Category Archives: Lake of the Woods VA Wildlife

Buy this Lot for Sale on Stratford Cir in Lake of the Woods, Virginia SOLD!!

328 Stratford Cir, Lake of the Woods VA 22508

Have you always dreamed of living at the lake? Don’t miss your chance to build your dream home on sought-after Stratford Circle! Just a short walk to one of the most popular beaches, Ramsay Beach! There is so much right within the gates of the community to enjoy. 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 volunteering 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 $100,000 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 why I love 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 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.

Waterview Home for Sale in Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508, SOLD!!!

2701 Lakeview Pkwy, Lake of the Woods Virginia 22508

Let’s get this lake life started! Enjoy countless days swimming from your dock, playing in the yard and relaxing on the expansive deck! This house is perfect for entertaining and making memories! Boasting an open concept layout, gorgeous sun room to enjoy the atmosphere whether there is rain or shine, soaring ceilings walls of windows and gleaming hardwood floors.

Feel like venturing out? There is plenty to do in the community. 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, waterskiing, 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 volunteering 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 $100,000 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 why I love 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 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.

History in Our Backyard: Introduction

 History in our Backyard, a product of the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FoWB), was created by FoWB’s Special Programs and Education Outreach Committees.  It consists of a series of articles designed to share the history of the Wilderness region with the residents who live in and around this hallowed ground.  The articles focus on either a particular event or a historical period that brings to life the area’s rich and vibrant history dating from the earliest settlers to the present day.  These brief glimpses into the Wilderness’ history are intended to encourage residents of all ages living in and around Spotsylvania and Orange Counties to learn and appreciate the significant impact that this area has had on our local and national history.

For years the Battle of the Wilderness has been under-appreciated by most Americans. Experience tells us that local residents have a limited knowledge of the 1864 battle’s impact, as the first battle in the Overland Campaign and the first face-to-face encounter between Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee.  Further, many residents are unaware that the history of the Wilderness in general is both a microcosm of Virginia history  even predating the birth of our Nation  and a story of agricultural and general economic development in a rural setting.

History in our Backyard is also designed to capture our FoWB members’ wealth of knowledge about various aspects of the Wilderness.  We encourage our volunteers to share with others a particular moment, event, or period in Wilderness history about which they are knowledgeable.  These are not intended to be scholarly works of history but rather tidbits of information about the land for the people who share that land today.  We hope our neighbors will become more engaged with their surroundings by having their neighbors – our volunteers – share their insights into the region through this brief picture. 

Our initial concept was to make these short pictures into history available to local communities’ newspapers, magazines, newsletters, and websites.  But History in our Backyard is growing beyond our initial expectations.  We anticipated no more than a handful of articles a year but that number is increasing and we are reaching more local communities and at least one county-wide medium.  Possibly the most significant expansion will be this compilation of all the articles, as they get published elsewhere, residing on our webpage. 

We welcome your comments and suggestions for improving our product and for future subjects.  We would even welcome your participation as an author of an article on a topic that is of interest to you and would add to the knowledge of our readership.

This article was written by Friends of Wilderness Battlefield.
Continue to Chapter 1: How the Wilderness Became the Wilderness

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.

Top Things to Do In Orange County, Virginia

A meadow with a fence along a trail, representing things to do in Orange County Virginia.
Things to do in Orange County Virginia

Are you considering a visit to Orange County, Virginia? This is truly one of the most wonderful areas you can visit in this part of the country. If you need an activity-filled vacation, but don’t want to leave the US, visiting this county is truly one of the finest decisions you can make. And for those who don’t know exactly what to do around here, don’t worry – we’ve got some suggestions for things to do in Orange County Virginia! 

Staying in period cottages.

Before you start looking for things to do in Orange County Virginia, there’s one very important thing you need to ask yourself. Primarily – why are you coming here in the first place? If you’re looking to relocate here permanently, you’ll definitely have a lot to do before enjoying all the local amenities. You’ll have to find assistance for your move in Virginia, buy packing materials, and ship all of your stuff there. But if you’re just looking for a simple vacation, then the place where you’ll stay is important as well.  

A rustic cottage in the countryside.

Orange County Virginia offers plenty of period cottages to stay in!

That’s why we recommend spending some time to think where you’ll stay in Orange County Virginia. If you truly want to feel the rustic spirit of the country, staying in one of the numerous available period cottages is a fine idea. For example, the Boxwood Villa is found on the outskirts of the town. And this is truly an ancient home, dating all the way back to 1850, but recently renovated to receive guests. Seeing as its structure was in fine shape, all it needed was some touching up. These days, it’s one of the best cottages in the area. 

Try the local brews and wines 

Naturally, when people visit a new part of the country, everyone looks for different things. Some like visiting historical sites, while others like scenic tours of the area. And while all of that is well and good, there are other region-specific things to try out. With that in mind – trying the local alcohol is one of the most fun things to do in Orange County Virginia. As you make your journey around the town and the surrounding area, you’ll find that it offers plenty of interesting breweries and wineries.  

Beer bottles next to a pile of caps on a shelf, representing craft beer.

There are many great small breweries around here!

Interesting breweries 

For example, you’ve got the intriguing Red, White Bleu and Brew brewery. If you’re a fan of both exquisite beer and historical sites, this is definitely a place you shouldn’t miss. So, what makes it one of the things to do in Orange County Virginia? Well, for one – it’s three quarters of a century old, which makes for a lot of combined experience. They focus on products related to Virginia, but they’ve got some international offerings as well. With that in mind, know that you’ve got a beer selection here that you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in the region. As you explore the area, this is one of the best places to stop and rest with a nice cold one! 

Historical sights 

As we’ve already mentioned, this is definitely a historic area, with lots to offer to people who like to have a sense of the past on their vacations. So, bearing this in mind – are there things to do in Orange County Virginia that are fun for the fans of history? Well, absolutely! Trust us, by the time you’re done exploring Orange County Virginia, you’ll want to buy a cabin home here. But before you do – here are some suggestions on historical sites! 

Christ Episcopal Church 

Even if you’re not particularly religious, there’s no reason not to appreciate the historical architecture of the local churches. And if you are, this is a double pleasure for you! For example, you can visit the majestic Christ Episcopal Church here. Its ecclesiastical structure makes it a classic Gothic-style church, but not a particularly sprawling one. Nonetheless, the locals have maintained it extremely well, which makes it a worthy sight to see.  

Barboursville Ruins 

But are there other historical things to do in Orange County Virginia? Naturally! Why not visit the ruins of Governor Barbour’s mansion? These days, this is just a historical landmark, as a fire wrecked a lot of it back in 1884. Regardless, it’s still an interesting place. Thomas Jefferson actually designed it himself, and he wanted it to be the grandest home in all of Orange County. The inside boasted a majestic octagonal parlor, while the facade is Flemish brickwork. The eponymous Barbour was the first governor of Virginia at the start of the 19th century. And his mansion was the center of a great agricultural estate, so it’s definitely one of the most memorable historical sites in the region. 

James Madison’s Montpelier 

While you’re visiting the homes of important historical figures, why not catch a glance at the private life of James Madison? The man obviously needs no introduction, being the father of the Constitution, as well as the primary creator of the Bill of Rights. Interestingly enough, his wife, Dolly Madison, was actually the first wife of a president to be named ‘First Lady’.  

Bronze statues of James Madison and his wife on their estate.

Explore the life of James Madison and his wife!

And the two of them lived on an estate nearby. So, why not go on a historical tour of the lives of the Madisons – who were one of the most important couples in the country’s history? Their private life is intertwined with the rise of democracy in America, as you’ll see while you visit their home. Naturally, you’ll also see a sharp contrast with their political efforts, as their plantations were operated by slaves. 

Once you arrive, you’ll see that you can do plenty of things around here and see a lot of intriguing historical facts. The locals have preserved the Madisons’ beautiful gardens, a local forest, and a lot of walking trails for tourists. All of these are open to the public all year long, so missing out on any of this would definitely be a mistake! 

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.

Who or What are the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield (FOWB)?

Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, Inc. (FoWB) began in 1995 as a small group of local residents who recognized a need to assist the National Park Service (NPS) in the preservation and maintenance of the Wilderness Battlefield which was located in their back yard.  Over the years the organization has evolved and grown to over 200 members with dozens of member volunteers who not only provide maintenance assistance to NPS, but also provide education and advocacy for the Park, the battlefields and the local area.

One of the pressing questions we, as an organization, continuously ask is “How do we instill a sense of ownership in the general public so that they feel compelled to preserve our national treasures, like our battlefields?”  One of the answers is “Educate folks on the rich and varied history of the area in which they live”. 

This series of articles called History in our Backyard will hopefully help local residents, and all visitors to the area for that matter, realize that the local history of Orange and Spotsylvania Counties needs to be preserved and shared with generations to come.

Kudos to all of our volunteers who have taken the time to write these great articles!

Mark Leach, President FoWB

Begin History in Our Backyard: the Introduction

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.

Virginia Star Gazers Welcome…

Did you know there are 43 designated dark sky parks in the US? Of those 43 there are now 2 in Virginia! Staunton River State Park has been a designated dark sky park in Virginia. Next month the James River State Park in Buckingham County will be joining the International Dark-Sky Association!

James River State Park is located at: 104 Green Hill Dr, Gladstone VA 24553 and has outdoor lighting policy to minimize light pollution. According to the Free Lance Star, this project was lead by Lora Callahan as an effort to win a Girl Scout Gold Award.

If you ever have the opportunity, check it out and share your experience with us!

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.

Enjoy 245ft of Water Frontage From This Unique Lake of the Woods Home! 111 Boxwood Trail Now SOLD!!!

Your private, tranquil lake retreat boasting 245 ft of water frontage on approx 1 acre w/ spectacular sunsets & incredible lake views–a true wildlife paradise–awaits! The architecture at 111 Boxwood Trail is simply amazing in this 1 level, 1-of-a-kind custom home! Ponds, tea house, outdoor shower, & decking grace the exterior. You’ll love the lifestyle: lakes, pools, golf, horse trails, Clubhouse, & so much more!

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 and co-op preschool 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 volunteering 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 $100,000 to over $1,000,000, 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 why I love 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 Advisers 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.

Equestrian Center Weekends in Lake of the Woods, Virginia 22508

Spring has begun! The Lake of the Woods Equestrian Center is open for drop-in lessons and trail rides. The Equestrian Center is located at 100 Tally Ho Lane in Lake of the Woods, Virginia.

Their general hours on Saturday & Sunday are 9AM – 5PM.

Lessons or Pony Rides begin at 10AM and 11AM. While the Trail Rides begin at 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM, if no trail ride has been scheduled during those start times, pony rides will be available.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time for a ride or a class as space is limited! Lessons and pony rides are offered rain or shine in the covered ring! What a fun, engaging way to spend your weekend with your little ones, especially if you or your child(ren) have a huge soft spot for horses and ponies! Before you leave the Equestrian Center, you’ll already want to come back! They do offer boarding services as well, so should you or anyone in your family be interested in owning a horse, this is a great opportunity to speak with the Center about their boarding options. We are so happy to live in a great community that offers us a variety of amenities that you may not find elsewhere.

For more information about the Equestrian Center, you can call: 540-972-2238.

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.

Win TWO tickets to SOLD OUT: Murder Mystery Dinner Party!!!

Orange County Animal Shelter

We LOVE supporting the local animal shelter and we hope you will too!

You can support the Local Orange County Humane Society by ADOPTING a pet or DONATING an item. You will be entered to win 2 tickets to the MURDER MYSTERY DINNER PARTY at the INN at WILLOW GROVE. We have the LAST TWO tickets available! The shelter currently needs: BLEACH, TOYS, CAT LITTER, LAUNDRY SOAP, CANNED CAT & DOG FOOD, BLANKETS or a MONETARY donation is accepted as well. If you donate or adopt a pet in February PLEASE LET THE SHELTER KNOW YOU WANT TO BE ENTERED INTO OUR CONTEST! Be sure to provide your name, phone number and email address!

Winner will be chosen Friday, MARCH 1st, 2019!

Thank you for supporting your local animal shelter!

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.

Oh Dear! The Deer Are Here!

By: Jazmine Rubi

No matter where you live – the deer are here!
Watch out when you’re driving home on Route 3 to Locust Grove or Lake of the Woods. Be especially careful at dawn and night on the back roads (particularly on the super winding ones) where they can jump out at any given moment. Drive slower and use your high beams and honk your horn to scare them.  I’ve heard there are ‘deer whistles’ but many have doubts of their reliability. If it appears your car is going to make impact with the deer – you should avoid swerving, as more accidents occur this way. You never know what can happen, so of course always wear your seat belt!
If you thought, you have seen an increase in deer recently – you are not going winter-crazy! It is mating season, so you will see more deer along the normal tree-lined Route 3 to the Locust Grove area, even on the way to Culpeper. Be cautious and alert!
There are more animals to look out for then deer! Sadly, this month I have seen so many other small creatures alongside the road that have crossed the rainbow bridge. On my way to work this morning, coming from Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania to Locust Grove, I counted no less than 5 small animals on the side of the road whose lives were taken too soon due to high activity on the roadway. It may be difficult to avoid hitting a critter while driving, especially when it’s only a 2-lane road, you can try to prevent impact by being aware of your surroundings before they come out on the road. Although you may want to swerve to avoid hitting them, if it’s too late – it’s better for your safety and the safety of others on the road to keep moving forward.
Drive slower on less lit roads, especially winding back roads. Use your high-beams and your horns! Stay safe and remember there’s more than just you on the road (or the woods) parallel to the roads.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your professionals for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia, we are your proven Real Estate professionals. 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.