Let’s plan a day trip. If you find yourself in beautiful southwest Virginia seeking to explore unique places, take a little day trip between Smith Mountain Lake and Floyd, Virginia.
SPONSORED CONTENT / By Karen DeBord & Jenny Moonan
Nestled between Lynchburg and Roanoke is beautiful Smith Mountain Lake (SML). Known as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge,” the lake covers three counties, has 22,000 acres, and over 500 miles of shoreline. Since SML is home to the state’s largest recorded striped bass caught in Virginia, let’s plan a relaxing fishing trip with a skilled fishing guide just as the sun rises. Enjoy the serenity of the beautiful lake.
Moving through the morning, consider a brief hike on one of the 13 hiking trails at the SML State Park; maybe Turtle Island trail. Although there is a sandy beach at the park, you can visit any lake cove and just chill on a pool noodle, rent a boat, pull a tube, stand-up paddle board, kayak, or swim. The water is so clean and clear at SML that you can see your feet while floating on a tube. For lunch, some visitors enjoy the scenic riverboat Virginia Dare Cruise. It is A+ scenery aboard the old 63-foot sidewheeler.
Mid-afternoon hop in and out of the variety of shops scattered along Rt. 122, the main road that traverses from Bedford to Franklin County over the expansive (and only) bridge.
Unless you have booked a room, it’s time to hit the road to Floyd, Virginia. But make a note that next time you visit to experience Pirate Days, The Wine Festival, the Chili Fest, The D-Day Memorial, alpaca farm tours, the Charity Home Tour, horseback riding, renting a jet ski, taking a seaplane ride, and more.
Travel down I-81 to Route 8. There’s no better way to end a perfect Virginia day than in Floyd. Along the way to Floyd, possible stops include the amazing campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg or a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, where stopping at the historic Mabry Mill is a must! After a morning on the water and an afternoon of exploration, arriving in Floyd as the sun sets feels like stepping into a scene from a storybook. The mountain air cools, the sky glows in shades of gold and lavender, and a hum of anticipation fills the streets.
Before you head into town, consider making a detour to two of the Blue Ridge’s most beloved hidden gems: Villa Appalachia and Chateau Morrisette. Nestled just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, both wineries offer not only award-winning wines but also breathtaking views and peaceful mountain vibes. Sip a glass of Viognier or a bold red blend as you take in the rolling hills—it’s the kind of calm that feeds your soul.
As you make your way into Floyd proper, the energy begins to shift. Music spills from the open doors of the Floyd Country Store, where the iconic Friday Night Jamboree invites locals and visitors alike to dance, clap, and sing along. Bluegrass, old-time, and gospel tunes echo from street corners, where families gather, couples sway, and travelers mingle like old friends. That’s what makes Floyd special. It’s not just the music, the art, or the food—it’s the feeling. The rhythm of life is slower, more intentional, more connected.
Whether you’re browsing handmade pottery, sharing a bench with a stranger-turned-friend, or just listening to a banjo under the stars, you’ll find yourself wrapped in the charm of this little mountain town. Once you’ve experienced Floyd on a Friday night, you’ll understand; this isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s a place your heart will want to return to again and again.
To Book a Room, check out the many Bed & Breakfasts who are distinctive in that they are members of the Virginia Bed & Breakfast Association (See www.bedandbreakfastva.org)
Author: VisitVirginia
