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 […]

Madison County: Close-In Living With a Host of Amenities

By Celeste M. Smucker – Madison County is acclaimed for its beautiful scenery and multitude of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing. It appeals to homebuyers who want an amenity-rich, rural lifestyle and those who value privacy at a reasonable cost. Easy access to the employment, shopping, educational, recreational and cultural benefits of Charlottesville […]

Festival of the Home Coming Soon to IX Art Park

By Celeste M. Smucker – What are the latest trends in home decor, technology, renovation, building and finance? What would work best at your house? Wouldn’t it be great if this information was all available in one place?  The good news is, it is when you attend the Blue Ridge Homebuilders Association’s (BRHBA)  Festival of […]

Small-Scale Gardening

By Marilyn Pribus – “There are challenges in having a small garden space,” declares Stanardsville Horticulturist Karyn Smith, “but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow flowers, veggies, and herbs.” She points out that even a small balcony can offer enough room to play gardener. “Be sure to choose plants that won’t outgrow your space,” she […]

Sipping Apples: Virginia Hard Cider

By Ken Wilson – Not so long ago, hard cider was stuff you bought at the grocery store and let sit around too long. Or maybe you’d put it out on the porch to ferment on purpose, checking it every once in a while as it developed that tang and that slightly alcoholic edge. Either […]