Articles Tagged "Shenandoah Valley"

Autumn is around the corner, and it's one of the best times to explore all that the Shenandoah Valley has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for art, culture, outdoor adventures, or family fun, there are countless attractions to enjoy around Shenandoah Valley communities this fall. Our real estate agents have all of the exciting details on 7 places in the Shenandoah Valley where you can enjoy autumn adventures for all ages.

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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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Horseback riding is a personally rewarding activity that pays physical and emotional dividends. Plus, the Shenandoah Valley offers some beautiful scenery perfect for exploring on horseback. When our real estate agents want to recharge, they saddle up at these wonderful places around Shenandoah County homes for sale.

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When our real estate agents crave sweets, they fill up at these wonderful candy shops around the Shenandoah Valley. These local shops are great stops at any point in the year, but during the holiday season, they make great options for stocking stuffers. Find something sweet at these candy shops!  

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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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Shenandoah National Park offers stunning views! And when you take a camera along with you, you can share the views with others after your trip. Delight family and friends with postcard-ready shots of the stunning scenery near Shenandoah homes for sale. Visit these majestic locations scouted by our real estate agents around Shenandoah National Park. 

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So many of the beautiful Rockingham County homes for sale have impressive entryways. Often, this is one of the features that captivates potential buyers. However, if your entryway is cold and sterile, it can have the opposite effect - detracting from your home's overall appeal. 

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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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Looking for an all-new way to experience the Shenandoah Valley? Our real estate agents have it!

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A combination of low-interest rates, limited nationwide inventory, and pent-up demand has made this year's real estate market one of the hottest in history. In a competitive seller's market, buyers often lose some negotiating leverage and are forced to enter into bidding wars.  

However, if you're looking for a home in today's real estate market, all hope isn't lost. The key to finding the right home for the right price is a combination of patience, dedication, and working with an experienced real estate agent. 

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A rain garden is one of the most attractive and effective ways to handle runoff on your property, protect groundwater, filter impurities, and improve landscaping aesthetics. Our real estate agents have seen beautifully designed rain gardens in Shenandoah County homes for sale and thought it'd be great to put together a beginner's guide to creating a rain garden.

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While it might not qualify as retail therapy, back-to-school shopping is an annual summer ritual. Our real estate agents will be getting their kids ready to hit the books with some strategic shopping at these malls and markets around the Shenandoah Valley.

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It's easy to eat healthy during summer, whether you shop for fruits and vegetables at the great farmers markets around Shenandoah County homes for sale or grow your own. Our real estate agents share some of their favorite recipes that put vegetables front and center.

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Virginia's Shenandoah Valley has spectacular scenery that makes the perfect setting for a 5K or other types of race. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, you'll find several races to choose from.

Start training, and check out these upcoming 5Ks and other races suggested by our real estate agents:

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Is it any wonder that Shenandoah County is known for its glorious natural landscapes?

When our real estate agents hear the call of the great outdoors, they head to these exciting locations and activities not far from Shenandoah County homes for sale.

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Among Virginia homes for sale, there are plenty of desirable options. Shenandoah County homes for sale have an extra something more for amateur astronomers of all kinds: Access to unique Shenandoah National Park and its unparalleled night sky.

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The holiday season is a time of celebration and also a time of reflection. There are people in the Shenandoah Valley who could use some help for the holidays this year, and there are many nonprofit organizations in the area working to provide that vital assistance. Whether you donate your time, money, or both, helping local nonprofits is a great way to make a positive difference in your community and bring a little bit of holiday cheer where it's needed most. Our real estate agents have the details on 7 Shenandoah Valley nonprofits where your donation can make a difference this year.

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The holidays are right around the corner, and our real estate agents are excited about all the possibilities the new season brings. As always, we're also excited to highlight some of our favorite local businesses in the Shenandoah Valley. 

Of course, the holidays are poinsettia season, and if you're looking for a place to pick up a perfect holiday bouquet, you have a wealth of options to choose from in the Shenandoah Valley. These are our favorite local florists for holiday bouquets!

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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.

There's nothing quite like a fresh cookie right from the oven, and baking is a big part of the local food scene here in the Shenandoah Valley region. National Cookie Month is celebrated every October – and our real estate agents want to be sure you know about the many local bakeries that make our area a sweet place to live. 

Let's look at some places to enjoy something warm and sweet this October:

1. Bittersweet Bakery – 120 West Wolfe Street #103, Harrisonburg, VA 22802
   Bittersweet Bakery is open for online orders, so it's a breeze to get a dozen of your favorite cookies fast. A local business built on variety, quality, and friendly service, it features both sweet and savory pastries. There are seven flavors of cookies available regularly, including dark chocolate salted caramel, peanut butter, and classic snickerdoodles. Eclairs, tarts, macaroons, and more round out the menu.
2. Anita's Decadent Delights – 510 North Main Street, Bridgewater, VA 22812
   Anita's Decadent Delights is open bright and early every morning so you can treat your sweet tooth. It's always showcasing exciting new cookie recipes: The Key Lime cookie is the newest addition. It is a truly welcoming place to get a wide assortment of holiday cookies decorated with lavish and tasty art. Cake pops and tons of donut options can also be explored, including the popular maple bacon glazed donut.
3. Main Street Bakery and Catering – 127 East Main Street, Luray, VA 22835
   With a full selection of pastries for your party, wedding, or business event, Main Street Bakery and Catering is a leading local bakeshop. There are dozens of flavors available, so the best way to get exactly what you're craving is to put in a special request. Chef Chuck leads the Main Street team with a commitment to community, service, and stewardship.
4. Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza – 49A West Water Street, Harrisonburg VA 22801
   At friendly Bella Luna Wood-Fired Pizza, there's more than one kind of "pie" for you to enjoy. This local pizzeria embraces Italy with classic gelato and other Mediterranean desserts. The colorful cookies go well with your choice of Italian-style espresso. You can even have them after lunch or dinner with the full menu of hot sandwiches, soups, salads, and (of course) pizza.
5. Black Sheep Coffee – 217 South Liberty Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
   Located on the grounds of The Ice House, Black Sheep Coffee is open for breakfast and lunch. While the goat cheese and tomato biscuit sandwich may be the top breakfast item, you won't want to miss out on the baked goods: Pecan Sandies, chocolate chip, and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies are prepared fresh daily, along with cinnamon rolls and five types of seasonal scone.

As the weather gets cooler, interest is heating up on homes around the Shenandoah Valley. No matter whether you've been looking at Harrisonburg homes for sale, beautiful Bridgewater homes for sale, or even finding your favorite Luray homes for sale, there's something for everyone in our area.

Local bakeries are just one more reason why life in the Shenandoah Valley is a sweet deal. To find out about homes for sale in Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, and beyond, just contact us today.

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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As we make our way into the heart of summer, we prepare to celebrate one of the most important American holidays: Independence Day. The 4th of July and its adjacent weekend is often a time when friends, families, and neighbors gather together in gratitude for our freedom, health, and safety. Unfortunately, this year our July 4th festivities will be quite different than normal, but that doesn't mean that we still can't have a fun-filled holiday with those we cherish most. Our real estate agents invite you to creatively celebrate the 4th of July virtually with these cool ideas.

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Put burgers on the backburner and leave your leftovers in the fridge — February 9th is National Pizza Day and you deserve a slice topped with gooey cheese, crisp vegetables, and crunchy crust. Believe it or not, more than 3 billion pizzas are sold annually and every America consumes around 23 pounds of pie throughout the year.

How can you observe National Pizza Day? You can grab a few slices with friends, order delivery for a movie night at home, or grab a pie and have a pizza party in the park with your family. Nearly 20 percent of all restaurants in the country are pizzerias and if you're searching for the best pizza spots in the Shenandoah Valley, these five parlors are some of our REALTORS® favorites!

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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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In observation of National Lost Dog Awareness Day on April 23rd, our real estate agents encourage the caring residents of West Virginia and Virginia to help their fellow neighbors reunite with their missing pets. Though many of these animals return home to their owners, some of them are abandoned and are discovered by our local rescue centers. After you buy one of our beautiful Virginia or West Virginia homes for sale, we invite you to visit a local adoption center and consider adding a four-legged friend to your growing family.

1. Basset Rescue of Old Dominion – 3445 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22901 
   Affectionately known as BROOD, Basset Rescue of Old Dominion is dedicated to finding loving and safe homes for the abandoned basset hounds of the greater Virginia, West Virginia and surrounding areas. If you've always wanted an adorable basset hound, feel free to give BROOD a call while you're shopping Charlottesville homes for sale.
   
   

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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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Family Fun at Shenandoah National Park

Both historical and glorious, Shenandoah National Park explodes with wildflower colors during the summer months. Get your camera ready because white-tailed deer are everywhere and you might even catch a glimpse of a black bear or wild turkey. Can you imagine relocating to Harrisonburg, Staunton or Waynesboro and having this wildlife wonderland right in your own backyard? Our REALTORS® at Old Dominion Realty can work with you to find a home in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley.

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Shenandoah Valley Draws Local Attraction

The unparalleled beauty of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley attracts thousands each year.  From rolling hills and mountain vistas to stunning wildflower meadows, the landscape throughout the Shenandoah National Park System offers sights that simply should not be missed.  Include a drive along the area's picturesque Skyline Drive at the top of your list of things to do  Virginia list this summer.

Not Your Typical Sunday Drive

Skyline Drive stretches for 105-miles through the Shenandoah National Park.  A drive along the Skyline evokes a different time, when life moved at a slower pace, and people commonly took drives for sheer pleasure.  Families trying to decide what to do in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley, should consider a cruise down the park's only public road.  Running north and south through the park, Skyline Drive travels along a crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering unique views of the park and the surrounding region. 

Explore Nature's Beauty

Animal lovers need to look no further for things to do in Virginia.  Skyline Drive is frequently visited by the park's wildlife, especially during dawn and dusk.  The Shenandoah National Park is home to one of the country's largest populations of black bears.  In addition to bears, use Skyline Drive's vantage points to spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and gray fox, river otters, woodchucks and over 200 species of birds.

Bring Your Camera 

For photographers and artists, the Shenandoah Valley's  natural beauty brings new inspiration. Scattered along the drive are 75 scenic overlooks  providing plenty of photo opportunities for residents and visitors alike.  Of course, you do not need to be a professional artist to find inspiration along this drive.  Skyline Drive varies greatly in width as it curves along the mountains, offering varied and stunning views.

Go For A Hike 

Along Skyline Drive, you will find plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and stretch your legs.  Hiking often tops the list of what to do in Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley National Park for many nature and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.  The Appalachian Trail, one of the East Coast's most famed and challenging hiking trails, runs parallel to Skyline Drive.  Overall, you have access to more than 500 miles of hiking trails from various points along the drive. Additionally, horseback riding and cycling are allowed along the Skyline. 

Drive Safely 

Keep in mind, animals frequently dart into the road, so please adhere to the posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour.  A cruise along Skyline Drive is a ride meant to be savored; slow down, take your time and do not forget to stop and smell the wildflowers.   You are welcome to tow campers and trailers along Skyline Drive.  Just be prepared to shift into low gear. Make sure your trailer will clear Mary's Rock Tunnel, which features a 12'8" height limit.

Old Dominion Realty to Find Homes for sale in the Shenandoah Valley

Claim a piece of the Shenandoah Valley for yourself. Contact Old Dominion Realty to begin your home search today and discover the many, picturesque communities dotting the region. 

With rich history and lush surroundings, the architecture of Virginia features beautiful, robust styles with enough variety to please any homeowner. When perusing the many housing styles in the Shenandoah Valley, you can find centuries-old historic homes, contemporary homes with mid-century design influences, and everything in between.

Explore the architecture of our area with these housing styles in the Shenandoah Valley.

Colonial

The austere but decorated styling of colonial homes features elements from old English home architecture. In either antique or new homes with colonial design, expect beautiful chimneys, darling wood frame exteriors, and classic floor plans.

Federal

This pre-revolutionary style draws inspiration from classical architecture from England, France, and Germany. Popularized in the 1700s and 1800s and continually one of the most beloved of the housing styles in the Shenandoah Valley, the Federal style features Greco-Roman elements like columns and arched windows. Enjoy a stately and timeless beauty in Federal homes.

Victorian

Victorian architecture takes its name from Queen Victoria, who ruled over England when this highly decorative style became popular. Still one of the most popular home styles in the South and throughout the country, Victorian homes feature classic floor plans and details inside, and flowingly ornate designs on the exterior. Elegant bay windows and handsome porches are common features of Victorian homes.

Farm House

Among the truly local design styles, the farm house has a treasured place in our area's architectural history. All housing styles in the Shenandoah Valley work naturally with the surrounding landscape, but the classic farm house looks especially perfect around here. Look for both historic working farm houses and new homes inspired by the design, with large faces and windows. These can vary from a traditional log cabin style to the very Southern hall and parlor design.

Contemporary

Modern homes in our area range from striking mid-century designs to the contemporary brick and stone homes popular among families across the country. Explore modernist designs to see how elements of classic architecture and fashion-forward artistry can combine to craft a home with form and function. Many subdivisions also feature the exciting contemporary trends and community design sought after by families today.

The Experts at Old Dominion Realty are accustomed to matching buyers with an architectural style that meets all their expectations.  Contact one of them to find your ideal home in the Shenandoah Valley.