The Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains lies a destination worthy of every vacation bucket-list – Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia. Smith Mountain Lake is a premier East Coast vacation destination for exhilarating water sports, world-class bass fishing, outdoor recreation in nature, and a laid-back, luxurious lakefront lifestyle.   

Stretching for 40-miles long across three counties, Smith Mountain Lake (fondly known as SML by the locals), is the second largest freshwater lake in Virginia. The lake is backdropped by the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with 500-miles of scenic shoreline, secret coves, sandy beaches, and 20,000 acres of calm water for endless water activities. 

SML is a water enthusiasts paradise with no shortage of marinas, boat ramps, eco-tours, fishing charters and water toy rentals – but the lake fun doesn’t end on the water! There’s miles of nature trails for hiking and biking, fishing piers, scenic golf courses, ranger-led activities at the Discovery Center, historic attractions, and scenic drives stretching for miles along the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Smith Mountain Lake has a small-town atmosphere but doesn’t fall short when it comes to shopping, dining and entertainment. Browse the unique boutiques, antiques and art galleries, indulge in a guided wine-tasting experience, watch the boats go by from a waterfront restaurant, and witness an SML sunset with a frozen cocktail and lakefront live music. 

Smith Mountain Lake is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and is an easy drive-to destination from most major East Coast cities. Explore the best of our latest vacation destination with Casago’s Local Area Guide to Smith Mountain Lake. 

We are excited to welcome Kip & Julia Darling, our new franchise owners in Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia to the Casago family. Kip & Julia Darling have been SML locals for years. Julia has a successful background in interior design and corporate brand management, Kip has 34 years of hotel and vacation rental management experience behind him. 

Beginning his career in the corporate insurance business, Kip switched over to the hotel and hospitality industry. First on the oceanfront in North Carolina, then West Virginia’s Snowshoe Ski Resort, and now Smith Mountain Lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

Kip & Julia Darling

Interview with Kip, Owner of the Smith Mountain Lake Branch

Casago: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your family and your community?

We have 2 adult children and 5 grandchildren who keep us busy and living in a winter ski resort and a summer vacation lake is a great way to make sure the kids come to visit. Our entire team lives locally and are very active in the community. We are involved in the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce and support several local SML sports teams and ministries. 

Casago: What attracted you to the vacation rental industry?

We love living in resort areas and vacation rental management appealed to us as an opportunity to maintain a lifestyle we love and take advantage of our hotel and design backgrounds. Our extensive combined experience in hotel and design enables us to help our owners in the success, upkeep and appearance of their vacation rental homes. 

Casago: What led you to join the forces with Casago?

We joined the Casago team in 2010 as partial franchisee owners of Snowshoe West Virginia, a partnership that has been extremely successful over the years. We both admired the fact that the entire Casago team is dedicated to operational excellence, technical superiority and industry leadership in vacation rentals and property management. 

Casago: In closing, can you share a favorite quote that inspires you?

Our success in the vacation rental industry has been based on a small team, leveraging a few big ideas followed by paying close attention to a million small details.

Smith Mountain Lake promises a relaxing respite for lake lovers with tranquil sunrises, water fun in the sun, sunset boat rides, and classic campfires. Casago’s newest collection of Smith Mountain Lake vacation rentals features luxurious lakefront homes with private waterfront docks to get on the water, inspiring SML lake views, and all the comforts of a home away from home. 

Live the lake lifestyle in the Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains with Casago – winter, spring, summer or fall!

Franchise with Casago

Why become a Casago Franchise? Competition in the vacation rental industry is fierce. As a partner of Casago, you will have access to a plethora of technology, resources, and support to ensure that your business has all the tools necessary for success. In addition, with 20+ offices worldwide, we’re able to leverage our purchasing power for the best prices on products you use in your everyday business. 

Casago is a family of people who are passionate about the Vacation Rental Industry and love helping each other. If this sounds like something that you have been missing or want to be a part of then a Casago franchise may be right for you. If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a franchise, visit our page here.