5 Fun Things to Do at Smith Mountain Lake
Searching for fun things to do at Smith Mountain Lake? Though there’s more than enough to do right here at Halesford Harbour Inn & Marina, the Smith Mountain Lake community and Bedford County offer attractions and amenities that will make your stay with us even more memorable.
Booker T. Washington National Monument
Learn about the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in United States history at his birthplace in Hardy, Va. Stop by the visitors center for exhibits and audiovisual presentations that detail how Booker T. Washington began his life as a slave and later became the first principal of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute.
After a bit of education, walk the Plantation Trail or the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail, explore reconstructions of buildings that stood on the plantation during Washington’s boyhood, visit the animals in the farm area and learn about historic gardening in the garden area.
Hickory Hill Vineyards
Sample the vintages of this charming winery in their 1923 farmhouse turned tasting room or sip a glass of wine in the picnic area while enjoying views of the vineyard. They offer a variety of both red and white wine as well as blends that range from crisp and light to sweet and jammy. What could be more relaxing than a glass of wine after a day on Smith Mountain Lake?
If you find yourself at the winery on a Saturday, stick around for Sunset Saturdays, the winery’s music series.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Southwest Virginia is known for many things, but chief among them is outdoor recreation. If you’re looking to hit some trails, spend a day at the beach or let the kids burn off some energy, head to Smith Mountain Lake State Park. This park boasts 13 hiking trails and 500 feet of beach.
Trails range from half a mile to 3 miles long, so you have plenty of options. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy beautiful vistas, secluded coves and majestic forests.
If a day of lounging by the lake is more up your alley, you can head to the lifeguarded beach and take a dip from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you get hungry, grab a bite at the snack bar.
There’s plenty for watersports enthusiasts at Smith Mountain Lake State Park as well. You can launch a boat and do a little fishing, or you can rent Jet Skis, canoes, kayaks, hydrobikes, paddleboats, ski boats and pontoon boats. Click here for more information on rentals and fees.
Bridgewater Plaza
For shopping, dining and entertainment head to Bridgewater Plaza. You can play a round of mini-golf at Harbortown Miniature Golf, win some tickets at Fun-N-Games Arcade, hit the bungee trampoline at the Lucky Duck or paint some pottery at Glazed Bisque-It.
Copper Cove Golf Course
Hit the links while you’re at Smith Mountain Lake at Copper Cove Golf Course. This 18-hole course is the area’s premier public golf course. It blends beautiful views and fun but challenging holes, perfect for any skill level.
The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake
Enjoy a concert under the stars at The Coves at Smith Mountain Lake. This outdoor amphitheater is nestled right along the edge of the lake and hosts Grammy Award winners and local talent alike.
Day Trips
There’s so much to see and do within minutes of Halesford Harbour Inn & Marina, but if you’re looking for a day trip, the surrounding area has a lot to offer.
Visit the National D-Day Memorial (24 minutes from Halesford) to honor those who lost their lives on the beaches of Normandy.
Head to Smith Mountain Lake Community Park (21 mins. from Halesford) and spend the day relaxing along the sandy beach, walk 1.7 miles of trails, cast a line from the fishing pier or let the kids loose at the playground.
Drink in views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stop by the visitors center and Explore Park at milepost 115 (41 minutes from Halesford) for information about the Blue Ridge Parkway and an opportunity to explore some beautiful surroundings.
For a truly unforgettable day trip head to Natural Bridge (one hour from Halesford). Stop along the way at Dinosaur Kingdom II for a little touristy fun. Take a tour of some caverns and then check out one of the natural wonders of America at Natural Bridge State Park.
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, a music lover or a parent looking for a family-friendly vacation, Smith Mountain Lake has something for you. Book your stay at Halesford Harbour Inn & Marina to see what Bedford County has to offer!