Boat Rental & Fishing Information:
Bridgewater Marina and Parrot's Cove Marina, both located on HWY 122 offers jet ski, power boat, and pontoon boat rentals. In addition, there are several other marinas in the area with boat rentals available. Copies of 'The Laker' magazine are provided with ample information on restaurants, recreation ideas, and day trip suggestions.
There are several fishing guides in the area, our favorite is Spike's Prime Time Fishin' 540-297-5611 ~ ask for Captian Cathy. Bring a cooler of drinks and snacks along with a warm jacket as it's cold at 5:00 am when the guides strike out. The guides generally fish for stripers and expect to catch 8-12 lbs ones! They are wonderful cooking and the guides will skin and fillet them for you so bring a disposable cooler to bring them back - fish water will stink up your car!
Fishing licenses are required even to fish off a private dock at Smith Mountain Lake. These can be obtained through any of the bait and tackle shops.
Wine Festivals:
In addition the the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival held in September, weekly music/wine parties are held most Saturday nights at Hickory Hill Winery on Hickory Cove Lane. As you have to drive right by this small, family owned vineyard to get to the Breezy Inn II it's worth the stop just to sample the local fare. A schedule of Hickory Hill events can be found in the guest information book located inside the Breezy Inn II. A personal favorite is to pack a picnic basket and blanket on Saturday evenings in the summer for live music; the vineyard is pretty and the kids and run and play. They only ask that you drink their wine instead of outside alcohol. Also nearby is the Smith Mountain Vineyard just off Hwy 122 and the Peaks of Otter Winery near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Other fun activities...:
From triathlons to fireworks, antique boat shows, charity home tours, and wake boarding tournaments, Smith Mountain Lake has something to offer everyone in the family! The Breezy Inn II is conveniently located just off Hendrix Store Road between the Smith Mountain Lake Airport and HWY 122. Dinner options range from pizza and ice cream (Bridgewater Marina) to fine dining at Jonathans, and a menagerie of offerings in between such as Mexican, Caribbean, Asian, and Irish.
If you're a golfer, Smith Mountain Lake offers up several opportunities to exercise your skills on the links. Brochures on several public/private courses are found inside the Breezy Inn II.
Should hiking and mountain biking be your calling, the rolling hillside around SML is perfect for riding. Mountain hiking trails can be found along the Blue Ridge Parkway and great walking trails abound at the SML State Park. A personal favorite is a hike up to the Peaks of Otter just outside of Bedford, VA on Rt. 43.
