General Guest Information
The tour is during Columbus Day weekend every year. Homes are open from 10 AM to 5 PM Friday and Saturday and from 1 PM to 5 PM on Sunday.
Unfortunately not. Since these are private homes, they are not required to meet accessibility requirements. We do have a drop-off zone at each house if walking is a problem.
No. Children under twelve, including babies in arms or carriers, are not permitted in the homes.
The Smith Mountain Lake Charity Home Tour is the community fund drive to support critical services for those in need in the Smith Mountain Lake region in southwest Virginia. The Tour accomplishes this through partnerships with volunteers, charities, businesses and individuals.
Eight total, located in Franklin, Bedford and Pittsylvania counties, bordering Smith Mountain Lake. We are the only tour in the nation where all homes can be accessed by car or by boat.
Each of eight participating charities provides volunteers to help administer the Tour and receives a share of the proceeds, which come from business and individual donations, as well as ticket sales. Participating charitable organizations qualify by delivering services to people in need in the Smith Mountain Lake area. The Tour has provided over $5 million to local charity operations.
Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors more than 500 miles of shoreline, 22,000 acres of water, and hundreds of converging rivers, creeks and coves to explore and enjoy. Scenic shorelines range from manicured lakefront lawns to steep bluffs, breathtaking views of Smith Mountain and other surrounding peaks. More information on the lake and its surrounds is available at the SML Chamber of Commerce website www.visitsmithmountainlake.com. Request a Visitors Guide at 540-721-1203 or view the digital version online
No. The tour goes on rain or shine.
It can be done, but you don’t get much time to spend at each home.
Children under 12 and babies in arms or carriers are not allowed. No photography, smoking, food, drink, or pets are allowed in the homes. Please ladies, do not wear high heels which may damage floors.
The Home Tour Guidebook will be included in the Laker Weekly Labor Day special edition and at the SML Chamber of Commerce, including their email to 100,000 subscribers. After that week it will be at local outlets such as Kroger, Food Lion, local mini marts and gas stations, along with SML Chamber of Commerce and Lakescapes.
Tickets
Online Tickets: May 23, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025
- Early Bird Tickets: $30 5/23-6/15
- Standard Tickets: $35 6/16-10/4
- Tour Week Tickets: $40 10/5-10/12
- $30 6/16-10/6
- $35 10/7-thru Tour weekend
A Convenience Fee to cover credit card processing fees (3.5%) and TicketSpice services ($0.99) will be added to each ticket for E-Ticket purchases. This ensures that 100% of the proceeds benefit our Tour's charities.
Either will work, however, you may want to print your ticket as cellular service can be spotty around the lake. We will be scanning the QR code (square bar code) on your ticket. We can scan a paper ticket or the QR code image on your smart phone. If using your phone, we suggest taking a screen shot of the QR code (square bar code) and saving it to your photos so you have access to your ticket even if there is no cellular service at a particular home.
This can be a problem for boaters or if it is raining. We suggest placing your paper ticket inside a clear zip lock bag with the QR code (square bar code) visible. Our scanners can read the code through a clear bag.
Unfortunately, no. To get the lower price, the tickets need to be purchased before the deadline.
Please email us at [email protected] and we will resend your confirmation email.
Unfortunately, no; however, you may claim the full value of your purchase as a charitable deduction on your taxes since you will not be going to the Tour. Alternatively, you could give the tickets to a family member or friend.
You may purchase tickets online at this website or in person at the SML Visitor Center at Bridgewater Plaza during Tour weekend. Our Ticket Team will also be available to assist you with ticket purchases at the homes during the Tour.
If you have a smart phone, you may purchase the ticket online using your credit card and email or text the ticket to your phone. Please be aware that cellular service can be spotty around the lake; therefore, we suggest taking a screen shot of the QR code (square bar code) and saving it to your photos so you have access to your ticket even if there is no cellular service at a particular home.
Donations can be made in several ways.
- When purchasing an online ticket there is an option to donate an additional amount.
- Return to the Home page of this website and click on "Donate."
- Your check payable to the SML Charity Home Tour can be sent to PO Box 416, Moneta, Virginia 24121.
Parking
There is no handicapped parking, but we have a drop-off zone at each house if walking is a problem. Also, note that the homes are not handicapped accessible.
Follow the directions by boat in the Tour Guidebook or from this website. As you get near the home, look for an orange flag on the dock. Please follow instructions from our dock volunteers.
Sponsors and Patrons/Donors
Donations can be made in several ways.
- When purchasing an online ticket there is an option to donate an additional amount.
- Return to the Home page of this website and click on "Donate."
- Your check payable to the SML Charity Home Tour can be sent to PO Box 416, Moneta, Virginia 24121.
A business is defined as an entity that files taxes as an LLC., INC., or sole proprietorship. All other sponsors are considered patrons.
On this website, see the information under the Sponsors tab. You may also contact us at [email protected] if you need more information or further assistance.
On this website, see the information under the Sponsors tab. You may also contact us at [email protected] if you need more information or further assistance.
On this website, see the information under the Sponsors tab. You may also contact us at [email protected] if you need more information or further assistance.
Charities
Yes, all eight are assigned as well as an an alternate. We would be happy to consider your charity for next year's Tour.
If you would like to be a future participating charity, please complete the application posted on this website which you can access from the Charities tab.
An independent selection committee reviews all applications and together, makes their final selections according to SML Charity Home Tour requirements.
There are 5 criteria that must be met:
1. The charity must possess a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt status.
2. The charity must provide services to the SML geographic area.
3. Each charity chosen must be prepared to supply 5 key volunteers.
4. Your charity representative will be asked to attend a check distribution event to inform those in attendance how the charity proceeds will be utilized.
5. At the kick-off event, each charity will be required to execute a
Participation Agreement which you can find on the website.
More in depth information on these criteria is included in the Application Protocol
document on our website.
Volunteers
If you are willing to help where you are most needed, you can sign up on this website by clicking the Volunteer tab. For questions about volunteering, email our volunteer coordinator at [email protected].
Homeowners
Yes, but we are already signing contracts with homeowners for next year's Tour.
There are really no set requirements. We look for homes that we feel people would enjoy viewing, both newly built or remodeled. Unique features, great views, easy access by land and water, and availability of supporting sponsors are all items we consider.
You can email us at [email protected] with your name, the location of your home, and a little about the home.