Take a break at Smith Mountain Lake

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Cherry Blossoms are starting to bloom and temperatures are rising. While spring is creeping in and lake waters are warming on the shoreline spring break plans are brewing.

If you are looking for a local getaway or visiting Virginia, Central Virginia’s very own Smith Mountain Lake, also known as “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” is the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia. It is 500 miles of shoreline and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The Lake has become a staple in Virginia and is connected to Smith Mountain Lake Park. The park is surrounded by water activities including power boating, canoeing, sailing, parasailing, fishing, waterskiing, jet skiing, and more. For fishing activities, Smith Mountain Lake has catfish, smallmouth bass, blackmouth bass, and more, but all fishers must have a fishing license.

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If you are looking for a local spring break location in the Roanoke Valley region, here is a list of hotels and resorts near Smith Mountain Lake:

Bedford County  

Huddleston – The Mariners Landing Resort Community & Conference Center is a destination vacation with three pools, a tennis court, a hot tub, walking trails, a fitness facility, a game room, and more. The resort is pet friendly and has an 18-hole championship golf course.

Franklin County 

Hardy – The Lake Inn at Smith Mountain Lake was established in 1996 and is known for its family-friendly property. It features activities including miniature golf, go-cart tracks, arcades, ice cream, and more. The hotel is pet friendly with a $15 per night fee.

Hardy – The Westlake Waterfront Inn at Smith Mountain Lake is located on the lake with exclusive views of the lakefront. Boats are also docked along the lake and Westlake Rental Boats LLC has rental options.

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Moneta – The  Bernards Landing Resort & Conference Center features waterfront condos and townhomes from one to three bedrooms. All condos are fully equipped and furnished for guests to cook during their stay. The property has two pools, a hut tub, a sauna, a tennis court, a volleyball court, and more. The resort also has banquet facilities available for rent.

Pittsylvania County

Penhook – The  Smith Mountain Dock & Lodge is near Smith Mountain Lake and the Smith Mountain Dam. It is known for its historic marina on the Lake and is also known as, “The Home of the Pet Carp.”

There are also vacation homes and rentals in Franklin County for rent near Smith Mountain Lake.

Restaurants near the Lake:
Hot Shots Bar and Grill at 13360 Booker T Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121

The restaurant is hosting its Live Music March 2023 event from March 3 to March 31. These events include karaoke nights, $2 shakes, and performances from artists and bands. A full list of the Hot Shots events can be found here.

Mango’s Bar and Grill at 16430 Booker T Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121.

This local pub is known for its live performances and DJs. Its menu ranges from crab cakes to Habanero chicken wings and the pub’s specialty drink is the ‘Mango Hurricane.’ A full list of the Hot Shots events can be found here.

Twin Creeks Brewpub at 1 Old Salem Tpke Rd, Roanoke, VA 24014.

The restaurant is located in the historic Brugh Tavern within the Explore Park. On March 4 and March 5, the brewpub will be open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant offers wings, veggie burgers, nachos, and more.

For more information about Smith Mountain Lake visit their website.

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