Spike's Place - Magnificent View - Great Location

I had sent my deposit but was not able to attend the dates I had originally booked. Owner was great with communication and even returned my deposit without question. I plan to book here and actually stay!

Spike's Place could not be better, nor could the hosts in providing the most congenial of vacation spots. The decor is most tasteful, the kitchen well-equipped, the sheets, towels and bedding of exceptionally high quality and comfortable; landscaping, interior and exterior are well maintained, pleasant and charming. There are even spices in a cabinet and instant coffee in the 'frig' which I think can't be more accommodating. My 5-year-old granddaughter caught her first blue gill off the dock, my grandsons many and my son was thrilled that Spike put him on 15 strippers, 4 of which they could keep, filleted and packaged by Spike. There was everything for water fun: a raft, inflatables, balls, all sizes of life preservers, noodles and 3 types of watercraft, everything in top condition. The fine beach had a stone-surrounded fire pit, logs available for a fire. It can't get any better than Spike or Kathy's Place for a lakeside vacation in VA; I can't say enough good things about this spot, or the experts at fishing the lake that Spike and Kathy are, friendly, outgoing, there to provide a delightful experience to boot. It just doesn't get any better.

Spike and Kathy's place has it all! A beautiful view, comfortable accommodations with all of the amenities to keep everyone happy. They have a huge yard for outdoor activities and if you are fortunate to be there during garden season, they even share their delicious fresh veggies :) There are docks to relax on and fish from and a nice sandy beach for the young ones too. There are plenty of noodles, tubes and floats for hanging out in the water as well as a paddle boat and kayaks; and lets not forget relaxing in the hammock next to Spike's apartment, too. There are lots of steps (100) down to the water, but if you don't want the exercise, they will provide you with a golf cart for your convenience. Though I stayed in Spikes apartment this time, I have been coming here for over 10 years and have also stayed in Kathy's place with many of my family and friends. You will find both places equally comfortable and Kathy's place has a great game room, too!

Kathy and Spike are two of the nicest, most gracious hosts you will ever meet. They both charter fishing trips, so if you get the opportunity, book a trip for some fun striper fishing! They are pros and are always willing to share information and tips for fishing on the lake. :)

Thank you, Kathy and Spike, my friends, for everything. Can't wait to see you next year!

This is one of the most relaxing vacations we have had in a really long time. The wiew was fabulous and it was such beautiful weather while we were there... Not one day of rain. We really enjoyed just lying around the dock and reading and just soaking up the serenity of their place. Also the beds were very easy on the back and that is very important for Mike. Thank you both so much for a wounderful time and next year we will have to do some fishing. Again THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mike and Edie

This was one of the first times in a long while I've been on vacation and honestly was in no hurry to return. It is just that fabulous of a spot. I agree with the previous reviewer that the pictures do not begin to capture how beautiful this location was, but then again, it was nice to be so "wowed" upon arrival.

We were thankful that we could bring our dog, and that we did not have to lug our own kayaks and canoes, which are generously made available for use during your stay. In addition, it was nice to see such a happy and thriving vegetable garden despite the hot hot days we've had this summer in Virginia, and even nicer that you shared your tomatoes, bell and hot peppers and cucumbers.

We vacationed at Spike's Place with our teens; two of them love urban areas, and one is a beach fanatic, but all were happy to take in the sights and sounds of SML. It was a very harmonious visit overall, and given a unanimous five stars by all five members of this family, as well as our sixth: we even got our dog to go kayakking with us one morning!

The only things I'd recommend adding would be a laminated tutorial for the television for the technically illiterate like ourselves (though we DID find the 24-7 soccer channel!) and maybe a way to reduce the A/C. However, those are such minor things, and all the more reason to get out and enjoy the porch swing, hammock, dock, beach and water.

We'd never been to Smith Mountain Lake before after a lifetime in Virginia, and we were delighted to swim in a place with no jellyfish, no sharks, and no rip currents or traffic jams, unlike the large resort beach my husband and I grew up near. We hope to return again soon. Many Thanks, Kathy and Spike!