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Rainy Day Indoor Experience at Smith Mountain Lake

Woman hand with umbrella in the rain

Smith Mountain Lake boasts over 500 miles of shoreline, making it the perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. But don’t let bad weather keep you from having fun. Here are some indoor activities and attractions to enjoy at SML.

  1. Have ice cream at Homestead Creamery

    This locally-owned farm market features a traditional ice cream parlor that serves 18 different flavors, including classics like chocolate, vanilla, and double dark chocolate. The more adventurous ones can try the orange pineapple, pumpkin, or eggnog ice cream.The market also serves soups, salads, and sandwiches. They sell a variety of dairy products made with antibiotic- and hormone-free milk, and a range of locally-sourced meats and produce.

  2. Go to Bridgewater Plaza

    Bridgewater Plaza has an array of shops and restaurants to where you can pass the time. Buy clothing at Bridgewater Footwear, which carries major brands like Columbia and Sanuk, or buy scented candles and personal care items at Gifts Ahoy. Book a table at Moosie’s Deli Restaurant and enjoy the nightlife at Mango’s Bar & Grill.The plaza is also home to Fun N’ Games arcade, which provides wholesome entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, and Harbortown Miniature Golf, which boasts a Wild West-themed mini golf course.

  3. Browse the exhibits at The Little Gallery on Smith Mountain Lake

    This fine art gallery showcases original works of art and home décor. Shop for wall art, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, and specialty gifts during your visit. At 2,000 square feet, you’ll have plenty of ground to cover.The gallery has featured the works of over 200 Canadian and American artists. It is dedicated to serving new art collectors by offering a wide selection of fine art.

    Now and then the gallery holds special events like “Demo on the Deck”, with artists doing painting, pottery making, and jewelry making demonstrations.

  4. Catch a movie at Westlake Cinema

    Watch the latest box office hits at Westlake Cinema, a 13,800-square-foot four-plex theater. It offers a unique and upscale movie-going experience through stadium seating, RealD 3D projection, and Dolby Digital surround sound. The theater’s sophisticated sound system can accommodate hearing-impaired individuals by way of its USL Infrared Hearing System.Westlake also features a full-service concession area where you can buy delicious food and drinks. Tickets can be purchased online, in advance.

  5. Sample some beer at Sunken City Brewing Company

    This four-vessel, 25-barrel brew house features a pub, tasting room, beer garden, and retail store. Their flagship beers include Dam Lager, a malt-driven beer that has been brewed with three different kinds of malt and hopped with Tradition and German Magnum Hops. The drink is available year-round.Drop by and have a round of drinks with friends. It’s the perfect place to do some catching up after a long work week.

  6. Go to Smith Mountain Dam & Visitors Center

    The center overlooks the dam and feature exhibits on the dam’s history and how it generates power. It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Browse the exhibits and learn about the dam’s storied past and capacity for power generation. Admission is free.

Live close to all these wonderful attractions. Call me, Jane Sullivan Horne, at 540-493-1690 or send an email to [email protected]