Lake Life: A List

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 colors and moods of the water

A foliage cruise on the VA Dare

Chocolate BBQ at Drifters

Sailboats gliding by

Hiking/off-roading (in season) along the ridge of Smith Mountain

Navigating the Charity Home Tour by boat

Exploring the trails around the Booker T. Washington National Monument

…and visiting the pigs

Creating a masterpiece at Hawaii Fluid Art

Seaplanes landing and taking off close by

Feeding the fish at Bridgewater Plaza

Finding a quiet cove on a busy weekend

Baby gosling families in the spring

Attending a performance at The Coves

Watching the sun rise through The Notch

Bald eagles swooping down to fish

Swimming by the cliffs

Sunset boat rides

Pup cups from Captain Scoop

Hearing the waves lap along the shore

Breakfast picnics on the Community Park pier

Hammock floating with a bullfrog serenade

Dropping by a friend's dock just to say hello

Herons wading in the shallows

A perfect slice from NY Pizza

Winter fishermen, out before dawn

Dining under grass umbrellas

Dock parties - and concerts

Happening upon the Ice Cream Boat

Looking for treasures at The Discovery Shop

Dogs in their life jackets

Waving to all the other boats as they go by

Espresso martinis at Copper Kettle

Jumping off the dock for the first time of the season

…and the sad last swim of autumn

Getting around in golf carts

Dog-friendly dining

Pirate Days Battles

Napoli Cowboy's brunch

Wednesday/Saturday farmers markets

Live music at Portside

The BBQ Festival

Telling everyone to “watch for deer” when they head home

Joyous Junque and Trinity Treasures

Hiking to Turtle Island

Friday tastings at SML Fine Wines

Taking advantage of our robust library programming

Hot coffee on a chilly fall boat ride

Nauti Mo's (don’t forget the fries!)

Disc golf at Moneta Park

Pointing out each and every houseboat you spot

Special trips to Homestead Creamery for seasonal flavors

Introducing friends and family to the lake

Paddle boarding

Spying otters and minks playing on the shore

Lingering cotton candy sunsets

Exchanging stories with neighbors about wildlife sightings in our backyards

Trying out new water sports

Dogs jumping off docks, chasing frisbees and sticks

Chicken salad from The Farmhouse

Roadside farm stands

Taking the jet ski out early in the morning, when the water is like glass

Watching public boat docking = free entertainment

Sweet potato fries (with the syrup!) at Jake’s Place

The annual Poker Run

Singing along to your favorite boat playlist

Honeysuckle blooming everywhere in the spring

Exploring new islands

Champagne brunches on the water with friends

Knowing Sea Tow always has our back

The perfect deli sandwich on a hot lake day

The Holiday Lighted Boat Parade

Camping at SML State Park

Joining area social clubs

The magic of diamonds sparkling on the water

Hearing kids full of absolute glee as they jump off of boats and docks

Ice cold watermelon after a swim

Seeing the She-Doos having a ball on their group rides

Magnum's Catfish Tacos

Watching heavy fog slowly lift off the water

Trivia Nights

A boat ride in an antique wooden Chris Craft

Having four distinct seasons

Meet-ups at the Bridge

Grabbing a lunch of bread, cheese, and wine from Mariner's Marketplace

Getting to know all the people that walk in your neighborhood

Soaking in the slow months when there is zero traffic

Fireworks over the water

Running into people you know at the grocery store or coffee shop

Lakeside bonfires

A deck rail full of wet towels

Building an extensive bathing suit wardrobe

Raft-ups

Letting the waves lull you into a state of calm after a long day

Cocktail hour by the shore

Deep boat naps

The perpetual smell of sunscreen in the air during the summer months

Becoming a “regular” at local haunts

Gliding into your boat slip - smooth as butter

Reading The Current twice a month ;-)