Visit Smith Mountain Lake - Top Stories

What's open on Thanksgiving Day - www.smithmountainlake.com

If you want to hang up the oven gloves and let somebody else cook your turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, you may be out of luck. Most restaurants at Smith Mountain Lake will be closed for the holiday, but area grocery stores will have turkey and all the trimmings to take home.

Polar participants get chills and thrills - www.smithmountainlake.com

"It's like being shot with a thousand nail guns."

That's how Todd Rowland, president of the Smith Mountain Lake Water Ski Club, described his initial plunge into Smith Mountain Lake for the club's annual Polar Bear Ski Day on Jan. 1.

Roving volunteers visit horse rescue in Hardy - www.smithmountainlake.com

Trip was part of a service project to visit 50 nonprofits in 50 states.

Kirsten L'Orange and Tim Malcolm wanted to see the country. The two, who have a long history of giving back to their communities, have combined their desire to see the United States and serve others into one journey.

D-Day Memorial moves ticket outlet, closes on Mondays - www.smithmountainlake.com

In an effort to streamline organization and cut costs, the National D-Day Memorial has moved its ticket outlet and no longer is open to the public on Mondays.

Guests still can schedule group visits to the Memorial by appointment and the Foundation office will remain open for administrative business on Mondays.

Centra signs on as home tour's major sponsor - www.smithmountainlake.com

Several area businesses already have signed up as major sponsors for this year's Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour.

Centra Medical Group, a Lynchburg-based health care business that serves lake-area residents through the Village Family Physicians and Cardiovascular Clinic in Moneta, will be the Royal Sponsor. Centra was a Diamond Sponsor last year but will assume the lead sponsor role with a $10,000 contribution.