If there is one thing I love, it is finding fun ways to enjoy everything Smith Mountain Lake has to offer and the Virginia Dare is truly one of those special lake experiences!

Take to the Lake Aboard the Virginia Dare

There is just something magical about seeing SML from the water. The mountain views feel bigger, life slows down a little and even those of us who spend plenty of time around the lake can discover something new. Add in good food, cold drinks and a beautiful sunset, and honestly…what more could you ask for?

For more than three decades, the Virginia Dare has been a familiar and beloved sight on Smith Mountain Lake. This charming replica side-wheeler gives visitors and locals an easy, laid-back way to explore the lake. No boat ownersh...

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When friends come to visit the Roanoke Valley, you don't just "show them around." You give them a day they won't stop talking about on the drive home. The secret? Start early, support local, and let the mountains do what they do best.

• The Morning Hike

Begin the day before the rest of the world wakes up with a sunrise hike to McAfee Knob—one of our families most favorite and also the most photographed spot on the entire Appalachian Trail.

The early morning climb is peaceful, the air is crisp, and when you reach the overlook the view stretches across the Blue Ridge Mountains like a real life painting! If you're lucky (or brave), yo...

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Thinking about adding a pool to your property in southwest Virginia? MKB, REALTORS REALTOR® Heather Couture shares some insights on the process, the work associated with it, and the impact on your home

Owning a pool can feel like the ultimate backyard luxury—especially during the hottest days of summer. There's nothing quite like walking outside and cooling off in your own private oasis without having to pack a bag, pay for a membership, or share space with strangers.

That said, pool ownership is not all sunshine and floaties. As the owner of an in-ground pool, I can honestly say it's been a lot more work than I envisioned.

• MAINTENANCE COSTS

Each season starts and ends with professional help to open and close the pool (which costs money, unless you take on the labor yourself),...

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Sometimes there's nothing better than a sunny day out on the links and we are blessed to have some fantastic golf courses here in Virginia's Blue Ridge.  As an avid golfer, I wanted to share my three favorite courses in the area (in no particular order) ...

• Blue Hills Golf Course

Located just off 460E in Roanoke, Blue Hills GC offers nice wide fairways (for the most part) and quite a few flat putting greens.  One hole features a pond to play over to reach the green and another offers a creek to be wary of. Also, several holes offer fantastic views of the Roanoke Valley. Overall, this a forgiving and enjoyable golf course.

• Hanging Rock Golf Course

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One of my passions is exercise, and I firmly believe that starting the day with a good workout sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. However, I understand that finding the motivation to exercise can be challenging, especially with busy schedules and numerous responsibilities. In this blog, I'll share some effective strategies to overcome the time constraint and prioritize fitness in your daily routine. Additionally, I'll introduce you to various fitness options available in the Roanoke Valley to help you find the perfect activity that suits your interests and gets you moving.

Schedule Exercise into Your Daily Routine

One common excuse for skipping exercise is the lack of time. The solution lies in incorporating exercise in...

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