Menu
* Events
  + 
* About
    - 
* Visit SML
* Live at SML
* What’s New
# Marketing Opportunities
## Working for our members
##### Chamber Champions
Our premier marketing program, Chamber Champions allows your business to invest once and enjoy extensive benefits throughout the year. Chamber Champions offers comprehensive exposure for your business at the forefront of the region’s key events, recognition in our publications, website, email marketing, social media, and so much more. Visit the  page to view a complete list of benefits or call 540-721-1203.
##### Smith Mountain Lake Newcomer and Visitor Guide
Published annually, this full-color glossy magazine provides a wealth of information on Smith Mountain Lake, including events, activities, shopping, dining, lodging, real estate, retirement and relocation. A comprehensive Chamber membership directory and pull-out map also are included. Twenty thousand are printed and distributed at the Visitor Center, around the region, and mailed for free to those who request it via phone or online. A  is available online year-round.
##### Website Exposure
Your business is displayed in up to three category listings at . Take advantage of a 1,500-character description, keyword search options and free links to our site, which is registered with 400 search engines.
##### Advertising and Marketing Programs
The Chamber uses a proactive, professional advertising campaign to market the lake as a premier destination for tourism and relocation. You'll find our marketing in publications such as the Virginia Travel Guide, Blue Ridge Parkway Guide, Blue Ridge Country, Shenandoah Valley Guide and many more.  In addition, the Chamber provides brochures to Visitor Centers, Chambers and tourist attractions throughout Virginia and surrounding states and manages an extensive social media presence.
##### Smith Mountain Lake Visitor Center
The Chamber operates a state-certified Visitor Center open six days a week and fulfilling 30,000 informational inquiries annually. Members are encouraged to display their business cards and/or brochures or to purchase wall advertising space at the Visitor Center.
##### Sponsorship of Special Events
Throughout the year, the Chamber promotes special events to increase business in the area and enhance the community calendar. Your participation in marketing an event is very much appreciated.
##### Insurance Solutions
SMLRCC has partnered with Chamber Solutions to provide members with money saving plans like the discount prescription card program.
© 2025 Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce
 |
Site by 
#### Get In Touch!
(540) 721-1203
[16430 Booker T. Washington Hwy, Suite 2
Moneta, VA 24121
info@visitsmithmountainlake.com
#### Additional Resources
#### Stay Connected!
 ©
 Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved | Site by 
Scroll To Top
# SML Restaurant Week
!
## April 17-30, 2024
Welcome to the home base for **SML Restaurant Week 2024,** designed to showcase the amazing restaurant scene in the greater Smith Mountain Lake region! Visit any of the restaurants listed below **April 17-30** and enjoy tasty specials.
### Guidelines
All participating restaurants will offer:
* Dine-in or takeout offerings and/or Menu specials for one or more of the following categories; Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dessert and Drinks (see full listings below).
### Gift Card Giveaway
Enter to win one of the many Gift Cards available each time you shop any of the participating restaurants.
* Complete the entry form on this page for the ***GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY***. You may submit one (1) form each time you make any purchase at one of these participating restaurants.
* \*One (1) entry per transaction/receipt. Must be 18 years or older to enter. Entry form will close at 12am on Thursday, May 2nd.
* No restaurant visits before April 17th or after April 30th will be recognized.
## 2024 Participating Restaurants
#### 
*Westlake*
**Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner**
\*\*Gift Card\*\*
")
*Moneta*
**Dinner, Dessert & Drinks**
*Westlake & Eastlake*
**Dinner**
*Bridgewater Plaza*
**Breakfast & Lunch**
**Lunch**
**Breakfast, Lunch & Drinks**
*Rocky Mount*
**Dinner & Drinks**
**Weekend Breakfast, Lunch**
**Lunch, Dinner & Dessert**
## Participating Restaurants
### Breakfast
Rocky Mount Burger Co.
SML Coffee House
The Bagel & I
### Lunch
Benny Adelina's
Bojangles - Westlake
Farmhouse Catering
Nauti Mo's Grill
### Dinner
Drifter's
Olde Town Social House
The Alley Cat
Subway - Westlake & Eastlake
### Dessert
### Drinks
### Gift Certificates ($25)
Bojangles
Subway
September 27-28 • Bernard's Landing • Smith Mountain Lake, VA
SEPTEMBER 27-28, 2025 | Bernard’s Landing SML
 Tickets will be available at the gate!
## welcome back to Bernard’s Landing!BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
After a 17-year hiatus, the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival will return to the stunning grounds of Bernard’s Landing for the next five years, starting Sept. 27-28, 2025.
Make plans to join us for SML’s marquee event, which will offer awe-inspiring lake and mountain views, amazing wineries, talented artisan vendors and awesome live music. More details coming soon!
## Ticket Pricing
 $50
*(Taster tickets include a souvenir SML Wine Festival wine glass.)*
 $90
 $20
(Includes access to VIP lounge area with hors d’oeurves, beverages, wine, beer, and private VIP bathrooms.)
## Event Upgrades
Chalet Rental: Spacious tent with designated private area, tables, and seating. $600 – $1000
Festival Wineries
This year’s event will be showcasing a true taste of Virginia by hosting a number of wineries from all over the Commonwealth. Tasters may purchase their favorites by the glass and bottle. We also provide off-premise wine sales and convenient pick up following the event.
Two days of live music
The SML Wine Festival stage will host two full days of music from popular local, regional, and national talent. The lineup is in the final steps of being scheduled, so stay tuned for updates and announcements!
Festival Craft Vendors
The SML Wine Festival is the perfect place to find that special and unique gift or handcrafted item. All of our vendors are curated to offer a variety of distinctive products that will enhance your wine festival experience.
Festival Food Vendors
Festival goers will have no shortage of options when it comes to food at this year’s event. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or fare that’s a bit more filling, we’ve got you covered.
The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is owned and operated by , a non-profit dedicated to helping local and national songwriters showcase their talents while providing a venue to raise money for charities.
###### ©2023 Hook, Lines, and Singers, LLC. This site was designed and developed by .Header image provided by: Bryce Scott at Rapid Imagery
# How it Works: Smith Mountain Lake’s Hydroelectric Dam
Smith Mountain Lake is considered the recreation capital of Southwest Virginia, welcoming tourists and catering to the approximately 22,000 residents who call it home. But did you know the two-dam project that created it is an engineering marvel that produces clean energy for the surrounding region?
SML was created in the 1960s when Appalachian Power constructed the Smith Mountain Pumped Storage Project to dam the Roanoke River, erecting two dams for the primary purpose of creating hydroelectricity.
The system generates power by passing water stored in the upper reservoir (Smith Mountain Lake) through massive turbine generators and discharging it into the lower reservoir (Leesville Lake) where it’s stored and then pumped back to SML to be reused.
According to Appalachian Power, there is no set schedule for operation. Electricity is usually generated when demand is high, and water from the lower reservoir is pumped back when demand is low. The process can change hourly depending on demand, which is why SML water levels fluctuate.
To learn more about the process, the history of the region and fascinating details of how the dams were created, plan a visit to the  in Sandy Level. It’s free and open year-round. For hours of operation, visit smithmtn.com.
###
Feb. 1, 2024 - There is something dreamy, adventurous even, about packing up for a weekend away with your significant other.
Off the beaten path in the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains lies Smith Mountain Lake. Whether you seek days full of activities or more serene time spent relaxing with your loved one, our region's amazing beauty and natural resources make for the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day.
After all, Virginia is for Lovers and SML is the ideal place to find out why.
So, if you are lying in bed researching all the things you need to know to plan the perfect getaway, we’re here to help you cut straight to the chase!
You’ll obviously need a place to stay for your romantic excursion to the lake. Check out our blog post on the  then check  for all area accommodations -- B&Bs, vacation rental homes, resorts, campgrounds and hotels -- to find out which best matches your lodging preferences.
## **The Couple Types**
##### **The Adventurers**
These couples are among those who are ready to hit the road whenever given the opportunity. Chances are, they’ve already booked this weekend getaway.
Adventurers will enjoy the outdoor scenery through a hike, even in the winter, at ,  , and/or the Peaks of Otter.
Being the dare devils that they are, Adventurers will book a flight with  to see our beautiful lake from the sky. They’ll absolutely want to  to explore our more than 500 miles of shoreline, and they certainly don't want to miss a horseback ride at  before heading home.
*Most likely found staying in a lakefront*  *or* *.*
##### **The Foodie Couple**
This couple is serious when it comes to enjoying good food. In fact, the whole trip will likely revolve around their next meal. It’s a good thing we have an  of local restaurants and flavors, including wineries and breweries.
This couple would never pass up the delicious, mouth-watering homemade fudge at —the largest variety at SML.
Foodies will leave with a genuine taste of SML that will have them wanting to return time and time again.
*Most likely found staying in a*  *closest to the*  *with their favorite menu.*
##### **The Low Key Couple**
There’s no shame for the couple that enjoys sleeping in, making breakfast, then heading out to start the day at the  Before the weekend is over, they’ll find themselves submerged in history at the  and . They’ll end each night with to-go orders from a local restaurant.
*Most likely found staying in a*  *with the most privacy.*
##### **The Opposites Attract Couple**
Yes, we said it. We know opposites attract and so we’re here to give a breakdown on all SML has to offer to keep both parties happy!
Guys, between , , , and the many stops in between, we’re thinking she’ll be super satisfied if you include some retail therapy on the itinerary. You may decide to really surprise her with an appointment at a .
Ladies, listen up. He was so kind to join you on that shopping adventure and to book some self-care appointments that now is your time to return the favor with a , a round of golf at  or , and maybe even a little competition at  after dinner one night.
To go the extra mile to show you care, do some research on the gym that best fits in style and offer to join him in the morning before you get the day started. Our  are ready to help!
*Most likely found staying at a* *.*
##### **The Romantic Couple**
This couple dreams of the  they can enjoy on this weekend getaway. They’ll go on sunrise walks in the morning, chase sunsets in the evening, and may even go as far as to hire a  to help them capture memories of their time at SML.
The Romantics will definitely book a couple’s massage appointment at , , , ,  or .
We hope you’ve enjoyed this installment of our  blog posts focused on planning a romantic trip to Smith Mountain Lake.
**Recent Posts**
Be sure to check back next month as we will feature all things fishing at SML and offering more dining and entertainment options in the region.