Tag Archives: local history

Live in Historical Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania, Virginia!

By: Todd Long

Why live in the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County area?  It has history.  It has class.  It has culture.  Many people new to the area will find that this part of Virginia offers much in the way of things to do.  As I stated, the Fredericksburg region boasts of many historic sites that hold a place in our nation’s history, from its early founding, struggles for independence, and growing pains that led to the Civil War.   

The Fredericksburg area is the site of where more than 100,000 Americans lost their lives in our nation’s struggle that culminated in the Civil War.  The area, simply put, is hallowed ground.  But there is also a hallowed beauty to it.  Go visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield, where in 1862, General Robert E. Lee defeated the Union Army of The Potomac.  Down the road from the Fredericksburg Battlefield is the Chancellorsville Battlefield, a site considered to be Lee’s most brilliant victory, where he defeated an army almost three times the size of his own army.  Then nearby are the battlefields of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania, where Lee faced off against Union General Ulysses S. Grant, a man who would go on to become our nation’s 18th President.  If you’re not a big history nerd, but are more of a fitness junkie, these battlefields offer many hiking trails and the roadways on these battlefields, which are run by the National Park Service, are great places for biking.  The Park Service also puts on many living history events and Fit History walking tours during the spring and summer months. 

Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is definitely worth going to see as it has many buildings that date to the Civil War and earlier.  In the historic district there are many shops that offer a wide variety to visitors; restaurants, antique shops, specialty foods, clothing, jewelry, home furnishings and much more.  Located in downtown Fredericksburg is Kenmore, the home of Fielding Lewis, an American Patriot who gave and sacrificed much during our country’s struggle for independence, not to mention, the brother-in-law of George Washington, having married Washington’s sister Betty.  Since we are speaking of George Washington, across the river from Fredericksburg is the site of Ferry Farm, where young George spent his childhood.  It is a living history site which recently has underwent archaeological work to locate the foundations of his boyhood home and has been rebuilt to what it probably looked like.  Also located in downtown are the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and St. James’ House, all operated by the Washington Heritage Museums.  Also near downtown, for the nature fanatics, is Alum Spring Park, a 34-acre park that hosts many natural features including sandstone cliffs and a swimming hole.  If you are looking for a nice romantic getaway with your significant other, look no further.  The downtown area also offers two nice B&B’s, the Kenmore Inn and the Richard Johnston Inn.  Both Inn’s are historic homes, offer wonderful accommodations, excellent food, and show classic Virginia hospitality. 

Aside from all the history and historic sites that Fredericksburg offers, there is also much in the way of class and culture.  The downtown area also features art shops, the James Monroe Memorial Library, Fredericksburg Area Museum, and Belmont, the home of Gari Melcher, one America’s prominent portraitists and Impressionist painters.  Fredericksburg also offers several craft beer and alehouses including Harry’s Alehouse on Route 3 and Sedona Taphouse and Capital Ale House in downtown Fredericksburg.  The food at these locations are excellent.  Not far from downtown, for those who have a taste for wine, there are a few local wineries which include Bacchus Winery, Hartwood Winery, and Eden Try Winery.  If you have a flare for French cuisine, located downtown is La Petite Auberge, a French restaurant that has been serving the area since 1981.  If you enjoy theater, located nearby is the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, a local dinner theater which has been putting on main-stage musicals, broad way shows, and dramatic productions for over 20 years.  The shows are always fun and entertaining and the food and service is always top notch.  With all that Fredericksburg has to offer, it is no wonder that the area is continuously growing. 

Spotsylvania neighbors Orange County, where Lake of the Woods is located. Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

Civic Club Hosts Reception for LOWA BOD Candidates

Civic Club Hosts Reception for LOWA BOD Candidates
by Pat Licata, President

receptionPlease join the Civic Club on Wednesday, July 11th, at 5:30 PM, as we host a Reception for the Candidates in the Great Hall of the Clubhouse.  We encourage you to mingle with the candidates from 5:30-6pm, with the forum beginning at 6pm.  Each candidate will have 2-3 minutes to deliver his/her message to the audience.  A cash bar will be available, and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.
 
The Lake of the Woods Board candidates are Heidi Brown, Pete Brown, Ralph Debnam, Walt Diercks, Bill Feterle, Bill Logan, Allen Priester, and Adrien Terrenoiere. The candidates will be vying for 3 Board of Directors vacancies on the 7 member Board.  LOWA will mail ballots to lot owners near the end of July and the balloting will conclude on September 1st at the Association’s Annual Meeting.
 
The Reception for the Candidates is open to all members of the community.  Please plan to attend so you may become better acquainted with the candidates.  We look forward to seeing you on the 11th

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!
 

Visit Fort Germanna & the Enchanted Castle in Locust Grove!

Visit Fort Germanna & the Enchanted Castle in Locust Grove!

 
If you have ever wanted to visit Fort Germanna and the Enchanted Castle, your chance is here! There will be multiple days throughout summer that the Germanna Foundation is hosting free public access days at their archaeology site. Typically this site is not open to the public!
You can see the progress being made while they work to uncover the historic fort commissions by Lt. Governor Alexander Spotswood.
Visitors are able to stop by anytime between the scheduled hours – and while there is no fee – registration is required and donations are encouraged!! You can visit the Fort Germanna Visitor center to pick up a map with directions.
What can you expect from this visit?
-Tour of the dig site with Germanna archaeologist Dr. Eric Larsen
-Learn about frontier life
-View active dig sites
-Talk with interns and field students about their recent finds and experiences!
Closed toed shoes and bug spray are highly recommended!
The dates & times of the tours are listed:
Friday, August 10th,   10am to  to 2pm
Tuesday, September 11th, 9AM – 12pm
For the most up to date information make sure to check out their Facebook page!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!
 

Adaptive Watersports Training Day in Lake of the Woods

Adaptive Watersports Training Day in Lake of the Woods

 
Did you see our blog post about Wounded Veterans Watersports 2018 at Lake of the Woods!?
Well if you did and you were wondering who helps with these events and if you can too, the answer is volunteers make these events happen and you CAN help!
During this training day on Saturday, June 9th from 11 AM – 3 PM you can join Lake of the woods Adaptive Watersports Foundation & Therapeutic Adventures, Inc while they train volunteers to assist with the adaptive paddling and adaptive water-skiing!
If you were interested in this upcoming event or any of the upcoming events – this is your time to learn what you need to so you may help. They will have more events throughout summer, check out their Facebook page for their full list of events!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!
 

Germanna Ford: Barrier to Battle History at Sunset Tour

Germanna Ford: Barrier to Battle History at Sunset Tour

The Germanna Foundation is partnering with the National Park Service for their first ever History at Sunset tour! It will be held on Friday, June 8th from 7PM to 8:30PM.
Please dress appropriate – durable, comfortable walking shoes for walking on trails and bug-spray!
This program is a part of the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park “History at Sunset” series that is held every Friday evening over the course of the summer season.
You will park at the Germanna Community College (2130 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove VA 22508) and everyone will gather at the end of the college parking lot closest to Route 3 and the entrance to the lot.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page here for any postings of cancellations due to inclement weather.
This event is FREE! So take a moment to reserve your spot so you can learn about some of our local history right here in Locust Grove!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods Va or Waterfront property in Virginia or homes for rent we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove and Central Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The Question is how much is it worth? Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site!