Despite the drizzle over the weekend, Centerfest in Bedford, Virginia was well attended. We brought our umbrella and enjoyed the food, the bands and the crafts. I actually started my Christmas shopping thanks to all of the vendors selling Virginia Tech items.

Bedford is a great little city located about twenty minutes outside of Lynchburg, VA. Home to the National Elks Home, many antique stores and one of my favorite restaurants, The Duchess of Bedford.

For more information on Bedford, Virginia, contact:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

malone1981@aol.com

Are you making money on your CD's, IRA's etc? Now truly is the time to invest in Waterfront Property at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. We currently have 486 Waterfront Properties for sale. Prices start at $54,900.00 up to 8 Million dollars for 43 acres on the Lake!

Contact Edna Ledoux Jamieson Realtor/ABR at Lakeshore Rentals & Sales Inc. for more information on the lots listed in the below link or any homes or property for sale on and around beautiful Smith Mountain Lake Virginia.

http://www.flexmls.com/cgi-bin/view.cgi?20080929204639548545000000&s=11&id=1

This year our lake levels have been relatively low so there are some properties that are listed as water front, however, due to drout conditions and silt build up, these properties are no longer water front. Usually pricing will indicate true waterfront from "used to be" waterfront. Also, AEP who governs our lake has certain criteria that must be followed to obtain dock permits. Usually a minimum of 100' of water front is required, can be more in some cases. See the shoreline requirements at http://smithmtn.com/ShorelineManagement/forms.htm

If you see a property that is of interest to you, I would be happy to find out all the necessary information for you to ensure you are making a sound investment.

The Real estate market will come back and when it does, will you be one of those savvy investors who purchased Water Front property when it was priced low and see a terrific return on your investment when you can sell high? Don't be the one thinking, darn, if I only bought that property when it was so cheap!

Edna Ledoux Jamieson

Realtor/ABR

Lakeshore Rentals & Sales, Inc.

phone 540-520-0168

www.smithmtnlakeproperties.com

edna@smithmtnlakeproperties.com

With 500 miles of shoreline, many people spend their summer vacation at beautiful Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

With Fall's arrival and upcoming activities- including the 20th Anniversary SML Wine Festival and SML Charity Home Tour- this is a great time to visit the lake.

A favorite destination while at the lake is Bridgewater Plaza in Moneta. One of several communities at Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta has a population of 8600 and was the location for much of the filming of the movie What About Bob?

photo courtesy of Bridgewaterplaza.com

You can drive to Bridgwater Plaza or arrive by boat. On a summer evening, this place is hopping; live bands play at Mango's and the music can be enjoyed as you dine or shop. Pizza Pub has indoor and outdoor seating and we often take our dog with us. He's very content to people watch and the servers are glad to bring him a cup of water. There are several casual dining restaurants to choose from including:

• Moosies
• Pizza Pub
• Mango's Bar and Grill
• The Mouse Trap
  
• Chopsticks
• Ice Cream Cottage
  

Shopping:

• Bridgewater Sportswear
• Bridgewater Marina
  
• Gifts Ahoy
• Wake & Skate
• The Veranda
• The Little Gallery
• Oriental Decor

Activities:

• Fun-N-Games Arcade
• Harbortown Mini-Golf

My favorite activity at Bridgewater Plaza is feeding the fish. I freeze all my day old bread to take along when we go to the lake. These are the enormous fish you'll find at the dock. It's a feeding frenzy!

Bridgewater Plaza is open seven days a week. CLICK HERE for individual hours of operation.

The weather is still nice enough to take the boat out and enjoy the beautiful scenery and changing leaves. So come on out and visit Smith Mountain Lake this fall. For more information, contact:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

Fall is the time to be outdoors- especially in Bedford County, Virginia.

With cooler weather and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, this is the time to meander down some country roads, taking in the natural beauty ~ and we have miles of country roads! We've made a date to take the girls apple picking in Bedford County next week.

Two of our favorite orchards are:

Gross' Orchard Apple Valley

6817 Wheats Valley Road

Bedford, VA 24523

Gross' Orchard has been in business since the late 1800's. Family owned, they specialize in growing peaches and apples and you couldn't pick a better location as the orchard is located at the foot of the beautiful Peaks of Otter. From June 20th -Sept 15th you can find peaches ready and waiting or you can pick for yourselves.

Beginning Sept 1st, apple picking begins and there is a great variety of apples to choose from. The retail outlet also features homemade items, cider and jams. Want to ship a gift pack? Gross's will ship nationwide for you. Field Trips, Tours and Tour Buses are  Welcome! Call (540) 586-2436 to set up appointment.

Johnson’s Orchards

2122 Sheep CreekRd

Bedford, VA 24523

We started coming to Johnson's on field trips with my girls when they were in the first grade. The 15 foot Johnny Appleseed statue was a favorite photo op. This is another beautiful farm with over 200 acres, over 7,000 apple trees of 200 different varieties. Johnson's also has several hundred peach, nectarine & damson trees. You would love their pumpkins in the fall.

Bring your lunch: there is a pavillion for picnics, many walking trails through the orchards, a log cabin and restrooms. Don't forget to stop in at the Peaks Of Otter Winery located at the orchard. For more information, call (540) 586-2436

While you're in the area, consider having dinner at The Peaks of Otter Lodge. Relaxed atmosphere, excellent food in the most beautiful setting overlooking Abbot Lake and Sharptop Mountain. What a way to end a great day.

For more information on things to do in Bedford County, Virginia, contact:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

(434) 546-0369

Driving west on Route 221, partway between Forest and the City of Bedford is the community of Goode, Virginia. Covering approximately 40 square miles, Goode has gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially the Peaks of Otter.

With a population of more than 60,000, Bedford County is included in the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area, covers 769 square miles and borders Lynchburg to the east.

Goode has a population of 2757. Public Schools serving Goode include:

• Forest Elementary
  

• Forest Middle

• Otter View Middle

• Jefferson Forest High School
  

Goode is served by a volunteer Fire Department:

The Goode Volunteer Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 178
Goode, VA 24556

There are currently 25 single family properties on the market ranging from $94,900 for doublewides to $699,900 for estates with acreage & mountain views. CLICK HERE for Demographics for zip code 24556.

For information on available properties in Goode, Virginia, contact:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

(434) 546-0369

RE/MAX 1st Olympic

20395 Timberlake Rd

Lynchburg, VA 24502