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Lake Like A Local
Just a list of one girl's favorite things at Smith Mountain Lake. All hours are subject to change, please call ahead to make sure they're open!
Key: OTW = on the water | ♥ = personal favorite | GF = gluten free.
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BBQ
OTW | ♥ Chocolate BBQ - either on nachos or order as a side to add to the top of a house salad.
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Food truck located at Magnum Boating. | Only open on Saturdays and Sundays. | The pulled pork meat is very sweet, and I like the slight tang to their sauce.
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OTW | ♥ BBQ Nachos
Burgers
OTW | ♥ The Santa Fe Burger - this sweet/salty combo is divine.
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OTW | ♥ The Bedford Landing Burger - a must-experience (there is peanut butter involved). | Half price burgers on Thursdays from 4-5pm. | GF Buns available
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OTW | Local beef | ♥ The Mushroom Swiss Burger | GF Buns available
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Cocktails
Napoli by the Lake and Napoli Cowboy: First is OTW, second is inland | ♥ I usually go with a seasonal selection recommended by their fabulous bartenders.
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Jake's Place: OTW | Craft/Seasonal/Fresh | ♥ Blueberry Mint Mojito - They also have an interesting mule selection.
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Drifter's: OTW | Key West/Tropical Drinks | ♥ "I Need A Moneta" and "Key Lime Pie".
The Copper Kettle: Craft/Seasonal/Fresh | Their rotating selections often feature lavender syrup and Empress Gin - two of my top cocktail ingredients!
Dog Friendly
Find a list of Restaurants at Smith Mountain Lake where you can bring your pooch along!
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For great hiking with your leashed furry friend try Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Smith Mountain Lake Community Park (dogs are NOT allowed on the swimming beaches at either park), and Booker T Washington National Monument Trails.
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Pet Store: Barkley's Pet Market at Westlake.
Events
Calendar of Events 2025: Use this link to find a great round-up of festivals and such happening all around the lake compiled by our friends at SML Insiders.
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Live Music Listings: This Facebook group, while it has a lot of other local areas mixed in, is still the best place to find SML live music.
Helpful Info
At Your Service Personal Concierge LLC offers grocery pick up/delivery, transportation, vacation planning services, set up for a special occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc.), gift and flower delivery, and more! (540) 314-2856
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Captain Vic's Boat Tours | 2 hours of narrated captain services to enjoy touring around the the lake. For up to 6 people and food/drink is allowed. | $250 | (434) 610-4064
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Public Facilities on Smith Mountain Lake
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Uber/Lyft Services around the area and to/from Roanoke and Lynchburg | Michael Matta - mmatta@aol.com | (973) 207-0912
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Lose something valuable in the lake? Call Diver Dave: (540) 312-5180
Ice Cream
Homestead Creamery: Our local creamery that makes deeeelicious flavors | Located in Burnt Chimney | ♥ Black Raspberry and Peach
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Rookies: Serves mix and match cookie and ice cream sandwiches (both are homemade) | Located in Westlake | GF cookies available
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Captain Scoop: OTW | Hershey's Ice Cream | Located at Mitchell's Point Marina - open 7 days a week in the summer | ♥ Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle | A favorite spot for ice cream and a sunset!
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Our Full Directory for finding ice cream on and around the lake!
Mondays
A lot of restaurants around the lake are closed on Mondays, but these are a few of my favorites that remain open!
Bruno's Clubhouse Bistro | Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
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Cancun Mexican Restaurant | Lunch/Dinner
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Magnum Point Marina | OTW | Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
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Napoli Cowboy | Dinner
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Smith Mountain Lake Coffee House | OTW | Breakfast/Lunch
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The Bagel & I | Westlake | Breakfast/Lunch
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Westlake Coffee and Cafe | Breakfast/Lunch
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Edo Sushi and Grill | Lunch/Dinner
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The Copper Kettle Co. | Dinner
Pizza
I'm gluten free and can 100% tell you where to find the best GF crust on the lake, but the rest of these recs are based on local popular opinion.
Bruno's Clubhouse Bistro: Best GF pizza, hands down. Chewy, medium thickness, generous size. | Classic and gourmet topping options. | ♥ The Shrooms
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New York Pizza: Ok GF crust, very thin and crunchy, but I really like the sauce here - a good balance of sweet and fresh. | New Yorkers commonly claim this as the most authentic around. | Classic toppings.
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Benny Adelinas: If you're looking for HUGE pizzas or pizza-by-the-slice, this is where to go. Classic toppings.
Rain Days
Have a spa day at Seraphina or enjoy a relaxing session at South Lake Spa & Salt Room | *You'll need to plan ahead for appointments at both places.
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Shop for souvenirs at all the wonderful options in the Westlake and Bridgewater areas.
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Catch a movie at the Westlake Cinema.
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Create a masterpiece at Hawaii Fluid Art.
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Visit the Smith Mountain Lake Dam Visitor's Center.
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Get your game on at Fun-N-Games Arcade.
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Have a foodie adventure at some of my favorite restaurants.
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Sip the Bedford Beer and Wine Trail.
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Wine
SML Fine Wines: If you're at the lake on a Friday night, the wine tastings here are not to be missed. Great place to stock up for your vacation! | ♥ Novellum Chardonnay and Castoro Sparkling Rose' for the boat.
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Fables & Feathers Winery: Great wine flight and truffle pairings - they also have beer and cider available. | Relaxed, family (and dog) friendly atmosphere. | Food trucks and live music are staples on the weekends. | ♥ Traminette
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Bottles & Bites: Fabulous, covered outdoor venue with a glam/rustic vibe. | Wines, frozen wine slushies, beer, and a whiskey bar available. | Bruno's Gastropub Food Truck for eats. | Live music on the weekends! | ♥ Rose' Slushie with a float of Bombay Sapphire.
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Old Towne Social House: Rocky Mount | Totally worth the drive. | Impressive wine list and small bites. | Industrial vintage atmosphere that everyone will feel at home in. | ♥ Parcel 41 Merlot 2020