Date Archives: February 2021

What's it like to live in a community where history waits for you around every corner? Historic Staunton is such a unique place to call home, with countless historic sites, beloved local small businesses, and family-friendly attractions to explore. Historic preservation has long been a focus for the diverse collection of residents who call the community home. The rewards of all of that preservation work are evident every day when you explore the city. The past and present blend together in harmony in Staunton, which is one reason why people shopping for Virginia homes for sale so often fall in love with the community. Our real estate agents have narrowed the list down to 7 of the things that we love most about historic Staunton.

• Historic Preservation Is a Priority in Staunton
  Before we get into specific historic sites and attractions, it's important to note why we have so much history to enjoy in the first place. One thing we love about historic Staunton is that preservation has always been a high priority for residents and community leaders. When you shop for Staunton homes for sale, you're joining a community of people who truly care about the city that they call home.
  
  
• Gorgeous Victorian Architecture in the Beverley Historic District
  The Beverley Historic District, which includes much of downtown Staunton, is a great place to see the results of that historic preservation first-hand. This is where you'll find one of the city's largest collections of historic buildings, most of which were built between the 1870s and the 1920s. That means the architectural style of many downtown buildings comes from the Victorian era, with businesses, banks, churches, and public buildings that look as stunning today as they did when they were first constructed. Many historic buildings have been lovingly restored and maintained, with many still in use today.

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• A Historic Main Street Packed with Local Businesses and Restaurants
  It's not just the architecture that makes Historic Downtown Staunton such a special place to spend a day. This part of the city is also home to many of the more than 270 local businesses in Staunton, some of the best restaurants in the region, and tons of attractions that will appeal to family members of all ages. Whether you're looking for an elegant dinner, a night at the theater, an educational outing with the kids, or an afternoon of shopping at unique small businesses, all you need to do is head for Main Street.
  
  
• Antique Fire Engine Museum – 500 N Augusta St., Staunton, VA 24401
  Staunton is home to a diverse collection of museums, including some unique ones that you won't find in many other communities. The Antique Fire Engine Museum is one such destination, providing a first-hand glimpse at the technology used to fight fires over the centuries. This museum is home to the only remaining 1911 Robinson fire engine, among other exciting exhibits.

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• Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum – 20 N Coalter St., Staunton, VA 24401
  The history preserved in Staunton stretches far beyond the city's borders, and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum is a great example of why that's the case. Located in a beautiful, historic brick building, the facility is home to educational programs for all ages, historical artifacts from Woodrow Wilson's presidency, a research library that serves as an outstanding resource for students, and a dedicated team of historians who love sharing stories with visitors.

• Mary Baldwin University – 101 E Frederick St., Staunton, VA 24401
  History and education go hand-in-hand, so it's no surprise that both are well-represented in Staunton. Mary Baldwin University is a historic college located in Staunton, serving students since it was founded in 1842. The beautiful campus is a lovely place to visit on a pleasant afternoon, and the school itself is still a popular destination for students in the present day.

• Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia – 1290 Richmond Rd., Staunton, VA 24401
  Kids and adults alike love visiting the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia, which celebrates the many early immigrants who first established communities like Staunton. The museum features a unique collection of living history exhibits, allowing you to get a real impression of what life was like in those times. It's one of the most celebrated museums in the city and a must-see for every resident.

Ready to find a home with easy access to all of the attractions and excitement that historic Staunton has to offer? Our team is here to help. Contact us today.

April showers may bring May flowers, but planning the perfect spring garden starts well before that. When it comes to creating the right conditions and choosing the best plants, even Mother Nature needs a helping hand.

So what are the secrets to adding curb appeal to Virginia homes for sale with a stunning garden? Our real estate agents share their favorite tips for planning a garden that makes your vision a reality.

1. Do Your Homework
   Johnny Appleseed may have been successful with random planting, but that's the stuff of legends and children's tales. Agent Judy Linhoss points out that it's easy to find webinars, how-to guides, and all the information you need online. Sit down with your tablet or laptop and a hot cup of coffee, and you're ready to go.
   
   
2. Put It in Writing
   Any goal begins taking shape when you write it down. Use whichever style you prefer, whether electronic or paper and pencil. In addition to documenting the actual steps, be sure to sketch out a diagram of the layout, including which plants will go where.
   
   
3. Create a Schedule
   Agent Renee Whitmore warns about planting too early, advice she learned from her husband's grandmother, Janice. Despite warm weather and sunshine in April, the danger of frost still lingers, and you may be left scrambling to save your plants. As Renee says, "Always listen to Grandma! She knows best."
   
   
4. Order Seeds and Plants
   As soon as you decide exactly what you'll be planting, order the corresponding seeds from a local nursery or online source. If you decide to go with garden-ready starter plants, they'll be shipped when it's the right time to plant them.
   
   
5. Clean Garden Beds
   Agent Kay Horn stresses the importance of cleaning the garden beds as soon as weather permits.  Clear out any rocks or dead leaves and sticks cluttering up the surface and removing existing weeds. Start a compost pile to hold any organic debris. Adding a layer of mulch will help keep moisture in while preventing new weeds from gaining a foothold.
   
   
6. Gather Your Gardening Tools
   When you're having a great gardening session, the last thing you want is constant interruptions having to look for the proper tool. Assemble your gloves, pruners, trowels, and other tools in a convenient location. If you don't already have one, consider purchasing a tote or bag that will make it easy to store and carry tools. Be sure to get a tune-up for shears, spades, hoses, and other items that may need maintenance.
   
   
7. Collect Starter Pots and Trays
   Some seedlings, such as petunias and tomatoes, are too fragile to survive outdoors, no matter how warm the weather is. If this applies to any plants you'll be including in your garden, you'll want to start them indoors and transplant them once they have grown enough to gain some strength.
   
   
8. Prepare the Soil
   Just as food fuels our bodies, soil provides the nutrients that plants need to thrive. If a handful of soil clumps together, it's still too damp for planting. Whether you're using in-ground beds, raised beds, or container gardens, supplement the existing soil with a revitalizer that can be found at nurseries or home improvement stores. A soil testing kit gives more detailed information as to which specific minerals and nutrients are lacking.
   
   
9. Manicure the Yard
   This dormant period is a good time to prune bushes and trim trees and ornamental grass. Use a flat-bladed spade to cut a clean edge around the garden beds so the lawn won't creep into them. 
   
   
   
   
10. Make Plant Markers
    Markers help you identify what has been planted where until the plants grow large enough to take shape. While a wide variety of plant markers can be purchased in stores and online, it's a great DIY craft project, especially if you have kids who will love to join in on the fun.
    
    
11. Develop a Contingency Plan
    As in many parts of the country, weather around Rockingham homes for sale can be unpredictable. Come up with an action plan outlining the steps you'll take if the area should be hit by an unexpected frost or heavy rains.
    
    
12. Update Accessories
    Styling gardens at Augusta homes for sale increases the visual appeal. Use this time to paint and repair bird feeders, statues, and other accessories or add new ones for an updated look.

Want more tips for indoor and outdoor projects that will boost your home's value? Our experienced and knowledgeable real estate agents are ready to help. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty to learn more.

Valentine's Day is coming, and our real estate agents know how important it is to celebrate right.

When our team is out and about showing off Rockingham homes for sale or other Virginia homes for sale, we often hear from our clients how delighted they are with the local dining scene. Our area is known for its diversity and quantity of enjoyable restaurants, especially when it comes to steak and seafood.

Local restaurateurs have worked hard over the last year to keep their doors open, and many of them are now offering curbside pickup and delivery during regular hours. That means you will have all the options you need when you want to treat your special someone to a memorable meal.

Some of the delightful dining options you can try out this Valentine's Day include:

• Goodfellas Pizzeria – 100 South Stuart Avenue, Elkton, VA 22827
  Goodfellas Pizzeria provides some of the best pizza around, right within driving distance of Elkton homes for sale. With a full collection of pizza, pasta, and subs, it is maintaining its normal business hours for both carryout and delivery orders. Goodfellas is known for its ever-changing "Pizza Showcase" that features premium, limited-time pizza creations, and other confections. Lasagna, stuffed shells, and manicotti are some top Italian classics.

• Romano's Italian Bistro – 40 New Hope Road, McGaheysville, VA 22840
  Romano's Italian Bistro is one of the leading names in fresh Italian food in McGaheysville. It provides you with a wide range of sophisticated and flavorful dishes, including some of the best fresh salads in town. Pizza, pasta, seafood, chicken, and subs are among the entrees, with the chicken parmigiana a true favorite. There's also a special children's menu. All that and just a few blocks away from McGaheysville homes for sale.

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• Crossroads Cafe and Catering – 4549 Spotswood Trail #9, Penn Laird, VA 22846
  Crossroads Cafe and Catering offers sandwiches, salads, and sides, focusing on local and organic ingredients. It is now operating on reduced hours but still offers curbside takeout and limited cafe dining. It has become famous in the area for its delectable meal prep ordering, where fully prepared meals like grilled chicken, pulled pork, and chicken tetrazzini can be picked up twice weekly. You'll find it all only a short journey from some great Penn Laird homes for sale.

• El Charro – 300 North Main Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812
  El Charro is a beloved local choice for fresh, flavorful, and spicy Mexican food. Open since 1990, it recently overhauled its menu – some of the new specialties are only available at particular locations, so you'll want to visit them all if you're in the area. In Bridgewater, you can enjoy fiesta entrees like the taquitos, taco salad, and chimichangas. What could be better for a tasty "south of the border" meal near Bridgewater homes for sale?

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• Urgie's Cheesesteaks – 418 North Main Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812
  Urgie's Cheesesteaks will tantalize your tastebuds with an all-new take on an American classic that's never tasted this good. Urgie's cheesesteaks are made from premium 100% Angus beef aged at least 21 days and then slow grilled, served up piping hot on a genuine Italian roll shipped straight from Philadelphia, PA. You get your choice of onions – "wiz" or without. You can accompany your meal with hearty fries, wings, and all the rest.

• Dayton Tavern and Catering Co. – 245 Main Street, Dayton, VA 22821
  Dayton Tavern and Catering Co. is open for business at its restaurant location and the iconic Mama's Caboose food truck. It also offers event catering. With a reputation for delicious steaks and seafood, it prides itself on fresh ingredients and a rustic, relaxed environment. Dayton homes for sale are within easy reach of this local favorite you'll want to visit regularly.

• Thomas House Dining & Lodging – 222 Main Street, Dayton, VA 22821
  Thomas House Dining & Lodging offers a daily menu where seafood and American comfort food meet in a harmonious combination. Fried chicken or shrimp, ribs, meatloaf, and oysters make up common mains, and there is a full selection of sandwiches, soups, sides, and salads. For a satisfying dessert, dozens of scrumptious pies and cakes are baked fresh every morning.

Valentine's Day comes but once a year, but any meal can be a special one when you share it in your own home. The experts at Old Dominion Realty will help you find the home you want and get to closing day. To learn more or get started, simply contact us today.

Once the busy week is done, our real estate agents love to head for the slopes around West Virginia. The freedom of flying downhill is a perfect release from the responsibilities of daily life.

Skiing is also an ideal way for couples and families to share quality time together. Leave your cares behind with a trip to one of these great skiing sites near Pendleton County homes for sale.

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• Snowshoe Mountain - 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, WV 26209
  At Snowshoe Mountain, their motto is, "There's no such thing as too much snow." They're so confident that Snowshoe Mountain offers a unique guarantee: through March 14, if the resort doesn't have more skiable terrain open than any other downhill skiing location in the Southeast, ski free the next day. Enjoy the magic of night skiing at Silver Creek, which has 12 trails open into the evening. Snowshoe Mountain also provides a wonderful balance between rugged outdoor adventure and luxury accommodations, including a spa, restaurants, and boutique shops. Visit the website for information about passes, including specials and package deals. Snowshoe lifts run 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Hours at Silver Creek are noon - 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
  
  

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• Canaan Valley Resort State Park - 230 Main Lodge Rd., Davis, WV 26260
  Prestigious publications such as Frommer's Travel Guide and Washingtonian Magazine have recognized Canaan Valley Resort State Park as one of the best places to stay in the country. With an average annual snowfall of 180 inches, the 47 skiing and snowboarding trails are always ready for action. If you prefer a more sedate pace, you'll find several snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails. Families also love the 1,200-foot-long multi-lane tubing park. Want to really get back to the land? Canaan Valley has several scenic campsites that include full access to resort amenities. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
  
  
• Timberline Mountain - 254 Four Seasons Dr., Davis, WV 26260
  So you say you've been to Timberline Mountain? Get ready for a whole new experience. The resort is open for the season with a remodeled lodge, two new terrain parks and lifts, a revamped beginner area, and more snowmaking than ever before. Reach the top faster with the new, state-of-the-art chairlift, a Doppelmayr high-speed six-passenger model that's the first of its kind in West Virginia. Learn freestyle or expand your repertoire of tricks in the beginner and expert terrain parks. Get a sneak peek at current conditions on the website's snow cams. Receive a discount when you purchase lift tickets online. Timberline Mountain is open daily from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
  
  

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• Winterplace Ski Resort - 100 Old Flat Top Mt. Rd., Ghent, WV 25841
  Is inexperience keeping you from discovering the joys of skiing? With a generous amount of beginner trails and a top ski school, Winterplace Ski Resort has a well-earned reputation as a good destination for newbies. Private, group, and family lessons are available to suit any needs. If it doesn't work the first time, you can take the class again for no charge. Their innovative SkiWee & Snow Explorers program is an effective introduction for children ages 6-12. Kids of all ages will have a blast at West Virginia's largest snow tubing park. Weekday hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. except for Tuesday and Wednesday, when closing time is 4 p.m. Weekend hours are 8:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• Oglebay Resort - 465 Lodge Dr., Wheeling, WV 26003
  Located minutes from the state capital, Oglebay Resort honors the legacy of its namesake, whose country estate and farm were once located on the grounds. Upon his death in 1926, Earl W. Oglebay bequeathed the property to the city of Wheeling on the condition that it be operated as a source of public recreation. Wilson Lodge opened in 1957, enabling the park to become a year-round resort. During the winter, Oglebay is a popular site for downhill skiing and snowboarding, along with themed weekend events such as Italian Food & Wine, Sweetheart Dinner, and Soup-er Bowl Hike. Hours are 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

Learn more about why Grant County homes for sale are special any time of the year. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty to speak with one of our cheerful and dedicated real estate agents.