Date Archives: June 2022

Many birds reside in our region during all or part of the year, and local lakes, parks, and trails provide unparalleled opportunities to cross rare and unique birds off your checklist. Our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite birding spots in Rockingham County.

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• Lake Shenandoah - Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  A 36-acre reservoir managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Lake Shenandoah is known far and wide for its excellent bird-watching opportunities. It's a major waterfowl stopover in winter, but during the summer visitors will see indigo bunting, gray catbird, song sparrow, and many other species in the bushes and vines around the lake. Meanwhile, green and great blue herons wade in the shallows, and mallards and wood ducks paddle along the shoreline. A footpath encircles Lake Shenandoah, providing access mere minutes from these Harrisonburg homes for sale. 
  
  
• Silver Lake - 2328 Silver Lake Rd, Dayton, VA 22821
  Rockingham County's Silver Lake—not to be confused with the lake of the same name in Haymarket, VA—is a small roadside lake that would be easy to overlook. Located just a few minutes from these Dayton homes for sale, the 10-acre lake could justifiably be called a pond, but because it's surrounded by open farmland, it essentially serves as an oasis for birds. During summer, various swallow species can be seen skimming just above the surface looking for a meal. Barn, tree, bank, and northern Rough-winged swallows are all likely to be in attendance, as well as chimney swifts and belted kingfishers. 
  
  
• Paul State Forest - Ottobine Rd, Dayton, VA 22821
  Spanning 173 acres, Paul State Forest is a picturesque woodland of black birch and American hornbeam, as well as groves of American holly grove and a scattering of bigtooth aspen. Numerous bird species are right at home here, and it's a particularly great place to spot woodpeckers. Red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers are common, while pileated and red-headed woodpeckers are occasionally seen. A variety of thrushes, tanagers, warblers, and vireos also call these woods home, and raptors are also a common sight. Paul State Forest has 2 miles of gated forest roads that are closed to motorized vehicles but open to hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. 
  
  
• Switzer Lake Area - Switzer Lake Rd, Hinton, VA 22831
  Switzer Lake (also known as Skidmore Lake) is a 112-acre reservoir located not far from these Rockingham County homes for sale. It's an outstanding destination for bird watching near Hinton homes for sale. Osprey and bald eagles may sometimes be seen swooping low above the lake to grab a fish for dinner while herons stalk the shoreline. The surrounding wooded hillsides are home to an array of woodland birds, and you might see wild turkeys and ruffled grouse in grassy areas along the roadsides. Switzer Lake Area provides access, and the lake is also great for kayaking and fishing. 

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• Wildwood Park - 648 W Bank St, Bridgewater, VA 22812
  Eastern wood-peewee, mourning dove, blue jay, chimney swift, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-bellied and downy woodpeckers, Carolina chickadee, red-eyed vireo, and American goldfinch are just a few of the birds that you may hear or see at Bridgewater's Wildwood Park. And with its mix of woods and meadows, this 10-acre park is also a haven for over 70 species of butterflies. Wildwood Park is located toward the western edge of town, a stone's throw from numerous Bridgewater homes for sale. The community of Bridgewater also has some additional birding locations, including a bird sanctuary and the Cooks Creek Arboretum. 

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If you're looking for more information on bird watching in Rockingham County, check-in with the Rockingham Bird Club. It's a great local organization that can provide a wealth of insights, along with a chance to connect with your fellow birding enthusiasts in our little corner of Virginia!

Contact us today to learn more about bird watching and other outdoor adventures in Rockingham County. If you're looking for your dream home in Harrisonburg and the surrounding areas, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way. 

Having a pool in your own backyard sounds idyllic; on a hot, muggy summer day, you can cool off with a refreshing swim within minutes. Or, instead of the traditional cookout, pool parties are on the itinerary for your friends and family members.

Before you decide to install a pool, our real estate agents recommend considering the following factors that could potentially affect your decision. 

• The Zoning Laws in Your Area
  Zoning laws aren't typically your first concern when you envision having your own pool, but they can impact your ability to install a pool on your property. Many towns have strict laws concerning fencing and safety precautions for residential pools. These laws can affect your budget and plans for your pool. Or, you may need to apply for a permit to add certain types of pools. If you install a pool without the right permits, you'll have trouble selling your home if you decide to add it to the inventory of Rockingham homes for sale. 

• How You Plan to Use Your Pool
  Spend a few minutes envisioning how you will use your pool. Do you want to add a daily swim to your exercise regime? Or, are you more interested in having a fun spot for summer parties and gatherings? Your purpose for the pool will impact the best design and materials for your pool, as well as the surrounding area. For example, if you want to use your pool for entertaining, you'll likely want to add a large patio to accommodate chairs and pool toys for your guests. Or, if your pool plans involve lots of lap swimming, an endless pool gives you the aquatic area you need without taking up as much of your yard. 

• Whether You Plan to Remain in Your Home Long Term
  While you might not know your exact plans for your future, consider if your current home is a place that you want to stay for years or indefinitely. Adding a pool is a significant expense, and it usually doesn't provide a stellar return for your investment when you add your home to the list of Bridgewater homes for sale. Some potential homebuyers may even view a pool as a negative when shopping for potential homes. If you only plan to remain in your home for another couple of years, installing a pool may not be the best use of your funds. However, if you plan to remain in your home for a decade or more, the expense seems a bit more reasonable to ensure your home is suited to your needs and preferences. 

• Your Budget
  There are a lot of costs associated with installing a pool, and you want to make sure that your budget can handle the expense. In addition to the cost of the pool itself, you have to factor in expenses for preparing your yard or, if you're installing an in-ground pool, the costs associated with excavating your property. There are also a seemingly endless number of features you can add to your pool, like ambient lighting, jets, and waterfalls. These extras will quickly cause the price of your pool to balloon. Another detail to think about is whether you prefer a chlorine or saltwater pool. Chlorine pools are usually initially cheaper, but they're difficult and more expensive to maintain. Saltwater pools have a higher upfront cost, but the maintenance is less cumbersome, and they're cheaper to operate. A pool also has ongoing costs that you'll need to account for. You'll likely pay a higher homeowner's insurance premium due to the liability of owning a pool, and you'll spend more on utilities to keep your pool running. Pools also need maintenance and periodic repairs to keep them running smoothly. 

• How Quickly You Want to Start Using Your Pool
  Unfortunately, a pool is a home improvement project that can potentially take months to complete. If you want access to a pool immediately to improve your personal fitness, this isn't realistic. Plan on joining a local gym with an aquatic center to get your training done while your pool is being installed. Or, perhaps you're hosting an event and want to make sure your pool won't disrupt the aesthetic. If you're in a situation where a yard undergoing construction isn't acceptable, it may be best to delay your pool's installation. It's best to install a pool with minimal expectations about how long the installation process will take. Materials may be delayed, or the project just might take longer than expected. 

A pool sounds like a fantastic outside addition, but there are a lot of factors to think about that will influence your final decision. Want a home with more outside space? Contact us today!

Shhh! Don't tell the kids, but learning can be fun. Our real estate agents love to combine culture and entertainment at these impressive historical attractions near Augusta County homes for sale.

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• Frontier Culture Museum - 1290 Richmond Rd., Staunton, VA 24401
  How did the early immigrants blend their histories to create a new culture in the colonies? Learn about their fascinating stories at the Frontier Culture Museum. Permanent exhibits include replicas of West African, Irish, English, German, and Native American farms from the 1700s along with an 1820s American farmhouse and early American schoolhouse. The museum also hosts lectures, concerts, and special holiday events. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for high school and college students, and $7 for ages 6-12. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily through December 1.
  
  
• Bare House and Mill - 157 Wilda Rd., Stuarts Draft, VA 24477
  Bare House and Mill, situated on scenic fields not far from Stuarts Draft homes for sale, are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While the original home was destroyed by fire in the mid-1850s, it was soon replaced by a Greek Revival/Italianate two-story brick home that still stands. The mill, which was shut down after the 1870 floods, has been ravaged by time, although the limestone ruins hold evidence of a rare undershot wheel.
  
  
• Valley Railroad Stone Bridge - Jolivue, VA 24401
  As air travel has taken over as the preferred method of transportation, structures such as the Valley Railroad Stone Bridge have become a rare sight. The four-arch bridge, which spans Folly Mills Creek, was constructed in 1884 as part of the Valley Railroad line connecting Staunton and Lexington. While the line was discontinued in 1942 and the tracks were subsequently removed, the stunning bridge has been maintained as a charming landmark for area travelers. The remarkable masonry engineering displayed by the bridge landed it on the National Register of Historic Places. 
  
  

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• The Stonewall Brigade Band - Gypsy Hill Park, 600 Churchville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401
  Art meets history with the Stonewall Brigade Band, the oldest continuous community band in the country. In 1855, the band started with all brass instruments as the Mountain Saxhorn Band. Since then, it's grown into a full band, adding woodwind and percussion instruments. The Stonewall Brigade Band performs free summer concerts at 8 p.m. each Monday night from June through August. Their Gypsy Hill Park bandstand, built expressly for the band, dates back to 1889.
  
  
• R.R. Smith Center for History and Art - 20 S. New St., Staunton, VA 24401
  Local culture is showcased at the R.R. Smith Center for History and Art, housed in an 1894 hotel in Staunton's Beverley Historic District. The building is home to the Staunton Augusta Art Center, with exhibits that change every six weeks, and the Augusta County Historical Society, which holds archives that can be used for ancestral research. Be sure to stroll the adjacent Mevluda Tahirovic Memorial Garden, a lovely tribute to the donor's late fiancée. Gallery hours are 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free.
  
  
• Harnsberger Octagonal Barn - Weyers Cave, VA 24486
  Built around 1867, the Harnsberger Octagonal Barn is a significant departure from the classic red-sided rectangular barns. The unusual design was influenced by architectural theories that were in fashion after the Civil War. Local carpenter William Evers supervised construction, and the barn is still in use, not far from Weyers Cave homes for sale.

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• Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum - 20 N. Coalter St., Staunton, VA 24401
  As the 28th President of the United States, Woodrow Wilson helped lead our country during the early years of the 20th century. Today, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum is located in the city of his birth, right down the street from Staunton homes for sale. Tour his family home, and explore seven galleries featuring artifacts from Wilson's life and times. Admission is $15 for adults and $8 for ages 6-17. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors open at noon.

Summer is a perfect time to buy or sell your Augusta County home. Contact us at Old Dominion Realty to get started.

The Rockingham County area features some fantastic golf courses. And when summer returns to the Shenandoah Valley, you can bet that our real estate agents will be out on the links every chance they get. 

With that in mind, we're excited to share some of our favorite golf courses in Harrisonburg, VA, and the surrounding areas. We hope to see you out there this summer!

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• Heritage Oaks Golf Course - 680 Garbers Church Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  Voted 'Best in the Valley' many times over, Heritage Oaks Golf Course is a beautiful course designed by William Love. It's owned by the city of Harrisonburg and is located just minutes from many Harrisonburg homes for sale. When you visit Heritage Oaks, you can expect beautiful, well-manicured greens and healthy creeping bentgrass fairways. You can also expect a fair number of challenging shots on this 18-hole, par 40 course. There's also a well-stocked pro shop on-site, and staff pros offer golf lessons and clinics. 
  
  
• Spotswood Country Club - 1980 Country Club Rd, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
  Opened in 1926, Spotswood Country Club is the only private club within 40 miles of Harrisonburg and offers a splendid 18 holes of golf. Featuring 6,340 yards of golf from the longest tees, the par 71 course at Spotswood is eminently playable and is routinely ranked among the best in the area. The ryegrass surface is welcoming and offers just the right amount of challenges while still being fun for all skill levels. There are also some great amenities on-site, including a swimming pool and clay tennis courts. 
  
  

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• Woodstone Meadows Golf Course - 300 Silverstone Ln, McGaheysville, VA 22840
  One of two gold courses at Massanutten Resort, Woodstone Meadows Golf Course is an 18-hole executive course that offers 5,065 yards of golf for a par of 65. It's arguably the easier and more beginner-friendly of the resort's two golf offerings, though it can still be a lot of fun for more advanced players looking to play a leisurely 18 holes. The fairways are open, and the greens are gently sloping. Woodstone Meadows Golf Course is a short drive from many Mcgaheysville homes for sale and is surrounded by some incredible mountain scenery. 
  
  
• Mountain Greens Golf Course - 1822 Resort Dr, McGaheysville, VA 22840
  The Mountain Greens Golf Course is the more challenging of the two golf courses at Massanutten Resort. This 18-hole beauty offers mountain golf at its finest, with rolling terrain that constantly tests one's abilities. The course is known most for its steeply-terraced tees and fairways, but it's also a truly beautiful course with spectacular views of the densely wooded Shenandoah Mountains. It plays 6,443 yards to a par 72 and was designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer. 
  
  
• Packsaddle Ridge Golf Club - 3067 Pack Saddle Trail, Keezletown, VA 22832
  With a par of 72, the 18-hole course at Packsaddle Ridge Golf Club boasts 7,024 yards of golf from the longest tees. It's a playable yet challenging course for all skill levels, with fairways bordered by trees and some very enjoyable water hazards. There's a driving range on site as well. This golf club is open to members and walk-ins alike, making it one of the great public courses in Rockingham County. Plus, with a convenient location near these Keezletown homes for sale, this is a course you'll want to revisit again and again. 
  
  

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• Lakeview Golf Club - 4101 Shen Lake Dr, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  An outstanding 27-hole facility in Harrisonburg, Lakeview Golf Club offers some of the most exciting golf opportunities in the region. It's made up of three 9-hole courses, and each one (Lake, Peak, and Mountain) offers a unique set of challenges and characteristics. It's a great layout that can be played in multiple configurations, offering plenty of challenges and dynamic play. The 27-hole layout also helps keep the course uncrowded, making it an excellent public course for anyone who wants to have the greens all to themselves. 
  
  
• Sandy Bottom Golf Course - 610 E College St, Bridgewater, VA 22812
  Located within Sandy Bottom Park in the Village of Bridgewater, Sandy Bottom Golf Course is a charming, par 3, 9-hole course. It's perfect for practice, for relaxed weekend play, and for getting a quick 9 holes in during your lunch break on a busy workday. There's also a practice green and an 18-hole miniature golf course in the park, along with picnic areas and gazebos, making this a great spot for a family outing not too far from these Rockingham County homes for sale.

Contact us to learn more about life in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County area. When you're ready to find your dream home in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, our real estate agents are here to help every step of the way.