Articles Tagged "Grottoes VA"

When it's time for vacation, do you head to the great outdoors or immerse yourself in cultural and historical attractions? However you spend your leisure time, you'll find it around Rockingham County. Plan a memorable staycation featuring these great activities and locations recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Rosendale Inn - 17917 Farmhouse Lane, New Market, VA 22844
  Steep yourself in more than two centuries of Shenandoah Valley history at Rosendale Inn. Since its opening in 1790, this charming bed and breakfast has hosted presidents, foreign ministers, and other noted figures. Its convenient location, not far from New Market homes for sale, provides easy access to vineyards and other local attractions. Choose from four presidential-named suites or the Joseph Salyards Cottage, named for a prominent local scholar and educator.
  
  

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• Edith J. Carrier Arboretum - 800 S. Main St., Harrisonburg, VA 22807
  Located on the campus of James Madison University, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum is a 125-acre woodland sanctuary and botanical garden. Its namesake, the wife of a former JMU president, was a tireless ambassador for the school. The dog-friendly arboretum includes 3.5 miles of trails where visitors can view wildflowers, trees, birds, and wildlife. Programs and events, such as Nature Study and Wildflower Walks, give people of all ages a chance to learn more about the natural features of these stunning grounds right down the street from Harrisonburg homes for sale. Hours are dawn to dusk daily, and admission is free for all visitors.
  
  
• Grand Caverns - 5 Grand Caverns Dr., Grottoes, VA 24441
  Star in your own science fiction movie when you enter the Grand Caverns. This incredible site is only minutes from Grottoes homes for sale, but it feels like a whole other world. The caverns include more than 200 verified Civil War signatures, providing a fascinating link to a major chapter in Virginia's history. When you're ready to go top-side, enjoy a game of mini-golf or relax by the pool. Don't forget to make a stop in the gift shop for a t-shirt to commemorate your visit. Grand Caverns is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit the website for tour information and prices. 

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• Massanutten Water Park - 1200 Adventure Dr., McGaheysville, VA 22840
  The whole family can make a big splash at Massanutten Water Park, within a short distance from McGaheysville homes for sale. With indoor and outdoor facilities, the water's fine any time of year. Indoor features, including the Endless Wave, where kids can hang ten, are heated to a constant 84°F. The outdoor park, which is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, includes three new water slides. When the kids are ready for a break, challenge them to games at Diamond Jim's Arcade. Visit the website for the current schedule and prices.
• Swift Run Campground & Pool - 19540 Spotswood Trail, Elkton, VA 22827
  Fall asleep under the stars at Swift Run Campground & Pool, "where the road ends, and nature begins," by Elkton homes for sale. The main campground has a total of 50 sites for tents and RVs up to 44', with space for an additional eight tents on the overflow site. A heated shower house is open year-round, while two swimming pools are available during the summer months. Kids will have fun with catch-and-release fishing in the nearby pond, and the Swift Run Gap entrance to the iconic Appalachian Trail is only 1.5 miles away. Holidays are a special time at the campgrounds, with pig roasts, karaoke, and other delightful activities. Rates are $25 per night for tents and $32 per couple per night for full hook-up.
  
  

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• White Oak Lavender Farm - 2644 Cross Keys Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801
  Once you visit White Oak Lavender Farm, you may never want to leave. Lavender is a versatile flower with soothing properties and applications ranging from cooking to bath and body products. The Haushalter family's farm grows more than 8,00 lavender plants, which are used in products sold on-site. Their Purple WOLF Vineyard, whose name includes an acronym of the farm, produces wines that may be sampled and purchased in the tasting room. Learn more about this fascinating place with a self-guided audio tour of the farm and entrance to the Discovery Area, with interactive gardens, farm animals, a life-size checkerboard, a pond, and picnic tables. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is $3 per person and $12 for families of up to five members. 

Life in Rockingham County is like a never-ending vacation. Learn more about Rockingham homes for sale when you contact us at Old Dominion Realty.

Does your family have a hard time agreeing on things to do together? Our real estate agents are here to help. These family-friendly activities around Augusta County homes for sale offer something for everyone to enjoy. 

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• Visulite Cinemas - 12 N. Augusta St., Staunton, VA 24401
  Looking for a weatherproof activity on a rainy day? There's nothing like hunkering down with a bucket of popcorn to watch the latest hit movie on the big screens at Visulite Cinema. The vintage 1930s exterior holds a modern movie house with state-of-the-art digital projection and surround sound, highbacked rocker chairs, and stadium seating tiers. In addition to popcorn and candy, refreshments include beer and wine as well as nachos, taquitos, and chimichangas delivered right to your seat. Visit the website for schedules and tickets. 
  
  
• Crack the Code Escape Room - 300 Church St., Bldg. B, Staunton, VA 24401
  Today's hottest group activity comes to Staunton and Augusta County with Crack the Code Escape Room. Each room has an engaging story involving a puzzle to be solved in order to "escape." In one room, "Subway NYC," the group must work together to regain control of a hijacked train that's hurtling on a collision course. Rooms accommodate groups of six to eight players, ages 10 and up, and playing time is 60 minutes. Admission is $27 per person. Crack the Code is open 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.
  
  

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• Grand Caverns - 5 Grand Caverns Dr., Grottoes, VA 24441
  Play Indiana Jones in the fascinating depths of Grand Caverns, a National Natural Landmark not far from Grottoes homes for sale. First opened for tours in 1806, Grand Caverns is the oldest continually operating show cave in the United States. There's plenty of fun above ground also, with picnic shelters, hiking and fitness trails, mini-golf, fishing, and a playground. All-ages walking tours of the caverns run 70 minutes. Visit the website for full schedule and pricing. Grand Caverns is open daily year-round. 
  
  
• Natural Chimneys Park and Campground - 94 Natural Chimneys Ln., Mount Solon, VA 22843
  Whether you and your family want to get away for a day or a weekend, Natural Chimneys Park and Campground is the place to go. The park name refers to the majestic rock formations created when the inland sea that once covered the area near Mount Solon homes for sale receded. More than 2.5 miles of trails provide opportunities for viewing beautiful flowers and spotting wildlife such as deer, turkeys, and owls. Fish for trout or enjoy a lively game of basketball or volleyball. Natural Chimneys is open from dawn to dusk for day use, while camping is available in season.
  
  

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• Pufferbellies Toys & Books - 15 W. Johnson St., Staunton, VA 24401
  A visit to Pufferbellies Toys & Books brings out the kid in everyone. The shop itself is a family venture near Staunton homes for sale and is run by Susan Blanton and her daughter Erin. Shelves are filled with books, games, and toys that appeal to a child's sense of wonder while promoting the development of physical and mental skills. Categories include STEM, Outdoor & Active Play, Blocks & Building Toys, and LEGO. They even have Fun Things for Grownups! Store hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.
  
  
• The Split Banana Co. - 7 W. Beverley St., Staunton, VA 24401
  No matter what you have planned for the day, there's always time for ice cream. The Split Banana Co. serves up luscious gelato, handmade from fresh local milk for the highest quality. Choose from 24 rotating flavors such as Caramel Peanut Butter, Cherry Cheesecake, and M&M Birthday Cake. Scoops are available in cups, cake cones, and waffle cones. Be sure to pick up a pint or quart of your favorite flavors to take home. Store hours are noon - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Want to learn more about what makes Augusta County such a great place to raise a family? Contact us at Old Dominion Realty to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable real estate agents. 

Virginia's Shenandoah Valley has spectacular scenery that makes the perfect setting for a 5K or other types of race. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, you'll find several races to choose from.

Start training, and check out these upcoming 5Ks and other races suggested by our real estate agents:

• Sunrise Spectacular 5K/10K race – July 10, 2021 – 600 Northgate Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980  
  The Sunrise Spectacular 5K/10K, formerly known as the Summer Extravaganza, supports Relay for Life with a portion of its registration fees. It's a challenging run that will take you through some of the town's beautiful neighborhoods and past some Waynesboro homes for sale. After the race, stick around for a celebration with food and drink as well as an awards ceremony.

• Luray Triathlon & Duathlon – August 21-22, 2021 – Lake Arrowhead, 265 Lake Arrowhead Rd., Luray, VA 22835  
  The Luray Triathlon & Duathlon gives you the chance to swim, bike, and run in this friendly town. The multisport weekend gets underway on August 21 with an International Triathlon consisting of a 1.5K swim, 41K bike ride, and 10K run that takes you near Luray homes for sale. The Sprint Triathlon takes place on August 22 with a 750 swim, 27K bike ride, and 5K run. Its shorter distance makes the leg of the event beginner-friendly, and if you're new to triathlons, you can run it in a 2- or 3-person relay.

• Luray Half Marathon & 5K – September 12, 2021 – Hawksbill Brewing Company, 22 Zerkel St., Luray, VA 22835  
  Run the Luray Half Marathon & 5K either in person or virtually from any location. If you're joining the races in person, the course starts and ends in downtown Luray. It was designed by local runners to be appropriate for beginners as well as more experienced runners. The half marathon course is fully paved the entire way, and you'll make your way up and down some rolling hills along the way before hitting a fast six miles before the finish. You can run the half marathon on your own or on a 2- or 4-person relay team. If you're running the 5K, you'll start and finish at the same location as the half marathon and can choose to run or walk. The course is flat most of the way, with a short section or rolling hills in the final half-mile. An afterparty at Hawksbill Brewing Co. will be held immediately after the finish.

• Sgt. Thomas E. Larner Memorial 5K and 10K – August 21, 2021 – 1 Mill Place, Staunton, VA 24401  
  Choose from a 5K or 10K – or the same races with student participants age 17 and under – in the Sgt. Thomas E. Larner Memorial 5K and 10K. The races are held just around the corner from Staunton homes for sale. Both races start and end in downtown Staunton in front of 1 Mill St. They split at N. Augusta St. and Edgewood Dr. and join again at N. Coalter St. and Statler Blvd. The races serve as a fundraiser in honor of Sgt. Larner, a police officer with the Staunton Police Department who was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. 

• Town of Bridgewater Race to the Bottom 5K – September 6, 2021 – Sandy Bottom Park, 602 East College St., Bridgewater, VA 22812
  Starting and ending at Sandy Bottom Park, the town's miniature golf course and par-3 course, the Town of Bridgewater Race to the Bottom 5K is designed for all ages and fitness levels. Prizes will be awarded for overall winners and the winners in designated age groups. Located just around the corner from Bridgewater homes for sale, the miniature golf is closed to everyone except race participants and their families from 9:30 a.m.-noon, and you're welcome to play a free game or mini or par 3 golf then or from noon-10 p.m. The par-3 course will be open to everyone throughout the day.

• Grand Caverns Signature 5K – September 24, 2021 – Grand Caverns Park, 5 Grand Cavern Rd., Grottoes, VA 24441  
  The Grand Caverns Signature 5K is run on the grounds of the historic park of the same name, located near Grottoes homes for sale. This is the 10th year that the race has been run. A 1-mile fun run (or walk, if you'd prefer) stays within the park's beautiful trails, and the 5K takes a fast, flat course in and around the park. All proceeds from the race will be used toward buying new playground equipment for the park.

Contact us to learn more about the Shenandoah Valley and how we can help you find your dream home in the area! 

Spring is just around the corner, and if you're thinking about putting your home on the market, now is the time to start getting ready. The real estate market heats up every spring, and with interest at historic lows, there couldn't be a better time to take advantage of the seller's market. 

Preparing to list your home can be a lengthy process, especially if it's your first time. From cleaning to staging, you may not know where to even start. If you want to make sure your home stands out among these beautiful Virginia homes for sale, be sure to follow these tips below:

1. Find A Good Real Estate Agent
   The first and arguably most important step to listing your home is to find a reputable real estate agent. Referrals from trusted sources are usually the best ways to find a good agent. Working with a trusted real estate agent is the key to a smooth and successful transaction.
   
   
2. Scope Out The Market
   Make sure to do some research about other Augusta County homes for sale, so you can get a sense of what other properties are selling for in your area. Look at homes that are similar in size to your own, as this can help you at least establish a starting point for a sale price.

3. Invest In Lighting
   Lighting is one of the most important aspects of the staging process. If you have rooms in your house that don't receive adequate sunlight, it's time to invest in additional lamps and lighting fixtures. Remember, bright rooms often appear larger and more welcoming. A real estate agent can help you optimize the lighting placements in each room.
   
   
4. Declutter Your Home
   If you're planning to move soon, do yourself a favor and start the decluttering process early. Empty the attic and basement and get rid of any junk you no longer need. Decluttering will not only help streamline the staging process, but it will also make your move a lot easier.
   
   
5. Make Repairs
   If you've been procrastinating on repairing that leaky faucet, running toilet, or squeaky door, now is the time to address it. Go through your home and make sure to repair anything that isn't functioning as it's supposed to. Even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, you can bet that potential buyers will notice.
   
   
6. Depersonalize Your Home
   As much as you may enjoy looking at your family photos and favorite art, any personalized items can certainly be off-putting to prospective buyers. Seeing personalization in a home can make it difficult for buyers to envision themselves living in the home.

7. Paint
   It's always a good idea to add a fresh coat of paint to your home's interior before listing it for sale. This can help give your home a fresh, clean look and also help your rooms appear brighter. Just be sure to stick to neutral colors, as anything bright or creative may turn off potential buyers. 

8. Deep Clean
   Once you're almost ready to list your home, it's time to clean like you've never cleaned before. Every corner, nook, and cranny will need your attention. It's also a good idea to have your carpets professionally cleaned. You don't want potential buyers noticing any dust or odors, so it's best to make sure the home is pristine. 
   
   
9. Create a Relocation Plan For Your Pets
   Your furry friends might be cute, but not every buyer will think so. It's wise to come up with a relocation plan for your pets so they're not in the way when you're showing your home. Also, be sure to hide any bowls, litter boxes, or toys and eliminate any odors caused by your pets.
   
   
10. Consider a Professional Photographer
    High-quality photos are one of the best ways to attract buyers to your listing, so you might want to consider hiring a professional photographer. Good photos are a great way to help your listing stand out from the competition. Check out some of the listing photos for these Staunton homes for sale. If you're having trouble finding a good photographer, ask your real estate agent for recommendations.

Selling your home doesn't have to be an intimidating process. Working with a good real estate agent is the best way to ensure a smooth transaction. If you're planning to list your home this spring, contact us today.

Shady Creek Homes near Grottoes Location, Location, Location

"Real estate, they say, is all about location.  There may be no better location for your new home than the Shady Creek community near Grottoes, Virginia," commented Pam Estes, Old Dominion Realty REALTOR®.

Pam Estes, John Bowman, and Bob Stickley from Old Dominion Realty is the real estate team representing Shady Creek Homes.

Shady Creek is located near Grottoes, Virginia.  "If you are looking for a new, single-family home or townhouse and enjoy the great outdoors, the Shady Creek community will not disappoint you," said Pam Estes.  Nearby Grottoes, Virginia is the perfect location in Virginia for those who enjoy a small, friendly community, magnificent mountain views, and an affordable cost of living. 

Shady Creek offers several single family one and two-story home designs--The Aspen, The Shawsville and The Magnolia—as well as spacious townhouses.

Shady Creek - Affordability Redefined

"A Shady Creek home is affordability redefined."  John Bowman, REALTOR® with Old Dominion Realty explained, "You get the most quality for your dollars when you own a Shady Creek home.  Hardwood floors and granite countertops are standard features plus a full appliance package is included," said Bowman.

Single-family homes average in the $200,000 price range.  Typically, homes start as low as $174,900 with larger homes on larger lots being available as well.   The model home is available to purchase and is priced at $224,900.

"These are really nice homes," said Bowman. "Our homes also offer options of basements and screened porches." 

Townhouses at Shady Creek

Shady Creek townhouses start at an asking price of $133,800.  Three-bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouses offer a first floor, an open floor plan and granite countertops as standard features. Floored attic space offers more storage and a storage building is included as standard feature.  As an added reason to buy, the seller is paying $2,000 in purchaser's closing costs.

The second group of townhouses are built with six units each.  The newest building currently has two units sold, two units under constructions, and two units available for purchase.

Bowman said Shady Creek is not only offering quality built homes, but is conveniently located to shopping and amenities such as a large wooded park. Shady Creek is in the Spotswood School District.

Shady Creek Builder – Weaver Built Homes

Weaver Built Homes is the builder for the Shady Creek subdivision's single-family homes.  With more than 30 years of experience, Weaver Built Homes has a reputation of offering quality homes that are energy efficient at an affordable price. The company prides itself on superior customer service.

Weaver Built Homes knows purchasing a new home is the often the largest purchase a family will make. Purchasing a home is an investment and Weaver Built Homes focuses on craftsmanship and detail. The company will build to a customer's specifications.

Lots for Sale

You have the option to purchase a lot and bring your own builder.

Contact Old Dominion Realty for Shady Creek Home

For more information about Shady Creek, contact Old Dominion Realty real estate agents, John Bowman (540-271-2178), Pam Estes (540-820-1323) or Bob Stickley (540-820-8401) to learn earn more about Shady Creek Homes.