Date Archives: July 2018

With their years of experience selling Richmond homes for sale, you can count on our real estate agents to give you the expert advice and solid insights to make the right decisions. But not all questions about whether and where to move are exactly cut-and-dried.

In addition to things like employment, educational opportunities, shopping, and restaurants, you also have to ask yourself: "Is this community really the right one for me?"

Our team understands what clients like you are interested in when they ask that question: The feel of a community and what it's really like to live there. That's why we take a keen interest in every major event on the calendar in the communities where we work.

When it comes to truly special outings in Richmond, you won't want to miss dragon boating!

The Richmond International Dragon Boat Festival is the Only Event of Its Kind on Water

Thanks to its position on the James River, Richmond is known for a wide range of amazing water sports. Teams come from all over the United States to practice in many different forms of rowing and racing – but nothing is quite like the International Dragon Boat Festival.

In this outstanding competition, teams of 20 synchronized paddlers will race 500 meters in splendid 40-foot canoes. Each team is aided by a drummer, who keeps the rhythm they need to work together, and a steersperson who will help coordinate and lead the team to victory.

That alone would be enough pulse-pounding action for any fan of water sports – but it gets better.

You see, each of these boats is a spectacle in itself. The canoes have been carefully crafted to reflect Chinese styling, with dragon heads and tails straight out of mythology. Social groups, businesses, and even groups of professional athletes have all participated in the past.

In fact, the International Dragon Boat Festival has long been regarded as a great way for various organizations – from clubs to families – to build new ties within the community. And, of course, it's a family-friendly outing that anyone can enjoy.

The International Dragon Boat Festival takes place in August every year: This year, it'll all be on Saturday, August 11th beginning at 6:30 am with the team captain check-in; the first race launches at 8:30 am, and an unforgettable cultural performance happens at 11:30 am.

Each participating team is guaranteed three races, one team practice session in the week just prior to the event, a team tent, all equipment – boat, life vests, and paddles – and a highly trained steersperson.

No matter whether you want to participate or spectate, Richmond is the one and only place where you can enjoy the excitement of the International Dragon Boat Festival. Get in on all the action by taking advantage of the great real estate opportunities offered by beautiful Richmond.

Contact Napier ERA to find out more today.

With Richmond homes for sale, you're within an easy trip of some of the top sports venues around. At Napier ERA, our real estate agents will be glad to let you know about all of the amazing opportunities for a day out – but the real "big game" is helping you find a new home. 

But you don't have to go to the Major League for an amazing time at the ballpark. 

Minor League games bring their own type of fun, and you can catch rising talent as they build the skills they need to compete at a different level. The Minor League may not make huge headlines, but it can provide endless fun to a whole community.  And in Richmond, you have an opportunity to enjoy it whenever you wish.

Yes, Richmond is home to one of the most celebrated Minor League teams. They're the Richmond Flying Squirrels, and you'll see them in action right in our amazing town.

The Richmond Flying Squirrels Soar at The Diamond

The Flying Squirrels are the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and were formerly known as the Connecticut Defenders. They play right in Richmond, VA at The Diamond – which offers a capacity of more than 9,500 seats when the Flying Squirrels are playing.

The Diamond broke ground in 1984 and officially opened in 1985. It was renovated as recently as 2009 with all-new seats, major remodeling, and a variety of new amenities. All this effort – at a cost of more than $1.5 million – has ensured one of the best Minor League venues anywhere.

In 2011, the park was enhanced even further. The scoreboard was made even more striking and easy to read, while beautiful new party decks were added to the upper level. That gives visitors the opportunity to have a truly memorable time while watching a great Richmond game.

As for the team itself, the name was chosen through a reader contest at the local Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper. After the contest concluded in October, 2009 the new team logo was unveiled in December. Who doesn't love flying squirrels?

The mascot, Nutsy, can be found soaring high overhead whenever the team is playing.

Naturally, the Flying Squirrels can be enjoyed throughout the Minor League baseball season, which opens in the first week of April every year. It runs through the whole summer and it typically has its last major game all the way in September.

Of course, training and other events continue to go on throughout the year. Some of these are even open to the public. The stadium is also known for its 4th of July fireworks show, which has been consistently sold out for nine years in a row.

Fly On Over to Napier ERA for a Richmond Home Right in Squirrels Territory

At Napier ERA, we know that a community has many parts: Homes, people, amenities, and the important relationships between them all. We want to help you find the perfect property for you so you can enjoy everything that Richmond has to offer.

Our experienced real estate agents will provide you with the expert advice you need to make sound decisions every step of the way – and our team's customer service is always top notch.

Contact Napier ERA to find out more today.

Richmond homes for sale put you within reach of some of the most historic areas in Virginia. Our real estate agents will be glad to show you all the real estate opportunities the area offers – but you'll definitely want to make time to explore the history on your own! 

One of the best ways to combine that look into history with some outdoor fun is to go bicycling on the Virginia Capital Trail. It's an enjoyable way to get acquainted with some of the most captivating sights. Plus, you'll benefit from one of the best-maintained trails in the region.

See History Unfold from the Seat of Your Bike

The Virginia Capital Trail runs 52 miles through the heart of the state. It was conceived in the 1990s but broke ground in 2005 at one of the most historic places in the nation: The location of Jamestown, Virginia, the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

With a start like that, you can imagine that there'll be plenty to see and lots to learn on the trail, and you'd be right. Although it only opened in October of 2015, it has already proven to be one of the most sought-after ways for history buffs to soak in the ambiance of Virginia.

You'll pass dozens of historic properties on this scenic byway. Many areas benefit from a lush canopy of trees, giving you more shade so you can relax and enjoy throughout most of the year. Unlike many other major hiking and cycling trails, it remains popular in summer.

Of course, you can take the trail at any pace you desire – but it's intended to be a good fit for cyclists of all skill levels. You'll need to know these important facts before you get started:

• The Trail is Long and Flat
  Since there are no hills, you won't have to worry about pumping hard uphill or looking out for unseen traffic going downhill. The path is paved from end to end and follows along Route 5. Its gentle, meandering course will keep you moving forward without getting bored.
• Most Journeys Start from Richmond
  From your new Richmond home, you'll have the perfect launching point for your Virginia journey. The trail on the Richmond side starts along the James River, right at Shockoe Bottom. You can park on Dock Street – at Great Shiplock Park – to begin your adventure.
• There Are Break Points!
  There are several areas along the trail that offer time to stop, rest, reflect ... and use the restroom. Refreshments are even available at some stops. The midway point is located at the Charles City Courthouse, where you can stop in at Cul's Courthouse Grill for a bite to eat.
• Some Sights Are Off the Trail
  The trail is designed to wend its way through all the major landmarks of the area – but there are a few notable exceptions you may want to be aware of. For example, the Berkeley Plantation (also in Charles City) was the birthplace of President William Henry Harrison.
• The Trail Ends in Jamestown
  From the Richmond side, you can save the best for last by ending your excursion at the thrilling re-creation of the Jamestown settlement. The site includes a number of re-created buildings, exhibits, and even a model "Powhatan village" where you can see how indigenous people lived.

The story of Richmond, Virginia is far from over, and you can be part of it. Make your mark in Richmond when you contact Napier ERA today.

Our real estate agents have many years of experience with Richmond homes for sale. Not only have we had time to learn all about the best real estate opportunities in Richmond and the surrounding communities, but we're very familiar with what makes the area special.

You'll find that the area around Richmond is dotted with beautiful parks that offer all kinds of outdoor activities to enjoy year round. Although there are many to choose from, North Bank Park is one you'll definitely want to put at the top of your list when visiting Richmond.

North Bank Park Gives You Access to Nature Right in Your Own Back Yard

North Bank Park is one of the things that makes living in Richmond great.

You'll find it right at the south end of the town's storied Texas Avenue, almost as close as your own backyard. It's known to many of the locals as Texas Beach because of the many secluded, sun-soaked beaches where you can find warm sand and sunbathing rocks.

Sitting on the north bank of the James River, the park gets the most sunshine from October to March. Longer days give you plenty of time to enjoy the "lost in nature" feeling that North Bank Park does best of all – whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or simple nature-watching.

Here's what you can expect when you visit:

• Hiking
  The area's rustic trails are perfect for hiking, though those with less experience usually seek the more manicured trails throughout Richmond. Visitors should come prepared to remove their own trash, but ample parking makes it easy to get in and out with no fuss.
• Bicycling
  Bicyclists will have a number of wonderful opportunities to enjoy views of the river and the many historic sites around it. For example, cycling the bike route is the best way to visit the old Foushee-Ritchie Mill, which dates all the way back to 1819.
• Snorkeling
  The Main Section of the beach, as it's known, is found across the river on the South Bank.

Since the Main Section tends to get more traffic all throughout the year, those who want to enjoy peace and solitude tend to remain around Texas Beach. This is especially true of those who want to enjoy the best water sports: The area is especially known for snorkeling.

Snorkelers will have the outstanding opportunity to explore with much more freedom than they can find at other popular snorkeling destinations like Pony Pasture or Belle Isle. Seasonal low river levels make it easier to navigate and to spot local critters like fish, turtles, and snails.

You'll even find neat river-bottom treasures like driftwood and sunken boulders.

Tips for Young Explorers

Lower water levels in the dry months also make virtually all of North Bank Park safer for young children. North Bank Park is a popular proving ground for all sorts of youth scout organizations.

Explore Richmond Real Estate Opportunities with Napier ERA

At Napier ERA, our real estate agents tirelessly blaze a trail to the home of your dreams.

Whether you're trading up, moving for work, or seeking your first home, Napier ERA will support you at every step on the path. Our expert advice is personalized to your specific needs. We'll help you find the right home, accelerate the process, and make closing easier than you ever imagined.

Contact Napier ERA today to get your home search started.

Hanover County homes for sale have attracted a lot of attention in the last few months as the summer real estate season kicks into full swing. Our real estate agents are keeping busy across Hanover and the rest of Virginia, but there's always room to welcome another client. 

Hanover County includes such notable communities as Ashland, Mechanicsville, Doswell, and Montpelier.  Hanover County's towns and cities are welcoming, safe, and tight-knit, reflecting a commitment to community that has persisted for centuries. For all the things that bind the locals together, though, there's one you might not think of at first: Tomatoes.

That's right – tomatoes are one of Virginia's most important crops.

And Hanover County is home to the top tomato festival in the United States.

Tomatoes Help Shape the Culture of Eastern Virginia and Hanover County

The 4th of July isn't the only major celebration that goes on in Hanover in July.

If you've never had a delicious farm fresh tomato before, you might be surprised just how rich and flavorful they can be. However, Virginia locals know that a good tomato is just as nuanced as any other part of your salad – whether you consider it a fruit or a vegetable.

Tomatoes are one of the main crops in Virginia, so it's no surprise local farmers have had plenty of practice creating the most succulent, colorful, and plain old delicious tomatoes around.

Each year, the state harvests more than 2,000 acres of fresh-market tomatoes. All those salads, soups, sandwiches, and much more lead to more than $34 million in sales annually.

That's a lot of tomato sauce!

The Hanover County Tomato Festival is Coming Your Way on July 14

Virginia's Eastern Shore is the biggest hub of tomato-focused agriculture, but it can be found all throughout the state. Hanover County has the distinction of being home to the most popular tomato-based event: In fact, this year will be the 40th Annual Hanover Tomato Festival.

It's taking place on Saturday, July 14 in Pole Green Park, Mechanicsville.

Every year, the event showcases the best that tomatoes have to offer. Tomato tastings are the centerpiece of the event, but attendees will also enjoy live music, vendors, contests, and much more. It's a fun, festive, family-friendly atmosphere.

There'll even be a special cooling station for pets – Bow-Wow Beach – and an area with lots of exciting activities for kids 12 and under. With that care and attention to detail, there really will be something for everyone ... even if you (gasp!) don't like tomatoes.

More than 150 artisans and businesses will be on hand with merchandise including apparel and art.

If you can't get enough of tomatoes, then stop in early on Friday, July 13 to get your foot in the door with "Tomato-Palooza." The highlight that day is tomato-first cuisine, including food trucks using locally-sourced tomatoes in iconic dishes.

Tomatoes Aren't the Only Tasty Treat in Hanover – Your Dream Home Awaits

At Napier ERA, we're passionate about everything Hanover has in store. When you have a chance to take a look at all of the amazing homes for sale, you might just feel the same way.

Contact Napier ERA to find out more about finding your home in Hanover.