Looking for some fun things to do at Smith Mountain Lake? Well, one thing is for sure… we don’t have a lack of things to do. Ranging from window shopping to enjoying the great outdoors, let me run down the TOP 10 List of Free (or Almost Free) Things to Do at Smith Mountain Lake:

1. The Bridgewater Plaza. Conveniently located, the Bridgewater Plaza  has something for everyone. A few of the favorites are: listening to live music, window shopping, and dining. In addition, you can take a stroll down to the docks and peruse the boats docked and feed the carp.

2. Tour local vineyards. One of the local favorites is Hickory Hills Vineyard because of its close proximity to Smith Mountain Lake and its wine sampling, but it doesn’t stop there. Check out my blog that outlines all of the terrific wineries on the Bedford Wine Trail and plan a day to enjoy some time on the trail.

3. Explore the Smith Mountain Dam Visitor Center. You can take in some spectacular views from the overlook, learn about the inner workings of the Dam and watch a video of the Dam being made.

4. Take a hike around the lake or on The Blue Ridge Parkway. Over 100 hiking trails exist on The Blue Ridge Parkway throughout Virginia and North Carolina. Depending upon the season, you can find cascading waterfalls, gorgeous spring wildflowers or awe-inspiring fall colors.

5. Indulge in homemade ice cream by the Homestead Creamery. Not only will you get to try out some yummy ice cream, but also other products that are offered and take a tour through the petting zoo.

6. Taste test craft beer at the Sunken City Brewing Company. With its 25-barrel brewhouse the Sunken City Brewing Company features a tasting room and pub, beer garden and retail store to enjoy.

7. Take a bicycle ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This ever popular activity provides an elevation range from as low as 600 feet all the way up to 6,000 feet spread out over 469 miles of gorgeous scenery.

8. Step back in time by visiting the Booker T. Washington National Monument. Born as a slave on a plantation in Franklin County, Booker T. Washington was freed from slavery after the Civil War. The National Monument pays tribute to the birthplace of one of America’s most renowned African American educators.

9. Visit a local art gallery. The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake features over 200 artists from around the world which makes it a great place to explore the unique artistry behind every handmade piece. In addition, the SML Gallery offers a variety of mediums and styles that are represented through photography, pottery, painting, jewelry, sculpture and glasswork.

10. Sleep out under the stars on a camping adventure. Nothing says outdoors like the proverbial campfire and s’more roast. There’s a wide variety of camping opportunities both around Smith Mountain Lake and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This list just begins to scratch the surface of all the different attractions to take part at near Smith Mountain Lake. Known as Virginia’s most popular lake you will find a wide variety of recreational activities to partake in with over 500 miles of shoreline to explore in addition to many other recreational opportunities nearby.