Exploring Smith Mountain Lake
Places: 10 POIs
Distance: 26.25 mi
Duration: 1h:28m
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Tour #1556
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About this English self-guided 1h:28m driving tour in Moneta
Welcome to this UCPlaces Where to Live Tour of Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. 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.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
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) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
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Tour Creator DaveK
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Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
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Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 2.40mi
, Attraction : Restaurant
725 Ashmeade Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Napoli By the Lake
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 bit 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.
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.
Place #2
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Distance: 2.00mi
, Attraction : Marina
404 Scruggs Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Crazy Horse Marina
Next on our tour is Crazy Horse Marina. It is at the end of Crazy Horse Drive, obviously. 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 Marina often has events year round including live music and food!
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 Marina often has events year round including live music and food!
Place #3
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Distance: 3.96mi
, Attraction : Fun Fact
275 Anchor Dr, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Fun Fact
Quick fun fact, 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. And turn left on Booker T Washington Highway. As you get closer to the highway you will see the Wake Cafe on your left. If you need a sweet treat for the rest of your tour, go ahead and stop in! I personally love their strawberry shake.
Continue straight down Scruggs road. And turn left on Booker T Washington Highway. As you get closer to the highway you will see the Wake Cafe on your left. If you need a sweet treat for the rest of your tour, go ahead and stop in! I personally love their strawberry shake.
Place #4
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Distance: 1.30mi
, Attraction : Distillery
100 Scruggs Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Roosters and Rise Distillery
Did you get some ice cream? Maybe alcohol is more your speed. After you turn left on Booker T. Washington Hwy you will see Builders Pride Drive a couple of blocks down to your left. Just down Builders Pride Drive to your left is the Roosters and Rise Distillery.
Go get the best moonshine in Franklin County there at Roosters and Rise Distillery in Westlake Town Center. Roosters was opened in 2021 by Laura Turner, a Franklin county native. Her family has called Franklin County home since 1823, and 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.
Continue west down Booker T Washington Highway. Then we will be turning left at the Booker T. Washington National Monument. That might be a good clue as to where our next stop is.
Go get the best moonshine in Franklin County there at Roosters and Rise Distillery in Westlake Town Center. Roosters was opened in 2021 by Laura Turner, a Franklin county native. Her family has called Franklin County home since 1823, and 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.
Continue west down Booker T Washington Highway. Then we will be turning left at the Booker T. Washington National Monument. That might be a good clue as to where our next stop is.
Place #5
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Distance: 0.55mi
, Attraction : Historic Monument
47C8+6M Westlake Corner, VA, USA
Booker T. National Monument
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.
Go ahead and follow the road around where it will reconnect to Booker T. Washington Highway.
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.
Go ahead and follow the road around where it will reconnect to Booker T. Washington Highway.
Place #6
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Distance: 4.47mi
, Attraction : Restaurants
12072 Booker T Washington Hwy, Wirtz, VA 24184, USA
More Restaurants
Please turn right and let’s head back toward town. While driving back on Booker T Washington Highway, you’ll pass plenty of shops and cafes 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 just a drink at the bar, The Copper Kettle has something for everyone.
Continue down Booker T Washington Highway and take in the rural countryside.
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 just a drink at the bar, The Copper Kettle has something for everyone.
Continue down Booker T Washington Highway and take in the rural countryside.
Place #7
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Distance: 1.20mi
, Attraction : Shopping
16399 Booker T Washington Hwy, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Parrot Cove Boat Rental/ Bridgewater Plaza
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 Mahi 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.
Continue over the Hales Ford Bridge which is straight ahead. Don’t forget to look around and enjoy the views!
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 Mahi 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.
Continue over the Hales Ford Bridge which is straight ahead. Don’t forget to look around and enjoy the views!
Place #8
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Distance: 4.05mi
, Attraction : Resturant
16011 Moneta Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Jake's Place
Welcome to Jake’s Place on the left. It’s actually down Campers Paradise Trail 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. Also make sure to enjoy your country drive! It really is pretty out here.
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. Also make sure to enjoy your country drive! It really is pretty out here.
Place #9
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Distance: 6.32mi
, Attraction : Community
1470 State Rte 654, Moneta, VA 24121, USA
Smith Mountain Lake Community
Let’s chat a bit on our way to the last stop of the tour. Don’t you just love this beautiful, serene, peaceful area?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 food festivals, roadshows and theatre events.
Keep enjoying the scenery and then please turn right on White House Road. If you are running low on gas or coffee or Doritos, stop in there.
Anyway, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is at the end of this tour and it is worth it.
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 food festivals, roadshows and theatre events.
Keep enjoying the scenery and then please turn right on White House Road. If you are running low on gas or coffee or Doritos, stop in there.
Anyway, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is at the end of this tour and it is worth it.
Place #10
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Distance: 0.00mi
, Attraction : Park
3CV7+R8 North Shore, VA, USA
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Welcome to Smith Mountain State Park. Follow the sign to go in! It’s just up ahead on the right. Did you know Smith Mountain Lake is the second 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. If you are looking for something a little bit… different, you can even rent a bunkhouse or better yet, a yurt! Of course you can always do camping the old fashioned way with a tent. Do you have an RV? There are RV sites as well.
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.
Thanks again for taking this tour with UCPlaces! I hope you had as much fun exploring as I did showing you around. Have a fantastic day!
Want to stay longer? Cabins are available to rent, as well as a campsite for those who want a more rustic vacation. If you are looking for something a little bit… different, you can even rent a bunkhouse or better yet, a yurt! Of course you can always do camping the old fashioned way with a tent. Do you have an RV? There are RV sites as well.
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.
Thanks again for taking this tour with UCPlaces! I hope you had as much fun exploring as I did showing you around. Have a fantastic day!
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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.
+ 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!