The shoreline bends and coves of Huddleston, Virginia, carry a story of transformation. Before the early 1960s, this was a small Bedford County farming and timber community. That changed when the Smith Mountain Dam harnessed the Roanoke River, flooding valleys and creating the 20,600-acre Smith Mountain Lake. Today, roughly 3,400 residents live among ridgelines, waterfront homes, and pockets of farmland.

Some of Huddleston’s lesser-known history rests in places like the Moody Meeting House, a preserved 19th-century Methodist structure whose modest frame still stands in contrast to the lake’s modern developments. Pre-dam survey maps, archived in Bedford County, show entire road networks now submerged—paths where farm wagons once moved tobacco to market. These underwater relics attract divers curious about the lake’s hidden past.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park remains the best-known entry point to the outdoors here, but its details matter: 1,148 acres of hardwood forest and shoreline trails, a public sand beach, and boat rentals that make it possible for visitors to fish for striped bass in open water or paddle into quiet inlets where herons hunt. Away from the main park, Mitchell’s Point Marina rents slips and runs fishing charters that chase crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.

The Huddleston business landscape goes beyond tourism. Foster Fuels Inc. has delivered heating oil, propane, and commercial fuel services in Huddleston for decades, serving both residential customers and larger industrial accounts. It is one of the community’s economic anchors, employing locals year-round. Smith Mountain Manor is a glamorous event estate that blends architectural elegance with scenic charm overlooking Smith Mountain Lake. It routinely hosts weddings, elopements, receptions, and special events in a setting inspired by settings such as "Downton Abbey” and Jane Austen stories.

Dining options in Huddleston reflect both lake life and small-town continuity. Mitchell’s Restaurant and Pizzeria offers more than its name suggests—Philly steak sandwiches, chicken salad plates, pulled-pork BBQ, and hand-tossed pizzas share space with a rotating lineup of live-music nights. Bruno’s Clubhouse Bistro bridges casual dining and bar service, offering coffee in the morning, cocktails in the evening, and comfort-food plates throughout the day, including vegetarian options for those seeking lighter fare.

Events in Huddleston tend to be anchored to the lake. Annual fishing tournaments draw competitors from across Virginia, with weigh-ins and prize ceremonies at local marinas. Summer music series often take shape in open-air settings, where bands play against the sunset and boats gather just offshore to listen. In the fall, craft fairs bring artisans from surrounding counties, featuring woodturning, hand-stitched quilts, and jams made from heirloom fruit grown in the region’s old orchards.

For those looking to explore Huddleston on foot, the park’s Turtle Island Trail loops through mixed hardwood forest before crossing a short footbridge to a small island—an easy, scenic hike that offers shoreline access without boat travel. Less publicized is the Chestnut Creek segment, a shaded trail that follows a small stream and reveals remnants of stone foundations from pre-dam farmsteads. Birdwatchers often note ospreys, bald eagles, and migrating warblers, making it a draw beyond the summer season.

Before you lace up for your next outdoor adventure, make sure your Huddleston home is just as protected as the trails you walk. Star City Crawl Space offers inspections, repairs, and waterproofing to keep moisture, pests, and structural issues from creeping in. Contact us today for more information.