Category Archives: Orange County Animal Shelter

πŸŽ‰ Save the Day For Our Annual Shred Day! πŸŽ‰

Mark your calendars for April 20th, 2024 – it’s time to save the day at our Annual Shred Day event! Join us from 11 am to 2 pm in the parking lot by Food Lion, right across from Lake of the Woods. Get ready for a day packed with fun, community spirit, and plenty of ways to make a difference!

πŸš’ Supporting Our Local Heroes

While the event is free for all to attend, we’re excited to be accepting donations for the Lake of the Woods Fire Department. Every contribution counts, so let’s rally together and show our appreciation for these real-life heroes who keep our community safe!

🐾 Furry Friends and Furry Love

But wait, there’s more! We’re thrilled to have the Orange County Animal Shelter joining us, bringing along their adorable and adoptable pets! Show them some love and support by donating much-needed supplies like food, treats, peanut butter, cleaning supplies, beds, and blankets. Let’s give these furry friends the comfort they deserve!

πŸ”πŸ¦ Food, Fun, and Friends

Feeling hungry? We’ve got you covered! Indulge in delicious eats from the Fire Escape Food Truck, serving up mouthwatering treats that’ll satisfy any craving. And what better way to cool off than with some refreshing Rita’s Ice Cream? It’s the perfect pairing for a sunny day of community celebration!

🀝 Join the Fun with Licata Group Team

Of course, no event would be complete without our amazing Licata Group team! Swing by to say hello, share a few laughs, and bask in the warm camaraderie of our wonderful community. Whether you’re shredding documents, snuggling with furry friends, or enjoying some tasty treats, we can’t wait to see you there!

So mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and let’s make April 20th a day to remember. Together, we’ll shred, support, and share the love – because that’s what community is all about!

See you there! πŸŽ‰

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or 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, β€œWhat 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 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 Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

a woman petting her dog

Top-Rated Places in Orange County, VA, for Dog OwnersΒ 

Orange County is an area any dog owner will love living in. But which places in Orange County are the best for you and your best friend? Dogs will love living in a place that’s near a forest and away from all the noise big cities have. However, there are a couple of places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners where you can have the best of both worlds. You will keep your pet happy while at the same time living near all the amenities you will ever need. Whichever of the following places you decide to relocate to, you will not go wrong with your choice. 

Orange is one of the best places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners

Although this town has a small population, it will not disappoint you. A tight-knit community makes Orange an excellent place to relocate to. As a dog owner, you will easily find other dog owners to connect with. The people in Orange are very welcoming to newcomers. You will feel at home very soon after relocating. The town of Orange features many vast, open spaces where you can take your dog out for a run. That includes not only parks but also forests. If you wish to spend some time outside without your dog, you must visit a couple of places. In the surrounding area, you will find farms, vineyards, and gardens that you can spend a day exploring. With all these things in mind, this town is worth considering as a potential new home for you and your best friend. 

Lake of the Woods 

One of the best and top-rated places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners has to be Lake of the Woods. This community has the largest population of all the towns in Orange County. In Lake of the Woods, you will have everything you need as a dog owner. This location is excellent as you will never be bored with so many different things to do. In Lake of the Woods, you get everything you can find in a big town, but you still stay near nature. So, if you are outgoing, this is the best choice for you. On the weekends, you can take your dog for a swim, a long walk, or even camp together. All in all, Lake of the Woods is a choice no one can go wrong with.Β 

a woman walking her dogs near a forest
Your dog will appreciate spending a lot of time in nature.

Locust Grove 

However, if you are looking to move away from the crowds and find a peaceful place for yourself and your dog, Locust Grove may be the right choice. In this small Orange County town, you can stay away from the busy lifestyle and just spend time doing outdoor activities. You will be able to give your dog the life they deserve. In Locust Grove, you can find great houses with large backyards. This affordable Virginia real estate is perfect for dog owners, especially if you have more than one dog. If you’re moving to Locust Grove, but your home is not move-in ready, don’t worry. Experts from A2B Moving and Storage advise you to put your things into storage until you finish setting up your new home. Also, you can find a temporary home for you and your dog until the move-in day arrives.

Gordonsville is another excellent choice for dog owners 

As someone who loves animals, you will also love living in the town of Gordonsville in Orange County. In Gordonsville, you can go horseback riding at one of the farms or equestrian centers. Gordonsville is in Orange County, just at the border with Louisa County. So you will have easy access to the amenities in both counties. This place is perfect if you love taking your dog on camping trips. The stunning forests and available campgrounds nearby will give you and your pet a chance to spend a lot of time in nature. You can help your dog stay healthy by taking them for long walks in Gordonsville. As a bonus, you will also be able to live a healthy lifestyle once you relocate to Gordonsville. 

you can go camping with your dog to these places in Orange County, VA, for dog owners, just like the couple in the photo
You can spend time in Orange County by going camping with your dog.

Moving to Orange County with pets 

Finding that perfect Virginia home and finally receiving the keys is one of the best feelings in the world. However, being faced with a long-distance relocation can take away some of the excitement. There are so many different things to do before the moving day arrives. And relocating with pets can be even more difficult. They won’t understand what’s happening, especially if this is your first time relocating with your dog. That’s why organizing and taking things slow are the keys to a successful relocation with any pet. When it comes to successfully relocating with pets, it’s all about preparing well. 

Take your time when you pack for the move. That will lower the chances of your dog stressing out during packing. If you wish to move with the help of professional movers, it may be best to leave your dog with a professional pet sitter or a friend they know. You can pick up your dog once the movers take your things to your new Virginia home. Your dog will probably be confused to see your things gone, but at least they won’t be stressed from meeting too many strangers. All this will help them through the process and make any long-distance relocation easier. Once they arrive at their new home, they will need some time to adjust. But, with the great nature, Orange County has, this confusing period will be over in no time. 

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, β€œwhat 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.

moving to orange county va with your dog

Moving to Orange County, VA with Your Dog

You are moving into a new home – it’s exciting but rather challenging. And we’re not thinking only of packing – some β€˜hidden’ challenges will undoubtedly come your way if you’re not well-prepared. One of them is surely taking care of your furry friend while moving. Pets, especially dogs, can react nervously to the whole thing, making the process even more difficult. Luckily, there’s a way to avoid issues. Here are the best tips on moving to Orange County, VA with your dog.

Why Orange County, VA is great for people with pets

Not every place is good for pets. However, Orange County is undoubtedly one of the pet-friendly ones. Firstly, you can truly enjoy the outdoors – your dog can run, play and jump as much as it wants. There are several parks and other green spaces in cities such as Orange and Gordonsville. Also, most shops allow well-behaved dogs, allowing you to go shopping with your furry friend. Finally, you’ll be able to find a pet-friendly home as well – just be sure to set this as a priority in your house-hunting process.

How to make moving to Orange County, VA with your dog smooth and stress-free?

Relocations are not only stressful for humans – dogs can feel stressed out as well. The biggest reason for it is the disruption of their living space and adapting to the new environment. Dogs rely on the smells around them, so they can become pretty nervous once they need to move into an unfamiliar place. There are ways you can make moving with pets easier for your little friend and prepare for this task β€“ so be sure to remember these tips when you start planning your move to Orange County, VA.

Let moving supplies be there for a while

Bringing new objects to the house can make your dog upset – especially if you start packing β€˜their’ items into boxes. Thus, make sure you bring in moving supplies a bit before you need to start packing. This will allow your pet to get used to these items and have no issues once you start packing your household for the move. After going through all the steps of buying a property, hiring movers, and shopping for packing supplies, sitting in a house filled with packing materials might be the last thing you want. However, it’s what your dog needs, and that’s all that should matter. 

 a dog sitting in a chair
Dogs are very sensitive to changes – make sure they don’t feel a thing when moving to a new home.

Figure out the transport details 

Depending on where you’re coming from, you and your pet will spend more or less time in your car, or a plane, train, etc. Thus, it helps to figure out the transport details on time. If you’ll need a transport box, and your dog is not used to traveling in it – get one beforehand. Let it sit in your home for a couple of weeks, so your pet can get used to it. Put its favorite toys and snacks in this transport box, so the dog can see it’s a safe place to be.

In case you need to travel by plane, and this is the first time for your dog, it’s good to prepare it for it. Some people recommend going together through a car wash, which simulates the sounds and vibrations to the ones you feel on the plane. But most importantly, it’s essential that you are calm and that you speak to your dog in a calm, optimistic voice.

Stick to a routine 

Moving house can disrupt your schedule a lot. However, it’sΒ essential to stick to your dog’s routines as much as possible. This includesΒ feeding and playtime and your routines when going for a walk. The routine will ensure your dog feels safe and calm even with all the changes around.

a woman practicing yoga with her dog
Always stick to the routines when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog

Bring all of your pet’s old items 

It’s often recommended to declutter the old household before you start packing and throw away everything that you can replace with new items. However, when moving to Orange County, VA with your dog, try to keep most of the old things. Keep your dog’s old food and water bowls, bed, and toys. Once you arrive at the new bigger/smaller home, these items will help them feel secure and recognize the new place as their new home.

Visit the vet before moving to Orange County, VA

Pay a visit to your old vet before you relocate. They may be able to recommend a new vet in Orange County, VA. Also, they could write all the necessary prescriptions in case your dog takes therapy. Finally, make sure your pet is microchipped β€“ with the updated address. This proved to be useful for pet owners whose pets escaped during the move as they were feeling anxious and scared. Finally, take care of all the documentation, especially when moving from another state or relocating internationally.

a girl using a laptop to find out more about moving with her dog
Schedule a visit to the pet before moving and get all the necessary documentation for a safe journey.

Keep your dog away on the moving day 

Once all the boxes are packed and movers are about to arrive, it’s best to leave your dog in trusted hands but away from the house. Experienced moving companies, such as Zippy Shell NV, recommend you find a place where your furry friend will feel calm and safe. Ask a friend or a trusted dog sitter to take care of your pet while movers do their part. Strangers taking away items from your home are what dogs see as a threat, making them extremely nervous and sometimes aggressive.

Adapting to the new space 

After the move, it’s time for the last step to introduce the dog to the new living space. Firstly, make sure the new home is safe for a pet β€“ remove any hazards, close all the doors and windows and then let the dog into the house. As everything is new, your dog will explore the space by trying to smell and touch almost everything in the house. That’s why the environment must be safe for this new curious resident. Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog can be a wonderful experience – but you have to make it such. 

Meta description: Moving to Orange County, VA with your dog in the days to come? Then read our article and learn how to get ready for it. 

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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, β€œwhat 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.

Licata Group Shred Day Returns, Saturday, April 30th, 2022!


The Licata Group team with the assistance of LOW Fire and Rescue 29 will be hosting a Community Shred Day on Saturday, April 30th 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-it truck 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, as all proceeds will benefit Lake of the Woods Fire and Rescue. Fire and Rescue will be on-site assisting! We love being a resource to our community, so come and shred to your heart’s content! The Orange County Animal shelter will be present with adoptable animals. Bring your appetite, too! The fabulous Taco Tuesday Food Truck will be there selling a delicious variety of Mexican fare.

 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, β€œwhat 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

All you need to know about the lifestyle in Orange County, VA

Living in a big city is fantastic. Such a lifestyle brings many benefits when it comes to job opportunities, social life, and entertainment. However, city life also brings high costs of living, limited housing options, and a lot of everyday stress caused by commute and other factors. Not to mention the financial burden, because it’s never enough no matter how much you earn. Being in the center of the happening has a high cost. And as we grow older, we realize that relocation to a healthier and more affordable location is a game-changer. Unlike fast city pace, the lifestyle in Orange County, VA, is a different story. Here, you can slow down, enjoy nature and the people around you without losing essential location amenities. If you’re considering turning your life for the better, here is all you need to know about life in this charming county.

County location amenities

When choosing your future home, it is essential to know what you are looking for in a place. For instance, the location is one of the most critical factors of relocation because it will often dictate the job opportunities and other amenities the town provides. Thus, living near industry hubs and city centers is relevant, especially for working people. That is why many professionals have chosen Orange County as their new home in the past few years. Surrounded by Washington D.C. to the north, Richmond to the south, and Charlottesville to the southeast, this county has some great opportunities in business and educational fields.

Yet, since it is a growing county, some work on providing more gainful employment for the youth could be useful. The primary industries lay in agriculture, manufacture, and commercial services. However, recently a tourist and investors influx has given a boost to the development of this charming community. Thus, we can expect many more entrepreneurs and startup industries to choose Orange County as their base.

Vineyard in Orange County, VA
Orange County is famous for its vineyards and wine tasting tours

Pace of life

Orange County community is surrounded by farms and rich agriculture, with plenty of wineries where residents can enjoy some of Virginia’s best vines. That, and being the birthplace of James Madison, the founder of the U.S. Constitution, attracts many tourists to these parts. The residents are proud of the rich history of the place, which is incorporated in every part of the town.

Taking a stroll in downtown Orange County, you can see the cutest local shops and venues. And you will be surprised by the culinary mastery of the local chiefs. You can be sure to have some of the best dining experiences visiting town restaurants. Still, unlike in big cities, you won’t have to wait for meal reservations or get annoyed by the crowd and noisy streets. The town is a haven of enjoyment and relaxation, perfect for a retiree and family life. But, according to Virginia’s moving experts at Po’s Moving & Storage, in the past two years, a lot of their clients have been young professionals working remotely. Affordable costs of living, and a healthy lifestyle in Orange County, lately make many city people re-consider their living conditions.

Leisure opportunities in the area

Even for lovers of outdoor recreation, the O.C. has a lot of fun opportunities. Golf lovers can enjoy some of the numerous courses, while Lake Anna, Lake Orange, and Angler’s Landing are known to be a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. For more active nature lovers, especially those in water sports, kayaking tours on the Rapidan waterways will provide an unforgettable experience. And if you’re into more extreme outdoor activities, you can skydive with the help of the local experts. However, wine tasting tours, farm visits, and historical and nature trails are available for those who fancy a slower pace.

Family on a kayaking tour, representing lifestyle in Orange County, VA
The lifestyle of Orange County can provide some of the best outdoor activities for people who are into water sports

What makes people move to Orange County, VA

Due to a slow life pace, the O.C. is a common moving destination for the retiree community. But also, it is popular with people who want to live a quality and peaceful life while growing their family. Unlike high-priced housing markets in Northern Virginia, this place provides more comfortable and bigger homes at affordable costs. Whether it comes to better housing options or the desire to switch to a more eco-friendly way of living, the number of new homeowners in Orange County is growing lately.

Nowadays, we connect to the World Wide Web and often disconnect from the people and the world around us. That could make it hard to meet new people after the move. The quality traits, where people are friendly and traditions matter, are getting harder to find every day. It is the close-knit communities where you can easily make new friends and have a fresh, healthy lifestyle that restore the true values.

Woman with a child in nature
Virginia is famous for its stunning nature and agricultural potential. Thus, many young families move when switching to an eco-friendly way of living

Local festivities

Even though a relatively small community, Orange County enjoys celebrating numerous year-round festivals and sporting events.  At Downtown Orange Street Festival, you get to challenge your senses with some of the best cuisines, music, art, and beverages. As a community awareness promotion, the festival draws over 5,000 visitors from all over Virginia, especially families with kids. However, that’s not all. People in Orange County love to celebrate and have a good time. Thus, they use it to throw many other festivities, such as Office Costume Contest, Liberty Ride, Fallapalooza, Town Scavenger Hunt, Sunflower Orange Festival, Restaurant Week, and other cultural, music, and social events. 

Montpelier horse race
The state-renowned event, the Montpelier horse, and Jack Russell terrier races are making people flock here every November

Conclusion

If you are tired of city hustle and financial burden and want to take a slower pace, the lifestyle in Orange County could be a perfect choice for you. Here, you don’t have to sacrifice visits to your favorite shops and city amenities. The town itself has some of the most charming shops and local businesses in Virginia. From numerous town festivals to exquisite outdoor recreational opportunities, there is something for everyone’s taste. Still, when the nostalgia hits, big cities such as Richmond, Washington DC, and Charlottesville are just a short ride away.

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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, β€œwhat 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.

Downtown Orange County Street Festival, Saturday, September 11, 2021

This year’s 46th Orange County’s Street Festival will be in honor and remembrance of September 11, 2011, with the theme of HONOR OUR HEROES hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s annual beloved community event will take place from 9AM to 4PM on Saturday, September 11th, and typically features over 200 artisans, craft and commercial vendors, a variety of food and beverage options, live music, a kid’s zone, and a beer and wine garden for the adults. Check out a list of all the vendors already scheduled to be at the event here.

This family-friendly festival attracts an average of 5,000+ people from all over Central Virginia each year and is a great opportunity for community awareness and promotion. This event is completely free to attend, grab the kids and friends as this will be fun for all!

If you’re interested in participating as a vendor, please apply 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, β€œwhat 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.

The Licata Group Gives Back to the Orange County Community!!

At the Licata Group, we truly pride ourselves in our Customer Service. In 2020 we received a total 102 NEW reviews from our wonderful clients, bringing us to a grand total of 238 reviews and counting!

At the beginning of the year, we made a pledge to donate $5 for each review received, bringing our total donation to $510. We want to continue to “Give Where We Live” and contribute to our local community, so a total of: $255 was donated to the local Wilderness Food Pantry and $255 donated to the Orange County Animal Shelter. We are continuing our promise of donating $5 per each new review in 2021 and hope to donate more next year!!

If we have ever had the pleasure of working together in helping you buy or sell real estate, and you would like to share your experience – we would love to hear from you!! Click here to leave The Licata Group a review! If you would like to see what some of our past clients have said about us, be sure to check out our review page! We look forward to another prosperous year in helping you with all your real estate needs!

 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, β€œwhat 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!