Spring Cleaning Maintenance Guide

We’re fast approaching warmer weather, which means that it’s a good time to make a springtime home maintenance checklist. Read on for three common areas to inspect as winter draws to a close: Roofs and Gutters: Now is a good time to clean out your gutters from all of the debris that may have collected […]

Will Right-Sizing My Home Save Money?

If retirement is in your near future, you may have started analyzing your finances in efforts of finding areas to save. The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites that 49% of Americans in their late 50’s and early 60’s has mortgage or home equity debt, and that housing costs take up one-third of their household income. […]

How Will Home Upgrades Affect My Taxes?

Filing your taxes is probably not an event that any of us particularly look forward to, but knowing that there is a possibility of a tax credit could offer a silver lining. If you’re thinking about making upgrades to your home in hopes of recouping tax dollars, here are a few items to consider:   […]

Farmland at Smith Mountain Lake

When you think of Smith Mountain Lake, it’s hard not to envision the area’s most popular attraction…the lake itself. However, residents and frequent visitors know that there’s far more to SML than just water. In fact, if you’re interested in relocating to Smith Mountain Lake, but not necessarily interested in living on the water, then […]

Keeping Your Boat Safe During the Winter

It’s hard to even think about boating on Smith Mountain Lake when the temperature refuses to budge above freezing, but protecting your boat from harsh winter weather will increase performance and keep maintenance to a minimum. That way, when its time to enjoy summertime boating and PWC amenities, you’ll spend less time performing repairs and […]

Celebrating New Year’s in Roanoke

As 2017 quickly draws to a close, it’s time to start making plans for ringing in 2018. Fortunately, Roanoke has tons of fun gatherings filled with songs and spirits. If counting down the new year is non-negotiable, then make plans to attend the Big Lick Downtown Countdown. This annual event transforms Market Square into Times […]

Holiday Fire Safety for Your Home

Decorating for Christmas is a wonderful way to add warmth and holiday spirit to your home, but keeping a cautious eye on your yuletide accessories will help ensure a safe and happy holiday season. First and foremost, test the batteries in your smoke detectors and replace them if necessary. While this a good habit year-round, […]

Holiday Festivities at Smith Mountain Lake

Now that we’ve had our fill of candy corn and trunk-or-treats, it’s time to focus on turkey, trimmings, and gatherings with friends and family. And since Smith Mountain Lake is perfectly situated between Franklin and Bedford Counties, there’s a seamless celebration of holiday festivities to explore. The season kicks off with the annual Franklin County […]

Drumstick DASH Family 5K Scheduled

Thanksgiving typically conjures up visions of turkey, trimmings, and a dessert table full of pumpkin pie. However, thanks to Rescue Mission Ministries of Roanoke, over 250 men, women, and children will continue to receive food, shelter, and clothing courtesy of the Drumstick Dash. Held annually on Thanksgiving Day, the Drumstick Dash encourages you to “move […]

Blue Ridge Folklife Festival Scheduled for Saturday, October 28th

The Blue Ridge Folklife Festival, coordinated by the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, is scheduled for Saturday, October 28th from 10am to 5pm. The annual event is held on the Ferrum College campus and features a variety of historic exhibits, demonstrations, and concerts inspired by the traditions of the region. Fan favorites include horse pulls, […]