The Blog

Last summer, we partnered with four local establishments to create signature drinks and dishes. Far and away, the most popular was “The...

BY: BEATRICE ICEMAN While driving around our area, did you ever think about how places got their names?  Many origins are obvious....

These services are wonderful additions to any lake vacation, stay-cation, celebration, or even just because you need a little boost! THE...

Wondering how to entertain the kiddos (of all ages) once they've had their fill of being out on the water? Here are a few ideas to get...

A list of 100 things we love about life at the lake. Compiled as a creative exercise by: Kristin Dunker and Mary Kate Glime The many...

Jessica, Dewayne, and son with their catch of the day! What do you get when two people who love to fish get married and operate a local...

I’m sure by now you have heard the news that the Smith Mountain Lake Center signed a letter of intent to purchase the Westlake Cinema and...

Meet Barbara Filleau, Mary, and Pat Layton (L-R): lake residents, neighbors, and friends for over 6 decades. These ladies recently sat...

I've already shared our updated list of local Farmer's Markets  for 2025, but I thought the rich (and growing!) contingency of local...

*Sadly, Wilkes Store has now closed. Perched on the corner of routes 24 and 43 in the Huddleston area of Bedford County, VA sits a...

As the scales tip toward outdoor living, my personal bucket list reflects the joy of having the sun kissing my (SPFed) face and the sweet...

Seventy degrees, the last two dozen pieces of firewood stacked lazily against the rail, to be moved over to the fire pit. Cows and their...

One of my favorite community resources has always been the public library. I remember when a bright shiny new one was built in our little...

This immersive evening at SML Fine Wines will feature the talent of Roanoque Baroque , a group made up of accomplished musicians with a...

It's the third Saturday morning of the month. The weather is beckoning you outdoors, and you've been wanting to catch up with your...

Golf Pro Jason Brown brings a new simulator option to Smith Mountain Lake at his indoor Westlake studio, Birdies Where Are You?, located...

(I've never been one to shy away from a good pun.) As high boating season draws ever nearer, I've begun checking on the general condition...

Emily Peters and her mom, Renee Bowman, have been spreading vases-full of joy throughout our community since 2014. What began as a little...