Welcome to this UCPlaces Where to Live Tour of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia . My name is Shelly and I’ll be showing you around Smith Mountain Lake on behalf of our local expert Dawn Lambert.
If after the tour you feel like Smith Mountain Lake is a place you could call home, contact Dawn Lambert at d.lambert@exprealty.com or give her a call at 540-882-4119.
Now a little about Smith Mountain Lake.
Located just 30 miles south of Roanoke and nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Smith Mountain Lake is 20,000 acres of picturesque water and often considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the east.
The Lake was formed in 1966 when the Appalachian Power Company built the Smith Mountain Dam for hydroelectric power, since then Smith Mountain lake has been an oasis for vacationers and locals alike.
You’ll find a mix of people here in Smith Mountain Lake, you’ll find an influx of visitors during the peak summer months as well as those who travel back to enjoy their second vacation home. You will also find people who call Smith Mountain Lake home year-round, either in retirement or relocated here with the influx of people who work from home.
To start this tour of Smith Mountain Lake, meet me over by Napoli by the Lake.
Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 1h:27m driving tour in Moneta
For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant () to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place 1
Napoli By the Lake Recommended starting point
Distance: 2.37 mi · Attraction: Restaurant
725 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Our first stop on this tour is one of the best new restaurants in town, Napoli by the Lake!. Napoli by the Lake is a sister restaurant to Napoli Cowboy that's located just a little southwest of here. Enjoy fresh caught seafood while taking in the amazing lakeside views.
Napoli by the Lake opened its doors in 2021 and has been going strong ever since. Visit by car or boat as Napoli by the Lake offers complimentary docking as well as parking.
Distance: 2.03 mi · Attraction: Marina
410 Scruggs Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Next on our tour is Crazy Horse Marina on your left. Crazy Horse Marina has been serving Smith Mountain Lake since the 80s when it was originally named Safe Harbor Marina. After some major upgrades in 2013, Crazy Horse Marina is now Smith Mountain’s premiere docking location.
Enjoy 24/7 gas as well as a ship store that's stocked with all your boating essentials like life jackets, boating oils and cleaning supplies as well as plenty of snacks and ice cream to enjoy for your ride home. If you’re in the area longer, make sure to check back as Crazy Horse Maria often has events year round including live music and food!
Distance: 4.22 mi · Attraction: Fun Fact
275 Anchor Dr, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Did you know Smith Mountain has its own Islands? The Islands are formed from old mountain tops and ridge lines, though some are privately owned, many are open to the public to enjoy! So make sure to take a boat out and explore, you might just find your next picnic spot!
Continue straight down Scruggs road.
Place 4
Roosters and Rise Distillery
Distance: 1.05 mi · Attraction: Distillery
13105 Booker T Washington Hwy, Hardy, VA 24101, USA
Come get the best moonshine in Franklin County at Roosters and Rise Distillery located on your left. Roosters was opened in 2021 by Laura Turner, a Franklin county native. Her family has called Franklin County home since 1823, Turner opened the distillery in honor of her father, often called “Rooster”.
Roosters offers authentic moonshine, crafted from an old-time recipe authentic to Franklin County. Aside from moonshine, the distillery offers signature cocktails like banana, mango and a personal favorite, maple whisky. The distillery also offers a tasting room, so you can sample the wide variety of flavors before you buy.
Distance: 0.54 mi · Attraction: Historic Monument
47C8+4M Westlake Corner, VA, USA
Here is the National Monument of famous African- American Statesman, Booker T. Washington, located on your left.
Booker T Washington was born into slavery in 1856 and then moved to West Virginia after his emacipation. As a free man, he searched for a formal education, helping guide and lead the Tuskegee Institute. Washington became a driving force behind advocating for education as a way to reach racial and economic equality.
The Booker T. Washington National Monument allows visitors to revisit Washington’s birthplace to reflect on this divisive time in American history.
Plantation Trail offers a ¼ mile loop through the site, allowing visitors to see reconstructed farm buildings which would have been similar to the ones Booker T. Washington grew up on. There are also areas within the farm and garden to learn about the agriculture and farming techniques of the 1850s that would have been here during Washington’s time
Distance: 4.45 mi · Attraction: Restaurants
12072 Booker T Washington Hwy, Wirtz, VA 24184, USA
While driving back on Booker T Washington Highway, you’ll pass plenty of shops and restaurants that are worth checking out!.
If you’re looking for some good Mexican food, head over to Cancun Mexican Restaurant and Grill, which you’ll pass on your left. Enjoy some authentic enchiladas or for something more indulgent, you’ve got to try their Chorio Nacho Supreme.
If you’re looking for a great night out, The Copper Kettle Co has you covered. Run by chef duo team Mickey and Sonny, you can find everything from southern cuisine to authentic Italian here. Whether you’re looking for a sit down dinner or a just a drink at the bar, The Copper Kettle has something for everyone.
Distance: 1.24 mi · Attraction: Shopping
16399 Booker T Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Is the water calling your name? Hop in the water with Parrots Cove Boat Rentals located on your left. Parrot Cove has been operated by the Oliver family since 1996 and now operates the largest fleet of houseboats on Smith Mountain Lake. Aside from houseboats, Parrot Cover offers a wide range of Pontoons, Run-A-Boots, Fishing Boats, Waver runners and even Kayaks.
Rather stay on land? Bridgewater Plaza offers plenty of food and entertainment for land dwellers alike. If you’re hungry, you’ve got to stop by Mango’s Bar and Grill! Mango’s not only prides itself on having great food, it also has the best DJ in town and the spot to be if you like local music. Enjoy patio seating while tasting Mango’s tropical inspired cuisine like Mahi Mahiis or fried shrimp tacos. Try their signature cocktails like their Mango Hurricane and Bailey’s Banana Colada.
Got the family in tow? Stop by Harbortown Minigolf, this 18-hole miniature golf course is wild west themed and perfect for a day of family fun.
Distance: 4.05 mi · Attraction: Resturant
16011 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Welcome to Jake’s Place on the left. Come by land or boat as Jake’s Place offers premier waterfront dining as well as outdoor seating.
Take in the gorgeous view of the lake while sipping on one of their signature drinks like a Peach Mojito or Tequila Breeze. Try some of their delicious two-hander burgers topped with all the fixings or brick oven pizzas. Make sure to stop by during happy hour to enjoy discounts on house wine and cocktails.
Got a furry friend? bring them too! Jake's place is dog friendly and even has its own dog menu so your canine companion can enjoy some great food as well.
Make sure to take a right up at Hendricks Stone Road.
Distance: 5.86 mi · Attraction: Community
4C7F+C6 North Shore, VA, USA
If you're looking to buy, whether it's your first or second home, Smith Mountain Lake has plenty of accommodations no matter what you're looking for. You can find a nice quiet home in the cove with few neighbors or you could find a home in a retirement community with plenty of shared or private amenities like pools, gyms and boat launches.
Smith Mountain Lake hosts plenty of community events, including the annual May Beer & BBQ festival which is a favorite among locals. You can also expect an amazing firework show over the water every Fourth of July! Other events include charity events such as Fall Charity Home Tour of Homes as well as food festivals, roadshows and theatre events.
Distance: 0.00 mi · Attraction: Park
13049 Smith Mountain Lake Pkwy, Huddleston, VA 24104, USA
Welcome to Smith Mountain State Park. Did you know Smith Mountain Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Virginia? Enjoy soaking up the sun on Smith Lake’s 500-foot beach or take a walk in nature on one of the park's 13 hiking trails.
Want to stay longer? Cabins are available to rent as well as a campsite for those who want a more rustic vacation.
Smith Mountain Lake is your premier spot for fishing as the park offers plenty of spots for both boating and shore fishing, fishers will often catch plenty of striped bass, catfish and many other species of fish. The park even hosts its own fishing tournaments!
That concludes our tour of Smith Mountain Lake. Feel free to go back and visit any of the places we mentioned on this tour.If you liked what you saw and want to learn more, contact Dawn Lambert at d.lambert@exprealty.com or give her a call at 540-882-4119.
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UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms. Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
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Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
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What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
Food and drinks
Physical tour guide.
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
What does this tour include?
This self-guided driving tour includes 10 stops, covering top attractions such as Napoli By the Lake, Crazy Horse Marina, Fun Fact, Roosters and Rise Distillery, Booker T. National Monument.
Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Napoli By the Lake (Address: 725 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided driving tour designed to be completed by car, covering scenic routes, city highlights and optional key stops.
Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided driving tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you. The only vaiables that might affect your pace are speed limits and traffic congestion.
Do I need a car for this tour?
Yes, this is a driving tour, designed to be completed by car, with stops spread across different locations connected by a driving route.
Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There are two things that you need - 1. A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour). 2. A car. Here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a charging cable for your car. 2. Connect your phone to the car speaker system via bluetooth or use our CarPlay/Android Auto option for the best experience.
How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. This works great either directly from your phone, or while connected to your car's multimedia system and using our CarPlay or Android Auto options. Just follow the route and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Booker T. National Monument, Parrot Cove Boat Rental/ Bridgewater Plaza, Smith Mountain Lake State Park, Napoli By the Lake, More Restaurants and SML Community. In total, the tour has 10 points of interest along the route.
Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!
Driving tour
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
