What was initially a gold mine (the precious metal was first discovered in 1829) then later a reservoir for a nearby nuclear plant, Lake Anna in 1983 became a place Northern Virginians could go for a quick respite from daily life. Today the lake is just as popular for a getaway or a second home that is close enough to get to on the weekends—or every weekend, for that matter.
Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater inland lakes in Virginia, covering over 20 square miles with a 225-mile shoreline. It is a rural area that offers relaxation through recreational opportunities like swimming, sailing and boating and adrenaline-pumping activities like kayaking, wakeboarding and jet-skiing. There is also imbibing to be had at the numerous wineries, breweries and distilleries nearby, entertainment to enjoy at concert venues and museums and sporting with golfing.
What to Do
Louisa Arts Center
Since 2007 the Louisa Arts Center has brought the region a cultural scene in a space that houses exhibits and performances ranging from concerts and dance to comedy and films. The center also hosts a slew of extra programs such as Concerts in the Park and Music & Wine At Sundown.
Lake Anna Sunset Concerts
Saturday evenings are best spent at The Pavilion at Anna Point Marina, where live music breaks the airwaves as adults do some imbibing, youngsters enjoy some pop and all enjoy food while watching the sun set on the lake.
Lake Anna State Park
More than 3,100 acres make up one Virginia’s most popular parks. At this oasis in the middle of the state, you can frolic on the beach or bike and hike the trails, and you can even pan for gold. Concessions and camping are also available.
Get on the water
If you’re at this 13,000-acre lake with 10 miles of lakefront, you better make sure to get on it. There are numerous marinas where you can rent boats or other water sporting equipment to do some drifting, jetting or fishing.
The Boardwalk on Lake Anna
The Boardwalk on Lake Anna has exactly what the little ones want when at the beach: water, mini golf, an arcade and beach volleyball. Along with pizza, a crab house and some shopping along the waterfront with boat access, it makes for a great day on the lake.
Culture, Shopping & Dining
Being at the lake means you’ve got to get on the water. There are a handful of marinas to get you set up for a day on the lake: Anna Point Marina (20 acres of waterfront fun) and Lake Country Marine are both on the Mineral side of the lake while Rocky Branch Marina, a spot for camping right on the water plus access to boat ramps, a bath house, country store and playground, and Sturgeon Creek Marina, where fishing is highlighted with the on-site tackle shop, are on the Spotsylvania side of the lake. When gearing up for the water, take advantage of Wake Edger’s Gear and Gifts at The Boardwalk or Wake Anna Surf and Ski at Anna Point.
Related: Vacation Home: Make your home away from home in Lake Anna
Getting more into the music and culture scene, you can take in the Spotsylvania County Museum, which is open daily and offers collections taking you through the history of the county from the early Native Americans to the Civil War. Music-lovers can head to Cars, Guitars and More, where you can not only buy guitars but also take in the sounds of local musicians who play throughout the year.
For the little ones a trip to The Boardwalk on Lake Anna is a must. Get into some friendly competition with a game of mini golf or a battle on the sand with some volleyball. Not a sun worshipper? Pop inside C & B Games and get your thumbs ready for some pinball or other arcade games.
Adult imbibing runs aplenty near Lake Anna, where wineries like Cooper Vineyards, Lake Anna Winery and Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery are open for indulging. Visit each one separately, or take a ride on The Heart of Virginia Wine Trail for $20 and visit six in the vicinity. For something harder, head to Belmont Farms Distillery, owned and operated by the Miller family. It offers almost a dozen whiskeys, vodkas and gins, and tours are available.
After days on the water or taking in the local grounds, the must-stop dining establishment is Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crab House. This is not only a place to eat (seafood, steaks and traditional American bar fare abound)—it is also a great spot for entertainment. Right on the water at The Boardwalk, Tim’s is open year-round and hosts a plethora of events like live music and holiday parties (Mother’s Day and Father’s Day specials, a Halloween Bash and Breakfast with Santa). It also gets in the game with its own Crawdad Festival in April, a pig roast on Labor Day and Memorial Day and beach bashes in the winter (Don’t worry: It’s indoors).
Other on-the-water dining options around town are Anna Cabana Restaurant, offering barbecue, fish tacos, burgers, pizza and more, and The Cove, which has happy hour specials like Steak Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Trivia Wednesdays and Half-Priced Burger Thursdays.
Annual Events
Historic Garden Week in Orange County (April)
Mineral Firemen’s Fair (April)
Brewfest (May)
Montpelier Wine Festival (May)
Madison County Fair (July)
LACA’s Annual Fireworks Display (July)
Wine by the Lake (September)
Christmas Tree Lighting (December)
(May 2017)
