Articles Tagged "Family fun"

Does the thought of holiday entertaining turn you into Santa Claus or the Grinch? Yes, it's really possible to throw a festive bash without losing your holiday spirit. Our real estate agents share their favorite tips for hosting a successful holiday party.

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Bringing a new pet home is one of life's most enjoyable moments. In honor of Celebrate Shelter Pets Day, many people will be heading out to their local animal shelters to rescue a dog. Adopting a pet is a win-win situation: it gives a home to an animal in need and also helps to ease the burden on our local shelters.

If you're planning to bring a pet home this month, remember a little preparation goes a long way. While it's exciting to bring a pet home for the first time, it's also a huge adjustment for both the pet and your family. When our clients are ready for a dog, our real estate agents always recommend visiting a local Augusta County shelter and planning ahead. Here are some tips we can share to help ensure you're ready on day one:

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What gets you in the holiday spirit? Whatever it might be, you're sure to find it among these exciting activities and events around the Shenandoah Valley, as recommended by our real estate agents.

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Each location of the Augusta County Library System serves as a vibrant community center, hosting a wide range of lively activities for all ages. Our real estate agents have marked their calendars for these exciting events near Augusta County homes for sale.

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It's almost time once again to enjoy the wonderful flavors of fall, and you won't have to travel far to find delicious fall treats in the Shenandoah Valley. From festive drinks to pastries, pies, and all of your other favorite fall foods, you're sure to find a place near Shenandoah County homes for sale to satisfy your craving for all things fall. Our real estate agents have all of the delectable details on some of the best places in the Shenandoah Valley to order seasonal treats this fall.

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• Valley Pike Farm Market – 3494 Lee Hwy., Weyers Cave, VA 24486
  Need to pick up ingredients for your own fall treats at a location near Weyers Cave homes for sale? Then simply head to the Valley Pike Farm Market, where you can find the fruits of the fall harvest. This market also stocks one of the largest selections of craft beer and wine in the Shenandoah Valley, with more than 300 options to choose from, including some flavors created especially for fall.

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Augusta County has fun things to do in any season, but the fall months are extra special. With so many fall events to look forward to, your calendar is sure to be full of fall fun. Watch for our real estate agents at these entertaining activities around Augusta County. 

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Many birds reside in our region during all or part of the year, and local lakes, parks, and trails provide unparalleled opportunities to cross rare and unique birds off your checklist. Our real estate agents are excited to share their favorite birding spots in Rockingham County.

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Rockingham County has rich soil and optimal weather, which help produce a bounty of gifts at local farms. When our real estate agents want to get back to the land, they head to these great farms for fruits, vegetables, and flowers. 

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Cradled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Rockingham County is one of the best places in Virginia to experience spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure. It's also a perfect area to sit back and simply relax. Our real estate agents are proud to call it home. 

With a new year upon us, we're excited for everything 2022 has to offer. If your travels bring you to Rockingham County and the Harrisonburg, VA area this year, be sure to check out some of our favorite local attractions. 

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The holidays are a wonderful time in Staunton, with local businesses, homeowners, and community organizations going all out to put on some amazing holiday displays. Touring the light displays around Staunton is a great way to enjoy some quality time with your family and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Staunton's Celebration of Holiday Lights is the biggest light display near Staunton, with a variety of ways to get involved yourself or simply drive through and enjoy the show. Our real estate agents have all of the festive details on the best holiday light displays near Staunton this year.

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What makes Luray homes for sale so special? Part of their appeal is how close they are to a wide range of spectacular outdoor scenery and attractions. When they're in the mood for a leisurely day of sightseeing, our real estate agents hit the road and head on out to these scenic spots. 

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When Mother Nature brings out her fall paintbrush, the spectacular scenery around Shenandoah County homes for sale bursts with vivid color. Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are especially noted for their impressive landscapes. Our real estate agents point out where to see stunning fall foliage around the Shenandoah Valley.

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If you've been exploring Elkton homes for sale, you probably already know how proud this community is to be a part of the Appalachian Trail. In fact, we recently celebrated becoming the 50th designated trail community. Other designated communities span all the way from Georgia to Maine. 

Close to four million hikers head out on the trail each year. If you've ever dreamed of joining them, you'll need to spend some time getting yourself prepared. Our real estate agents have had the opportunity to speak to many hikers over the years and have learned a lot from them. Here are a few of the most important tips they've shared with us. 

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Summer is the best time to enjoy a scoop (or two) of ice cream. Our real estate agents look forward to satisfying their ice cream cravings this summer at these top spots around Luray.

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New Market is one of the most historic communities in the Shenandoah Valley, and much of that fascinating history has been preserved to the present day. With many parks, performance venues, businesses, and dining destinations, there's so much to see in this Virginia community. Our real estate agents have the details on some of the spots that you won't want to miss on your walking tour of New Market.

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Did you know that the borders of Augusta County once stretched all the way to the Mississippi River? The county was established in 1738 and has played an important role in American history ever since. While the size of the county is slightly smaller than it was back in those days, today's Augusta County remains one of the most historic places in Virginia. You can still visit many historic destinations and see how the county has evolved in its nearly 300 years of existence. Our REALTORS® are here to help you discover the unique history of the region with our guide to historic Augusta County.

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April showers may bring May flowers, but planning the perfect spring garden starts well before that. When it comes to creating the right conditions and choosing the best plants, even Mother Nature needs a helping hand.

So what are the secrets to adding curb appeal to Virginia homes for sale with a stunning garden? Our real estate agents share their favorite tips for planning a garden that makes your vision a reality.

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With winter fast approaching, there's no better place to stay bundled up than in the comforts of your own home. Enjoy the quiet snowfall from inside, and do yourself and your family a favor by baking one of these festive and delicious cookie recipes! Our real estate agents love baking this time of year and enjoy sharing cookies with friends and family. From our table to yours, enjoy these recipes from the Old Dominion team. 

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November 17th is National Hiking Day, and our real estate agents couldn't think of a better time to enjoy the great outdoors! The weather in Augusta County during November is perfect for trail hiking. With sunny skies and crisp autumn air, now is the perfect opportunity to spend a few nice days outside before the winter comes. Whether you need a relaxing walk or want to take your workout outdoors, head to these trails throughout Augusta County for National Hiking Day.

• South River Greenway – Arch Ave., Waynesboro, VA 22980
  There are few better ways to enjoy a day outside in Waynesboro than along the South River. The South River Greenway is a 1.2-mile trail that runs along the South River from the Loth Springs parking lot to the Port Republic neighborhood. Eventually, the South River Greenway will be extended to connect to other popular greenspaces, including Sunset Park, Basic Park, and Ridgeview Park. Until then, you can enjoy the exercise station on the trail and reserve the facilities at Dominion Shelter if you want to invite friends for a brisk walk followed by a picnic.
  
  

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• Humpback Rocks – Milepost 5.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway, Waynesboro, VA 22980
  One of the most popular and shortest hikes we suggest is up Humpback Rocks. Named for the rock formations atop the viewpoint, the Humpback Rocks trail requires fewer than three hours of hiking time, making it perfect for those who aren't interested in spending the entire afternoon in the wilderness. Although the elevation only climbs by 1,240-feet, the first mile takes you up 800-feet rather briskly. If you'd like to spend the night and enjoy an amazing sunset, you can follow the A.T. South trail (instead of the A.T. North to the Humpback Rocks viewpoint) and enjoy a campsite with room for six.
  
  
• Dobie Mountain – Milepost 5.8 on Blue Ridge Parkway, Waynesboro, VA 22980
  Neighboring Humpback Rocks, the Dobie Mountain hike is a little longer but just as remarkable. It's also less popular than Humpback Rocks, offering you the opportunity to enjoy a more intimate journey. The total hike should take around three-and-a-half hours, though you could extend it from a 4-mile hike to a 6.8-mile hike if you head to the shelter for a lunch break. Those afraid of heights should know that there is a series of switchbacks on the trail with drops of 700-feet.
  
  

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• Dripping Rocks via Appalachian Trail – Lyndhurst, VA 22952
  Another fantastic out and back hike that you can easily tackle on National Hiking Day is the Drippings Rocks trail. Part of the Appalachian Trail, you can quickly conquer this trail in fewer than two hours. In fact, it's a quieter and shorter alternative to the Humpback Rocks trail. Dripping Rocks is 1.7-miles total and only has an elevation gain of 564-feet. Very close to Lyndhurst homes for sale, this rocky trail is great for walks with friends, older children, and dogs. Be prepared for a few steep areas that are well worth the few.

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• Riprap Hollow – Shenandoah National Park, 3655 U.S. Highway 211 East, Luray, VA 2283
  For a change of scenery outside of George Washington National Forest, head over to the Shenandoah National Park to hike the Riprap Hollow trail. Located just outside of many wonderful neighborhoods with great Augusta County homes for sale, the Riprap Hollow trail is a circuit hike for novice and experienced hikers. Factor in around five hours for the hike, longer if you plan on shooting some wildlife photography.  

Are you searching for a house close to the great outdoors? Let us help! Contact us today to schedule tours of our Waynesboro homes for sale.

With most of us spending more time at home this year, we've gotten used to having our furry friends around us all the time. As you start to venture out again, you might even feel a little bit guilty about leaving them behind. 

Luckily, there are many dog-friendly destinations in Shenandoah Valley. This makes it easy to take your dog with you when you head out for your next adventure! Our real estate agents love taking their dogs out on their days off. Here are a few places they recommend. 

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The pandemic has profoundly changed everyday life around Virginia homes for sale, so it's no surprise that holiday traditions are getting some tweaking as well. Happily, people are rising to the occasion and coming up with novel ways to keep the festivities going. 

Our real estate agents share this year's top ideas for celebrating Halloween or, as some witty souls have already dubbed it, "Quarantine-O-Ween."

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Explore These Spots for the Best Leaf Peeping in the Valley

It's hard to believe that autumn is just around the corner!  It's almost time for pumpkin spice, Halloween costumes, and, of course, leaf peeping in the Shenandoah Valley. When people come to the area in autumn looking for homes for sale in West Virginia or in our Virginia real estate marketplace, they're always taken aback by its stunning natural beauty. 

This is one of the reasons why our real estate agents love showing homes when the leaves start to turn. Shenandoah Valley is one of the best places in the county to take in the fall foliage. If you haven't been leaf-peeping in Shenandoah Valley before, this is the year to do it! Here are a few adventures to plan along the way.

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Harrisonburg celebrates July 4 with fireworks, food, family fun, and community events packing the holiday's schedule. Harrisonburg's July 4 celebration has a new name – Friendly City Fourth – and all of your favorite Independence Day events will be returning for another fun-filled holiday.

Start your day with a run, enjoy all of the great food that the city has to offer, participate in family-friendly activities, listen to live music, and settle in for a spectacular fireworks display to cap off the day. Our real estate agents have the details on all of the great events happening in Harrisonburg on July 4.

Friendly City Fourth

• Valley 4th Run – 8:30 am – Main St. and Liberty St., Harrisonburg 22801
  Harrisonburg homes for sale make it easy to participate in all of the fun activities planned for July 4, including the Valley 4th Run to start the day. Kick off the July 4 festivities by choosing your run (1.5 miles, 5k, or 10k), and choosing the charity you would like to support. The race is open to all ages and skill levels, which has helped it grow into the most popular way to start your day in Harrisonburg on July 4.

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Head Out on June 7 to One of These Doughnut Shops in The Valley

Is there ever a bad time to indulge in a sweet treat from a local Shenandoah Valley shop? Of course not! But some days are better than others, and National Doughnut Day provides the perfect excuse to sample the local fare. There's just something special about starting – or finishing – your day with a fresh, hand-crafted doughnut, and a hot cup of your favorite coffee. Fortunately, there are plenty of great places in the Valley where you can do just that. Our real estate agents have the delicious details on some spots in the Valley where you can celebrate National Doughnut Day, or indulge your sweet tooth any day of the year.

1. Sweet Blessings Bakery & Catering – 121 S Main St., Woodstock 22664
   Conveniently located near Woodstock homes for sale, you'll find few sweeter places in the Valley than Sweet Blessings Bakery & Catering. The staff at this friendly, hometown bakery is happy to help you with sweets for any occasion, offering home-cooked treats served with a smile. Of course, it's also a great place to stop solo, when you're looking for just the right snack on National Doughnut Day.

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If you'll be working with our real estate agents to find your dream home in Augusta County this summer, you surely won't want all of the time you spend with us to be about business. Fitting a little fun into that trip won't be a problem in our area. There's a lot going on around here in the summertime, given that this time of year is the festival season. Here are a few of Augusta County's Summer 2019 festivals that you may want to check out while you're in the area:

• Sweet Dreams Festival - 96 Edgewood Ln, Stuarts Draft, VA 24477
  If you plan to spend some time looking at Waynesboro homes for sale in June, attending the 16th Annual Sweet Dreams Festival is a great way to fit a little fun into your trip. This festival is happening at Stuarts Draft Park, just 15 minutes from Waynesboro, on June 1st, and runs from 9 am to 4 pm. This event will feature a wide range of family-oriented entertainment and activities, including train rides, sports tournaments, concessions, contests, live music, and much more.
   

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On a warm Shenandoah Valley summer day, nothing's more refreshing than a day at the pool. Our real estate agents offer their recommendations for the top pools in the area.

1. Westover Pool - 305 S. Dogwood Dr., Harrisonburg 22801
   With its Olympic-size pool, diving pool and climbing wall, Westover Pool was already a popular summer destination. Memorial Day weekend will feature the opening of the new splash pad, with a number of water stations to provide fun for all ages. Masters Swimming and Summer Swim League memberships are available for those aged 5 and up who want to learn new skills. Daily, three-month and annual passes are offered with special prices for residents. Take a break from viewing Harrisonburg homes for sale and check out the new facilities.
   
   

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Our REALTORS® invite you to join us as we celebrate a new festival coming to the Moorefield area! Come on out to beautiful Brighton Park for the South Branch Riverfest and spend the Saturday, May 25 with your friends, family, and neighbors alongside the Potomac.

Event:  South Branch Riverfest

When: Saturday, May 25, 2019, 11 am - 5 pm
Where: Brighton Park — 644 Fisher Rd., Moorefield, WV 26836

Sponsored by the Hardy County Chamber of Commerce and Hardy County Community Foundation, the South Branch Riverfest will make its debut at Brighton Park on May 25. For years, residents and visitors of the South Branch Valley have enjoyed the beautiful green spaces along the mighty Potomac River, making it the perfect place to host this new event. Admission to this festival is free for all who wish to attend.

South Branch Riverfest includes:

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Let's welcome the warmer weather by celebrating Learn to Swim Day on May 18th. Our real estate agents believe teaching your little ones to swim can be a positive experience that helps them develop their motor skills, instills them with courage and exposes them to a fun activity that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. If you'd like to join us in celebrating National Learn to Swim Day this May, we suggest that you consider these six locations that offer swimming lessons for children.

1. James Madison University Recreation Center – 701 Driver Dr., Harrisonburg, VA 22807 
   James Madison University has a campus that's bursting with immersive learning experiences, and their swim lessons are just as engaging and educational. UREC offers both private and group swim lessons for children and adults. Group lessons are held on Saturday mornings and are divided into three categories: a parent and child group for little ones aged 6 months to 3 years old, a preschool group for 4 and 5-year-olds, and a youth group for kids 6 to 9. Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction for new swimmers aged 3 and above, even adults!
    

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In Virginia, springtime brings warmer weather, plenty of sunshine, and thousands of beautiful flowers. Our real estate agents love showing properties this time of year, as potential buyers are often blown away by the gorgeous homes with stunning gardens. 

Every year, the entire state celebrates the beauty of springtime during Historic Garden Week. This year's event takes place from April 27th through May 4th. It includes 31 tours across the state and is expected to draw close to 26,000 visitors.

This annual event has grown in popularity during its 85 years and now features over 250 gardens, homes, and landmarks. Although all of the events are wonderful, the Staunton and Harrisonburg tours stand out from the rest. Here's why.

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What could be better than a quiet, snow-covered scene, filled with the sort of natural beauty that you can only find in West Virginia? Enjoying your favorite winter sports while taking in all of that scenery, of course! Whether you love skiing, hiking, tubing, sledding, or snowshoeing, you'll find a wealth of opportunities for outdoor fun throughout the winter in West Virginia. And you won't have to travel far to enjoy all of the outdoor excitement that our state has to offer. Our Moorefield real estate agents have the details, in our guide to wintertime adventures in West Virginia.

Outdoor Wintertime Adventures in West Virginia

• Timberline Four Seasons Resort – 254 Four Seasons Drive
  No matter what winter sports you enjoy the most, you're sure to find a fun way to spend the day at Timberline Four Seasons Resort. The mountain features 40 ski/snowboard trails with something for every experience level, a vertical rise of 1000 feet, and the longest ski run in the area on the Salamander trail, which stretches for more than two miles. Timberline Resort also offers a host of other opportunities for outdoor wintertime adventures, including ice skating, and snow tubing. You can purchase daily lift tickets on the day that you visit Timberline, or pick up an affordable season pass for a full winter of West Virginia fun. The resort averages more than 150 inches of snow per year, so you can expect great conditions no matter when you visit throughout the winter.
  
  

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Dieting or not, sometimes you just need to indulge your taste buds. If you're in town shopping for Harrisonburg homes for sale, this may just be one of those times. After all, shopping for a new home is hard work, and it can be a bit stressful. If you are new to the area, you might be wondering just where the best places are to find that satisfying treat you crave. Here are six spots in Harrisonburg to cheat on your diet:

1. Bella Gelato & Pastries - 49 W. Water St., Harrisonburg
   This popular spot has a lot to offer. There is an array of baked goods, including fresh bread, croissants, and other pastries and treats prepared daily. They also serve their award-winning gelato, made by hand with milk sourced from a local creamery. You can also treat your taste buds at the Bella Gelato & Pastries espresso and coffee bar, with coffees made from locally roasted beans, or enjoy specialty teas, like their house-made spicy chai.
   
   

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Christmas comes but once a year, and our friends in the Staunton, VA area know how to celebrate the season in style! If you're in the neighborhood looking at Staunton homes for sale, be sure to set aside some time to check out these great holiday activities in the Shenandoah Valley.

1. Find Christmas Gifts at the Staunton Augusta Arts Center
   For the art lover on your Christmas list, there's no better place to find the perfect gift than the Staunton Augusta Art Center. The 2018 Art For Gifts exhibit lasts from November 9 to December 30, featuring a juried holiday shopping boutique with original fine arts and crafts by 60 incredible artists.
   
   

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Harvest season is here. That means it's almost time for one of Burlington's longest-running community events. The 45th Annual Apple Harvest Festival is a weekend full of old-fashioned fun for the whole family, with contests, shopping, fantastic food, live entertainment, and so much more. This year's festival includes three days of fun events, starting on October 5, 2018. Our real estate agents have all the details on the 45th Annual Apple Harvest Festival, one of Burlington, West Virginia's most anticipated events of the year.

Celebrate the Season: The 45th Annual Apple Harvest Festival in Burlington, WV

The 45th Annual Apple Harvest Festival
Location: 120 Hope Lane, Burlington, WV, 26710
Date/Time: October 5 - 7, 2018 – Festival Grounds Open 10 am – 7 pm
Admission: Free, with Free Parking and Shuttle Service Available

Enjoy Old-Fashioned Family Fun at the 45th Annual Apple Harvest Festival

The Annual Apple Harvest Festival in Burlington, WV is organized by Burlington United Methodist Family Services and takes place on the BUMFS residential campus. The festival starts on Friday and continues throughout the weekend, with both scheduled events and all-day attractions. It's the perfect opportunity to get out, take in the autumn air, and create special memories for every member of the family.

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The nights are getting cold, and the air is turning crisp, a sure sign that fall has come to the Shenandoah Valley.  Our real estate agents love this time of year, and there's no better time to explore our beautiful region. 

From Staunton to Harrisonburg and every hill and holler between, autumn brings the Shenandoah Valley to life with a stunning display of colors. We've got your guide to exploring the best fall foliage across Central Virginia.

See Fall Colors in the Shenandoah Valley

After a hot summer, the promise of cool weather and incredible fall foliage is our reward. The maple trees are already beginning to change, introducing a brilliant scarlet shade to the mountains. The golden yellow of the birch and poplar trees, purple dogwood leaves, orange beach, and rusty-hued oak, are sure to follow, transforming the landscape into a radiant canvas of warm colors. 

Peak color usually arrives in the Shenandoah Valley and surrounding mountains in mid-October, though the exact timing is hard to predict. Any time from October 7 to 21 is sure to offer excellent leaf-peeping opportunities. Be sure to check out annual fall color report from the National Park Service to track the changing leaves in Shenandoah National Park.

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Every year around the close of summer, the people of Hardy County come together to celebrate Heritage Weekend, one of the biggest local events of the year. Hardy County Heritage Weekend is a celebration of everything that makes local communities such special places to call home. During Heritage Weekend, you'll have the opportunity to learn about local history, shop for products from local businesses and artisans, catch a classic movie, watch live shows, enjoy live music, and even participate in an "all schools" reunion for former students of local schools. Our real estate agents are excited to tell you all about the events at Hardy County Heritage Weekend this year.

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Our real estate agents at Old Dominion Realty work hard to bring you the best experience when you look for Franklin homes for sale. We'll be by your side throughout your home buying experience  – and that commitment starts when you're first exploring the market.

When relocating a long way, many people will visit the city where they plan to move several times before they finish the house-hunting process.

Since you're going to be visiting, why not have fun at some exciting local events?

The 50th Annual Treasure Mountain Festival is one great weekend you won't want to miss – and it's coming up right here in Franklin, West Virginia.

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