Summer in Central Virginia is something special. The Blue Ridge turns impossibly green, Smith Mountain Lake warms to perfect swimming temperatures, and the days stretch long enough that you can hike, swim, and still make it to dinner at a patio restaurant. Whether you've lived here your whole life or just moved from Northern Virginia, here are 30 things you absolutely should do this summer.
On the Water
1. Spend a Day at Smith Mountain Lake State Park
The state park on the north shore offers a public beach, kayak and paddleboard rentals, fishing pier, and 13+ miles of trails. It's the best way to enjoy the lake without owning a boat. Pack a cooler, grab a spot early, and spend the whole day.
2. Rent a Pontoon Boat at Bridgewater Marina
Bridgewater Marina near Hales Ford Bridge is the lake's hub. Rent a pontoon for the day, pack lunch, and explore the coves. There's nothing like floating in a quiet cove with the Blue Ridge as your backdrop. They also rent jet skis and fishing boats.
3. Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Sunset
Several SML marinas offer paddleboard rentals. The magic time is 6:30 PM onward, when the boat traffic dies down and the water turns to glass. Paddle out and watch the sunset paint the mountains. It's free therapy.
4. Fish for Striped Bass on Smith Mountain Lake
SML is one of Virginia's premier striper fisheries. Summer is prime season for fishing deep structure. Book a guide like Captain Mike at Smith Mountain Striper Guide for a half-day trip. The lake record is over 40 pounds.
5. Kayak the James River Through Percival's Island
Percival's Island Natural Area in Lynchburg is a 1.5-mile island in the James River connected by footbridges. Launch a kayak upstream and float through, or just walk the trails and watch the herons. James River Adventures and Twin River Outfitters offer shuttle service for longer float trips.
6. Tube the James River
The quintessential Central Virginia summer activity. Grab a tube, launch at one of several put-ins upstream of Lynchburg, and float for 2-3 hours through gentle rapids and deep pools. Bring sunscreen. Lots of sunscreen.
7. Eat Dockside at Mango's Bar & Grill
Mango's on SML is the lake's most popular dockside restaurant. Pull your boat up, grab a table on the deck, and order their fish tacos or a burger. The vibe is pure summer.
8. Watch the SML Charity Home Tour
The annual SML Charity Home Tour showcases some of the lake's most spectacular homes. It's a fundraiser for local charities and a chance to see interiors that are normally private. Check the Smith Mountain Lake Association website for dates.
In the Mountains
9. Hike McAfee Knob
The most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail is 45 minutes from Smith Mountain Lake. The 8.8-mile round trip takes you to a rock outcropping with a jaw-dropping view of the Catawba Valley. Start early to beat the crowds and the heat.
10. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway from Peaks of Otter to Roanoke
This 40-mile stretch of America's Favorite Drive passes through some of the parkway's most scenic sections. Stop at Peaks of Otter Lodge for lunch overlooking Abbott Lake, then continue to the Roanoke Overlook for a sunset view of the Star City.
11. Hike Sharp Top at Peaks of Otter
The 3.3-mile round trip hike to the summit of Sharp Top (3,875 feet) rewards you with 360-degree views of Bedford County, the Shenandoah Valley, and on clear days, the Allegheny Mountains to the west. The trailhead is at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, right off the Blue Ridge Parkway.
12. Explore the Otter Creek Trail
This gentle 3.5-mile trail along Otter Creek in Amherst County follows a mountain stream through wildflower meadows and hardwood forest. It's shaded, cool, and perfect for a hot summer morning. The trailhead is at the James River Visitor Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
13. Visit Natural Bridge State Park
One of the original Seven Natural Wonders. The 215-foot limestone arch carved by Cedar Creek is genuinely awe-inspiring. The park also has the Monacan Indian Village, hiking trails, and the Lace Falls cascade. About 40 minutes from Lynchburg.
14. Mountain Bike at Pandapas Pond
Just outside Blacksburg, Pandapas Pond trail system offers everything from beginner-friendly loops to technical singletrack. It's about 90 minutes from SML, making it a great day trip combined with lunch in downtown Blacksburg.
Downtown and Culture
15. First Fridays in Downtown Lynchburg
On the first Friday of every month, downtown Lynchburg's galleries, shops, and restaurants stay open late. Riverviews Artspace, the galleries along Main Street, and various pop-up events make this a great evening out. Free and family-friendly.
16. Catch a Show at the Academy Center of the Arts
This beautifully restored 1905 Academy of Music building on Main Street hosts concerts, theater, dance performances, and film screenings throughout the summer. Check their calendar; they bring in surprisingly big acts for a city this size.
17. Dinner at The Depot Grille
Housed in a restored train station in downtown Lynchburg, The Depot Grille is a farm-to-table restaurant with one of the best outdoor patios in the region. Their steaks are excellent, and the wine list emphasizes Virginia vineyards.
18. Tour the Historic Rivermont Neighborhood
Walk or drive Rivermont Avenue from Lynchburg College (now University of Lynchburg) to downtown. The Victorian and Federal-style mansions, mature tree canopy, and Randolph College campus make this one of the most beautiful residential streets in Virginia.
19. Visit the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford
Bedford, Virginia, suffered the highest per-capita D-Day losses of any community in the nation. The memorial on a hilltop overlooking the town is powerful and beautifully designed. The Overlord Arch, the reflecting pool, and the invasion tableau are moving tributes. Open daily, donation-based admission.
20. Explore Downtown Roanoke's City Market
The oldest continuously operating open-air market in Virginia, Roanoke's City Market has been running since 1882. Grab fresh produce, flowers, and local foods on Saturday morning, then walk the surrounding blocks of restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Food and Drink
21. Visit a Virginia Winery
Central Virginia has a growing wine scene. Peaks of Otter Winery near Bedford, Hickory Hill Vineyards in Moneta, and Ramulose Ridge Vineyards near SML all offer tastings with mountain or lake views. Virginia Norton and Viognier are the varietals to try.
22. Craft Beer at Apocalypse Ale Works
Lynchburg's original craft brewery in the Wyndhurst area produces excellent IPAs, stouts, and seasonal releases. Their taproom has a laid-back vibe, food trucks on weekends, and a loyal following. Try the Harvest Daze amber ale.
23. Breakfast at The Drowsy Poet in Forest
The Drowsy Poet has become the unofficial gathering place for the Forest community. Great coffee, fresh pastries, and a warm atmosphere. It's also where you'll find half the remote workers in Bedford County on any given Tuesday morning.
24. BBQ at The Shack in Lynchburg
Slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and ribs in a no-frills setting on Wards Road. The sides are homemade and the sweet tea is the real deal. Get there early; they sell out regularly.
25. Ice Cream at From the Udder Side in Forest
Homemade ice cream, right on Route 221 in Forest. Their seasonal flavors change weekly, and the portions are generous. It's a mandatory stop on any summer evening.
Family Fun
26. Visit the Amazement Square Children's Museum
Located in a restored 1905 building in downtown Lynchburg, Amazement Square has four floors of hands-on exhibits for kids. The highlight is the aerial walkway between buildings. Perfect for a rainy day or when the heat gets oppressive.
27. Ride the Tweetsie Trail
This 10-mile paved rail-trail connects Abingdon and Damascus, but locally, the Blackwater Creek Bikeway in Lynchburg offers a similar car-free cycling experience through woods and along the creek. Rent bikes at Bikes Unlimited downtown.
28. Pick Berries at a Local Farm
Several farms in Bedford and Amherst Counties offer U-pick blueberries and blackberries in June and July. Gross' Orchard near Bedford transitions from strawberries in spring to peaches and apples in summer and fall. Call ahead for picking times.
29. Attend the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival
Held at the Mariners Landing resort, this annual festival brings together Virginia wineries, food vendors, and live music for a weekend celebration. It's one of the lake's premier social events and a great introduction to the SML community.
30. Watch Fireworks Over the Lake
Multiple communities around Smith Mountain Lake host Fourth of July fireworks displays that reflect off the water in a way that never gets old. Grab a spot by boat in one of the main channels, or watch from a shoreline park. The Bernard's Landing and Crazy Horse Marina shows are local favorites.
Making the Most of Summer 2023
What strikes me after 20+ years of living and working in this region is how much there is to do within a 45-minute radius. You can start your morning with a mountain hike, spend the afternoon on the lake, and end the evening at a downtown Lynchburg restaurant. Try doing that in most metro areas.
For my clients who've recently relocated from Northern Virginia, Richmond, or further away, summer is when Central Virginia really seals the deal. This is the season that turns "I think we made the right move" into "I know we did."
Enjoy every minute of it. And if you're reading this from somewhere else, thinking about what life could look like here, come visit. Summer is the perfect time to fall in love with Central Virginia.
Teresa Grant is the Owner and Luxury Listing Specialist at The Realty Group Team, Keller Williams, helping families discover life in Central Virginia and at Smith Mountain Lake.