This fairly new activity has a number of benefits! And we’re not talking about health boosters only here. Let’s have a look at what this outdoor activity can do for you and you can rent them right from Mariners Landing Resort or online at bwmarina.com.
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1. It’s a great activity for EVERYONE!
The appeal of SUP is that it offers a variable level of intensity. Cruising on a paddle board can mean anything from a gentle drift across the glassy lake, to a heart-pounding paddle across wakes or against the current of a river. SUP is probably the only activity that can be equally enjoyable for both senior citizens and extreme sports junkies.
 
2. Stand up paddle boarding can be done anywhere.
Though it’s usually though of as a beach activity, it works just as well on a lake. This makes it popular with water-sports fans who live inland, as they can train on a local lake or river, than driving hours to the shore. Paddle boards are lighter than kayaks or canoes and easier to travel with.
 
3. It’s easy to pick up.
Another handy thing about SUP is that it’s quick to get started. The kit can be rented easily at Mariners Landing Resort at the Pointe pool office or online at bwmarina.com. And it doesn’t take much practice to master the technique – once you can stand up and turn your board around, there’s not much more to learn. You can control your speed easily, meaning it’s less intimidating for beginners than sports like windsurfing. And if you do fall off, it’s easy to get back on.
 
4. It’s an ongoing activity.
In fact, SUP stands out amongst water sports for being a very sociable activity. It’s easy to chat to a friend paddling alongside, and if you have small children, they can sit on the board with you. This makes it a lot more welcoming than sports like surfing or waterskiing, which are very much on-person activities.
 
5. It improves your balance.
The unstable board is what makes it such an effective workout. Although it might feel like you’re standing still, the wobbling of the board means that all your muscles are constantly working to keep your body upright. With regular practice, you’ll find that your balance is better even when you’re off the water. This can improve your performance in other sports, and it’s fantastic for seniors, to offset the loss of balance.
 
In the end, SUP is all about exploration, both on the water and in your own mind. On the board, you can get closer to nature and see things in a new way. You can practice on any stretch of water. The lapping of the water and the tug of wind, lull you into a state of total focus, melting away the worries you feel on land!

The lake has become a very popular place to celebrate Independence Day…actually, Independence Week! There are so many places that have amazing fireworks that you can enjoy either by boat or by land. And they start this Saturday, June 30th in Downtown Moneta and go through next Saturday at Mitchell’s Point Marina!

On Saturday, June 30th, the Moneta Volunteer Fire Department will host a “FireWorx” Fest Event in Downtown Moneta. You can go and enjoy a family friendly evening with live music by The Worx and then see the spectacular fireworks show. There will be food, drinks, children’s games and more and all proceeds benefit the Moneta Fire Department. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and there is a $10 admission except for kids 10 and under who get in for free. For more information, visit the Moneta Fire Department’s Facebook page.

On Tuesday, July 3rd, you can go to the 35th Annual Independence Day Festival, presented by the Rocky Mount Rotary Club, at Franklin County High School in Rocky Mount.  They have the event on the football field and the whole family can enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring live music performances, great food, inflatables, children’s activities, games, contests and much more. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the big fireworks show begins after dark. This is one that you want to bring a blanket or lawn chair to as well as your camera!

On the actual holiday, Wednesday, July 4th, Parkway Marina puts together a family friendly day of celebrating that begins at 3:00 pm and goes to 10 p.m. The SVFC (Saunders Volunteer Fire Company) Annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration is their main fundraiser and charge $10 per car for parking. If you’re not familiar with Parkway Marina, it is located on Smith Mountain Lake just a couple of miles past the State Park. There will be plenty of food vendors, a beer garden and activities for children.  Some of the activities include live music by The Worx, arts and crafts vendors, and the 1956 working carousel…definitely a kid and adult pleaser. Be sure to bring a blanket or chair so you can lay back and enjoy the fireworks show.

On Friday, July 6th, Mariners Landing Resort puts on amazing, and FREE, fireworks show from the docks located on the Pointe lawn, brought to you by CALM, Inc., This is a place where you can have dinner at Heath’s Waterfront Grill, either in their dining room or on their newly renovated deck, listen to some local music and then put your blanket or chair on the lawn and enjoy the professional fireworks display that will begin just after dark. There are also condos available to rent and then you could watch the show right from your private balcony! If you are interested in renting a condo, you can call Mariners Landing Hospitality at 540-297-4100 or go to http://www.smlvaca.com.

And last but not least, On Saturday, July 7th, there is the Mitchell’s Point Marina Fireworks, sponsored by Mitchell’s Point Marina & RV Park. This is an annual event and the entrance fee is $10 which is donated to the Semper Fi Fund, one of America’s highest rated charities dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and support for post 9/11 combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. There is limited parking so consider watching this fireworks show by water!

With all the changes in elevation and accessible Blue Ridge Mountains, there are numerous options for finding spots to go on a climbing adventure as part of your Blue Ridge Day. Smith Mountain Lake caving and rock climbing while staying at Mariners Landing Resort is just one of many outdoor things to do near the lake.

Whether you’re looking for traditional rock climbing in the outdoors, the growing activity of bouldering, or an incredible climbing gym, all those activities are available in the Roanoke Valley. Smith Mountain Lake caving is a unique program Roanoke Parks and Recreation offers that takes participants into wild caves, anytime of the year.

If adventure is on your mind, here are some natural rock climbing spots like Barney’s Wall, Bozoo, Dragon’s Tooth, Fools Face, Hanging Rock, Iron Gate, Tinker cliffs, and Tunstall’s Tooth. They all provide incredible challenges and jaw-dropping views. Fools Face is located in the McCoy area outside of Blacksburg, while trails like Tinker cliffs can be found along the Appalachian Trail. Dragon’s Tooth is located on nearby Cove Mountain. Both Tinker Cliffs and Dragon’s Tooth are extremely popular trails that are best hiked during the weekdays if you want to avoid crowds and park your car in a designated area where you won’t be towed.
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Caving and spelunking are best enjoyed at places like Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing just outside of Roanoke, Dixie Caverns in Salem, or natural Bridge Caverns near Red Mills. Natural Bridge Caverns, in particular, includes cool features like the Colossal Dome room, Mirror Lake, the WellRoom, and the Canyon Room’s magnificent stalagmites and stalactites. All in a day’s drive from Mariners Landing Resort at Smith Mountain Lake!

With a chorus of seasonal hometown festivals and country store jams nearly every day of the week, the lake soulfully combines the charm of casual venues, musicians by the dozens, and the authentic soundtrack of the Blue Ridge Mountains for an unrivaled, toe-tapping experience. With sentimental country songs, fiddle and banjo dance tunes, heartfelt ballads, crisp bluegrass harmonies and joyful black gospel singing, The Crooked Road in Franklin County is all about real music, real people and real memories for the making.

Between jams, take an intermission in heritage at the Blue Ridge Institute and Farm Museum at Ferrum College. Just a short drive from downtown Rocky Mount, it’s the first of eight major venues along The Crooked Road, home of the annual Blue Ridge Folklife Festival and also recognized as Virginia’s Center for Blue Ridge Folklore.

One of our newest additions to the local music scene is the Harvester Performance Center – a mid-size music venue in historic downtown Rocky Mount. The venue officially opened in 2014 and showcases 175 shows annually from comedy to country, bluegrass to blues, reggae to rock, and more! Shows feature an impressive list of entertainers – from world-class artists to local rising stars. It features a main room with seating for up to 475 people or 700 standing, and another lower level music room with seating for up to 200 people or 350 standing. The 40-foot wide stage in the main room, and state-of-the-art audio, lighting and video systems make every show an intimate and unforgettable concert experience.
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On Friday, June 15th, don’t miss Nikki Hill. Those who have seen this Carolina girl sing her you know what off—this isn’t just another newcomer on the scene, this is a “whiplash” moment. Where did this fireball come from? Why haven’t you heard of her before? If you haven’t heard of her yet…you will very soon. And once you see her perform, you won’t forget her! 

Mention Franklin or Bedford County, Virginia just about anywhere and you’re sure to hear a story or two about the bootleggin’ past. This area is a haven for hometown music as the Eastern Gateway to the Crooked Road: Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, and home to the region’s newest music venue, the Harvester Performance Center. Smith Mountain Lake is a scenic area that offers some of the region’s best outdoor experiences!
There is a White Lightning Artisan Trail that is all about unique, handcrafted treasures and where the storied agricultural heritage is celebrated. Discover this and more hidden gems when you come to visit. Stop by the Smith Mountain Lake or Bedford Area Chambers to help plan your visit.