Happenings in our Community

I am always looking for things to do with my family, friends and out of town guests. When I tell them where I live, they automatically think boating. But there is so much more to do in the Smith Mountain Lake community. If you have little ones around, you can choose from a number of Easter Egg hunts this weekend. If Sunday brunch is your thing, take a leisurely drive to Mariners Landing Resort and enjoy the famous Easter Sunday Brunch at Heath's Waterfront Grill!

20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Waid Park in Rocky Mount
This annual event will feature more than 20,000 eggs, as well as photo opportunities with the East Bunny. There will also be door prizes, food and bounce houses. Arrive by 1:30 p.m. to register as the hunt begins promptly at 2:00 p.m.

Easter Extravaganza at the Discovery Center, Smith Mountain Lake State Park
There’s no better place to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather than at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Gear up for the Easter Bunny with an afternoon of rabbit facts and fun. Bring your own basket and hop on down to the Discovery Center for an Easter Egg hunt. There will be over 1,000 eggs to find! Then you get the chance to meet and take a picture with “Sunny Bunny.” You can also enjoy hands-on crafts, hay wagon rides, and a whole lot more. The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 1:15 p.m., fun crafts from 1:30-3:00 p.m. and hay wagon rides from 1:30 -2:30 p.m.

Easter Egg Hunt at Bridgewater Plaza
And there is always the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Bridgewater Plaza that takes place at Harbor Town Mini-Golf. Kids ages 5 and under will hunt at 1 p.m. followed by kids ages 6-8 at 1:30 p.m. Be sure to bring your camera to get photos with the Easter Bunny at Harbor Town Mini Golf Course with prizes and candy – rain or shine!

Easter Sunday Brunch at Heath’s Waterfront Grill at Mariners Landing
What a beautiful place to enjoy a delicious Easter Sunday brunch while taking in the gorgeous view of Smith Mountain Lake and the mountains. Heath’s will have a home cooked buffet so you can choose exactly what you want…and don’t forget to have a Mimosa or a Bloody Mary! This is a very popular event, so reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 540-632-0163.

Brunch at Home!
Easter is a time meant to be spent creating memories with friends and loved ones. Even when hosting duties fall on your plate, creating the perfect brunch spread doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Always use quality ingredients and recipes that feature simple preparation to impress even the pickiest of guests.

The recipe you choose doesn’t have to be complicated but look for ones where you can incorporate some diverse ingredients…like a versatile cheese like Jarlsberg, which is easy to cook with. Here is an easy, but impressive recipe for your special day!
 
ASAPARAGUS TART
1  sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
2  cups Jarlsberg cheese, shredded
1  pound asparagus
1  tablespoon olive oil
1  tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Salt & pepper

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry into 16-by-10 inch rectangle, trim uneven edges. Place on baking sheet. Using knife, lightly score pastry dough 1 inch from edges. Using fork, pierce dough inside markings at ½ inch intervals. Bake until golden, about 15 minutes.
3. Remove pastry shell from oven and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Trim bottoms of asparagus spears to fit crosswise inside pastry shell, arrange in single layer over cheese, alternating ends and tips. Brush with oil, sprinkle with thyme leaves and season with sale and pepper. Bake until spears are tender, about 20 minutes.

And enjoy!
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