Belle Terre Guest Guide
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Union Hall, Virginia
Groceries:
Minute Mart: Small local provisions store (they have a little bit of everything). Local
seasonal produce, good choice of high quality proteins & most pantry staples. Good beer
& wine selection. There are 2 locations near us, both are less than 10 minutes away:
15550 Old Franklin Turnpike Penhook (Boars head lunch meat & butcher- better meat
selection)
7350 Old Franklin Turnpike Glade Hill: Great little take out counter, better than you
would expect.
Dollar General: Nothing local but they do have produce, lunch meat, dairy, frozen
food, pantry staples and everything under the sun.
Farmers Market: Walking distance (1 min drive), caddy corner from the Whistle Stop
Seasonal (May 22-Oct 2), every Thursday 9am-12pm
Beautiful selection of local produce, meat, honey, baked goods & artisanal crafts.
Farm to Table Produce: (Summer thru Fall)
Lakescapes: Adjacent to our property on Hwy 40. Seasonal veggies by the pound and
the BEST salsa around! Also known for their “canned” tomato juice, sauce & other
pickled deliciousness!! They also carry a wide variety of quality plants, the nursery is
beautiful to visit and the owner’s are amazing.
Berger Farm: Immediately across the street (where the 2 silos are), walk down the
driveway towards the barn (it’s ok, go for it!), table stand with “just picked” produce,
honor system, bring cash.
Closest places to eat:
Food trucks: (Most weekends/some weeknights) corner of Berger Loop next to Belle
Terre – 2 minute walk
Los Toros: Traditional Mexican, excellent food!
PauleyWood Pizza: Wood-fired pizza truck. Great pizza, traditional & unique
combinations!
Whistle Stop: (1 minute drive or 3 minute walk) corner of 40 & Kemp Ford
(540) 576-1390
Take-out counter breakfast & lunch menu. Good hoagies/sandwiches. Hunt Brothers
pizza.
Jose’s Mexican Grill: (2 minutes)-11962 Old Franklin Turnpike
(540) 912-0229
Very good, authentic Mexican & some American options. HUGE portions. Nearest “sit
down” restaurant. Can also sit at the bar. Full bar.
Carl’s Place: (6 minutes)-15800 Old Franklin Turnpike
(540) 576-2838
It doesn’t look like much, but it’s been around since 1947- that speaks for itself! Diner
style eating area, homestyle cooking, daily specials, great omelets! Breakfast, lunch or
dinner- we’ve never had a bad meal here!
The Little Mule Cafe (6 minutes)
15550 Old Franklin Turnpike Penhook, VA 24137
Mexican Viejo Penhook (9 minutes)
3585 Smith Mountain Rd. Penhook, VA 24137
(434) 927-0040
***Town of Rocky Mount is 20 mins away, easy, straight drive down 40 and has
plenty of options. See Rocky Mount section for recommendations!
Closest places to eat on the Lake (By car)
Magnum Point Marina and Restaurant: (6 minutes) 2200 Old Salem School Rd.
(540) 576-3001
Great option for lunch or dinner. Casual, lake life vibe, nice bar, good outdoor seating
overlooking the lake. Food here is really good & not too pricey, pizza crust is homemade.
Lumpkins Marina Snack bar and grill: (seasonal – 12 minutes): 503 Pruitt Dr.
(434) 927-4327
Not a fancy place, some picnic style tables outside to eat but it’s a hotspot for breakfast
on the weekends. Alot of people come in by boat. They are known for their pancakes.
Bridgewater Plaza: (Year Round- 20 minutes): 16430 Booker T Washington Hwy,
Moneta.
Here you will find Moosies, Mango’s Bar & Grill, Pizza Pub & The Ice Cream Cottage. It’s
on the water and it’s all under “one roof”.
Town of Rocky Mount
Just 20 minutes away, it’s an easy drive to this little town. Prior to reaching the “center”
of town you’ll go by all the chain stores: Lowes, Walmart, CVS, Starbucks, Food Lion,
Kroger, etc. Anything you could possibly need is there. If you continue towards
Downtown Rocky Mount you’ll get to a charming little town filled with some great thrift
shops, restaurants, bars, The Harvester Performance Hall and alot more. You can easily
make a day of going to Downtown Rocky Mount. Highly recommend checking out their
website: discoverrockymount.com
A few Downtown Favorites:
Shopping:
● The Painted Trunk
● Olds Cool,
● Tinks
● The Magnolia House
***On the way to Rocky Mount you’ll pass The Corner Hideaway on 40 in Glade Hill,
DEFINITELY worth the stop if you’re a “shopper”.
Restaurants & Bars (all walking distance to each other):
● Rocky Mount Burger Co: Casual American, great burgers & fries. Full bar.
● Living Proof Beer: Hilltop brewery, great views, really good beers. Also have
wine/seltzers. Not much for food but on weekends there’s normally a food truck.
● Anastasia’s: Great for a date night. Speakeasy bar with excellent food. They’ve
done a great job nailing the Speakeasy vibe. The place is small & intimate, it feels
like the real deal. Don’t miss it, even if only for one drink!
● The Porch & Voodoo Lounge, Bar & Fire Kitchen: Awesome atmosphere, drinks &
food!
Walking Trails, Parks, & Public Beach Areas
Smith Mountain Lake State Park (40 MINS)
1235 Rd 888, Huddleston, VA 24104
Smith Mountain Lake State Park has a visitors’ center, hiking trails, fishing (which
requires a (Virginia Fishing License), a swimming beach, picnic areas, and assorted
programs such as night hikes, canoe trips and wilderness skills training. The park totals
1,248 acres with approximately 16 miles of lakefront.
Smith Mountain Lake Community Park (30 MINS)
482 Parkway Ave, Moneta, VA 24121
The park’s partly-covered fishing pier is the largest at SML, and is located in a spot
known for striped bass. There’s also a hiking trail, picnic shelter, public beach, bath
house and more than 100 parking spaces.
Entry to the park is free but there is a small fee to use the beach/swimming area ($3 per
adult with children 3 and under free).
Booker T Washington National Monument (18 mins)
12130 Booker T Washington Hwy, Hardy, VA 24101
The actual birthplace of Booker T Washington, where he was born into slavery and later
freed to become the most influential African-American of his era. The grounds here are
beautiful and feature several restored buildings, walking trails and a visitors center.
Great place to go for a walk, mostly shaded & dog friendly. 100% recommend.
Smith Mountain Dam Visitors’ Center: 2072 Ford Rd., Sandy Level
Call 540-985-2587 for hours.
Closest places to launch your boat or go fishing
Magnum Point Marina and Restaurant (6 minutes) – PAY TO LAUNCH
2200 Old Salem School Rd. Union Hall, VA 24176
(540) 576-3001
Penhook Boat Ramp #9 (Public) (7 minutes) – FREE
Bathrooms and Fishing Pier
1300 Jefferson Dock Rd. Penhook, VA 24137
Anthony Ford #4 VDWR boat ramp (Public) (10 minutes) – FREE
Bathrooms
Hardy Road CO Rd. 953 Penhook, VA 24137
Closest places to rent a boat
Magnum Point Marina and Restaurant (6 minutes)
2200 Old Salem School Rd. Union Hall, VA 24176
(540) 576-3001
The Dock at SML (Seasonal – 13 minutes)
188 Locust Ln. Penhook, VA 24137
(540) 565-0222
Whether you’re looking for action or simply want to enjoy the outdoors & recharge, regardless of the weather there is something to do nearby! Here are a few ideas:
Spa Day (not just for the ladies!): Southlake Spa & Salt Room is a must for anyone
looking to relax & pamper themselves a little bit. A gorgeous old restored barn amidst a
lavender field and gardens host morning yoga & movement classes occasionally infused
with a sound bath. During the cooler months they hold their classes either in the
Greenhouse or in the converted silo that anchors the spa. Each space is unique and truly
special. Classes generally range from $12-$15 and last approximately 60-90 mins. After
class treat yourself to a massage or a facial or spend some time in the authentic salt room
to cleanse your body & spirit. Whatever time you decide to spend here, you will not be
disappointed. This is a very special place run by kind & amazing people. You will feel
welcome. They offer different packages throughout the year. The weekly schedule will be
available in your cabin for your convenience. Call Lori (540) 352.2847 for details.
Take in a concert at The Coves Amphitheater: Located on the edge of Smith
Mountain Lake the Coves Amphitheater has welcomed popular artists such as Indigo
Girls, Kenny G, Trampled by Turtles, Michael Franti, Gregory Alan Isakov, Charles
Esten, Old Crow Medicine Show and more. The intimate setting created naturally by the
surrounding “lakescape” makes the Coves Amphitheater an unforgettable venue. An
evening here is a one-of-a-kind experience!
Check out the 2025 season line up here:
https://www.seetickets.us/profile/the-coves-amphitheater/7744310
Bridgewater Plaza: It’s a whole scene, enjoy a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, ice
cream, arcade, mini golf and marina all under one roof! Great for a rainy day or any day.
Live music on weekends at Mango’s. They also have boat rentals here. This is quite close
to Booker T Washington Monument so you could make a whole day of visiting the park
first and finishing off at Bridgewater! Fun for all ages.
Make a Day of It —
Winery Adventure
Start with a nice walk on one of the trails at Booker T. Washington Monument.
Head to Fables & Feathers Winery for lunch & a glass of wine. Beautiful vineyard,
great indoor & outdoor seating, and both their beer & wine are EXCELLENT.
Feeling like making a whole afternoon of it? Swing by Ramulose Ridge Winery (not
too far out of the way). Their wine leans a little sweet — not totally my thing — but people
rave about their Sangria and the setting is gorgeous.
On your way back, stop at Bridgewater Plaza. It’s a whole scene — restaurants, shops,
arcade, mini golf, a marina, and Mango’s which is usually hopping on weekend nights
with live music.
Another option…
Rocky Mount Day Trip
Head towards Rocky Mount and stop at The Corner Hideaway in Glade Hill on your
way.
Once in DT Rocky Mount, Grab a beverage at the coffee shop “The Whole Bean”
Do a little shopping at some of the great thrift & consignment shops
Stop for lunch at Rocky Mount Burger Co, The Porch Wood-fired Kitchen or go
up the hill to Living Proof Brewery for a beer & food truck fare. The brewery offers a
great view off their back deck!
Finish the day off with a stop at Anastasia’s Speakeasy. Wonderful cocktails (and
mocktails), very good food (small bites or dinner) in a really trippy, chill setting.
Bonus: Park once & walk to everything!