Scallywags, swashbucklers will roam Smith Mountain Lake

You won’t see Captain Hook, Blackbeard or even Johnny Depp, but if you do encounter some less-notorious pirates this weekend, don’t fear, matey. Today marks the beginning of Pirate Days at Smith Mountain Lake, backed by the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce and lake-area businesses.

Designed as a business-promotion event to fill the summer calendar between major lakewide events , you’ll likely find plenty of pirate garb and grog, eye patches and, most importantly, a treasure chest of booty at special prices before the event ends Sunday.

Organizers are encouraging lake businesses to have their employees dress in pirate attire, offer pirate-themed games and give away pirate-themed prizes through Sunday.

Among the businesses taking part are most of those at Bridgewater Plaza, including Bridgewater Marina, Gifts Ahoy, Mango’s Bar and Grill, Fun-n-Games, The Little Gallery, Lake & Land Realty and Bridgewater Sportswear; gift shops The Cottage Gate and The General Store; Log Homes by Jack; Alpaca by Jaca; SML Farm Alpacas; Sea Tow; No Bologna Subs & Deli; Honey Tree Early Learning Center; Bay Roc Marina; Smokehouse Restaurant; and Casa D’Amici.

Virginia Dare Cruises & Marina will give those dressed in any kind of pirate attire, and who are willing to model it, $1 off a sandwich at Portside Grill & Bar or $1 off a cruise this weekend. On Sunday, prizes will be awarded for the best pirate costume.

Others with costume contests scheduled include Mariners Landing’s Cafe at the Cabana tonight starting at 6, and at Savoy-Lee Winery, whose contest is part of the winery’s “Pirates and Parrotheads” event beginning at 6 p.m. At Waller’s, the couple selected as the best-dressed pirates during a Saturday contest will win a $20 gift certificate.

Others with pirate specials include Hickory Hill Vineyards, Bojangles’, several shops at Westlake Corner Business Center, Merle Norman Westlake, All Fired Up, several banks at SML, Old Oak Cafe, The Discovery Shop and Curves. Stacy’s Sweet Spot, www.stacyssweetspot.com, will offer 15 percent off any online purchase using coupon code SMLPirate.

Prices and times at participating businesses vary by location.

For more information, call 721-1203 or visit www.visitsmithmountainlake.com.

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