Union Hall, Virginia, unfolds along the southern shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake in Franklin County. This lakeside community, part of the Roanoke Metropolitan Statistical Area, is home to just under 1,200 residents. While modest in population, Union Hall attracts those drawn to peace, water views, and the slower rhythms of rural life. Many of the homes here overlook the lake, and the town’s layout seems to ebb and flow with the shoreline. Over the years, it has become a preferred destination for those seeking weekend retreats and retirement sanctuaries alike.

The local economy revolves around small businesses, agriculture, and lake-centered tourism. Franklin County as a whole has strong roots in tobacco farming and moonshine history, and Union Hall has been touched by both. While tobacco’s prominence has faded, family-run farms still dot the landscape. The lake has reshaped the town's story in more recent decades. Smith Mountain Lake wasn’t always there—it was created in the 1960s after a damming project on the Roanoke River. Since then, Union Hall has gradually evolved from farmland to lakefront haven.

Visitors and locals alike find their way to The Landing Restaurant, a standout in the area for its elevated Southern fare. Nestled within the Mariners Landing Resort, it’s one of the few places where you can enjoy blackened catfish or seared duck breast with panoramic lake views. Just a few miles from the shoreline, Carl’s Place on Route 40 offers a more down-home dining experience. Known for its barbecue and handmade pies, Carl’s draws a loyal lunchtime crowd that includes farmers, contractors, and the occasional curious traveler. If you're in the mood for something casual and social, Jake’s Place at Mitchell’s Point Marina serves up burgers and cold drinks with a side of dockside ambiance during the warmer months.

One of the more beloved businesses in Union Hall is Mitchell’s Marina itself. More than just a place to rent a boat or fuel up, it's where people gather for fishing tournaments, swap local gossip, and plan day trips out on the water. It’s places like this that keep the heartbeat of Union Hall grounded in community ties.

Although Union Hall doesn’t host large-scale festivals like bigger towns, it has its own low-key traditions. Each summer, the local volunteer fire department organizes a community cookout that draws families from across the county. There’s often live bluegrass music, a cornhole tournament, and enough homemade peach cobbler to feed a small army. You’ll also hear talk about the “lake lights”—an unexplained phenomenon where soft orbs are sometimes seen floating just above the water’s surface during certain times of the year. While no one’s quite figured it out, the stories persist, passed down with a wink and a shrug.

When it comes to recreation, everything here seems to begin and end with the lake. Fishing is practically a religion. Striped bass is the prized catch, and some locals swear by specific coves known only to seasoned anglers. Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises are daily rituals during the summer months. Hikers often venture to the nearby Smith Mountain Lake State Park, just across the lake, which offers wooded trails and quiet beaches. Though not within Union Hall’s borders, it’s an easy boat ride or scenic drive away and remains a treasured weekend getaway for many who live here.

There’s a quiet resilience in Union Hall, a sort of unspoken agreement to maintain its rural character while still adapting to modern conveniences. Newer lake homes have popped up in recent years, but they tend to blend in rather than stand out. There’s an appreciation for things that last—whether it’s a sturdy fishing dock, a local handshake agreement, or a home insulated well enough to weather every season.

At Star City Home Services, we understand how important comfort is in a place like Union Hall. This part of Virginia sees everything from humid summers to chilly winter mornings, and proper insulation makes a real difference. Whether you’re settling into a lakeside retreat or updating a family farmhouse, our team is here to help make your home more efficient and comfortable year-round. If you're in or around Union Hall and think your insulation could use an upgrade—or you're just not sure—contact Star City Home Services. We’d be glad to take a look and offer solutions that work for your home and your budget.