Best Virginia mountain vacation areas? NEED ADVICE (Roanoke, Lynchburg: rent, motels)

[northbound95]

Every year my wife and I retreat to the mountains to get away from the rat race here in south florida. Sometimes twice a year. We seem to take the same vacation every year to the same spots in North Carolina. Pretty much know it like the back of our hands as I have been going since I was a kid. We would like to venture to other northern neighboring states such as Virgina or Tennesee still keeping with the mountains, scenic drives, charming small towns and nature type surroundings. Can anyone recommend some areas in these other states that are centrallly located in the mountians for a variety of daytrips and things to do. We usually book a cabin for a week and we love some seclusion but Im trying to avoid making the mistake of choosing a place thats just a bit too far from anywhere. Thanks

[540_804]

How about Smith Mountain Lake in VA?

Here's a link to some info about it: Smith Mountain Lake: Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains (This site may be a bit outdated as far as links and such go but its good for some basic info).
You can also do a quick google/wikipedia search for information.

I know you said mountain vacation so you're wondering why I posted a lake website (LOL) but the lake is actually surrounded by mountains:




The lake is connected to Smith Mountain Lake State park which is supposed to be good for all kinds of outdoors activities from water activities to hiking and camping.

Its also very close to the BlueRidge Parkway which is good for scenic drives and hiking, etc. There are quite a few cabins and other lodges to be rented in the area.

Its also within a short drive to the National D-Day Memorial, Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, Booker T. Washington National Monument, etc..

The area is convenient to Roanoke, VA and Lynchburg VA so you'll be within range of shopping, dining, etc (though to be honest, the lake area has all of that, but on a smaller scale, of course).

As I mentioned the lake is surrounded by mountains, but there is a section with a sandy beach should you decide to want to take advantage of that option as well..


Location for reference:
http://westlakelighting.com/Contact_Us_files/image001.jpg (broken link)


My only reservation about suggesting Smith Mountain Lake is that during the summer months the area can get kind of "touristy" but that is only concentrated in one relatively small area of the lake, and, because you are looking for more of a mountain escape, you would probably not have to worry about that too much.

[roanoker 4]

Smith Mountain Lake is a nice diversion as it does provide cabins, small motels and luxury resorts. There is a riverboat cruise and one can rent boats of all types at Bridgewater Marina. There is much to see and do within a 50 mile radius of the lake. Another mountain area is Peaks of Otter or Big Meadows Lodge on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Both lodges are more remote than the lake area but easy access to other places. Big Meadows is in the northern part of the state and offers easy access to the Washington DC area,
Luray Caverns and many of the states' historic spots. Wintergreen Resort is outside Charlottesville which offers a spa, mountain scenery and its in the middle of the state. In southwestern VA there is an old inn called The Martha Washington in Abingdon. It is a beautiful town which is home to the Barter Theatre(one of the first theatres in America)plus it has a great restaurant!
Virginia is not as touristy as North Carolina or Tennessee. You won't see tons of billboards along the highway advertising everything, so many people think Virginia doesn't have nice mountain getaways as the more popular adjacent states. Enjoy your visit!

[onevthoki]

I had the same thought!

If you do chose to go, make sure you visit the D-Day Memorial in Bedford. Awesome!

[FL Beaches]

I agree with Smith Mountain Lake. We were there once. It was too quiet for me so we cut our stay there short and headed to Wintergreen early. Wintergreen is much busier with people. I'm sure it's a place you're trying to avoid.

[tim2k214]

We own a timeshare at Massanutten Resort (massresort.com), it's probably a bit more (as the name implies) "resortish" than your looking for but it does have beautiful views, nice drives and plenty to do if your looking for more. It is also very close to other destination like caverns and the such. We enjoy going every year for skiing/snowboarding, even though it's a bit small but it is close to home. If you have kids/teens there are a few pools as well as an pretty aweseome water park. It's worth checking out.

[Cdshiflett]

I vote for Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast Virginia Steeles Tavern VA Lodging it located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway about half way between Lexington, VA and Staunton Virginia. Check it out. See for yourself.

[jaywallace]

I would go Massanutten (sp?). Smith Mountian is too expensive and you have to put up with snotty people (in my poor humble opinion).