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!
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 this adorable 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath with 1176 sq. feet of cozy living ready for happy fun-loving memories to be made. Entering the front you are greeted by an expansive living room that offers an oversized window that shares an array of natural light. The pass-through window between the living room and kitchen will keep you connected with your family while cooking. The well-appointed kitchen contains plenty of counter space and ample storage with a large pantry. The laundry access is from the kitchen as well as the deck and fenced backyard that backs to trees. From the living room, you will take the stairs to a sleepy slumber in one of the two spacious bedrooms that occupy the upper level with a full bath. The unit comes with 2 designated parking spaces and shared visitor parking. This precious home is located close to Quantico, commuter lots, I-95, and route 1 with shopping within a short driving distance. Do not delay, this home will not last.
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 to 1115 Lakeview, a fantastic cottage that’s simply perfect for a primary residence, vacation home, or vacation rental! Completely renovated in 2015 (from the studs out), you’ll fall in love the moment you enter! Beamed ceilings and walls define the interior, while decks, screened porch, and patio complete the exterior. There’s plenty of room for a firepit on this large, level lot for smores and more. Having served as a vacation rental recently, the home is nicely furnished. Please ask for particulars. This spectacular home is located in a private, gated, secured community, Lake of the Woods, that 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.
Living near water is something many people around the US dream of. Speaking of dreams and future objectives, living in one of the most beautiful US states – Virginia – is a thought many people go to bed with. Today, we’ve decided to put the two fantasies together. In other words, we’ll introduce you to all the health benefits of waterfront living in Virginia. Not only does it sound incredible, but it also comes with many health advantages. Therefore, stay tuned for some helpful info and tips!
#1 Waterfront living enhances the quality of your sleep
Needless to say, a good night’s sleep is a crucial element of your well-being. Research study results have proved that people who live near water enjoy a more restful sleep. Also, the same studies have shown that the same group faces less stress daily. Your body needs to rest, and there isn’t a better place to recover from a long working day than nested inside a peaceful environment. Get rid of stress, and maximize your joy. Most of the time, waterfront living in Virginia is synonymous with the lack of noise pollution we’re pretty used to enduring in the cities. You won’t have trouble falling asleep once you move to some of the state’s jaw-droppingly-attractive waterfront neighborhoods.
Living near water enhances the quality of sleep.
#2 Waterfront living enables you to enjoy water-related activities anytime you want
Being right there, near a larger body of water, will enable you to enjoy all your favorite water-related activities. And, if you own a boat, even better! Living close to the water will probably mean you have your own dock, too. As a boat owner, you’ll always want to opt for a property that offers this advantage. You don’t want to worry about driving to the spot where you’ve pared your boat or finding the ideal storage place. Also, docks aren’t only functional as parking spaces. You can use your dock as a diving board, a fishing spot, or simply a place where you sit down, crack open a cold beverage and enjoy the scenery. Who knows, you might even come up with a philosophical school of your own while water-gazing.
#3 Living near water is healthy even if you’re a city dweller
We’re pretty sure you understand this article doesn’t only cover non-urban waterfront properties. Virginia’s got some fantastic cities located near or directly placed upon a solid body of water. Just take Richmond or Alexandria as examples. A German research study has found that living near water is excellent for urban dwellers, too. We’re talking ponds, pools, and even – water fountains! Therefore, buying a waterfront property in Virginia will help you overcome some of the disadvantages city life offers to its “practitioners”. As mentioned above, you’ll enjoy less stress and better sleeping conditions. Lastly, if you’re a recovering addict, living near water will help ease the process, as professionals at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center point out.
Waterfront living improves the overall quality of life, even if you’re a city dweller.
#4 Enjoy better air quality with waterfront living in Virginia
Air quality tends to be better near water. Also, some people are more prone to sit, relax and unwind a little near water. In other words, they tend to breathe deeper and smoother. So air quality is crucial in such moments. Not to mention all the vegetation and plants usually found near water. Those are your natural air filters. You won’t need to buy expensive air cleaners for your waterfront property in Virginia.
One can’t say this is a direct health benefit, but you’ll agree it has something to do with how we perceive our surroundings, thus affecting our everyday well-being. For example, let’s say you’ve bought yourself a scenic Virginia lake home. You might notice that the next home is not so close. In other words, you’ll soon find out that you will have to deal with fewer nosy neighbors.
Lake homes tend to be further apart, thus allowing their owners more privacy than they’d enjoy in a more traditional suburban neighborhood. A lake home will help you deal with all the troubles city life plagues us with. This much-needed intimacy can be a savior for all those struggling with something or trying to get back on their feet. For example, this serenity is perfect for recovering addicts who want to get long-term help. There are many long-term addiction treatments in West Virginia, but recovery doesn’t stop there. A little bit of peace and quiet that your waterfront property can bring will work wonders for mental health.
#6 Let’s consider the sound of water
We’ve implied this in the previous paragraphs, but it’s nevertheless crucial that we emphasize the calming properties of the sound of water. Did you know that the sound of running water, rushing and trickling, or waves smoothly hitting the shoreline possess fantastic calming and emotionally healing properties? Once you add that sound to the waterfront breeze, you get a match made in heaven, as they say. There isn’t a more comprehensive calm, as many people that own a waterfront property like to point out.
The sound of running water has a soothing effect on the human mind.
#7 Living near water will inspire you to enjoy other fun (outdoor) activities
Of course, it’s not like simply sitting down in a cool shade with a good book by a body of water isn’t enough. However, enjoying a waterfront property in Virginia will allow you to immerse yourself in other fun activities. We’re talking about all the great outdoor efforts one can partake in: hiking, camping, wildlife watching, etc. Nature is a remedy, don’t trust anyone who tells you the opposite.
Closing thoughts on the subject
These were some of the many health benefits of waterfront living in Virginia. Now you’ve seen all the advantages of buying a (vacation) waterfront property in one of the most scenic US states. If you were hesitant before, we’re pretty sure you don’t have any doubts about whether such a decision is a good one!
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 Licata Group will be hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11 AM – 2PM! Just in time for the end of tax season, so salsa on over and safely and securely shred your documents! The Shred trucks will be located within the Food Lion parking lot across from the Lake of the Woods front gate, near our office at 36111 Goodwin Drive (between AT&T and CVS). Donations are encouraged but not required, and all proceeds will benefit Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue. We love being a resource to our community, so come and shred to your heart’s content! Can you make it? Let us know here!
Bring your appetite, too! The fabulous Taco Tuesday Food Truck will be there selling a delicious variety of Mexican fare and Kona Ice will be there selling shaved ice with 20% of proceeds going to LOW Fire and Rescue. Let’s support our 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
The exterior of your home is one of the first things that potential buyers, visitors, and other passersbys will notice—so if it’s starting to look drab or outdated, it’s important to take steps to improve curb appeal. Here are a few easy ways to upgrade your home’s exterior:
If you have red brick, paint it gray or white. While red brick was a standard material to use on the exterior of homes and other buildings for many years, it is no longer as popular and can give a home a dated appearance. Fortunately, there’s a relatively easy solution: painting the brick white or gray can create a brighter, cleaner, more modern look.
Swap out front doors that contain decorative glass. While front doors with frosted or decorative textured glass offer a great way to let natural light into the home while still providing some privacy, most of these styles are no longer in vogue. Upgrading your door to one with clear glass panels or simple solid wood (or an alternative material like fiberglass) can instantly create a more up-to-date aesthetic.
Use contrasting colors. Choosing paint colors that have a stark contrast for your home’s exterior, as well as the front door and window shutters, can help create dimension and visual intrigue.
Add some lighting. The right lighting can be a powerful way to add style and accentuate your home’s best features, even during the daytime. For instance, consider adding some pathway lighting to ensure that the approach to your front door looks inviting, uplighting or down-lighting to draw attention to certain features, or an eye-catching hanging light over your front door.
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.
Everyone loves Taco Tuesday, but what about Taco and Beer Saturday? The FXBG Taco & Beer Festival will be taking place at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 13th, from 11 am to 4 pm. For a small fee of $40.00 per person, you will receive unlimited crafted beer samples and two taco vouchers to use at some of the best restaurants and food trucks in the NOVA area. Live music will be setting the mood, and people will be competitive on the lawn games, checking out other vendors, or hanging out at the Margarita Bar. The event supports the Frederikson Outreach Coalition helping to fund child education and assist in youth sports. For more information about this event or to purchase tickets, click 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.
Date night doesn’t have to be just for couples. How about a date night for the whole family? The Lake of the Woods Pools and Community Activities Committee is hosting Family Date Night at the Clubhouse Saturday, February 18th, 2023 from 6 pm – 9 pm. Reservations are required for this event, so click here to reserve your spot now! The cost per adult is $15.95, children under 10 is $10.95, and children under 3 eat free. The menu consists of a starter salad and garlic bread sticks; followed by entree options of penne or bow tie pasta with your choice of marinara sauce and meatballs, or alfredo sauce with chicken, porcini mushroom ravioli in a sherry cream sauce with a side of seasonal vegetable medley, and cookies and brownies for dessert. So come hungry and ready to grace each other’s presence with a bountiful of laughter.
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.
Calling all kids! Are you bummed because you haven’t seen or felt the snow yet this year? Well, you still can! Stop by the FredNat Stadium and be part of the snowball games on February 18, 2023, at 3 pm. The cost to join is $3 per person or $5 for two. You must pre-register at fxbgparks.com. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. So sign up and enjoy a round of snowball games. From snowball fights, snowball chin races, and snowball cup tower knockdowns, there will be plenty of fun for all.
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.
Looking for something fun for the kids to do during the cold winter months to keep them active? Look no further. Virtuous Dance Center is offering JAZZ FUNK & Improv dance with Briah Bebbs Saturday, January 21st, 2023. JAZZ FUNK starts at 1 pm, IMPROV starts at 2:30 pm. Each class runs for 90 mins for ages 10 and up. Admission is $30 per person. Virtuous Dance Center 31 Utah Place Fredericksburg, VA 22405. Visit here to purchase tickets!
JAZZ FUNK is a mixture of Jazz, Hip hop, and Waaking. Currently, it is one of the most popular and commercially successful dance styles worldwide. This style is used in video clips, and live shows of pop stars legends such as Beyonce, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. This dance style gives you the opportunity to release attitude, show your sassy side, and show ‘em who is boss simply by your moves.
IMPROV is Dance improvisation which is the process of creating a movement without pre-planning and steps, commonly known as improv. Free movement is a great way to have fun, relieve any stress and explore new ways to move with no rules.
Briah Bebbs is well diverse in dance styles. From ballet, Jazz, to Tap, and more. She started dancing at the age of 5 at the City Dance Theatre in Richmond, VA winning many awards. Briah also excelled as a student of the Henrico High School Center for the Arts, where she was a Dance major. Ms. Bebbs has also trained at L.A. Play, LaBrea Dance Studio, Joffrey Ballet Studio, and Chelsea’, a dance studio, Alvin Ailey, and she also attended the Governor School for Arts and Humanities at Radford University. After high school, she went on to perform with the Divine Elegance Dance Line and the illustrious dance program on the collegiate level at Virginia Union University. And she has worked with choreographers such as Diontey Michael, Tony Colden, Willie Hinton, Chris Gayle, and many others. She offers many other dance-style training as well, as she shares her love of dance by teaching from her many dance-style accomplishments.
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.
