Tag Archives: Orange County

Fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

We can freely say that moving to Orange County Virginia might have been the best decision you have ever made. Orange County has a unique charm. It can offer you a lot of outdoor and indoor activities. But also, it can offer you historical attractions, and festivals and sporting events that are happening year-round. There are so many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia that it is challenging choosing what to do first. Depending on what you prefer and what is fun for you – you will be able to easily find activities for you and your family.

Create your list of fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

We are all very different. Some of us like to go playing golf, while others enjoy music festivals. And the best thing about Orange County Virginia is the fact that it can offer you a lot of new and interesting things. And, if we are being honest – you will need to have some relaxing time after the relocation. Relocation is stressful no matter where you are moving. Especially relocation with a small child isn’t easy since a small child can’t quite understand everything that is happening. So, if you want to make sure that you and your family enjoy your new home from the beginning – create your list. You can even start before you actually relocate.

 You should create a list of fun things that you can try after you relocate to Orange County Virginia

If you like outdoor activities – Lake of the Woods Golf Course should be your choice!

The great thing about Orange County Virginia is that it can offer a couple of golf courses. And Lake of the Woods Golf Course is definitely one of the best. Even if you have never played golf before, we can assure you that this should be on your list of fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia. What makes it different is the fact that it is surrounded by the woods of oaks and pines. It is designed with a variety of slopes, sand, and water. It can accommodate players of any level, no matter how old they are.

There are different events throughout the year, and depending on when you move here – you can choose which one you like the most. Aerial view of the Lake of the Woods is amazing. Also, here you can organize parties and fundraisers – and we can assure you everyone will have fun!

Fun and exciting activity  – Rapidan River Kayak!

This is a place where you will create unforgettable memories for sure! Paddling down a scenic river, with an opportunity to see wildlife ranging from bald eagles, ducks to deer, beavers, turtles. Occasionally, you can even see black bears and otters! This can be a very exciting and amazing thing to do after you move to Orange County Virginia. Even if you have never before tried something like this – you don’t have to worry. With you, on this tour, there will be a professional kayak instructor. He will teach you some basic things, how to properly do a basic stroke and similar.

Rapidan River Kayak is an amazing and fun activity for you and your friends and family

The best thing about this is that you can go with your family or your friends. You can even reserve a kayak as a part of your wedding party, or as a team-building activity. Also, you can often see a bachelor or bachelorette party organized right here – this is a great way to relax and enjoy! So, in our humble opinion, even if you are not moving here permanently – you should consider buying a vacation home! We can assure you that you will enjoy your time here!

The Market at Grelen – unique experience in Orange County

One of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia is to visit the Market at Grelen! This is a rather unique European style garden shop that can offer you a lot! A huge variety of plants is rotating every week! Besides that, you will find some gardening goodies that can help you when you decide to renovate your home and garden. If we can sum up what you will experience here, it would be something like this: a casual farm-to-table cafe, a lot of hiking trails. And you will have a unique opportunity to try Virginia beer, cider and wine!

During winter months – this place is unfortunately closed. But, on the E. Main Street in Orange, you can find their store with a lot of different gifts for your family, pets or for some special occasions as a wedding. And, besides gifts, you will find Grelen ice cream and Virginia beer, cider and wine! We can assure you that you have not tried anything similar!

Sky diving is just one of the many fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia

If you like to feel that adrenalin rush or you simply want to try something completely different – sky diving is for you! Sky Dive Orange has been operating since 1977 so you can be sure that you are in good hands! No matter if you are experienced or this is your first time – there are instructors that can answer any of your questions. You can try tandem skydive or you can do it on your own – the choice is yours! For a good reason, this is one of the very interesting and very fun things to do in Orange County Virginia!

Sky diving is an exciting and fun thing to try!

Location of the Orange County Virginia is great and your advantage!

And, we left the best facts for the end. The distance between Orange County and some big cities is very small:

  • Washington DC is only 70 miles away
  • Charlottesville is only 20 miles away from Orange County
  • Richmond is 60 miles away
  • Fredericksburg is only 15 miles away

So, as you can see – Orange County has a rather good location, and you can easily reach some of the big cities. And, as you know – there are many different events happening. So you can be sure that you will find something fun and amazing and new almost every week. The next interesting thing is the 6th Annual Ice Yard Event in Washington that really should be on your calendar as one of the fun things to do after moving to Orange County Virginia.

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

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

The Civic Club Presents A Dementia Friend Information Session On Wednesday, 1/22 at 7 PM

Does a friend, loved one, or family member living with dementia? The Civic Club invites you to become a Dementia Friend!

Kay Close RN, BSN, LALA, Executive Director at Trinity Senior Village and Dementia Friend Champion, will lead a one – hour informational session at the Civic Club meeting on Wednesday, January 22, at 7pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall.

What Makes You a Dementia Friend?

You become a Dementia Friend by attending a one-hour informational session to learn the five key messages about dementia, what it is like to live with the disease, and how to turn your understanding into action that supports people living with dementia.

Dementia Friends…….

Is a global movement that is striving to create more dementia friendly communities by changing the way people think, act, and talk about dementia. Developed by the Alzheimer’s Society in the United Kingdom, Dementia Friends is underway across the United States. By helping everyone in a community understand what dementia is and how it affects people, each of us can make a difference for someone living with dementia.

Join a growing movement of people who are helping fellow community members living with dementia. A little support can make a big difference in their lives. We hope you’ll become a Dementia Friend by joining us on the 22nd…it’s easy and rewarding!

Christmas on the Farm at Higgins Hills Farm on Saturday, November 30th!

Ready for some winter fun down on the farm? Higgins Hills Farm is proudly hosting “Christmas on the farm” on Saturday, November 30th from 10 AM – 4 PM, presented by BC Photography and Higgins Hills Farm! Enjoy a winter wonderland filled with fun, food, prizes and more! Admission is $5.00 per car, which includes access to the free petting farm, games, children’s activities! Get your picture taken with jolly old Saint Nick, and/or the Grinch himself! A Coffee & Hot Cocoa bar is available for $3.00, as well as $5.00 pony rides! Gourmet popcorn and hotdogs will also be available to snack on! Start your holiday season off right, and visit Higgins Hills Farm in Culpeper, VA! For more info, be sure to Click Here!

 Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

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

Civic Club To Host A Forum Between Delegate Nick Freitas and Ann Ridgeway. 10/15 at 7 pm

By Doug Rogers, Civic Club

The Civic Club will host a forum between Delegate Nick Freitas and Ann Ridgeway on Tuesday 10/15 at 7pm to 8pm in the lower level of the clubhouse.

Each will give an opening speech and then followed by written questions submitted by the audience.

This will be a good opportunity for you to see and hear from the two candidates running for Delegate to represent Orange County and the 30th District which includes Madison and some of Culpeper County. 

Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Norther Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.

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

Lake of the Woods Fall Community Open Houses Sunday, October 6th NOON-4pm

The Lake of the Woods Association will be hosting its Fall Open House on Sunday, October 6th from NOON-4pm! We invite any, and everyone to come and see all the beautiful homes in Lake of the Woods! Homes that will be open for viewing typically range from $150,000-to well over $1,000,000. You will have access to amenities and homes for sale, and it is the perfect time to become acquainted with Lake of the Woods and discover why “It’s another beautiful day at the lake.”
If you are considering selling your house, this is a great opportunity for you, whether listing with an agent or selling by owner, as the open house attracts over 150 visitors. If you are interested in selling your home yourself, we are happy to provide some helpful tips!
Lake of the Woods
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, church, fitness center, walking trails, 2 pools, and 9 beaches 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. With an HOA fee of approx. $131/month and low taxes in Orange County, you can’t beat it!

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 contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.

OC Deputy Sheriff/TRIAD Coordinator to Address Civic Club

Please join the Civic Club on Wednesday, September 11, at 7pm in the Clubhouse Great Hall, as Deputy Sheriff/TRIAD Coordinator Ron Kesner will be providing important information to us. He will present the TRIAD programs administered by the Sheriff’s Office and its importance to the safety of community as a whole and to its senior population. Deputy Kesner coordinates senior citizen safety programs between the Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney Generals’ office and senior citizens groups and/or senior citizen services organizations within the county of Orange.  The purpose is to promote senior citizen safety and help eliminate senior citizen victimization. 

Deputy Kesner is  a native Virginian, having been born in Covington.  He possesses 37 years of continuous law enforcement service.  He retired from the Albemarle County Police Department in 2009 as a Master Police Officer, Firearms Instructor, Driving Instructor, Bike Patrol Officer, Fatal Accident Reconstructionist, Special Operations Group Member and Academy Instructor.  He also had worked for the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years and operated the Marine Unit Patrol Boat on Lake Anna as one of my duties.  Deputy Kesner joined the Orange Co. Sheriff’s Office in April of 2019 to fill the position of TRIAD Coordinator. 

We look forward to seeing you at the Clubhouse Great Hall on September 11th at 7pm!

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.

Here’s Your Chance to Rescue A Free 50/50 Raffle Ticket!

Orange County Animal Shelter is selling raffle tickets to benefit the Emergency Vet Fund. The Licata Group is proud to team up with OCAS to help raise money for the EVF. The first 100 followers to share our Raffle social media posts will receive a FREE raffle ticket, compliments of The Licata Group! The drawing will be held on September 7, at the Orange Street Festival Adoption Event. You may also purchase raffle tickets at The Licata Group main office, located at 36111 Goodwin Dr. in the Food Lion Shopping Center. Stop by and see 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.

44TH ANNUAL ORANGE STREET FESTIVAL

Food, Fun, Festival, oh my! It’s now that time again! Downtown Orange, Virginia is hosting its 44th Annual Street Festival on September 7 from 9 AM – 4 PM. Take a stroll down historical Main Street as the whole family enjoys all the splendid treats that this beautiful city has to offer. With over 150 crafts as well as music, art, and plenty of delicious food, you’ll find that there is something for everyone! Kids will have an absolute blast at the ever-popular Kid’s Corner, where they can enjoy pony rides, toys, games, face painting and much more! For you adults, be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing cool beer, or delicious award-winning wine at the Beverage Garden. With so many wonderful activities to enjoy, it’s a shame that this day only comes once a year! For more information, be sure to click here. Are you ready to party?!

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.

Orange County’s 4th Annual Chili Cookoff, Brewfest & Corn hole Tournament

Saturday, October 12th from 11AM – 6PM. Join the Orange County Chamber of Commerce as they host the 4th Annual Chili Cookoff, Brewfest and Corn hole Tournament! The festivities will take place at the Orange County Fairgrounds located at 14500 Old Gordonsville Rd, Orange VA 22960.

Chili festival is always delicious with many participants submitting their chili; there will be local and regional craft breweries to quench your thirst and of course, don’t forget to particpate in the East Orange Ruritan Club Corn hole tournament. There are CASH PRIZES for the corn hole tournament and chili cookoff.

Tickets range from $25 – $140. Get more ticket info here. The VIP experience is supposed to be IMPROVED, including: unlimited craft brew tasting, PLUS a $10 food truck voucher, exclusive craft brews and even a MEET & GREET with the WORX!

105.9 SAM FM will be broadcasting the festival from 11am – 1pm and the Worx will take the stage at 1:30PM for your afternoon music entertainment.

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 Chapter 12: Beef on the Hoof

Both Napoleon and Frederick the Great have been credited with the saying “An army marches on its stomach.”  Provisioning an army, especially one that numbered over 125,000 – the size of the Army of the Potomac at the beginning of General U.S. Grant’s Overland Campaign in May 1864 – would prove to be a monumental logistical challenge.

Fresh beef – 1¼ pounds daily according to the US War Department Army Regulations – was an important component of the Federal Civil War soldier’s ration.  The most practical way to furnish beef to campaigning soldiers was to have herds of cattle march with the army.

Exhibit 16 Cattle Crossing the Rapidan River

So how much beef was needed?  An estimate given by Lt. Colonel C. W. Tolles in 1864 stated “A bullock will furnish about 450 rations, so that an army of 100,000 men needs over two hundred beef cattle for its supply.”  Based on 450 rations per head of beef, an army of 125,000 men consumed 278 head of beef daily.

At least 6,000 head crossed the Rapidan River with the Army of the Potomac in early May of 1864.  These 6,000 documented head produced approximately 2.7 million rations, enough to supply an army of 125,000 for 21½ days.

The 6,000 head were gathered from holding pens in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Washington, D.C.  How did 6,000 head of cattle get to the Army of the Potomac for the Overland Campaign?

An excerpt from Feeding a Great Army ” in the United States Service Magazine in February 1880 by Brevet Brigadier General Thomas Wilson tells how:

“…to carry out my orders of supply, it would be necessary to have sent up to the front from Alexandria, some 50 miles distant, about 6,000 head of beef cattle, with the forage, corn in the ear, and hay necessary to subsist them until the march began, and this feat had to be accomplished between one Friday morning and the next Tuesday night; or, in other words… an average of 1,200 head of beef cattle had to be sent daily by me for five days, with the necessary forage for their maintenance.

The existing capacity of the Orange and Alexandria Railroad in cattle cars was, at this time, for only 300 head daily…

The sudden call and the subsequent remarkable feat of shipping 6,000 cattle over this road of a single track, in the time required and with its limited resources was accomplished by the authorities seizing all the flat cars within reach and placing fences around them…  In this manner, 1,800 head were sent up in one day of twenty-four hours.  At one time during the shipment an endless train of cattle cars was in transit, most of the railroad sidings being filled with them…  We received all the cattle asked for before the time needed.

Three hundred men were kept constantly employed in unloading the cattle cars on their arrival at the front, so that the emptied cars might be sent back without delay.”

The herds and animals that we see today in the rural parts of Spotsylvania and Orange Counties are insignificant when compared to those that travelled with General Grant.  The Army of the Potomac had more than 50,000 horses and mules and at least 6,000 head of beef.  Big armies meant big numbers.

Author: Rod Lackey
Date: July 2018

Read Previous Chapter 11: the Unfinished Railroad in the Battle of 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.