Southwest Virginia Information

Boating & Marina's | Area Restaurants | Historical Sites

SML Informational Video

Video provided by Penny Hodges

Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake, located in the Southwestern part of Virginia, is one of the largest and cleanest fresh water lakes in the eastern United States. Covering in excess of 22,000 acres, encompassing over 500 miles of shoreline; Smith Mountain Lake borders three Virginia counties. Bedford, Franklin, and Pittsylvania Counties, areas of the state know for unsurpassed natural beauty, fascinating history, and broad culture.

Initial proposals were made in the late 1920’s to dam the Roanoke River and the Blackwater River at the Smith Mountain gorge to generate electricity. Construction on the dam began in 1960 and was completed in 1963. The first project was to build a 1,500 foot cable between the gorge of Smith Mountain in order to help move material back and forth. The cable hauled an estimated half million tons of building materials used to construct the dam. The dam walls were completed in September 1963 and the Blackwater and Roanoke Rivers began filling Smith Mountain Lake. Capacity was reached on March 7, 1966 and SML became the recreational capital of Southwest Virginia.

Franklin County is one of Virginia’s fastest growing county’s, due large in part to the broad appeal of Smith Mountain Lake. The setting is idyllic, offering four uniquely beautiful seasons; with mild winter temperatures averaging in the 40’s and comfortable summer temperatures in the 80’s. Spring and fall are equally pleasant with incredible vistas created by the wealth of foliage and wildlife to which Smith Mountain Lake plays host. Thanks to no traffic jams, low cost of living, and virtually no crime; this region offers a quality of life unmatched anywhere. Combine these attributes to Franklin County’s proximity to our nation’s capitol; you can have it all at Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake is about far more then just being on the water. Each year, the lake area plays host too many special events & concerts such as the annual SML Wine Festival or the Annual Chili Cook-off at Bridgewater Plaza. Take the time to visit some of the over 23 historic attractions and National Monuments such as the Booker T. Washington in Franklin County or the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Experience the Southwest Virginia Lifestyle!

Franklin County, Virginia

Franklin County is one of Virginia's fastest growing and most dynamic counties. It is a community that is committed to progress, building a strong future. The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning & Enterprise, together with Ferrum College and one of the state's highest rated school systems, is a major focus for the county's commitment to building a skilled, progressive workforce. Thanks to this workforce, natural resources, relatively low costs of living, and access to the mid-Atlantic markets, it is not only a great place to live, but a great place to run your business.

Apart from business, visitors and residents can find a diverse selection of attractions, from outdoor adventures like boating, fishing, camping or hiking, to cultural and historic sites such as the Blue Ridge Institute at Ferrum College or enjoying one of the many local musical & theatrical performances. In one phrase, Franklin County Virginia opens up new vistas, views, and quiet moments for those tired of crowds, long lines, and clutter. Franklin County & SML Online Business Directory

Historical Sites

The Smith Mountain Lake area is full of history. In Bedford County, you can visit Poplar Forest, a home that Thomas Jefferson built for himself as a private retreat. Historic Avenel Plantation served as the social hub for the area and hosted guests such as Robert E. Lee and Edgar Allen Poe. The Centertown historic district of Bedford includes a historic Meeting House, Courthouse and Museum.

The County seat for Franklin County is in Rocky Mount. There are walking tours of the many historic buildings. Franklin County is also the boyhood home to Jubal Early, a Confederate General.

In Pittsylvania County, visit historic Chatham to see Virginia’s only two street car diners, the 1853 Greek Revival Courthouse, and to take a walking tour of this 1777 town full of Victorian architecture. Be sure to stop in at the historic Yates Tavern in Gretna on the way. The SML Visitors Center offers brochures on walking and driving tours of many of these sites.

Lake Boating & Marina's

You can rent most any type of boat at the lake. Play on Wave runners, Sea-Doos, Jet-Skis and paddleboat's. Cruise the lake in a pontoon or houseboat. Or take family or friends water skiing. Fishing boats, canoes and small sailboats are also available. Some boats rent by the hour or half- hour and other by the day or half day.

Area Dining & Restaurants

Blackwater Cafe (721.4333) Wide variety of gourmet entrees and exquisite dinner specials in additions to our regular bill of fare.
Harrison’s Resturant (297.6109) American & country cooking; breakfast & lunch; ABC off; by boat/car.

Chopsticks Chinese Restaurant (721.8839) Chinese cuisine; lunch buffet & dinner; ABC on; by boat/car.

Diamond Hill General Store (297.9309) gourmet deli, wine shop, gift shop, groceries.

Dudley Mart and Restaurant (721.1635) full service restaurant; breakfast, lunch, dinner; Walleye fish fry on Fri., prime rib on Sat.; ABC on/off; by car.

Edible Vibes - (489.7827) Hand-crafted desserts, organic coffees/teas, home-made soups, sandwiches and hot specials. Mon-Wed 8AM-6 PM, Thurs/Fri 8AM - 9 PM, Sat 9 AM - 5 PM

El Torito Del Lago (721.3821) A Mexican fiesta.  Full service Mexican restaurant; family atmosphere; lunch/dinner; by car.

Fallon's (297.4562) Fresh seafood, steaks, nightly specials, international dishes. Lunch buffet Wed - Sat.; fine dining with casual atmosphere.  Full ABC.

Joe's Pizza (721.2422) Pizza, Stromboli, cal zones.   Buffet daily.  Located at the big chicken on Scruggs Road.

The Landing Restaurant (721.3028) Gourmet/casual; lunch & dinner; ABC on; reservations suggested; by boat/car.
Mango’s Bar & Grill (721.1632) Sandwiches, steak, seafood with tropical twist; lunch & dinner; ABC on; by boat/car.
The Point Restaurant, Mariners Landing (297.7888) Tue - Sat, lunch & dinner;Sunday-champagne brunch. Winter Specials!

Mei's China City (721.2646)  Lunch and dinner buffet daily as well as a complete menu with specials.  Open every day except Thanksgiving.

Mexico Viejo (719.1000) Full service Mexican restaurant.  Located at Crazy Horse Marina.

Michael's Pizza & Pasta, Inc. (297.8900) Experience a taste of Italy.  Family owned and operated.

Moosie’s (721.5255) Sandwiches, ribs, & Mexican; lunch & dinner; ABC on/off; by boat/car.

The Mouse Trap (721.4997) Deli sandwiches & biscuits; ABC on/off; by boat/car.

Olde Liberty Station (587.9377) Steaks, seafood, poultry, salads, soups.  Great desserts.  Restored train station!

Portside Bar & Grill (297.7100) Over-the-water bar & grill; weekends only; lunch & dinner. ABC on; by boat/car. (located at Virginia Dare marina).

Reds, Wines & Blues (721.6445) Eclectic menu  with casual to fine dining, Lunch-Mon - Fri 11-2, Dinner Tue-Sat 5 - 9 and Sunday brunch 11AM - 2 PM

The Sportsman (297.7900) Breakfast, lunch, dinner & Sunday brunch year round. Lounge until 2:00 AM. Live entertainment weekly, steamer/raw bar and outdoor dining. By boat/car.

Smith Mountain Coffee & Cafe (721.3737) Hot/cold espresso based drinks; whole-bean coffees; breakfast sandwiches, pastries, soups, salads, and sandwiches; breakfast/lunch/dinner; by car.

Virginia Dare Cruises (297.7100) Lunch & dinner; sightseeing cruises (reservations required) ABC on; by boat/car.

Westlake Country Club (721.4215) Friday buffet 5:30- 8:00 p.m. (reservations required); Sunday brunch 11-2; lunch daily; by car.