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Beautiful Smith Mountain Lake offers 50 special events, 23 historic attractions, five championship golf courses and two national monuments on the 22,000 acres of water and the 500 miles of shoreline. Not only is the lake home to a variety of activities, historical landmarks and cultural opportunities, but the surrounding areas of Bedford, Lynchburg and Roanoke offer even more for visitors. Here are some of the most popular attractions.

Smith Mountain Lake

Moneta Smith Mountain Lake Library
Right next door to Mayberry Hills and across from Downtown Moneta at Smith Mountain Lake, the Library offers many summer programs for children, including puppet shows. Open Monday through Saturday. (540) 297-6474.

Mayberry Drive-Inn Theatre and Diner
Bring back nostalgia and enjoy great family fun with the Mayberry Drive-In Theatre & Diner – located just 1/2 mile from Downtown Moneta at Smith Mountain Lake on White House Road. The diner will be open during the day for all to enjoy – and to movie goers at night. So jump in the family wagon, and bring the whole family out for some good old fashioned fun! Coming Summer 2007.

Moneta Park
Bedford County Parks and Recreation introduces Moneta Park. Stretching over 119-acres, it will offer athletic fields, outdoor courts, walking and bike trails, picnic shelters, and other leisure amenities. It will be located on Rucker Road near Downtown Moneta at Smith Mountain Lake. Construction to begin soon.

Booker T. Washington National Monument
Located on Route 122 at Smith Mountain Lake, the Booker T. Washington National Monument features walking tours and a variety of educational events throughout the season. (540) 721-2094.

Center at the Lake
Coming soon! This multi-purpose facility will be a venue for visual and performing arts, literary, educational and community service programs to benefit residents, visitors, and future generations of the Smith Mountain Lake region. It will be located on Route 823 (Timberwood Lane), just south of Route 655 in Moneta.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park

The park offers a beach, boating, fishing, camping and rental cabins. Weekly activities for kids, canoe trips and hayrides. Open Daily 8 a.m. to dusk. Route 626 in Bedford. (540) 297-6066.

The SML Dam

See how electricity is generated, watch presentations in the mini-theater, and take part in hands-on exhibits. Enjoy the picnic area and overlook. Open daily from 10am – 6pm. Free. (540) 985-2587.

Virginia Dare Cruises
Dress up for an elegant evening, have the party of your dreams, or just get on board for a night of mystery, the Virginia Dare offers a variety of options for those who want to enjoy a leisurely tour of the lake and an excellent meal. Charter your own cruise or just join one of the regularly scheduled cruises. It will be an event to remember. For reservations call (540) 297-7100.

Sky Dive
Experience the fear, rush, relief and satisfaction of accomplishing this feat. Adrenaline Air Sports at the SML Airport takes you on a ride you will always remember. Jumps and training for all levels of jumpers. (540) 296-1100.

Golf
Mixing challenge and scenic beauty, the SML golf courses have earned national recognition. Spend a morning or afternoon on the rolling greens with the mountains as a backdrop. The public courses include Westlake Golf & Country Club (540) 721-4214, Mariner’s Landing (540) 297-7888 and Sycamore Ridge (540) 297-6490.

Fishing Charters
Many people come to SML just for the fishing. Whether you are an accomplished Angler, or just want impress a few friends with a hunt for an award-winning Striped Bass, there are many fishing charters at the lake that can help you land “the big one.”

Boat Rentals
Rent a houseboat and live on the water for a week, or find a variety of toys for a day of non-stop fun. Local marinas and businesses offer canoes, kayaks, rafts, tubes, wakeboards, jet skis, hydrobikes, paddleboats, pontoon boats, ski boats and fishing boats. No matter what you need to hit the water, you can find it at the lake.
Bedford County
National D-Day Memorial

Visit the Memorial to honor the valor, fidelity and sacrifice of the Allied Armed Forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Hours: Open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. seven days a week. www.dday.org Bedford (540) 586-3329 or toll free (800) 351-DDAY.

Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Thomas Jefferson’s “retreat” home is his final architectural work – an octagonal house surrounded by an array of flower gardens. www.poplarforest.org. 1548 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, (434) 525-1806.

Bedford City/County Museum
Explore Bedford’s History including the Native Americans, the Civil War, farm life, World War II and now. Find your history in the genealogy library. 201 E. Main Street, Bedford, (540) 586-4520.

Roanoke

Center in the Square
See the science museum, the planetarium, the history museum and more. One Market Street, Downtown Roanoke, (540) 342-5700.

Virginia Museum of Transportation
See vintage cars, trains, carriages, exhibits, and the gift shop. www.vmt.com. 303 Norfolk Ave., Downtown Roanoke, (540) 342-5670.

Mill Mountain Zoo
Lions, White Tigers, and Bears…oh my. 2404 Prospect Road, Mill Mountain Park, Roanoke. (540) 343-3241, www.mmzoo.com.

Roanoke Star

The historic Mill Mountain Star is one of the world’s largest man-made stars. The star features a gorgeous scenic overlook and a walking area. (540) 342-6025.

Lynchburg

Museum at the Old Court House
Explore exhibits highlighting local history, from the native Monacan tribes who inhabited the banks of the James River, to the tragedy of the Civil War. Open daily from 10am-4pm. 901 Court Street, Downtown Lynchburg (434) 847-1459.

Legacy Museum of African-American History
The Museum locates, collects, preserves, and houses historical artifacts relating to significant contributions of the African-American community in Lynchburg and the region. Thur.-Sat. 12-4pm; Sun. 2-4pm or by appointment. 403 Monroe Street, Lynchburg (434) 845-3455.

Point of Honor
One of Virginia’s most remarkable Federal-style mansions built in 1815. Visitors can experience the lifestyle of one of Virginia’s most remarkable families. Tours of home and gardens are available daily from 10am-4pm. www.pointofhonor.org. 112 Cabell Street, Lynchburg (434) 847-1459.

Red Hill
See Patrick Henry’s mansion and working farm to learn about his life. Located near Brookneal in Southern Campbell county, the estate features the largest Osage Orange tree in the state. 1250 Red Hill Road, Brookneal (434) 376-2044.

Other Local Highlights

Blue Ridge Parkway
Considered one of America’s most scenic drives, the Parkway spans 450 miles and offers picnicking, fishing and more. See the Kanawha Canal’s lock at the James River Trail/Overlook, at mile post 63.6.

Peaks of Otter
Hike Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill, some of the most popular trails on the Parkway. Stay for a picnic or dinner at the Restaurant and lodge. They also offer camping and a gift shop. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile marker 86. (540) 586-4496.

Explore Park
This is Western Virginia’s premier educational and recreational facility. Includes mountain biking, hiking, fishing, outdoor historical and environmental education. Open April 15 through October 31. Call for hours. Located off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford County (540) 427-1800.

 

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