Activities
and Links
Swimming
There is nothing more enjoyable than to stretch out on the dock with a
good book, and then dive into the clear, warm water for a refreshing
swim. The lake is one of the cleanest in the East Coast, and as you
swim or relax, you are looking across to undeveloped wilderness.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities at Silver Bay View Cottages are unbelievable. The
properties are located on Witcher Creek where the stripers spawn every
spring. The lake is regularly stocked with game fish, and contains
striped bass, large and small mouth bass, muskies, northern pike, and
an assortment of small game fish. Fishing guides are available to
introduce you to the lake, including:
Captain Bert's
Fishin' Charters 540-721-5788, Mike's Striper Guide Service
540-980-7527, Rockfish Adventures
866-943-1125.
Boating
There may be no better lake in the Mid-Atlantic region for boating. The
20,000 acres of Smith Mountain Lake and its 40-mile length make it a
perfect place for water skiing, speed boating, canoeing, kayaking or
sailing. Power boats and waverunners can be rented at several locations
on the lake, including: Bridgewater Plaza
Marina (Boats can also be picked up at the State Park -
540-721-1639), Parrot
Cove (800-488-4516) (Parrot Cove also rents Kayaks), Parkway Marina
(540-297-4412) (formerly knows as Saunders Marina), Mitchell's Point Marina (540-297-7174) or Virgil Naff Sea Doo (waverunners only -
434-528-0462).
The closest boat launch and boat rental is Mitchell's Point Marina (540-297-7174). (See Local Map from Directions Page)
Activities for Children
Very young children enjoy going to the sandy beach at Smith Mountain
Lake State Park, which is about 10 minutes away from Silver Bay View Cottages. The park imported tons of white sand to create a lovely beach and protected swimming area that is also monitored by life guards. Be sure and bring sun screen and an umbrella to protect you from the sun. There is also a well equipped playground adjacent to the beach.
Older children enjoy "Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn" experiences along the shoreline. Catching bait fish with a bare number 16 hook provides endless entertainment, as does catching craw dads, and fighting imaginary dragons! A boat trip to one of the islands is always a treat. After everyone has had a chance to explore every corner of one of these tiny islands, build a campfire and roast hot dogs on a stick followed by s'mores. There are campfire rings on most of the islands, as well as ample fallen wood. Just bring newspaper, matches and a pocket knife (to whittle your own hot dog and marshmallow stick) and have your own "Huck Finn" adventure!
Hiking
Smith Mountain
Lake State Park is located 10 minutes from Silver Bay View Cottage,
and offers miles of interesting lake front hiking on four different
trails. The park also has a sandy public beach, a boat ramp, picnic
areas, and a visitors' area that has informative programs throughout
the year.
The
Peaks
of Otter, on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is about 45 minutes away and
offers beautiful vistas of the Roanoke valley and several hiking
trails, either to the peaks or to cascading waterfalls and along
streams. There are also several streams that support native trout and
fly fishing opportunities.
Hunting
Hunters are as fortunate as fishermen when it comes to selecting a
successful place to pursue their sport. There are over 5,000 acres of
land that have been made available by the Appalachian Power Company for
hunting. Population game includes deer, turkey, quail, rabbit, and
squirrel. For more information, contact the Virginia
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at (804) 367-1000.
Camping and Picnicking
Smith Mountain Lake is full of islands that are ideal for camping and
picnicking. One of our favorite activities is to build a campfire on
one of the many inlets along Smith Mountain and cook hot dogs and
marshmallows for lunch. Swimming in these pristine, mountain inlets is
also a memorable experience.
Golf
There are six golf courses, both public and private, in the vicinity of
Smith Mountain Lake. A complete list of golf courses
is provided at the Chamber of Commerce Web Site.
Points of Interest and Historical Sites
Smith
Mountain Lake Dam
Smith Mountain Lake lies nestled in the magnificent Blue Ridge
Mountains of southwest Virginia between Roanoke and Lynchburg. The lake
was created by a hydroelectric dam, and is considered one of the
cleanest lakes in the East Coast. It is 40 miles long, covers more than
20,000 acres, and has over 500 miles of shoreline. The visitor center
at the Dam provides interesting displays that explain the operation of
the dam and electricity generation.
Booker T Washington
National Monument
Less than an hour from Silver Bay View Cottages, visiting the Booker T
Washington National Monument is an educational outing for the entire
family. Call 540-721-2094 for more information.
The National
D-Day Memorial
On the outskirts of Bedford, and on the road
to the Peaks of Otter, the National D-Day Memorial was dedicated by
President George W. Bush on June 6, 2001. On D-Day, Bedford suffered
the greatest proportionate losses of any community in America. The
memorial is a moving tribute to all those in America who gave their
lives that day. Call 800-351-DDAY for information. While passing
through Bedford, be sure and visit The Bedford Visitor Center to
learn more about things to do in the county.
Thomas
Jefferson's Poplar Forest
Poplar Forest was Jefferson's second home, and was used as a country
retreat. It is a more private home than Monticello, as described by
Jefferson in 1812, "When finished, it will be the
best dwelling house in the state, except that of Monticello; perhaps
preferable to that, as more proportioned to the faculties of a private
citizen."
The house is under continued restoration and first opened to the public
in 1986. Call (434) 525-1806 for information.
Restaurants
There are a number of restaurants around Smith Mountain Lake. The
Chamber of Commerce provides a complete Dining List.
A few of these have web sites and are listed below:
El Torito Del Lago (Mexican food)
(540) 721-3821
Mango's
Bar & Grill
(540) 721-1632
Moosie's Restaurant
(540) 721-5255
Pizza Pub
(540) 721-1234
Virginia Dare Cruises
(540) 297-7100
Blackwater Cafe
(540) 721-4333
Mitchell's Point Marina
(540-297-7174)
General Information on Smith Mountain Lake
For more information
on Smith Mountain Lake, visit The Smith Mountain Lake
Chamber of Commerce, located at Bridgewater Plaza, about 25 minutes
from Silver Bay View Cottages. They have helpful staff and racks of
brochures about the lake and region. While there, be sure and walk
around Bridgwater
Plaza. We particularly enjoy the art on display at The
Little Gallery (540) 721- 1596. They often have fine oil paintings that capture the special light and beauty
that characterizes Smith Mountain Lake. Be sure and pick up the Smith Mountain Laker.com magazine and check out their web site. It is an excellent resource on places to visit, things to do and happenings on the lake.
Off Season
Smith Mountain Lake is a wonderful place to be during the off-season months as well as in summer.
Spring
In spring the red bud blossoms make an iridescent pink pattern along the shoreline. A few weeks later, the white dogwood flowers appear to float among the woods. They are followed by the mountain laurel with their intricately formed white flowers flushed with pink. Fishing is excellent at this time of year, with the climax in April and May when the striped bass run right in front of Silver Bay View Cottages. The water in Witcher Creek literally boils during the spawning season and when the stripers chase the shad to the surface.
Autumn
In autumn the hills are splashed with the gold, yellow, and orange hues of changing foliage. The days are crystal clear, sunny, and warm, with early morning mist rising from the lake. Both hunters and nature-watchers will enjoy sighting wild turkey, raccoon, fox, deer, osprey, turkey vultures, eagles and (rarely) bears. The annual house tour on the lake is held on a weekend in early October, followed the next weekend by "Smith Mountain Lake Days." The fully-equipped kitchens are ideal for preparing a Thanksgiving feast.
Winter
Winter brings a new kind of magic to the lake. From the warm comfort of the Main House or Cedar Cabin (here the fireplace comes into its own), you can watch the clouds get snagged on Smith Mountain and enjoy the frosty scene. There is an added dimension to winter walks - when the leaves are off the trees, vistas from the hiking trails in the Blue Ridge open up to reveal nearby mountains and the patchwork of farms in the valleys below. The lake doesn't freeze, so hardy souls can still enjoy boating.
Reservations:
(434) 953-6747
info@silverbayview.com
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After extensive searching, we found this one spot in Virginia ...
