Crystal Shores Marina Resort

            A family oriented gathering place in a quiet cove along the shores of Smith Mountain Lake is what developers Rob Sorrentino and Rob Arigo envisioned when they began rebuilding Crystal Shores Marina Resort.

            Sorrentino, owner of Sorrentino Asset Management in Roanoke, represents the owners of Crystal Shores, which is located on the east side of the lake between markers B26 and B28, just south of Hales Ford Bridge. He said he was immediately sold on the potential of the distinctive, 227-acre property. The ownership group purchased it in March 2007 and spent months researching and planning to ensure their vision would be a good fit for SML.

            "We wanted to create a waterfront village lifestyle and a beautiful family environment," explained Sorrentino.

            Arigo, Crystal Shores’ manager, said the group began with improving the existing marina, which was previously known as Smith Mountain Yacht Club. Lee Arnold retained the Yacht Club name and still operates a boat sales and service business out of Crystal Shores.

            The largest part of the renovation, Arigo said, involved upgrading 145 wet slips and 108 dry rack slips, all able to accommodate boats ranging from 19 to 50 feet in length. In addition, the marina offers gas, full-service maintenance, picnic areas, wi-fi Internet access and renovated restrooms.

            The next project involved construction of an outdoor concert venue, which was built on an existing hill with a view of the lake. Arigo said Key West, a popular regional beach band, played for an audience of 400 there last summer. Sorrentino said he looks forward to using the amphitheater more extensively this summer, noting that he isn’t planning on late-night concerts, but afternoon or early evening events designed to include families.

            "We’d love to get the Roanoke Symphony," said Sorrentino, noting that he hopes Key West will return as well.

            The venue can also be reserved for social events, Arigo said. Also available to marina patrons is a renovated clubhouse with facilities for indoor and outdoor relaxing.

            “In the future, we may bring a clubhouse bar and grill that would be open to the general public,” Arigo said.

            Sorrentino added: "Our commitment as owners is to continue to make SML a more beautiful place to live and visit. As we grow, the Crystal Shores community will be our No.1 goal."

For more information about Crystal Shores, visit crystalshoresmarinaresort.com. For more on Smith Mountain Yacht Club, call 540.297.4484.