Marina on a mountain lake with cruises & a relaxed bar & grill with indoor-outdoor seating. Visitors will especially appreciate commentary from knowledgeable captains who share lake lore & highlight notable sights such as osprey nests & incredible lakeside homes with decks, patios & firepits. This is a fantastic article to read.
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Boat Rentals & Slips
Located near Hales Ford Bridge, this marina offers 24/7 gas pumps, a marine store, and Portside Grill for grabbing a bite to eat overlooking the lake. The facility is home to Virginia Dare Cruises, boat slip rentals, and private charters.
SML visitors can take a sightseeing or dinner cruise aboard the Virginia Dare, a large, double-decker side-wheeler that includes ample seating and an open upper deck for vantage points. The captains on this boat are experts at sharing their knowledge of the area’s history and pointing out notable sights.
During the holiday season, the vessel hosts a popular lighted boat parade that also benefits local children’s charities. This unique marina and cruise boat is available for wedding ceremonies with appropriate advance notice. A small on-shore Airbnb duplex is also on the property.
Dinner Cruises
The Virginia Dare cruise boat offers midday and evening sightseeing trips, meal cruises, and special events including Mother’s Day and July 4th fireworks. Its captains share lake lore and point out notable sights such as osprey nests, incredible homes with decks, patios, and firepits, and Smith Mountain’s unique “S-Turn” feature.
On shore, the Beacon Pub features seafood, sandwiches, and fun drinks in an open-air atmosphere and hosts live music on weekends during the summer. The property also includes a waterfront duplex cottage that is available for rent.
The marina and cruise boat are part of the annual Lighted Boat Flotilla, held in December. It is a Smith Mountain Lake tradition that has been revived recently and incorporates a toy drive. It is one of the area’s most popular holiday events. Learn more about Wirtz here.
Gas
You can pump gas at Virginia Dare Marina, but the facility doesn’t have a gas dock or staff to help you. For that reason, you may want to bring a hose and pump on your boat before heading here.
The marina’s venerable Virginia Dare cruise boat is decked out in holiday finery for the annual Christmas on the Lake Flotilla. This two-hour trip is a Smith Mountain Lake tradition featuring commentary from knowledgeable captains who share lake lore and point out notable sights along the route. You’ll see osprey nests, incredible lakeside homes, and Smith Mountain Lake’s unique S-turn feature. On shore, local favorite Beacon Pub offers seafood, sandwiches, and fun drinks in a laid-back setting. Live music is scheduled Friday through Sunday, including karaoke and an open mic session during the summer.
Portside Bar & Grill
A quaint restaurant on the water, Portside Bar & Grill is a go-to place for grabbing breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. Visitors can expect to eat here for less than $30 per person. They can sample seafood dishes like buckets of shrimp or snow crab legs, lobster mac and cheese, spicy angry clams, and the bomb burger topped with cheddar, bacon, fried pickles, and onion rings.
The bar at this place offers a nice selection of draft beer and cocktails. You can also watch a game on one of the TVs. Guests can also enjoy open-air seating during warm weather. You may get lucky and groove to live music or a DJ some nights. Pets are welcome at this spot. Message the business for more details.
Private Charters
When you book a private charter on the Virginia Dare, you’ll enjoy a personalized sailing experience that’s tailored to your party’s needs. It’s a unique way to celebrate a special occasion and make your time on Smith Mountain Lake extra memorable.
Aboard the cruise boat, expert captains share SML lore and point out notable sights including osprey nests, stunning lakeside homes with incredible decks, patios and firepits, and the spectacular top of Smith Mountain. They can also perform wedding ceremonies with advance notice.
On land, guests can dine at Portside Grill and Bar and savor seafood, sandwiches, and fun drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. The marina’s pier hosts live music and karaoke Friday through Sunday during the summer. It’s also the location of a cozy on-shore Airbnb duplex cottage. Continue reading about Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Driving directions from Pure Vue Window Cleaning to Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina
Driving directions from Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina to Smith Mountain Lake State Park