While tearing yourself away from Smith Mountain Lake seems unimaginable, on occasion you and your family may want to explore the areas that surround SML. One of the draws of living at Smith Mountain Lake is its central location, making travel to and from the area a snap.

Smith Mountain Lake spans three counties: Franklin, Bedford, and Pittsylvania. Each of these counties offer a welcoming, small-town atmosphere with distinct local charm. Enjoy a relaxing drive through the countryside, or

The “Star City” of Roanoke is less than an hour from SML and offers a multitude of restaurants, shops, museums, and entertainment venues including the Berglund Center, Elmwood Park, and Dr. Pepper Park. All three venues host local, regional, and nationally touring acts.

If smaller music venues are more your speed, check out The Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, which is around 30 minutes from Westlake. The Harvester is located in Downtown Rocky Mount and is within walking distance to local restaurants and farmer’s markets.

Other popular destinations for day trips from Smith Mountain Lake include Lynchburg, Blacksburg, and the Greensboro/Triad area in North Carolina.