Smith Mountain Lake—A Day of Wine & Fun at the Lake

Late Summer 2008

Smith Mountain Lake Tourism Information

Smith Mountain Lake, located south of Bedford and southeast of Roanoke, sits at the junction of the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers, and its shores touch Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania Counties. It is year-’round home to 18,000 residents and favorite vacation getaway for countless thousands more. Folks come from all over to fish, enjoy the water sports on 22,000 acres of lake, and play on the 500 miles of shoreline.

Looking for a delightful early autumn day trip or overnight destination? The 20th annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is the perfect event for aficionados of wine as well as fans of outdoor concerts and craft festivals.

Held September 27-28 (rain or shine!) on pastoral fields overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains in Franklin County, about two miles south of the Hales Ford Bridge. Sample excellent wines from 27 Virginia vineyards, as you enjoy fine arts and crafts from 85 area artisans. Numerous food vendors will offer eats to please every palate. Four bands are slated to perform (two per day), adding a special beach flair for those who love to dance or just enjoy the beat.

The massive event is hosted by the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce, and staffed by hundreds of civic-minded volunteers—and it just gets bigger and better each year! Tickets are available through the SML Chamber.

Article text ©2008, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.

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