choice. 

 So, what are the perfect activities for autumn at the lake?

Go Camping

Crisp, cool weather, stark blue skies, and a beautiful, scenic backdrop: that sounds like the perfect recipe for a weekend camping trip on the lakeshore. How awesome would it be to cook up the catch of the day over an open fire, or swing in a hammock under millions of stars in the night sky? Just thinking about it is exciting!

Take a Hike

Most lakes are surrounded by plenty of hills, mountains, trees, and valleys. Some even feature caves, cliffs, and waterfalls. Take advantage of all that Mother Nature has to offer and go for a hike! Unlike in the summertime, hikes in the fall don’t usually include heavy perspiration, dehydration, and pesky insects. It’s a relaxing yet healthy activity the whole family can enjoy.

Enjoy the Foliage

One of the best parts about fall is the way the face of the earth changes right before our eyes. This autumn, get out and appreciate the array of red, green, gold, and orange that surround you. Go on a bike ride around the lake with your sweetheart, or take a long drive down some picturesque, winding country roads.

Go Wine Tasting

Now, this one is only family-friendly if your kids are 21 or older. Lakes all around the country boast gorgeous vineyards and wineries close by for visitors to enjoy. Wine tasting is a popular and delicious fall activity that makes impressing your friends at fine restaurants a breeze.

Build a Bonfire

There’s nothing like a fire pit or outdoor fireplace for fall! This cultural staple of fall is perfect for lake lovers of all ages. These gatherings are where memories are made, scary stories are told, and great conversations are had. This fall, round up a group of friends and partake in s’mores, hot dogs and good times.

Go Canoeing

You can still have fun on the lake during the fall!

Just because the weather is cooler than summer doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the water. Canoeing and kayaking in the fall are wonderful past times. Also, autumn’s mild conditions are great for exercising outdoors, when the backdrop of fall on the lake is especially scenic.

Fun at the lake doesn’t end when the temperature drops; if anything, it can get better. Embrace fall at the lake and give lake life a new dimension. Happy autumn, lake lovers.