On Saturday, September 9th, 2023 The Licata Group EXP Realty welcomes you to the 48th Annual Orange Street Festival and our 3rd annual time participating! If you haven’t visited the Orange Street Festival before, don’t miss out this year! From 9AM to 4PM, local vendors, artisans, and food trucks will be available for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. We (Licata Group EXP) will have a stand offering delicious free popcorn to all individuals and other goodies we’ll be giving away, so stop by and say hello and grab a cup of popcorn. While enjoying your free treat visit the other tents filled with fantastic homemade creations from local businesses and individuals. There’s NO entry fee, it’s absolutely free to come, walk, shop, and chat with all the locals.
The Orange Street Festival from the previous year in Orange, Virginia, was fantastic!
Visit this link to see some fantastic images from the festival last year: tinyurl.com/5dzsvukk(In courtesy of Bryan Cox)
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.
”Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it” Santayana once said. And he was right. It’s important to think about this sentence now more than ever. Orange County is (if we have the liberty to say it) perhaps one of the capitols of history in America. There is a lot to see and even more to learn. Are you wondering where to start? Check out some of the places from this history lover’s guide to Orange County, VA.
Start at the Orange Train Station
The train in literature often symbolizes an important journey. Therefore, the Orange Train Station can be a perfect place to start your journey to getting more profound knowledge about American history hidden in this beautiful part of Virginia. Trains changed the face of business in the United States in the early twentieth century. Having been constructed in 1910, the Orange Train Station played a crucial role in the county’s continued existence and development.
Although the Colonial Revival-style structure is no longer used for passenger transportation, it is nevertheless worth a visit since it houses the Orange County Visitors Center. The Visitor Center is open all seven days of the week. It’s kind of a crossroads for all the visitors. So, buying a vacation home near it can be a great investment.
Make sure to hop on the train of knowledge with this history lover’s guide to Orange County!
Visit Wilderness Battlefield
The sad cost of the Civil War is memorialized in the Wilderness Battlefield, located in the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. Guests have the option of:
Vehicle excursions
Self-guided hikes
Visits to historic battlegrounds
To an inexperienced eye, it may seem like an ordinary field in the village. But it’s so much more. Every rock and a little piece of grass hides great sorrow but also lessons for the generations to come. Make sure to listen to the old trees’ whispers and spread the word of wisdom to be cherished in the future.
Ellwood Manor is an important part of it
Ellwood Manor, which stands tall on the Wilderness Battlefield, was the command center for the Union’s right wing. There is a walking route and displays that will appeal to visitors of all ages at this historic property. Follow Route 20 to the Ellwood Manor entrance and soak in all it has to offer.
Exchange Hotel Museum was a place of hope
This structure, which opened in 1860 as a hotel, later served as a hospital for more than 70,000 service members from both the Union and the Confederate forces. This is the only surviving hospital from the Civil War era in Virginia. At the moment, you can visit it only on selected Saturdays during the month. But, seeing it and experiencing the place of life-saving and hope is definitely worth the extra effort.
Once a hotel, it became a place of hope and salvation for many during the Civil War.
The Germanna Fort Visitor Center will take your breath away
The Germanna Fort Visitor Center, library, museum, and memorial garden were built to commemorate the arrival of the first German settlers to Virginia in 1714. Also, you can take advantage of the 170 acres of woodland behind the school and the Rapidan River access by visiting the Siegen Forest paths.
You may fall in love with it
Many people fall in love with this region because of it and decide to move here. However, the whole process can be a bit overwhelming, and some choose not to pursue their dreams because of all the fuss. In order to make relocation less stressful and actually enjoy the process, it’s best to find reliable movers and let them handle all the heavy lifting. That way, you’ll be free to enjoy all the hidden gems near Germana Fort.
James Madison’s Montpelier deserves its place in history lover’s guide to Orange County
Historic site commemorating the life and times of James Madison, a key figure in the creation of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. You may learn about the area’s history and have fun with your family on one of Montpelier’s guided tours, family activities, or hiking trails. Also, if you’re a DC commuter (and a history lover), this place can be quite a treat for you.
However, this big mansion holds the darker side of American history too. This residence offers a colorful insight into the period of slavery. Even though it may not be pleasant to revisit our ancestors’ mistakes, it’s important to learn and experience first-hand the history of the rich and the poor. The history of men in power and the history of the powerless. As only knowledge is the power that will help us make a better future.
Barboursville ruins and vineyards
Thomas Jefferson built this opulent palace for Governor James Barbour. Unfortunately, on Christmas Day 1884, a fire destroyed it. Ruins at Barboursville are preserved as a historical site and are visible amid the grapes. As seen from a distance, this site can be a perfect metaphor for both faces of American history – the richness and the poverty and the potential to grow. Even though this burnt mansion isn’t quite conventionally part of the holiday decorating contest, it can be even more worth visiting and being a part of it, even for a day.
Even though it’s in ruins, this place perfectly sums up the spirit of American history.
Final thoughts
Orange County in Virginia holds many treasures of American history. And we don’t mean the gold or the diamonds. The amount of knowledge circling between the walls of all the residences mentioned above is what is truly valuable. If you have the privilege to follow this history lover’s guide to Orange County, make sure to listen. Listen to all of these places while they’re telling you their story. Listen to the locals and ask them where to find more secret historical gems of this region. Soak in all the knowledge, as only knowledge is power. Take the opportunity to get mentally stronger so you’ll, one day, make the future worth fighting for.
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.
A local celebration of our freedom in Orange, Virginia for local residents and visitors! This event features live music, a Touch-A-Truck, kid’s activities, and of course FIREWORKS!
This event is absolutely FREE and the gates will open at 6pm sharp. There will be donations accepted for parking by OCHS Football. Parking is limited, please arrive early. Fireworks are scheduled to start once it gets dark. Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs. Alcohol is prohibited and pets must be on a leash at all times. Come hungry! Featured food vendors for your stomach’s pleasure will be Barbara’s Soulfood, Buffalo Wild Wings, B-Radd & Honey, R U Freak’n Hungry, and Kona Ice of Culpeper.
Don’t miss this event on Friday, July 1st at Booster Park, 1177 Bloomsbury Rd, Orange VA 22960 (behind the Orange County Airport). For more info visit their website or call 540-672-5435.
This event is brought to you thanks to the support of the following businesses and organizations: the County of Orange, the Town of Orange, the Town of Gordonsville, Somerset Sod Farms, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, 103.1 WJMA, Mason Insurance Agency Inc, Reynolds GM Subaru, Piedmont Power, Skydive Orange, Altman Tire & Auto Sales, Mr. & Mrs. V. Rea Jones, Cowan Realty, and Orange Tire Inc.
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, that’s the #1 question asked by home sellers. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. The question is how much is it worth? 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 Annual Orange Uncorked Wine Festival is celebrating it’s 31st annual year!! Sponsored by the Market at Grelen, the Orange Uncorked Wine Festival is due to take place this year on Mother’s Day weekend, on both Saturday May 7th and Sunday, May 8th! It will take place at: 10325 Jacksontown Rd, Somerset Virginia 22972 from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. Be sure to mark your calendars and buy your tickets! Tickets range from $30-$50 per person while designated driver tickets and ages 13-20 are $10 per ticket and under 12 years old are free! Tickets purchased at the gate are $40 per person. What’s happening at the festival? There will be multiple wineries participating and sharing their vineyard wine tastings, live music and the 2nd annual mustache-beard competition. Must enter online to participate on the competition. There will be a variety of food vendors ready to provide you a tasty treat with your wine pairings. Both days will host live music and a hat contest! To buy tickets online, register for the beard/mustache contest or just to learn more about the event visit their website 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 contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
There are many concerns that might discourage you from purchasing property during winter. You might be worried about what the weather conditions would mean for your move. You might want to wait for the peak house selling season. After all, if most people buy during that period, there must be something to it, right? Or you might want to take advantage of the sleepy season to rest. However, to truly know whether or not you should go for buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you need to be aware of the advantages and drawbacks of the process.
Much less competition vs. fewer houses on the market
When buying a house during winter in Virginia, it is essential to know you are doing so at the peak of the off-season. This means that the housing market will be much less vibrant than it otherwise would be. Now, looking to buy a home, this can certainly be an advantage! Fewer competitors mean you will not have to deal with an exhausting rush to get at the best properties before someone else snatches them up. Unfortunately, not everything is ideal. The sellers know that the peak season is the best time to offload their property, so most will choose not to put up their homes for sale during winter, which results in a smaller selection of available homes.
It is easier to find excellent movers vs. it is harder to move
Of course, an important part of the process is moving into your new home. Here, too, you are in luck regarding the available resources. Even if you are moving long-distance, hiring movers with ample experience won’t be a problem, and you will organize your entire relocation quickly and easily. Due to the housing market being in a lull, movers will generally be more relaxed and have far more open schedules. Yet, it does mean having to tackle the wintry conditions to get your move done. Winters in Virginia might not be as severe as they can get elsewhere, but the temperatures and snow are still nothing to sneeze at. You will need to be extra careful to ensure all of your belongings arrive at your new home in perfect condition.
You will have to deal with hazardous road conditions when buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.
More time to get things done vs. moving at an awkward time
Winter typically means winter holidays and having plenty of time off work to get everything done. This means that you can get tons done during this period, especially if you take the time to make a plan of action in advance. And at a leisurely pace, too! You wouldn’t need to rush from work to realtor to home, where you’d be making tons of last-minute calls. On the other hand, this can be a somewhat awkward time of year to move. Work and school are only starting to get into the swing of things. Finding a job can be more difficult if you are moving long-distance. And your kids would have to jump into a new school just as things are getting serious.
If buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, you will be able to take time off the purchase to distress and have fun with the family.
Realtors are more available vs. things tend to go slowly
Finding a good real estate agent is a nightmare during the peak seasons for the housing market, whether you are looking to sell your old home or buy a new one. So, being able to have your pick of the best realtors can be a serious boon for your house-hunting efforts. Unfortunately, if you are hoping your top-of-the-line real estate agent will help you get the whole ordeal done within an instant, you would be disappointed. The housing market in the off-season tends to make everything go much more slowly, which can be a good thing! Still, if you are in a rush, you might find yourself feeling frustrated.
Prices of real estate are lower vs. less likely to find homes with newer amenities
Due to less competition and things going more slowly, the prices of real estate during this period are typically much lower. After all, prices can be artificially inflated when multiple people compete over a single property. If someone wants it badly enough, they might be willing to pay well over what is reasonable. So, the prices during winter can make you feel like you are getting away with a steal. The moving experts from Fairfax Transfer and Storage note that moving prices are also lower during this season! And yet, sellers know this fact as well. This means that those in possession of particularly valuable pieces of real estate, or those whose homes boast top amenities, tend to hold off on selling until the peak season comes around.
Ascertaining the condition of houses is easier vs. the weather makes viewing more difficult
A tricky part of going house hunting during peak housing market seasons is that good weather makes it hard to tell whether houses are actually in good condition. After all, both mold and water damage can be covered up with relatively low expenses without treating the root cause. On the other hand, doing your viewing during the peak of the winter season makes it much more likely for you to detect problems with the homes you like. It is hard to cover up issues if the roof is leaking right in front of prospective buyers! Still, the cold weather and the way holidays affect real estate can make it more challenging to schedule and attend viewings. It is harder to feel motivated to snoop around when you feel like you are freezing.
Knowing how well the property can withstand the cold is one of the best things about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter.
Final word
Now that you know more about buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter, it is up to you to decide whether this would be the right time for you to make a move. Just remember to carefully balance the pros and cons before deciding, and you will be just fine!
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Join us today as we discuss buying a house in Orange County, VA, in winter so you can decide whether you want to take advantage of the season or wait.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Photo/Video Contest from October 1st – November 19th
The Orange County Chamber of Commerce is happy to be hosting a photo/video contest that will consist of a person’s favorite photo of an Orange County destination, location, or business. The photo/video entry should include two sentences explaining your photo/video.
A winner will be announced on Friday, October 22nd, and Friday, November 19th
Grand Prize Winner
Will receive four tickets to the Orange Uncorked Wine Festival May 7th & 8th, 2022, LOVE Orange Canvas Tote Bag Under the age of 21 will receive a $50 gift card. The grand prize winner will receive accolades in the Orange County Review, on www.orangevachamber.com and all social media pages. All content received will be the property of the Chamber and be used in marketing materials online and printed collateral materials.
Contestants may submit their photo/video entries to:occcexec@gmail.com Thank You to our Fallapalooza Sponsors! Prizes: The Arts Center in Orange offering one free class Paint It Orange, offering a free session LOVE Orange canvas tote bag courtesy of Orange, VA Tourism
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Reynolds GM-Subaru was started in 1938 by C.A. (Jack) and Chester Reynolds in 1938 as a service station on the current site of Wayne Modena’s State Farm Insurance. Later, Reynolds moved across the street to the current site of the McDonald’s on Madison Road. After World War II where both Chester and Roy Reynolds served with distinction, Reynolds gained the Pontiac franchise and moved to their current location on Madison Road where Chester and Roy oversaw expansion of the business to include gaining the Cadillac, Buick, and GMC franchises through the 50’s and 60’s. During the 60’s and 70’s, Reynolds added a full-service body shop and multiple buildings comprising most of the modern footprint you see today. Expansion during the 80’s, and 90’s under the leadership of Kevin Reynolds, Sr. and Tom Reynolds included adding an expanded body shop on Woodmark Street and the Subaru franchise. Today, the dealership is a franchised Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Buick, and Subaru store and is owned by Kevin Reynolds, Sr., John Reynolds, and Kevin Reynolds, Jr. They currently employ over 60 people and contribute to the local economy and local charities with equal fervor. Over the past decade, Reynolds has been awarded by its franchised manufacturers as the best in the nation in customer satisfaction. A veteran-owned and operated company since its inception, Reynolds believes in serving their fellow citizens and has for 80 plus years.
Reynolds GM Subaru Located at: 249 N Madison Rd, Orange, VA 22960540-672-3700 “The Dealership that Service Built”www.reynoldsgmsubaru.com
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
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, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Dogwood Village was presented with the Chamber’s June Business of the Month award on Thursday, May 27th.
Dogwood Village has accomplished an amazing task since March of 2020 as residents have remained COVID-19 free throughout the pandemic. As you can imagine, this was not an easy task while the county positivity rate climbed higher and higher and healthcare facilities were reporting new cases daily near the facility. As we were facing many challenges with obtaining PPE, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products we knew that we could not fall victim to this horrible disease. We quickly found ways to get what we needed and educated staff on protecting themselves and the residents. Screening, testing, and travel restrictions were initiated, and staff worked diligently to keep the residents safe.
As the information was shared about COVID-19 restrictions in long-term care and assisted living facilities, the community began offering support to both residents and staff. We were blessed with many generous contributions of food, face masks, cards, letters and hand sanitizer. Family members, residents and staff were made aware of CMS, CDC and VDH recommendations as everyone worked together to keep the facility COVID-19 free. Residents were reassured as they were able to communicate with family and friends with window visits, facetime as well as visitation booths despite the restrictions.
Throughout the pandemic, staff and residents were provided education on appropriate infection control practices to include social distancing, appropriate PPE and hand sanitizing as well as the importance of daily screening. Testing for COVID-19 was instrumental in identifying any individual who could have possibly been exposed to the virus. Weekly meetings were held to collaborate on matters as changes were made in the protocol for healthcare facilities. All departments worked together to assure that residents were not only safe but that their physical and emotional needs were a priority. Compassionate care visits were offered for those residents who were nearing the end of life as well as those who were struggling with emotional distress related to the lack of family support and recent losses.
The teamwork has been truly amazing as well as the dedication by staff to stay well in order to care for the residents. We are blessed to have leadership who went the extra mile to obtain needed resources needed to combat this disease. Thankfully, visitation has been reinstated allowing family and friends to visit residents both indoors and outside. The vaccine has also given us hope for normalcy once again. We all pray that our residents and staff stay well as we remain diligent with our efforts to keep our residents COVID-19 free.
Dogwood Village Health and Rehabilitation was selected as one of America’s best nursing homes for 2021 by Newsweek and global data research firm Statista. The rankings identified the top 400 facilities across 20 states. Dogwood was ranked in the top 10 facilities for Virginia and is one of the 7 percent of the facilities in the state where residents remain COVID-19 free.120 Dogwood Lane,Orange, VA 22960(540) 672-2611 https://www.dogwoodvillageocva.org/
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, 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
Orange County is ready to celebrate its many small businesses starting on Sunday, May 2, 2021 presented by the Orange County VA Economic Development and Orange County Chamber of Commerce! If you’re a resident in Orange County or a small business owner, we encourage you to participate in this wonderful community event! Shop, dine and explore the many small businesses of Orange County! Remember to use the hashtags #buyorangeva and #OCsmallbusinessweek whenever you visit a small business! For more information and to stay up-to-date, Click Here!
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
