Compiled by Chris Murphy

As the leaves on the surrounding trees burst into shades of gold, crimson, and amber, the lake’s tranquil waters mirror the changing season. The air becomes crisp and cool, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and wood smoke.

Fall at Lake Anna offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Hiking trails wind through the forests, providing opportunities to witness the fall foliage up close. Canoeing and kayaking on the lake allow visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines for a variety of freshwater species, while birdwatchers can spot migratory birds making their way south.  

Beyond the natural beauty, Lake Anna also hosts a variety of fall festivals and events. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and hayrides offer family-friendly fun. Local wineries and breweries invite visitors to sample seasonal brews and wines, often paired with delicious fall-inspired dishes. The area’s charming towns come alive with farmers’ markets showcasing fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and homemade treats.  

As the sun sets over Lake Anna, the sky ignites with a fiery display of colors. Campfires crackle on the shoreline, casting a warm glow on cozy gatherings. The tranquility of the lake, coupled with the vibrant fall foliage, creates an idyllic setting for relaxation and reflection. Whether you seek outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a peaceful retreat, Lake Anna in the fall offers an unforgettable escape.

By Kelsey Thomas

One may expect that Lake Anna is great for a spring or summer vacation — which is true — but what they may not know is that Lake Anna is worth in the fall and winter, too. There are endless things to see and do, both on and off the lake and each season brings a new and unique experience to be had. 

Spring 

Things to Do

While you might be cold if you take a dip in the water, spring is the perfect time to take out a kayak or canoe, as it is the official start of paddling season! With over 13,000 surface acres of fresh water, Lake Anna is a paddler’s paradise. It’s also a great time to cast a line. There are plenty of fish to be caught and there are much less anglers on the water during this time. 

Things to See

Lake Anna is magnificently colorful in the spring, making it one of the most gorgeous times to visit. Beautiful flower buds appear, painting the landscape in bright colors. Walk the trails at Lake Anna State Park and witness firsthand life sprouting forth — green leaves reappearing and blossoms everywhere. 

Eat & Drink

Imagine this: The weather is starting to warm up, the sun is shining and you’re dying to enjoy a great meal outdoors. Restaurants line the perimeter of Lake Anna and the surrounding counties have numerous restaurants with outdoor patio seating, many of which also live on the water. 

Summer

Things to Do

Cool off by diving into the water of Lake Anna. Whether it’s boating, waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding or jet skiing, you’ll never run out of water sports and excursions. You’ll almost forget that you’re in Central Virginia when you lounge and play on these white sand beaches. You even might find some hidden treasure, as summer is prime time for gold hunting and this is a wildly popular activity in the area, as Lake Anna State Park pays homage to the area’s history with Stampmill Sam’s Gold Adventure, a gold-themed event held during summer. The program includes a trip to Goodwin Gold Mine, where the area’s first gold was discovered. Get a lesson in the methods used to mine gold and a chance to do some gold panning yourself at Pigeon Run.

Things to See

If you’re here in July, make sure you get to see the incredible firework displays that take place Fourth of July weekend. Whether you’re firing up the grill and getting ready to watch from where you’re lodging our you’re planning to head out by boat and enjoy it on the water, this patriotic firework display lights up the sky and you don’t want to miss it!

Eat & Drink

Many farmers markets take place in the area, like the Mineral Farmers Market, allowing you to shop for locally sourced produce and ingredients. You can find fruits and vegetables, as well as handmade baked goods, fresh seafood, fresh flowers and more. You can also cool off with a refreshing beverage at one of the many local distilleries, wineries or breweries.

Fall

Things to do

Now is your chance to take advantage of the last few weeks of perfect weather, while also learning about the area’s rich history. Some of the most important battles of the Civil War happened just a short distance away. Fall is the perfect time of year to tour these important locations and learn about our nation’s history because it’s neither too hot or cold to explore. 

Things to See

Without the scorching sun, your family will love hiking the trails surrounding Lake Anna and take in the scenic vistas that feature fabulous fall foliage. The trees become vibrant with color—the reds, yellows and oranges of a lovely fall landscape. You will quickly understand why people from all over come to Lake Anna for leaf peeping.

Eat & Drink

Fall is also the best time to experience Virginia’s wine country. Take a tour of the local vineyards during the height of their beauty, with luscious grape bunches coloring the laden vineyards. Blaze your own tasting trail through wine country. The Lake Anna Grapes & Grains Festival is a can’t-miss fall event featuring craft beer, local wine and great food—all right on the lake.

Winter

Things to Do

Life slows down around Lake Anna in the winter, making it very relaxing for a secluded winter getaway. If you’re looking for a weekend of pure relaxation, Lake Anna may be exactly what you need. Book a rental home or visit one of the local bed and breakfasts for beautiful environments at a fraction of the cost. Don’t let the cold weather scare you off the lake, either. Local anglers know that even in the winter, Lake Anna is still prime for fishing. The warm water from the North Anna Power Station makes the lake a refuge for both baitfish and gamefish, especially striped bass and largemouth bass.

Things to See

Christmas cheer exuberates Lake Anna and the quaint counties that surround it. See a small-town parade or get cocoa and crafts at the local Christmas fair. The Louisa Christmas Festival and Parade are holiday traditions that have been going on since 1742. Board a trolley or hitch a hayride through a forest of lights at the Festival of Lights in Bumpass. Explore downtown Orange as it transforms into an old-fashioned village at the start of December. The streets are filled with holiday music, seasonal vendors and, of course, Santa. 

Eat & Drink

Without the crowds, you can get right into the best restaurants without waiting. Lake Anna and the nearby cities and towns offer some unforgettable cuisine. If you are a gourmand, you may want to plan your visit around Louisa County’s Restaurant Week. This is a great opportunity to visit the county’s diverse restaurants at a discounted price.

We hope to continue seeing you year-round here in Lake Anna, so you don’t miss out the local seasonal secrets and delights.

With year-round activities, picturesque views and proximity to several major cities, Lake Anna has become a popular location for a second home. Owning a second home may seem daunting to some. There are options for buyers to turn their second home into an investment property by renting it out most of the time or keeping it as their private getaway. I spoke with local realtors about why you should consider purchasing a second home at Lake Anna.

Liz Wilson, Long & Foster
I have lived at Lake Anna for 33 years and the greatest memories I have are spending time with my husband and our daughter water skiing, boating, jet skiing and sitting on the dock with family and friends. It makes it even better when our daughter makes rewarding comments like “I want my children to have the same wonderful experiences that you gave me.”  

Lake Anna was once one of the “best kept secrets” for many years, but now, it is the hottest vacation spot for Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., Richmond, Charlottesville and outlying areas for visitors due to its location being approximately an hour and a half away. The real estate market is on fire and investments made purchasing a waterfront or access home have proven to routinely increase in value. There is a high demand for rentals as buyers want to enjoy the Lake Anna experiences and afford a home using the rental income to offset mortgage expenses. 

Since I’ve moved here 33 years ago, Lake Anna has also grown more commercially with resources like grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment, but it still offers the feeling I love, which is country living. It is a place where people can relax and get out of the hustle and bustle of city living. It’s the perfect place for a second home.

Lake Anna now offers many fun activities for all ages. Most restaurants have bands on weekends, as well as cornhole tournaments. On weekdays you can enjoy karaoke and trivia night, and the latest fun activity to me has been playing darts on Wednesday nights for charity! There is always plenty to do throughout the entire year. Lake Anna is definitely the happening place to live and enjoy!

Angel Hough, Long & Foster
Having been born and raised in the Lake Anna area, I can think of several reasons why owning property at Lake Anna is a good investment. The first is due to the location. We are centrally located just a short distance from several major cities like Charlottesville, Richmond, Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and Fredericksburg.

The second reason would be for the memories that you will create.  I have so many from my childhood of being on the lake with my family.  As a mother of now grown children, the memories that we made over the many years; teaching them to swim, jet ski, tube, jump off the roof of the boathouse, swing from the rope swing, those are all memories that we will treasure forever and over our lifetime, will continue to add to.

The third reason is due to the income possibilities. Property management in this area has become extremely popular over the past decade. People interested in looking for a nice place to host a wedding or have a reunion are drawn to Lake Anna because of its natural beauty. Once they decide to visit, they’ll need to find a place to stay for the weekend or all week. As you can tell, if you are the owner of a rental property, you are looking to make some good money year-round.

The final reason a second home in Lake Anna is a good investment is that the area is just beautiful! I can’t think of a better place that I would like to spend my time looking over the lake, a backdrop of greenery against a blue sky with a glimpse of the mountains in the background. Lake Anna gives you a place to escape the city, get away from the noise and just relax and enjoy the scenery. With many local restaurants, you won’t need to worry about cooking or having to travel far for a good meal and with all the activities and events in the area, there is always something to do.

Kristie Cooke, Lake Anna Property Management
Here at Lake Anna, there is truly “something for everyone.” I think that’s what I appreciate most about our area. You expect fishing, boating, water sports, and maybe even the beautiful sunsets, but the Lake Anna area offers so much more.  Just to name a few, you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, wonderful area wineries, breweries, historically rich Fredericksburg, a fishing pond for children and those with disabilities, and even gold mining! 

I think sometimes people are surprised by the unique ruralness of Lake Anna and I believe many are drawn to the area for the sense of community, that feeling like you are not just welcome, but that you belong. Suddenly, regardless of whether you are here full time, weekends or only seasonally, you are a part of the Lake Anna community.

When you begin your search for a home, you’ll find once again, there is “something for everyone.”  I often get asked “what type of home do people prefer or which side of the lake do most people prefer?” The answer is simple – there is no right answer – everyone is different, and every home isn’t for everyone, each individual or family has their own needs and wants and appreciations.  

Whether you are looking for a blank canvas to build your own home or choosing from the various sizes and shapes of homes already built – come and make Lake Anna home!

By Rebekah Conley

When a newly engaged couple begins considering possible wedding locations, there’s an allure to the idea of a destination wedding. Most people think exotic locales and Caribbean vistas, but this often excludes close family and friends who can’t afford an expensive excursion. If you want the excitement of a destination wedding without the expense or inconvenience, why not think a little closer to home? With its convenient proximity to Northern Virginia and Washington D.C., Lake Anna is becoming a destination wedding hot spot for NoVA couples.

Lake Anna is a beautiful locale. The shimmering water reflects on the verdant landscape, lush with trees and wildlife. This serene and peaceful setting is the perfect backdrop for the most memorable day of your life. With the growing cost of big city weddings, the natural beauty of Lake Anna can provide a more economical choice. 

Venues near Lake Anna

If you are not a frequent visitor to Lake Anna’s shores, you may be at a loss as to where to begin the wedding venue search. Lake Anna is the perfect backdrop for any wedding ceremony or reception, and because the lake is a popular summer getaway, there are tons of rentals available throughout the year. Rental homes in Lake Anna come in a variety of sizes, from small cottages to large estates. Big yards leading to beautiful docks can serve as both the ceremony location then transition into a perfect reception spot. State of the art kitchens can be used by catering staff to feed your guests. If you plan your wedding after the peak season, most rentals are available at a discounted rate.

A rental home wedding also has the advantage of extra accommodations for your guests. Invite your nearest and dearest the week before the wedding and make it a holiday! And since you’re lakeside, why not have a playful reception? Bring out your swimsuits and dive in for an afternoon of swimming and tubing. Your guests will never forget the experience!

If you’re looking for a larger venue, Lake Anna State Park has two beautiful locations that offer a scenic locale. The beach is a popular location for summer swimmers, but can be rented out for private events for a small cost. They also have a lovely picnic area overlooking the cove. Contact Lake Anna State Park, to learn more.

Looking for a romantic locale? Lake Anna is located right in the middle of Virginia’s wine country. Imagine rolling hills dotted with beautiful vines as you and the love of your life say “I do.” Many of these locations include indoor banquet halls. There’s also the bonus of delicious Virginia wines for all your guests. 

Food, Photography, Flowers and More

Lake Anna and the surrounding towns offer a small-town charm that delights guests year after year. There are a variety of cute bakeries and unique restaurants that can provide lovely desserts and delicious reception fare. Another possibility is to outsource your wedding. Lake Anna’s proximity to large cities like Fredericksburg and Richmond mean that your big city wedding vendors can provide their services with ease to your lakeside location. 

Let your wedding be a true escape for you and your guests. Come to Lake Anna for a destination wedding.

By Kelsey Thomas

The craft beverage scene in Virginia is buzzing, especially in Lake Anna and its surrounding areas. It seems like every year, there are new sips to savor and pre-existing delights that have to be experienced over and over again. Wineries, breweries and distilleries usually offer on-site tastings so you can get a taste of the latest and greatest offerings or imbibe their signatures. The following establishments are just a few that are nearby. Make your own tasting trail by visiting the ones whose offerings look like they may match your palette. 

1781 BREWING COMPANY
11109 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553
540-847-0199 • 1781Brewing.com

Located on a historic piece of property near the Wilderness Battlefield, 1781 Brewing Company serves farmhouse ales using natural ingredients from their own land. brewery is complete with a fully functioning farm, making it one of the first farm breweries in the state of. They strive to produce the best Belgian, German and French influenced ales on the East Coast. Their flagship line of beer, The Portrait Collection, ties in the rich history of the area while paying homage to French Saisons, old-style porters and German Pilsner malts.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY
1 Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
540-373-4555 • ASmithBowman.com

Using only the finest ingredients, A. Smith Bowman Distillery maintains their art in creating handcrafted spirits from tradition, alteration and creativity. They pride themselves in taking an innovative experiment and turning it into the “world’s best bourbon.”

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS
17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923
540-832-3824 • BBVWine.com

Welcome to the home of Octagon, the wine that has come to define the viticulture region envisioned by Thomas Jefferson and established here in 1976 by Gianni and Silvana Zonin. This wine crowns the pursuit of a constant vision—to redeem the gift of a gracious, generous ground, with vintages of vivid beauty.

BELMONT FARM DISTILLERY
13490 Cedar Run Road, Culpeper, VA 22701
540-825-3207 • BelmontFarmDistillery.com

As the first craft distillery of American whiskey in the United States, Belmont Farm has been producing whiskey for 30 years using the age-old tradition of the pot still. After growing, harvesting and grinding their own corn, wheat and barley, the owners use a special family recipe to cook the corn mask in a stainless-steel cooker. The fermented mash is transferred to a 2,000-gallon, genuine copper pot still, which the Miller Family believes is the secret behind their fine whiskey. 

CHATEAU MERRILLANNE
16234 Marquis Road, Orange, VA 22960
540-656-6177 • ChateauMerrillAnne.com

Chateau MerrillAnne is a small, boutique winery located in the rolling farmland of Orange County. The winery offers a broad selection of handcrafted wines from the finest vineyards in Virginia. The quiet atmosphere, pastoral views and great company are a perfect way to wind down from the stress of the workweek.

COOLING POND BREWERY
4411 Zachory Taylor Hwy., Mineral, VA 23117
540-603-0239 • CoolingPondBrewery.com

Cooling Pond Brewery is a veteran-owned, family-friendly brewery serving the Lake Anna area in Central Virginia. Conveniently located off Route 522 in Mineral, they welcome locals and out-of-towners alike! English-inspired beers are at the heart of what they do, they also offer rotating selections to satisfy the local palate. Flights are available for those who want to try a variety, as well as pints, and even growlers to-go. Their tasting room features a large stone fireplace with plenty of seating, and right outside their doors is an expansive patio where you can enjoy the hilltop breezes and the view. They do close for the winter, but are open through the rest of the year.

COYOTE HOLE CIDERWORKS
225 Oak Grove Drive, Mineral, VA 23117
540-894-1053 • CoyoteHole.com

Coyote Hole Ciderworks makes delicious hard ciders using apples sourced from the finest orchards in Virginia, with some apples grown onsite. Their wide array of ciders are naturally gluten free. When you visit their tasting room, you can sample the Hopped Pressed Apple and the Oma Smiths, as well as seasonal specialty ciders like Holiday Spice or Blackberry Pear.  

EDEN TRY ESTATE & WINERY
6818 River Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22407
818-468-2936 • EdenTryWinery.com

The “Garden of Eden” theme translates to the names of their wines: Serpentine Blanc, Eve’s Delight, Adam’s Rib, Fig Leaf Red and Forbidden. Other wines include a Rose Blend, Vidal Blanc, Paradise—a blend of Viognier, Chardonnay and Petit Manseng—Chambourcin and other delicious reds. Tastings and tours must be scheduled, as the winery is not open to the public.

FIFTY-THIRD WINERY & VINEYARDS
13372 Shannon Hill Road, Louisa, VA 23093
540-894-1536 • 53rdWinery.com

Formerly known as Cooper Vineyards, Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyards is nestled among rolling hills in a traditional farming community. Owners David and Susan Drillock set out to create quality wines that express the character of each varietal. The winery consists of 103 total acres in Louisa County. Visit the winery, open year-round, for a tasting on the deck or in the tasting room.

LAKE ANNA WINERY
5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
540-895-5085 • LAWinery.net

A trip to France in 1981 gave owner Bill Heidig the idea to start a vineyard. He noticed the conditions there were similar to his farmland. The family knew the time was right to open their own winery. They converted an old barn and have been selling their own wine for decades with sons, Eric and Jeff, heading up the winery as Bill manages the vineyard.  

MATTAPONI WINERY
7530 Morris Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551
540-582-2897 • MattaponiWinery.com

Mike and Janette Evans sought inspiration from earth-honoring Native Americans who originally named the area after four rivers, Mat, Ta, Po and Ni. Visitors can select a tree in season and enjoy unique wines year-round, including ones with Native American names. Try the Wabamin (meaning white berry), a semi-dry wine, and the Miskwamin (meaning red berry), a full-bodied wine with the intense flavor of Blue Concord.  

WILDERNESS RUN VINEYARDS
11109 Plank Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22553
540-847-0199 • WildernessRunVineyards.com

Wilderness truly runs at the winery! Set on the farm’s rolling hills, you’re bound to meet turkeys, guineas, donkeys and even llamas. Currently, the winery is growing Malbec, Petit Verdot and Viognier. In the past, they’ve been successful with Nebbiolo, Barbera, Sangiovese and Chambourcin, and they will continue to foster growth of other varietals such as Viognier and Chardonnay, among many others.

Other food and drink related articles you may be interested in:

Click here to read about Dining Out by Boat at Lake Anna.
Click here to read about the Perfect Summer Drinks.
Click here to read about Lake Anna’s Dining Scene.

Updated By Chris Murphy / Image from Kate Elim

Experience the Lake Anna Area’s Winter Festivities

Lake Anna and the surrounding area are a year-round destination for travelers of all ages and interests. From viewing festive holiday light displays to partaking in the winter events at some of your favorite Central Virginia attractions, there’s so much to see and do this season.

Things to Do this Winter near Lake Anna

Here are some of our favorite things to do this winter near Lake Anna.

Click here to read about year-round activities near Lake Anna.

Lighted Boat Parade

The Lighted Boat Parade has become Lake Anna’s kick-off to the holiday season. Be creative with your decorations! If you’re not entering your boat, come as a spectator! There are public viewing areas at Tim’s Restaurant, The Cove Restaurant, the Lake Anna State Park, Anna Point Marina, High Point Marina, and the Taphouse.

Winter Events at Tim’s at Lake Anna

Tim’s at Lake Anna, a popular restaurant and live music venue on the lake, has a number of events during the holiday season. Don’t miss the Ugly Sweater Party and inaugural Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 7. The following Saturday bring the kids by to visit Santa’s Workshop and have Breakfast with Santa. Children and adults alike will enjoy the breakfast buffet. While the kids chat with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves, sip on a drink from the Bloody Mary and mimosa bar.

Ring in the New Year’s at Tim’s at Lake Anna’s New Year’s Eve Bash. Then, make your first meal of the new year breakfast. Tim’s will have Bloody Mary’s hot chocolate and specialty mimosas for 2024.

Winter Events at Lake Anna State Park

Lake Anna State Park is a year-round destination for outdoor activities and exploration. Visit the park this winter for one of the family-friendly events. On Saturday, Dec. 14, make your own festive tabletop, centerpiece or wreath from nature’s bounty during Deck the Halls, Naturally.

Take the first hike of 2024 at Lake Anna State Park. Choose from one of the mile-and-a-half-long hikes, on either the Overlook Trail or Railroad Ford Trail. After the hike, roast marshmallows by the fire as you sip cocoa and apple cider.

Click here to read more about Lake Anna State Park.

Winter Fishing on Lake Anna

From November through January, brace the winter chill and cast a line on the waters of Lake Anna. The North Anna Power Station keeps the lake several degrees warmer than normal lakes. That warm water makes Lake Anna a refuge for both baitfish and gamefish, especially striped bass and largemouth bass. These months are also when the Lake Anna Winter Bass Series fishing tournaments take place.

Click here to read more about fishing on Lake Anna.

By Arielle Patterson

Lake Anna’s dining scene is one full of flavor, history and variety. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night dining option or a casual family eatery, the restaurants in Lake Anna and its surrounding areas are endless. 

Dining out in Lake Anna

A visit to Lake Anna is not complete without dining at one of the many lake-front restaurants, many of which you can pull up on your boat and dine right there on the dock. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re sure to leave these restaurants satisfied with a hankering for more. Plus, the gorgeous views of the lake seem to make your meal taste even better. 

If the scenic backdrop isn’t enough to draw you in, how about some entertainment while you dine? Partake in a little competition during your meal with lawn games like giant Connect Four or cornhole. Many restaurants on the lake also host events throughout the year that are perfect for the whole family like trivia nights or live music.  

Savory Selections

From pizzerias to delicious seafood eateries and barbecue joints, there are countless restaurants surrounding Lake Anna to choose from. Satisfy your seafood craving with hand-shucked raw oysters or a delectable seafood platter. Take your taste buds straight to Italy with classic pasta dishes, while wining and dining in a romantic atmosphere. Or, try award-winning, slow-cooked barbecue at a family-owned restaurant. A platter of tender beef brisket or a rack of ribs is sure to hit the spot.

Lake Anna restaurateurs pride themselves in knowing what’s going on your plate. Local chefs strive to keep the food they serve fresh and natural. This means serving up locally sourced ingredients, from the fruits and vegetables to the beef, seafood and chicken.

Sweet Treats

Why wait until after dinner to tickle your sweet tooth? Start your day with fresh-baked muffins, pastries or even a dozen donuts to share with everyone. Local pastry shops specialize in out of the box donuts like cereal-topped fried donuts and red velvet cake donuts.

Taste the love of local bakeries with the best homemade pies and cakes around. While apple and cherry are classics, discover new flavors like chocolate bourbon nut, strawberry-rhubarb and so many more. 

Of course, one of the best ways to cool off after a long day on the lake is with frozen treats. Enjoy an ice cream sundae, milkshake or old-fashioned custard. Or, deep fry your dessert and treat yourself to a deep-fried Twinkie, Oreo or banana split. Needless to say, when it comes to desserts, Lake Anna doesn’t mess around!

Other food and drink related articles you may be interested in:

Click here to read about Dining Out by Boat at Lake Anna.
Click here to read about Sips and Trips and Local Libations.
Click here to read about the Perfect Summer Drinks.

May 23–26, 1864
Ulysses S. Grant discovers Robert E. Lee’s strong position in the trenches at North Anna and fights the Battle of North Anna.

1968
Virginia Electric and Power Co. (now Dominion Energy) purchases 18,000 acres of farmland to provide clean water to cool the nuclear power plants at North Anna Power Station.

February 19, 1971
Construction begins on Unit 1 of the North Anna Power Station.

1972
The Commonwealth stocks the lake with 5.5 million fish, including more than 30 species.

June 14–23, 1972
The rainfall from Hurricane Agnes fills the lake almost two months sooner than projected.

June 6, 1978
North Anna Power Station Unit 1 begins service.

December 14, 1980
North Anna Power Station Unit  2 begins operation.

1983
Lake Anna State Park opens with over 15 miles of trails, a beach on the lake and
fishing pond.