Category Archives: Community

Best New Year’s Eve Events in Orange County, VA

As the end of the year approaches, many people start thinking about how they want to celebrate New Year’s Eve. From elaborate parties to intimate gatherings, there are plenty of events to choose from and Orange County, VA, is no exception. We’ll highlight some of the best New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA, so you can find the perfect way to ring in the new year. Whether you’re looking for a night of dancing and champagne or a quiet evening spent with loved ones, there’s an event for everyone. So, grab your party hat and get ready to celebrate – it’s time to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms!

Amazing New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA

Are you ready to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one with a bang? If so, you’ll want to check out this roundup of the top New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA. From glitzy parties to intimate gatherings, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, start planning your celebration now and get ready to ring in the new year in style!

Two women sitting at a desk, looking at a laptop and trying to choose one of the best New Year's Eve events in Orange County, VA
Do a little research, and you’ll see plenty of great New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA, to choose from.

#1 Orange County Tacky Lights Tour

Orange County is hosting its sixth annual self-guided Tacky Light Tour on New Year’s Eve from 7 pm to 9 pm, but it’s active since December 12th. You can download a free brochure which includes a map of all the participating houses and a list of the must-see displays. From houses covered in thousands of twinkling lights to lawns filled with inflatable Santas and snowmen, the Orange County Tacky Lights Tour is a festive way to ring in the new year.

And since it’s self-guided, you can go at your own pace and spend as much time as you’d like at each stop. So, bundle up, grab some friends or family, and get ready to celebrate the new year with a fun and memorable Tacky Light Tour in Orange County, VA. It’s a great way to explore the area, especially if you just moved in.

#2 New Year’s Eve Labyrinth Masquerade

Welcome the new year with a captivating evening at The Arts Center, Orange! Beginning at 9 pm, the venue will be transformed into the Goblin King’s castle from the 1986 film Labyrinth, complete with sculptures and set pieces created by local young artists and artisans. Admission includes delectable refreshments, engaging art activities, delightful company, and a celebratory prosecco toast at midnight.

Wearing costumes inspired by the film is highly encouraged, and it is recommended to register in advance. The best part is that this event is suitable for all ages. Dress to impress for this special holiday celebration and ring in the new year in style! And if you’d like, bring your youngsters, too.

#3 New Year’s Eve celebration at Dairy Market, Charlottesville

Gather your loved ones and head over to the Dairy Market, Charlottesville, for an exciting New Year’s Eve celebration! From 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, DJ will be spinning festive tunes, and at 7:00 pm, there will be a massive balloon drop with 1,000 balloons. In addition to the music, there will be festive hats, tiaras, crafts, and other fun giveaways.

An electric cover band will take the stage from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm to rock the rest of the night. The Dairy Market will be serving up delicious food and drinks, so come hungry and ready to ring in the new year with great company and good cheer. This event is free to attend; however, you need to pre-register.

#4 New Year’s Eve Black & Gold Gala, Fredericksburg

Get ready to ring in the new year in style at the New Year’s Eve Black & Gold Gala at Venue and Event Hall in Fredericksburg! This chic and elegant event is not to be missed. Please note that this event is for registered attendees only.

People toasting with champagne glasses at a New Year's event
If you’re up for some drinking and dancing, there are plenty of fun New Year’s parties all over Orange County.

As you arrive, the sounds of DJ on the 1’s and 2’s will greet you, setting the mood for a night of dancing and celebration. And as the night goes on, you’ll have access to the buffet bar, stocked with a variety of delicious eats, to keep you fueled up for the festivities. But the fun doesn’t stop there – at midnight, you’ll join in a complimentary champagne toast, with a bottle provided for each table.

#5 Sometimes, the best events are private

At the end of the day, if none of the options work for you, you can always opt for staying at home. It could be just you and your loved one having a romantic evening, or you can even consider throwing a New Year’s Eve party and inviting your friends. It’s a great way to say goodbye to 2022 with everyone you love and care about the most.

Two people drinking from champagne glasses behind a sign that says Happy New Year
Sometimes, the best events are not the most extravagant ones but the ones you get to spend with people you care about the most.

However, if you do choose to throw a New Year’s bash, we highly recommend you first prepare your apartment. By this, we don’t only mean the decorations and other fun activities. Instead, make sure to remove any valuable or fragile items that could easily get damaged or broken. Or, if you live in a small space, you might want to consider moving some furniture around to create more room for your guests. You can always take advice from the team from mod-movers.com and rent a storage unit to safely keep your things until the party’s over.

Wrapping up!

As the clock ticks down to midnight on New Year’s Eve, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to all the future holds. No matter how you choose to celebrate this special occasion, the important thing is to be with the people you love and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, whether you attend one of the extravagant New Year’s Eve events in Orange County, VA, featured in this article, or create your own celebration at home, make the most of this special evening and ring in the new year with style. We wish you a Happy New Year!

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.


Photos used:

https://unsplash.com/photos/L3FwT4qMeT0

https://www.pexels.com/photo/new-year-party-supplies-on-table-with-women-drinking-champagne-714703/

https://unsplash.com/photos/tLG2hcpITZE

https://www.pexels.com/photo/selective-focus-photography-of-several-people-cheering-wine-glasses-3171815/

122 Columbus Cove, Stafford Virginia 22554 SOLD! by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!!

Come home to this pristine 5 bedroom 3.5 bath home in the first section of the gated community of Aquia Harbour. This is no cookie-cutter home. The unique 4-level home is sure to impress. The primary bedroom sits by itself on the 4th floor for complete privacy from kids or guests. The 3rd floor has 4 bedrooms waiting to be filled and a full bathroom. The main level consists of a living room, a large family room with a fireplace, a dining room, and a stunning kitchen suitable for any chef. The basement has a large rec room, a potential 6th bedroom (NTC), a full bathroom, and plenty of space to add a small kitchenette. The all-season room will be great all year round for relaxing in a well-created oasis. It also has a large deck off the family room, perfect for summertime grilling. The home sits on a little over, a half-acre lot with plenty of room for kids and pets to play. Aquia Harbour is located approximately 45 miles south of Washington DC, 15 miles north of Fredericksburg, and 70 miles north of Richmond. The historic Aquia Creek runs through the community providing a year-round navigable waterway leading to the Potomac River and onto the Chesapeake Bay.

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.

LOW Players Club Accepting Auditions for Upcoming Play: Into the Woods!

A rare modern classic brings everyone’s favorite storybook characters together in this timeless, and still relevant piece by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. We’ll get to witness the story of a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wants to attend a ball; and Jack with a cow whom he wishes would produce milk. A journey ensues when the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child due to a Witch’s curse and features our storybook favorites, including Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and a Giant. When wishes become granted, the consequences of their actions haunt them with tragic results. Into the Woods, one of Sondheim’s most popular works, is a musically sophisticated show, so don’t miss this musical performance! If you are interested in participating in this show, auditions are being accepted. Download and complete the audition form here. The form includes show details, rehearsal dates, audio track links, and audition requirements. Rehearsals begin as soon as February 12, 2023. Auditions are held Sunday, January 29th, 2023 from 7p – 9pm at MFA Studios & Fitness, 3rd floor. (4444 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove VA 22508) and Monday, January 30th, 2023 from 7pm – 9pm at the Lake of the Woods Community Center (110 Sweetbriar Park Rd, Locust Grove VA 22508). *Please note Lake of the Woods is a gated community. If you live outside LOW, contact Dave at david_schubert@comcast.net to let them know you are planning to attend auditions. They will put your name on the guest list at the guard gate and you may be asked for ID to enter.

Performances for this show are scheduled for: May 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th, 2023 at 7pm, as well as May 7th, 13th, and 14th at 2pm.

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.

History Lover’s Guide to Orange County, VA

”Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it” Santayana once said. And he was right. It’s important to think about this sentence now more than ever. Orange County is (if we have the liberty to say it) perhaps one of the capitols of history in America. There is a lot to see and even more to learn. Are you wondering where to start? Check out some of the places from this history lover’s guide to Orange County, VA. 

Start at the Orange Train Station

The train in literature often symbolizes an important journey. Therefore, the Orange Train Station can be a perfect place to start your journey to getting more profound knowledge about American history hidden in this beautiful part of Virginia. Trains changed the face of business in the United States in the early twentieth century. Having been constructed in 1910, the Orange Train Station played a crucial role in the county’s continued existence and development.

Although the Colonial Revival-style structure is no longer used for passenger transportation, it is nevertheless worth a visit since it houses the Orange County Visitors Center. The Visitor Center is open all seven days of the week. It’s kind of a crossroads for all the visitors. So, buying a vacation home near it can be a great investment.

A train at the station.
Make sure to hop on the train of knowledge with this history lover’s guide to Orange County!

Visit Wilderness Battlefield

The sad cost of the Civil War is memorialized in the Wilderness Battlefield, located in the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Guests have the option of:

  • Vehicle excursions
  • Self-guided hikes
  • Visits to historic battlegrounds

To an inexperienced eye, it may seem like an ordinary field in the village. But it’s so much more. Every rock and a little piece of grass hides great sorrow but also lessons for the generations to come. Make sure to listen to the old trees’ whispers and spread the word of wisdom to be cherished in the future. 

Ellwood Manor is an important part of it

Ellwood Manor, which stands tall on the Wilderness Battlefield, was the command center for the Union’s right wing. There is a walking route and displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages at this historic property. Follow Route 20 to the Ellwood Manor entrance and soak in all it has to offer.

Exchange Hotel Museum was a place of hope

This structure, which opened in 1860 as a hotel, later served as a hospital for more than 70,000 service members from both the Union and the Confederate forces. This is the only surviving hospital from the Civil War era in Virginia. At the moment, you can visit it only on selected Saturdays during the month. But, seeing it and experiencing the place of life-saving and hope is definitely worth the extra effort.

Two people at the hospital.
Once a hotel, it became a place of hope and salvation for many during the Civil War.

The Germanna Fort Visitor Center will take your breath away

The Germanna Fort Visitor Center, library, museum, and memorial garden were built to commemorate the arrival of the first German settlers to Virginia in 1714. Also, you can take advantage of the 170 acres of woodland behind the school and the Rapidan River access by visiting the Siegen Forest paths.

You may fall in love with it

Many people fall in love with this region because of it and decide to move here. However, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming, and some choose not to pursue their dreams because of all the fuss. In order to make relocation less stressful and actually enjoy the process, it’s best to find reliable movers and let them handle all the heavy lifting. That way, you’ll be free to enjoy all the hidden gems near Germana Fort. 

James Madison’s Montpelier deserves its place in history lover’s guide to Orange County

Historic site commemorating the life and times of James Madison, a key figure in the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You may learn about the area’s history and have fun with your family on one of Montpelier’s guided tours, family activities, or hiking trails. Also, if you’re a DC commuter (and a history lover), this place can be quite a treat for you.

However, this big mansion holds the darker side of American history too. This residence offers a colorful insight into the period of slavery.  Even though it may not be pleasant to revisit our ancestors’ mistakes, it’s important to learn and experience first-hand the history of the rich and the poor. The history of men in power and the history of the powerless. As only knowledge is the power that will help us make a better future.

Barboursville ruins and vineyards 

Thomas Jefferson built this opulent palace for Governor James Barbour. Unfortunately, on Christmas Day 1884, a fire destroyed it. Ruins at Barboursville are preserved as a historical site and are visible amid the grapes. As seen from a distance, this site can be a perfect metaphor for both faces of American history – the richness and the poverty and the potential to grow. Even though this burnt mansion isn’t quite conventionally part of the holiday decorating contest, it can be even more worth visiting and being a part of it, even for a day.

An American flag.
Even though it’s in ruins, this place perfectly sums up the spirit of American history.

Final thoughts

Orange County in Virginia holds many treasures of American history. And we don’t mean the gold or the diamonds. The amount of knowledge circling between the walls of all the residences mentioned above is what is truly valuable. If you have the privilege to follow this history lover’s guide to Orange County, make sure to listen. Listen to all of these places while they’re telling you their story. Listen to the locals and ask them where to find more secret historical gems of this region. Soak in all the knowledge, as only knowledge is power. Take the opportunity to get mentally stronger so you’ll, one day, make the future worth fighting for.

Photos used:

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-showing-usa-flag-921259/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/ancient-books-and-an-olive-lamp-7200443/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-train-on-rail-and-showing-smoke-72594/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/looking-into-the-face-of-the-one-who-saved-me-14553830/

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.

November 2022 Lake of the Woods Monthly Real Estate Statistics

In November, 16 homes were SOLD in Lake of the Woods.

2 sold below $250,000.00
1 sold between $250,000-299,999;
3 sold between $300-349,999;
3 sold between $350,000-399,999;
5 sold between $400-499,999;
2 sold between $500,000-$999,999;

60 Active/Coming Soon Listings for Sale
16 Homes Under Contract
284 Homes Sold since January 1, 2022.

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.

Holiday Home Decorating Contest in the Lake of the Woods Community!

Lake of the Woods Association is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Registered homes will be included on a map on LOWA.org, members can tour the community and look at the homes! Since the deadline to decorate is December 8th, it won’t be long before our community will be lighting up the nights with holiday cheer! December 9-11th: Garden Club will judge homes and the winners will be published in Lake Currents on December 16th.

Winners will be chosen from one of the three categories. Gift cards will be awarded to first place and a runner-up! The 3 categories are Hallmark Holidays: garland, wreaths, lights, and everything for the picture-perfect greeting card; Wacky Tacky: snow globe, figurines, inflatables, lots of lights, and lasers. Anything goes! and lastly, Winter Wonderland: More seasonal, less Christmas, Snowmen, sleighs and more.

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 contact Pat Licata.

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

Orange County’s Children’s Toy Box Drive

Beginning NOW through Friday, December 3rd the LOW Lioness Lions Club and Ryan Richardson, Manager of the Lake of the Woods Clubhouse have coordinated collections for Orange County.

What does this mean? Between now and December 3rd, you can drop off and donate NEW, UNWRAPPED TOYS at any of the following locations:

-Our Licata Group Office (36111 Goodwin Dr, Locust Grove – located between AT&T and CVS in the Food Lion shopping center across from the LOW Front Gate) Monday – Friday 9AM – 5PM

-LOW CLUBHOUSE, Ryan Richardson, 540-972-2221

-LOW LIONS Club, Vicky Shew: 703-408-4926

-Jack Samuels Realty
-Gibson’s Rental

Monetary donations will be accepted, please make checks payable to:
Orange County Children’s Toy Box
PO BOX 1117,
Orange VA 22960-0659

Or you may donate online at: occtoybox.org

All donated toys will remain in Orange County and will be given to children in OUR area!

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.

Jacobs Ford LAND For Sale $289,000 by Licata Group EXP Realty LLC!

Welcome to Jacobs Ford the 38.45-acre outdoorsman’s dream. The partially wooded lot is great for hunting, camping in the woods with family, ATV trails, horseback riding, or farming. This land offers several good homesites with a small creek running through it. So bring your home plans, tree stand, ATVs, horses, or livestock to Jacobs Ford road and start building your legacy, and make your dreams come true.

https://youtube.com/shorts/u6HBdkIz9NI?feature=share

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.

Santa is coming to Lake of the Woods Atop Engine 29!

As busy as this time of year gets, jolly Ol’ Saint Nick always remembers the good boys and girls in Locust Grove! He will be making his rounds atop LOW F&R Engine 29 through Lake of the Woods on December 16th, 17th, and 18th! Santa is so excited to see all the children in LOW and nearby Locust Grove areas! Santa and the LOW Fire Department have developed a route and tracker that is posted on their website and Facebook page, so please keep checking for further updates! Please note the schedule is tentative and may change based on weather and calls for service.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, or Northern Virginia, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! 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, one of our area expert advisors 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 properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Check out Culpeper Downtown for the 2022 Holiday Season!

Culpeper Renaissance, Inc (CRI) and Culpeper Downtown merchants and restaurants invite you all to experience this holiday with them with the following events scheduled for November through December!

November 14th through 20th, enjoy season offerings and specials at various downtown shops for their Holiday Preview Week. The storefronts will also be participating in a Holiday Store Front Decorating contest so be sure to check them out and vote for your favorite decorated store!

November 18th is “Pink Friday!” the week before Black Friday and #supportsmallfirst and enjoy in-store and online specials at the local shops in downtown Culpeper.

November 20th is the Holiday Open House with in-store specials ALL DAY and a band performance at Grass Rootes Porch from 1pm – 3pm followed by Santa Rides around Culpeper from 3pm – 4pm and the Community Tree Lighting 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Join the festivities for a real treat including free face painting and various children’s activities and holiday refreshments will be available for purchase.

November 25th is Black Friday with in-store and online specials and discounts.

November 26th is Small Business Saturday and Santa will be strolling downtown Culpeper from 6pm – 8pm.

November 28th is Cyber Monday with online and in-store specials and discounts.

November 29th is Giving Tuesday, the one-day giving event. Consider donating to Culpeper Renaissance via their website here.

December 1st through 15th, participate in the WHO STOLE CULPEPER-VILLE? downtown Culpeper scavenger hunt challenge! Map and entry card available at the visitors center (the Depot) Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.

December 3rd, 10th, and 17th the Culpeper Downtown Winter Farmers Market will be from 9 am – 12pm at the East Davis Street Parking lot.

December 9th, visit Santa at Culpeper Center & Suites for a meet and greet and photo opportunity!

December 16th, visit Santa at the Culpeper Visitors Center for a meet and greet and photo opportunity at the Depot.

For more information about any of the above-mentioned events and to keep up to date on the latest Culpeper events visit culpeperdowntown.com!

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.