The Omni Homestead is hosting its most popular signature event at the beautiful Main Street Station, located at 1500 E. Main St, Richmond Virginia 23219! This is a week-long event, beginning Saturday, February 18th through Sunday, March 5th, 2023 with various events and guests happening each day. There will be hundreds, yes- you read that right – HUNDREDS of wines from Virginia, Napa Valley, and Argentina, and even Virginia spirits and ciders along with other libations and specialty foods. Prepare your senses to be overwhelmed by the massive selection of wines and spirits offered to sample and also purchase! They have carefully curated an unending array of beverages and every pourer will be equipt to explain the beverage they are pouring.
There will be VIP Sessions available to purchase, which grants you an hour-and-a-half headstart to the general admission and access to highly regarded bottles that will be unavailable to the general admission attendees. Talk about-exclusive!
New for 2023 include some new venues, an Auction, a new signature event, the “International Meritage Celebration” and masterclass opportunities.
Because this is a week-long event, the venue allows you the opportunity to customize and “create your own experience” package with discounts provided for purchasing multiple dates. See their ticket purchase options here.
See the complete event schedule for the Wine Expo, here!
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Deciding where to live in the latter stage of your life differs from choosing a home when you are younger. In short, it is the first time after a more extended period that you are deciding your life without putting your child first. Whatever your preferences might have been before, you must remember that your health is a significant factor that must be considered in whatever you choose to do during your retirement. When all that is considered, it becomes clear there are plenty of reasons to retire in Orange County, VA. Explore some of them in the following text and see for yourself.
You’ll be able to engage in a lot of outdoor activities to keep you fit
Orange County, VA, is an area with a lot to do. The weather is very diverse, so many different events are happening in the open throughout the year. During winter, people can visit one of the ski resorts nearby and have fun in the snow. Orange County has a festival for every season. For example, the Snow Moon Fest is in its vicinity, which is perfect for everyone. It mainly takes place in March, so you still have time to join all the fun.
When the weather is warmer, the residents and visitors can attend some of the many wine-tasting events. Naturally, barbeque has its festival for the fans of this type of meat – and there are many. Generally, this part of Virginia resides in wonderful nature. Everyone who lives there has a chance to explore daily.
Orange County, VA, offers a variety of outdoor activities in nature.
The slow pace of life will let you relax
One of the biggest reasons to retire in Orange County, VA, is that this part of the world offers peace. Most cities and villages here have few residents who are not packed like sardines in large skyscrapers. Everything is nearby and because of all that, there is no need to be in a hurry or to feel tense. Such easy access to nature Orange County provides allows its residents to use one of the healthiest anti-depressants – peaceful outdoor walks.
Generally, the pace of life is slow here, and everyone is bound to relax and take it easy. In some later years, this aspect is essential to keep one’s sanity. You could even move there in a relaxed manner. When it comes to packing for seniors, a stress-free process is possible, and it’s worth trying in that direction.
One of the reasons to retire in Orange County, VA, is that you’ll be able to relax there.
People can afford more comfortable homes there
The real estate market in Orange County, VA, is more favorable and less harsh for the wallet when compared to many others. That means you might be able to afford your first home here or a bigger one that you had. Owning a home is a dream of many, and being older doesn’t mean you have to give up that dream. That kind of investment is never a waste, especially if you have children or other relatives to whom you want to leave the property. When you own a home, the feeling is slightly more satisfying than in a rental.
For starters, decorating something that is entirely yours is inspiring. Those feeling a bit without a purpose in their retirement days can take up a project like this and feel much better. Besides, any mental stimulation, primarily project-based, is highly beneficial for brain health.
Owning a home in this area is not as expensive as in other parts of the world.
One of the reasons to retire in Orange County, VA, is that you’ll feel safe there
Safety is usually much higher in less densely inhabited areas. Consequently, in Orange County, VA, crime rates are much lower. There’s a good chance you’ll get to know your new neighbors well and half of the community too. Constant social contact increases the safety factor of any individual. Also, there’s not as much traffic as in metropolitan areas. That is relevant for individuals with impaired mobility that can’t run across the street as vigorously.
You can put your belongings in rented storage for an utterly carefree feeling. Miami Movers for Less claim people have resolved two issues: They got rid of the stress of someone robbing them of some of their stuff and decluttered their living space for a more comfortable everyday life. If that seems like something perfect for you, consider that option.
There are some great neighborhoods for senior living
This part of Virginia is proven to be great for senior living. Here are several communities that stand out as the best ones for this purpose:
Lake of the Woods. With a population of approximately 8,500 people, the peace and a sense of living surrounded by a big family are guaranteed. The area has two pools and many parks to engage in enough healthy physical activity. Most that lived there would gladly come back again later in life.
Orange. With an even smaller population than Lake of the Woods, Orange is the capital of slow living but with enough modern amenities. This little area is very safe, so you can sleep soundly there.
Gordonsville. Everyone that lives in this smallest town on our list knows each other. Its residents are very caring, so you’ll never feel alone even though it is a tiny town. For retirees that prefer absolute relaxation and this type of closeness to people, it’s a perfect place to move.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many reasons exist to retire in Orange County, VA. What may seem a bit too slow to thrill-seeking teenagers is heaven for those that want to savor the days in perfect peace. And what matters a lot is that you don’t have to worry too much about your safety. The nature of towns in this area offers the feeling of belonging to a big, diverse family that cares for you. And in reality, that is the actual truth of how things are.
Meta Description: There are plenty of reasons to retire in Orange County, VA. If you are considering moving there, here’s why it would be a great idea.
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Most condominiums and townhomes—as well as many detached homes—are located in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs). Often managed by a board and/or an independent property management company, HOAs collect fees from residents to provide maintenance and other services for the community. If you are thinking about purchasing a home in an HOA, here are a few important things to know about:
The HOA’s monthly fees—and what they cover. On average, HOA fees can range from $150-850 per month and cover a variety of services. For instance, most HOAs handle maintenance and landscaping of common areas, but others may include the upkeep needed for a pool, fitness center, sports courts, or walking trails, in addition to services like security or a concierge. Some HOA fees also cover month-to-month costs such as cable or trash and sewage removal. However, since these fees may constitute a significant portion of your monthly budget, it’s important to understand how much they are and what they cover before making an offer on your new home.
The financial health of the HOA. Despite collecting fees, some HOAs may still be underfunded. To get a better idea of the HOA’s financial health, request a copy of the financial records made available to homeowners, and pay particular attention to how often dues are typically increased.
The Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs). Most HOAs impose rules on homeowners, commonly referred to as the CC&Rs. These can touch upon various aspects of living in your home, from the types of pets you can own to the colors you can paint your house to how many vehicles can be parked in your driveway. Researching how restrictive a community’s CC&Rs are before signing on the dotted line can help ensure that you will be happy and comfortable in your new home.
Learn about Hidden Costs of Buying and Owning a Home here.
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped 16 fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon pepper 9 large eggs, room temperature, divided use 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1-1/2 cups 2% milk 6 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded 1 fully cooked boneless ham steak (12 ounces), cubed
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. Arrange onions and asparagus on a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan; toss with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Roast until lightly browned, 10-12 minutes. Cool slightly; reserve 1/4 cup vegetable mixture for topping. Preheat a greased waffle iron. Separate 3 eggs. Whisk flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper and remaining salt. Add milk, 3 egg yolks and melted butter; mix gently but thoroughly. Stir in remaining onion and asparagus mixture and 3/4 cup shredded cheese.
In another bowl, beat 3 egg whites on high until soft peaks form. Fold into waffle batter. Bake waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet coated with cooking spray, cook ham until heated through; keep warm. In same skillet, fry remaining eggs until yolks are set. To serve, top waffle with ham and 1 egg. Sprinkle with reserved onion and asparagus, and remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, and the flowers are starting to bloom—spring is almost here, which means that it’s time to make your home feel as fresh as the air outside. Whether your living space is in need of a deep cleaning or a more surface-level tidy, spring cleaning is a time-honored ritual that will help get your home into its healthiest and most beautiful condition. However, the process can feel overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know which rooms to tackle first.
Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your spring cleaning this year:
Clear away the clutter. The more clutter you have, the more difficult and time-consuming it will be to give your home a thorough cleaning. Therefore, before you break out the cleaning supplies, start by getting rid of papers, possessions, and other items that you no longer want or need.
Clean areas that may have been neglected over the winter first. While you’ve probably tidied the inside of your home more recently, outdoor spaces—such as your yard, patio, or the outsides of windows—may be in more urgent need of cleaning.
Dust and clean surfaces—starting from the top. Dusting all the surfaces in your home can be a big project, but it’s essential for ensuring healthier, more breathable air inside. Start from the top so you’ll be able to dust, sweep, or vacuum any debris that falls down; use a broom to clear cobwebs from the corners of your ceiling, dust the blades of ceiling fans using a retractable feather duster tool, wash mirrors and windows, and wipe down shelves and other surfaces.
Sweep and vacuum. As soon as you’re done dusting, you’ll want to clean up the fallen debris before it starts getting tracked from room to room.
Clean appliances. When it comes to spring cleaning, the appliances you use on a day-to-day basis—such as your coffee maker, stove, oven, and washing machine—may get overlooked. Now is the perfect time to give them a thorough cleaning, following manufacturer instructions.
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Get ready for Snow Moon Fest 2023! This year’s event will feature an exciting lineup of activities for everyone to enjoy. Attendees can participate in the new Krispy Kreme donut eating contest, kids’ activities, live music and DJ performances, a 4K on the Fairway race/walk, beer and wine tastings, a torchlight slope parade, fireworks, brunch, and so much more.
Check out the event schedule planned below!
Don’t miss out on the following highlights of the Snow Moon Fest 2023 event:
Friday, March 3, 2023:
High Score Contest at Diamond Jim’s Arcade from 4 – 8 PM, where guests with the highest score on Snow Ball Toss, SnoCross, and Snow Boarder games win a $50 Arcade Card.
Tap Takeover at Splash’s Bar & Grill at The Massanutten WaterPark from 5 – 9 PM.
Krispy Kreme Donut Eating Contest at Splash’s Bar & Grill at The Massanutten WaterPark Registration is at 6:45 PM. The contest starts at 7 PM. Participants can choose to make an optional $5 donation, which will go towards Therapeutic Adventures.
Live at the Lodge Party featuring Christian Porter & Nyke Van Wyk at Elevations Lounge from 8 PM – 1:30 AM. This event is only for those aged 21 and over. $8 cover charge per person.
Northern Lights Tubing at the Family Adventure Park from 7 – 10 PM. Advance online ticket purchases are required.
Saturday, March 4, 2023:
4K on the Fairway: a race/walk to benefit Elkton Area United Services at Mountain Greens Golf Course starting at 9:30 AM.
Brunch at Campfire Grill from 9 AM – 1 PM. The price is $29 per person, and the menu is available to view here.
USASA Snowboard & Ski Cross Race on Pacesetter at 9 AM.
Sidewalk Sale at the General Store from 10 AM – 4 PM.
Kids Activities at Ski Lodge – Level 1 from 11 AM – 4 PM, will include mini masterpiece paintings and squishies.
Beer & Wine Drinker? Samples at Base Camp from 12 – 8 PM. 21+
DJ Cäm on the Base Camp Deck from 8 – 10 PM.
Torchlight Slope Parade & Fireworks on the Ski Slopes starting at 9:15 PM. The best view of the fireworks and torchlight parade will be from the Ski Lodge Deck.
Live at the Lodge Party featuring Christian Porter & Nyke Van Wyk at Elevations Lounge from 8 PM – 1:30 AM. This event is only for those aged 21+ and $8 cover charge.
Northern Lights Tubing at the Family Adventure Park from 7 PM – 12 AM. Advance online ticket purchases are required.
Sunday, March 5, 2023:
USASA Snowboard & Ski Cross Race on Pacesetter at 9 AM.
Mid-Mountain Party at Mid-Mountain Grill from 12 – 3 PM, featuring DJ Cäm and food & drink specials.
Additionally, on Sunday, March 5, 2023, all former Massanutten Resort employees are invited to a day of FREE skiing to celebrate Nutt Employee Homecoming. Rental equipment is not included, and advance registration is required by 9 AM on February 28, 2023. For more info about Massanutten and the Snow Moon Festival visit their website here!
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome home to 424 Birdie Rd. This beautiful home boasts many fantastic features. The split-bedroom plan offers beautiful golf views from the deck and screened porch. Walk right into the large foyer that provides enough space for a sitting bench so putting on and removing your coat and shoes will be a breeze. From the foyer, you are greeted by an expansive eat-in kitchen that offers plenty of storage, a pantry, and a pass-through window and breakfast bar that allows you to stay connected to family and friends no matter where they are. The massive living room dining room combo, with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and gorgeous mantle, will accommodate a large family gathering with no problem. The spacious guest bedrooms provide plenty of closet space and can accommodate more than one person and lots of toys. The hall bath has a tub shower offering comfort and ease for loved ones that need help showering and a large vanity. Come home and sit on your screened porch, listen to some music with your favorite beverage in hand, and let the day’s stress fly away with every golfer swing you see. Then mosey on into the comfort of the sizable primary suite with a walk-in closet, where you can shower, rest the day’s stress away and curl up with a book and slip into a sleepy slumber.
Located in Lake of the Woods, a private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550-acre main lake and a 35-acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteer your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience what’s to love in Lake of the Woods!
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Welcome home to the cozy 212 Birdie Road located in the amenity-filled Lake of the Woods. This beautiful brick front and vinyl siding rambler will surely impress. Located on the golf course, the easy-maintenance landscaping and circular paved driveway will greatly enhance the WOW factor it shares when driving up to the property. Entering the foyer through the front door you are greeted by stairs to the right that leads to a partial, walk-out basement, while its tiled floors lead you straight ahead to the main living area. When entering the living room, you are transitioning to beautiful hardwood floors that extend throughout most of the upper level. The living room shares natural light from the skylights, the fabulous sunroom ( with golf course views, off the living room ), and the large bay window from the eat-in kitchen. Its floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace will draw your attention as you imagine yourself curled up on the couch cozy and comfy with your loved ones. Open to the kitchen and formal dining room, you will stay connected with your family or friends while cooking or watching television. Its white cabinets and natural light that beams through the bay window keep it bright and airy. The expansive kitchen has plenty of storage and offers plenty of space to allow for more than one chef at a time. Sail right into the primary suite just off the kitchen and away from the guest bedrooms allowing for privacy from kids or guests. Two very spacious bedrooms sit on the other side of the living room with a full bath.
Located in Lake of the Woods, a private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods offers anything and everything you could possibly want. Home to two lakes (the 550-acre main lake and a 35-acre “fishing lake”), a golf course, an equestrian center, a fire and rescue department, and a church all within the gates, Lake of the Woods simply has it all. Whether your passion is boating, water skiing, kayaking, golfing, horseback riding, or simply taking in the breathtaking views from the clubhouse while enjoying a fabulous meal, from your own deck or yard, or from one of the beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Perhaps you’d like a game of bridge or volunteer your time and talents…Lake of the Woods offers more than 60 clubs and/or organizations from which you may choose to become involved. Located in Orange County, we are fortunate to enjoy low real estate taxes. Coupled with home prices ranging from $200,000+ to over $2,000,000, Lake of the Woods is the perfect community for both full-time residents, as well as weekenders. But don’t take my word for it, please come see for yourself! I will gladly give you a tour of Lake of the Woods by boat and by car so that you may experience what’s to love in Lake of the Woods!
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 homeowners. 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 contacting Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Get ready to succeed this spring—contact us today!
The spring real estate market starts to shake things up after the quieter winter season, and this year is no exception. With mortgage rates cooling off from last year’s highs, the spring 2023 real estate market indicates that there will be plenty of homebuying and selling activity—and it’s starting early. So let’s take a look at what you can expect and how you can work with our team to help you find success and get into your next home.
Mortgage rates are trending lower
The good news for homeowners and potential homebuyers is that mortgage rates have reached their highest point and are now heading south toward a more comfortable rate. According to Forbes, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) anticipates that the 30-year mortgage rate will be near 5.2% by the end of 2023, over one percentage point lower than their current level.
The decrease in rates comes as NAR’s Senior Economist Nadia Evangelou indicates that inflation should continue to subside, which would result in mortgage rates dropping even further. An expected reduction of this magnitude could save those with mortgages or looking to buy considerable amounts of money over time, making it an exciting opportunity for those in the market for new housing.
Expect an increase in homebuying activity
With mortgage rates decreasing, the National Association of Home Builders expects increased demand and more buyers returning to the market. Plus, more inventory on the market could further encourage potential buyers. Open houses are seeing more interest, with multiple bids surfacing after a prolonged lull. These are encouraging signs, indicating that an influx of new properties on the market could spark increased enthusiasm among eager homebuyers who’ve been waiting on the sidelines for some time now.
Once those buyers enter the market, they will attract new sellers and fill out the housing inventory available on the market. (Tight inventory was one of the defining issues of last year’s housing market, but there will be more to choose from this year during a busy spring season.) And, once those sellers turn around and buy, you’ll see the fast-paced, exciting spring real estate market we all know and love is in full bloom.
Look for deals on new construction homes
America’s homebuilders are showing positive signs of growth as the demand for new houses rises alongside dropping mortgage rates. According to the National Association of Home Builders, sentiment among builders has increased for the first time in a year, with reports of increases in sales, traffic, and expectations for sales over the next six months. This surge in confidence and activity is influenced mainly by low interest rates, which is driving more homebuyers into the market.
According to Zillow, the number of new homes currently under construction has risen 50% since February 2020. And newly complete homes are showing up on the market quickly, meaning there’s plenty for homebuyers to choose from. Our team will help you expertly work with builders to find special offers and incentives to get you into one of those gorgeous new homes!
Hop Into the Spring Market With Us
Are you ready for the 2023 spring real estate market? We are! There’s so much to consider, from mortgage rates to inventory and new construction homes. Buyers and sellers alike are eager to get things in full swing, so contact our team now so we can start building your ideal real estate strategy and take action. Spring is just around the corner—reach out today!
There are a lot of secret spots in Virginia that you should check out. These are the kinds of places that you can hear about by word of mouth and are beloved by the community. Understanding these hidden gems is helpful when organizing a thrilling day trip or a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s a little bit for everyone on this list, from hiking trails to local dives. So, read on to find out the best-kept secrets in Virginia!
Luray Caverns
When visiting Luray Caverns, you may question if you are still in Virginia or if you have accidentally landed on another planet. This cavern system was discovered in 1878. And today, it’s still one of the biggest in the United States. Buy a day pass and explore the caves at your own pace, taking photos of the stalactites, stalagmites, mirrored pools, and other sights. It can be pretty romantic and is an excellent place to bring your valentine. The Shenandoah Heritage Village, Toy Town Junction, and the Car and Carriage Caravan Museum are all free with your entry after a day of hiking and exploring the great outdoors.
The Luray Caverns will amaze you with their natural beauty!
The Raven Room is among the best-kept secrets in Virginia
American author, editor, and critic Edgar Allan Poe spent one year at UVA in 1826. Despite the author’s brief time at the University, his dorm room has become something of a shrine, maintained by a small number of students who find meaning in the author’s life and work.
Dorm 13’s ominous number is a reference to Edgar Allan Poe. In 1924 they renovated it to look as it did during Poe’s time. The Raven Room was initially constructed by a professor of architecture who was a member of the exclusive Raven Society. Today it is maintained by a group that was established in 1904. The club pays for the space’s upkeep and recognizes outstanding academic achievement and service.
A writing desk, a sofa from Poe’s original house, and a stuffed ‘raven’ perched on the window ledge are among the furnishings in the room. Viewers may peer into the writer’s study through a glass partition while listening to an audio presentation on his life.
If you like Poe’s work, you can’t miss The Raven Room
Lake Drummond
Mythology has it that a Native American woman named the Lady of the Lake died a few days before her wedding, and now she haunts the lake in her white canoe, reliving her final days. If this sounds familiar, you’ve probably read the poem by Irish poet Thomas Moore. The 111,200-acre wildlife reserve in Virginia and North Carolina that includes the lake serves as its habitat. Take a hike down Washington Ditch Trail to see cypress trees poking up out of the murky waters of Lake Drummond. It will surely amaze you if you are inspired by nature. Experts from evolutionmoving.com have seen many people decide to move to Virginia after just one visit to this place! Maybe you will have the same experience.
Great Falls National Park
Great Falls is a picturesque and historic area only 15 miles from the nation’s capital. The Potomac River steadily descends a succession of jagged rocks into Mather Gorge and the Patowmack Canal, which dates back centuries. It also provides a glimpse into the early colonial history of the United States. Building the Patowmack Canal to extend the Potomac River’s navigability to the Ohio River Valley was one of George Washington’s top priorities in the years following the Revolutionary War.
Besides the park’s historical significance to our country’s formation, visitors enjoy the outdoors and take in the park’s stunning scenery. The Great Falls of the Potomac and the park’s many hiking paths provide an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The Potomac river will take your breath away with its beauty and power.
The concrete fleet is one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia
The deteriorating, algae-covered concrete ships in Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia’s Eastern Shore are a unique and unexpected feature. The port at Kiptopeke Beach is protected by the S.S. Edwin Thatcher, S.S. Leonard Chase Wason, and other boats from World War II, but they are also interesting to gaze at and kayak about.
Steel was in short supply throughout both World Wars. So people tried to test the theory that making floating structures out of concrete was possible. There were a total of twenty-four “McCloskey Ships”, and nine of them are on display at Kiptopeke.
Barboursville ruins
The Barboursville ruins are one of a kind and are one of the best-kept secrets in Virginia. They are one of the best attractions in Orange County for history buffs. James Barbour, a successful attorney, and prominent politician built the Barboursville Mansion around 1822. He did this according to plans he had commissioned from his friend and political partner, Thomas Jefferson. The skilled artisans from Jefferson’s Monticello helped create an attractive mansion with eight bedrooms, a great octagonal room, and a portico.
The Barboursville Winery was one of Virginia’s oldest and most prominent vineyards. However, a fire in 1884 destroyed it. All left nowadays are a couple of brick walls of the mansion that look like an enormous, abandoned ruin. If you like urban exploring, this one is for you!
Abandoned renaissance fair
The popular Fredericksburg Renaissance Faire was shut down in 1999 and is now an abandoned attraction. This happened because of the swampy conditions, high humidity, and unbearable mosquito bites typical of a Virginia summer. Naturally, the number of people attending the fair gradually declined. However, the conditions today are much better, which is why many people decide to move to VA. If you’re one of them, learn about the moving mistakes to avoid and some details you shouldn’t overlook. The goal is to have a smooth process!
For now, lingering knights and ladies might still find a place of medieval sanctuary in the park’s abandoned structures. You can visit the abandoned ren fairgrounds in VA since it is a favorite destination for horror entertainment and photoshoots.
The devil’s tub
You’ll want to bring your swimsuit! This pool of emerald water is perfect for a refreshing plunge. The sliding rock in the middle of the naturally smooth watering hole makes it the ideal spot to spend an hour floating around and taking in the scenery. Unfortunately, the Devil’s Bathtub is only reachable by the challenging 7.2-mile Devil’s Fork Loop Trail. It’s one of the best trails in Virginia! However, you can get there with only 1.5 miles of hiking, which is fantastic news.
In Conclusion
Some of the most unusual and out-of-this-world places in the United States are in the Mother of States. If you’re looking to revitalize your scenic bucket list, consider visiting some of the best-kept secrets in Virginia. This stunning southern state is full of exciting opportunities for exploration!
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