Dreaming Big At IX Art Park

by Ken Wilson –  The Wizard of IX can help your dreams come true. Independent filmmaker Brian Wimer was first the “instigator” of the IX Art Park, nestled between Monticello and Elliot Avenues in Charlottesville, then he was its “executive director,” and now he’s officially its “Wizard.” And why not? As Wimer notes with the […]

Independence Day 2018: Honoring History Where it Happened

By Ken Wilson – An Albemarle County landowner named Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. James Monroe, had a place just up the road and James Madison, mentored by Jefferson and hailed as “the father of the Constitution” settled in nearby Orange County. These men made history—our American history—and their […]

Home Buyers Love Walkable Neighborhoods

By Marilyn Pribus –  These days, people shopping for a new abode often have “walkability” close to the top of their list of wants. Especially as gas prices are again on the rise, the thought of not having to get out the car keys to go places you want to go is appealing. Walkability basically […]

The Hills are Alive: Wintergreen Music Festival

By Ken Wilson – They flock to the Blue Ridge Mountains every summer and they coalesce into something extraordinary. Experienced professional and aspiring student musicians join discerning music lovers at Wintergreen for four stimulating weeks of classical music, with a little bluegrass, Broadway, and what-have-you on the side. The resulting festival, says Artistic Director Erin […]

Moving Like a Pro

By Marilyn Pribus – Even when you’re moving to a wonderful new abode, the mechanics of getting your belongings from the old place to the new can be confusing, even overwhelming.  Fortunately, practicalities have improved since our ancestors trundled belongings from one cave to the next. Unless it’s a do-it-yourself move, the place to start […]

Sports Town: You Name It, We Play It

By Ken Wilson – Saturday morning checklist in a randomly chosen Charlottesville household: Don’t forget bat, mitt, shoes, and sunscreen. Saturday morning checklist in the house across the street: Don’t forget binoculars, beer, cooler, and sunscreen. Whether they’re out on the field or out $50 for the tickets, the average Charlottesvillian is somewhere on the […]

Buying or Renovating for the Long Term

By Celeste M. Smucker – Updating a home so the occupants can live there comfortably for the long term is a hot topic these days  and is all about adding features that promote convenience, accessibility and ease. While once this concept was aimed at Boomers who wanted to stay longer in their homes, most of […]

Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Their REALTOR®

By Celeste M. Smucker– For most people, buying a home is a huge investment, and, whether you are a seasoned homebuyer or a first timer, it is important to find the right REALTOR®  to guide you through the process.  First and foremost is to find someone you feel comfortable with and who enjoys their role […]