Category Archives: Community

Fredericksburg Heritage Festival on July 4th!

Don’t miss the Fredericksburg Heritage Festival happening on the 4th of July! This event is a day-long celebration that will include food and drink vendors, music, a 10k race and so much more, all of which will help draw people into the craft show! The event will start at 8:45 AM and run until 11:00 PM, so be sure to save the day In your calendars! What better way to celebrate our nations’ birthday than being will all the members of your community!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, 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 contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Acoustic Onion Presents Beatles Night at Fareways Cafe!

Say hello to The Acoustic Onion who will be presenting Beatles Night at Fareways Café on March 27th from 6PM – 9PM! Enjoy a blast from classic rock & roll past as you listen to this live performance playing music The Beatles, as well as other old school rock bands all played on real instruments! Music will be accompanied by live voices who will be singing in tight three and four part harmonies! If you been aching to relive some of those classic days, this is sure to be a night that you don’t want to miss!

The Civic Club Presents an EPIC Conversation

On Wednesday, March 11th at 7PM in the Clubhouse Great Hall , Crystal Hale, Director of the Orange County Department of Social Services, will be our monthly Civic Club speaker. In addition to being charged with ensuring all federal and state mandated human services programs are provided to the citizens of Orange County, Crystal also has a passion for addressing additional social issues such as the opioid epidemic. The Epidemic Intelligence Council (EpIC) is a local council that meets monthly to discuss the opioid crisis and the impact it has in Orange County. This council is comprised of a cross-section of leaders from Orange County, concerned citizens, health professionals, family members and individuals with direct experience, media, and a number of other concerned individuals. Crystal currently serves as the facilitator of EpIC and; along with all participants of the group, she is committed to helping to educate the community, provide resources for those in need, and diminish the ugly stigma of addiction. While Crystal enjoys her work with EpIC, she points out that the great progress made is a result of the overall group effort.

Ms. Hale will provide insight on the opioid epidemic to include a brief history as well as what it looks like from a national, state, and local perspective. Crystal will focus on the importance of eliminating the stigma of addiction and will also touch on the progress made, the additional work currently underway, and what the future holds.

Crystal is a life-long native of Orange County and currently lives with her husband, two teenage children and various pets on the family farm. She graduated from Orange County High School and earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from The University of Mary Washington. After spending over ten years working for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in various management positions, Crystal accepted an opportunity to work with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) and shifted her focus to the human services field. She served as Director at Rappahannock County Department of Social Services prior to coming to Orange County Department of Social Services in 2017 and is thrilled to serve her hometown community.

National Cherry Blossom Festival Happening March 21st – April 12th!

What better way to celebrate springtime than the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC! This year’s festival will span across four weeks, beginning on Friday March 20th and ending on April 12th! During this time, there will be several different events that will be going on, starting off with the Pink Tie Party on March 20th, which features live music, an open bar, a live performance by WHITE OUT TOKYO who were the World of Dance Champions, and a truly amazing silent auction! The opening ceremony will officially kick everything on the 21st during the opening weekend. On March 28th, thousands of kites will take to the skies at the Blossom Kite Festival! Starting at 10AM at the grounds of the Washington Monument, novices and professionals alike will test their skills in through various competitions and demonstrations. You can bring your own kites or purchase them at the event. Kids can create their own at the activity station and fly them on the public field.

Make sure you’re at Constitution Avenue on April 4th from 10AM – 12PM for the National Cherry Blossom Parade! With marching bands, elaborate floats, giant helium balloons and performers marching down the street, it’s sure to be a spectacle that you don’t want to miss!

Lastly, be sure to be at Water St SE for Petalpalooza on April 11th! From 1PM – 9PM, you’ll enjoy a day full of live music and numerous engaging activities that are sure to be fun for the whole family! This is a celebration of art, music, and each other and will conclude with a spectacular firework show set to music. This yearly celebration is loved by all, and you’re sure to have an amazing time at any and all events! Make sure to save each date, as the Cherry Blossoms won’t last forever!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, 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 contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Downtown Fredericksburg Saint Patricks Day Block Party Happening on 3/21!

Get ready to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with all your friends and neighbors at the Downtown Fredericksburg Saint Patrick’s Day Block Party! Hosted by Spencer Devon Brewing Company, this is sure to be a day filled with food, fun and all the green you can imagine! On Saturday, March 21st, George Street will be closed for what is sure to be the best day of the year! The festival is set to begin at Noon and will run until 8PM. Enjoy some amazing food from food trucks set up around the area, live music, and no Saint Patty’s Day is complete without some responsibly consumed craft beer! This is one party that is sure to bring you the luck of the Irish!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, 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 contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

February Open House Extravaganza on Sunday, 2/23 From 12-2PM and 2:30-4:30PM in Lake of the Woods!

Mark your calendars and get ready for a day of excitement, because we’ll be showing off 7 Amazing homes in Lake of the Woods, including our 3 newest listings! We’ll have the first 4 homes shown from 12PM-2PM, and the remaining 3 from 2:30PM-4:30PM. This is a great opportunity to see some of the best available homes that Lake of the Woods has to offer! For more information about each listing, be sure to click on the property names below! See you there!

12:00-2:00 PM:

310 Happy Creek Road, Priced at $419,900

206 Edgemont Lane, Priced at $254,900

404 Wilderness Road, Priced at $433,900

104 Cedar Court, Priced at $274,900

2:30-4:30 PM:

308 Wilderness Road, Priced at $334,900

1010 Eastover Parkway, Priced at $379,900

111 Fairway Drive, Priced at $279,900

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.

Best Neighborhoods in Orange County VA for Young Couples

Orange County Virginia is a very nice place to live, judging by the opinion of a vast number of people. It has a lot to offer and yet it has succeeded in keeping a slow, stress-free, and peaceful lifestyle. If you and your significant other are looking for a place to settle down and make a future, we can help you choose among the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples. You will enjoy immensely and have an opportunity to do some fun things once your move to Orange County is complete.

What makes a neighborhood a good choice for young couples?

When choosing a place to live, young couples should follow certain criteria that will rule their final decision. Their needs and preferences are, understandably, significantly different from those of retirees, college students or graduates, for example. To be perceived as one of the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples, here are the features a neighborhood has to possess:

  • To be affordable. – Although there are, of course, young couples who can afford a considerably high standard of living, it is much more probable for them to prefer affordable neighborhoods where the costs of living are lower.
  • To have a strong job market. – Numerous job opportunities are an important factor for everybody, not only young couples. If they cannot find a job easily or earn an income they would like to, they opt for relocation and settling down in another city.
  • To be safe. – Safety is one of the most critical features you can expect from a neighborhood. Since young couples mostly consider starting a family in the near future, this is also yet another reason why safety is important.
  • To have a lot of amenities. – We all know very well that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy, right? Hence, young couples like engaging in various activities once they find some free time after work. Luckily, Orange County VA has it all. Whether they are nature lovers, thrill-seekers, or even partygoers, they will find something to enjoy in this area.

Our choice of the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples

Once we have defined what young couples value most when choosing a place to live, we can suggest a few neighborhoods in this area they might like. Even organizing a long-distance relocation is the sacrifice worth making if you find exactly what you are looking for right here. You will soon realize that Orange County VA has the reputation of one of the most livable and pleasant places to live in the USA for a very good reason.

Lake of the Woods

Lake of the Woods is a perfect choice for everybody regardless of their age or marital status. Its home to two very beautiful lakes that give plenty of options for recreational activity, and make a nice alternative than driving to the beach. The unemployment rate here is low since there are numerous job opportunities. As safety is one of the key features to look for, we will stress that the gated community prides itself on keeping all the residents safe with the help of their own security that patrol the streets on a regular basis.

There are a lot of things to see and do here, enjoying the various amenities to spending time in nature. If you have a dog, Lake of the Woods should be your first choice, since the place is genuinely dog-friendly. Here you’ll find substantially sized dog park within the neighborhood that is properly secured for both you and your pet to enjoy.

Young couples who are looking for a place to settle down permanently and start a family soon should seriously consider Lake of the Woods. It is a community that’s centered around each other, as well as in a wonderful school district.

Lastly, there are no short supply of activities to keep you entertained, as community driven clubs and events are constantly occurring with new ones sprouting up on a regular basis. At Lake of the Woods, you’re sure to find a place that truly feels like a forever home.

The Town of Gordonsville

Gordonsville is a small charming town with a lot of small shops and cafes. Although it is usually preferred by those who decide to buy a home in Virginia after retirement,  the situation has recently started to change. A very low crime rate and a lot of outdoor amenities attract all those nature lovers and people who live a healthy lifestyle.

The unemployment rate here tends to be on the higher side when compared to the national average, but the vicinity of some bigger towns increases the number of job opportunities due to short commute time. Also, the cost of living is around the national average, so we can say that living in Gordonsville is a good option for young couples.

The Town of Orange

As you might assume, Orange is the seat of Orange County. It has scored an increase in population in recent years as more and more people, young couples included, are desperately trying to run away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas. The cost of living here is a bit on the pricey side. On the other hand, safety, numerous amenities, and excellent educational facilities are a big plus.

What young couples also like here are nice cafes and restaurants with a warm, friendly atmosphere. They can enjoy a night out, entertain themselves, and still avoid the turbulence of big cities.

Final words on the best neighborhoods in Orange County VA for young couples

Living in Orange County VA is appealing for a great number of people. The County offers all a person needs – to earn a substantial income, have a nice, spacious home, get a good education, and enjoy various leisure activities. While some neighborhoods are a better choice than othres, whatever neighborhood you choose, you will not make a mistake. They are very similar and each and one of them has a distinctive charm that young couples will like.

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, 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 contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Ice Breakers Bass Tournament at Mots Run Reservoir Happening On March 7th!

Bust out the rod and reel and get your best tackle ready, because it’s almost time for the Ice Breakers Bass Tournament at the Moss Run Reservoir on March 7th, hosted by Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events! Lines drop in the water at 8:00 AM and have to be reeled in by 3:00 PM. Entry fee is $50 per team with $5 going towards the biggest catch. Proceeds will go to benefit the Kids’ Fishing Derby that’s happening in June 2020. Boat rentals will be available; however you must bring your own gear. Tournament rules and prize details can be found on Fredericksburg Parks and Recreations website. If you’ve been itching to get your lines in the water, then don’t miss this opportunity!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, 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 contact Pat Licata.

To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com

Raffle for 2 Tickets to SOLD OUT Murder Mystery Night on March 7th!

Friends of Orange County Animal Shelter and The Inn At Willow Grove are proud to present the 3rd Annual Paw Prints and Predictions 80’s Murder Mystery Dinner & Silent Auction, and we’ve got two tickets to give away! It’s gonna be a tubular night with a classic case of who done it! The dinner will be on Saturday March 7th with doors opening at 6:00 PM, and the show starting at 7:30 PM. The dinner will be hosted at The Inn At Willow Grove, with all proceeds going to support the Orange County Animal Shelter Emergency Vet Fund.

How do you win the two tickets? By simply bringing in items to donate to the OC Animal Shelter! All items are accepted, however the Shelter has mentioned that wet dog and cat food, bleach, and detergent are the top four most needed items. Please bring all donations to our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive, Locust Grove, VA 22508 in order to be entered to win the two free tickets. The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, 2/28. This is a great opportunity to help your community, and possibly win a night that is sure to be like totally far out!

Civic Club Speakers to Present “Living Easier with Less” on Wednesday, 2/12 at 7PM

Back by popular demand…On Wednesday, February 12, at 7:00pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, two guest speakers will address the art of organizing and decluttering our homes and methods for removal of the items in order to accomplish an easier way of life. Even if one’s home is the perfect fit, there still may be items that can be “released” for simpler living. For many people, the stress comes from not knowing how to take the first step of thinking through what should stay or go, and for others it may be not knowing how to sell or where to donate items no longer needed or wanted.

Linda Clevenger, Professional Organizer and Owner of Organization Direct, will be our first speaker. Linda has been helping homeowners downsize, right-size, purge, and eliminate items from their homes for over 12 years. She helps clients walk through the process of making decisions regarding the need to keep items and how it will impact life both now and in the future. As the spouse of a disabled Veteran, she is passionate about helping other Veterans and those who struggle with the day to day task of living a clutter-free life.

Cathy France, owner of CopperStone Auctions and Estates, will provide options for the sale of items no longer wanted or needed. CopperStone’s offerings include estate sales from the home, consignment and auction services, and complete buyout of a home’s contents. And of course, the option always exists to donate items to organizations such as the LOW Lions.

There will be time allotted for questions, and we hope to see you there!

Thanks, Pat