Date Archives: September 2018

Finding yourself with Richmond homes for sale on the mind?  Our real estate agents have had the pleasure of showing new clients all around our city.  Everyone asks us: "What's the best neighborhood in Richmond?"

Of course, Richmond has so much to offer that there's no one best neighborhood. It all depends on what you're looking for in your new Virginia home.  No matter which neighborhood you choose, though, you'll love the way Richmond has incorporated beautiful trees, parks, and public areas into its city planning. 

One of the most beautiful of these is Jefferson Park.

See Richmond's Iconic Skyline at Jefferson Park

Although there are many green spaces to enjoy throughout Richmond, you won't want to miss out on Jefferson Park. Located on North 21st Street and East Marshall in the heart of the city, it is known for its breathtaking view of a spectacular skyline.

With plenty of open space, trees, and grass, Jefferson Park is a great place for a friendly game of catch or Frisbee. Many people come to visit on a regular basis, particularly on the weekends, when barbecues on the public grill are common.

The central fountain in Jefferson Park is named in honor of the "Ambassador of Compassion" Alicia Rasin, a longtime friend of the park and community supporter. In the area, you'll find a bandstand, tot lot, and areas to rest and relax.

The park also plays host to a complete exercise trail, a ball field, and two tennis courts. Hikers like to use Jefferson Park as the start and endpoint for their journeys on the hiking trails that run throughout the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, accessible from the park.

These days, Jefferson Park is known as one of the most peaceful places in Richmond. However, it does have a colorful history. Far below the park is the Church Hill train tunnel, which gained notoriety for a series of strange occurrences that caused it to be abandoned back in the 1920s.

Although Jefferson Park is a serene and welcoming urban oasis all year round, its position on a high bluff overlooking the Union Hill neighborhood makes it particularly popular in July. It is often the site of Independence Day fireworks and other fun festivities.

Jefferson Park Waits to Welcome You to Richmond

Richmond is famous for its amazing historical sites, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Monument Avenue 10K – which attracts about 40,000 participants every year.

But, sometimes, it's the smaller things in life that make a difference. Having gorgeous Jefferson Park right within reach will help when you want to slow down and appreciate nature.

The sooner you get started with your house-hunt here in Richmond, the sooner you could find yourself surrounded by the splendor of one of America's finest parks.

Contact Napier ERA to find out more. We look forward to helping you.

Our real estate agents are always looking for local attractions to recommend to clients buying homes for sale in Richmond.

Local Fall events like the RVA MakerFest jumps to the top of our lists to talk about with newcomers to our community.  What is the MakerFest?  Read on to get the details on what makes this local event so unique.

About the RVA MakerFest

The RVA MakerFest
Location:  Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
When: Saturday, October 6, 2018

What is the RVA MakerFest

The Richmond Virginia MakerFest is an impressive event that redefines the term "maker" to include of all forms of creativity. It brings together artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, scientists, tinkerers, and inventors to show you what they can do. They hope to demonstrate their skills, share their ideas and inspire even the non-creatives in the crowd. 

RVA MakerFest is the product of a non-profit initiative. Volunteers come together to promote lofty ideas. They want to tear down the barriers between creative groups and foster DIY collaboration. They want to promote learning and innovation, and they see their efforts as a way to encourage child makers and encourage STEM disciplines. 

The Makers

The makers are the key to the event. They come from all walks of life, hoping to inspire creativity with an exciting mix of materials, methods, and skills. Glass-blowers, laser-cutters, musicians, and more will entertain and motivate you.

The Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild will demonstrate how they forge metal wares with traditional blacksmith tools and techniques. A Lego artist will create works of art with those colorful chunky little blocks. You'll see robotics, soap-making, baking, pottery and more. For a complete list of makers visit the RVA MakerFest Blog.

The Science Museum of Virginia

The MakerFest is held on the grounds of the Science Museum of Virginia. It's an exciting and educational venue with three floors of permanent exhibits, interactive displays, artifacts, and experimental presentations. The staff provides STEM and laboratory learning opportunities, and educator resources that promote the Maker idea. 

The museum also presents special events and programs for children and adults. September 11 - 14 homeschool students can attend a program that focuses on "Creative Thinking." Adults can pack a lunch and attend Lunch Break Science events scheduled throughout September.

Rain or Shine

If it rains, the event will still take place. Most of the event displays will relocate to the inside of the museum. 

Refreshments

Food truck vendors, Airborne Kettle Corn, Sammich, Ninja Kombucha, Happy Empanada, and others will be on site selling your favorite snacks and entrees. Refreshment vendors will sell beer and soft drinks. 

Public Parking

There are eight lots designated as event parking areas. Check the parking diagram on the MakerFest event map page to locate the most convenient spot for you. 

Your Richmond Real Estate Professionals

Contact Napier ERA when you're buying or selling homes in the Richmond area. We'd love to do a little bragging about why Richmond is such a great place to make your home.

From the pillars of the Virginia State Capitol to the lush greenery of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in America. Anywhere you look in Richmond something catches your eye. And if you're a history buff or a lover of beautiful architecture, you don't need to look any further than Monument Avenue.

Richmond boasts a rich history, and nowhere is that better displayed than along the beautiful Monument Avenue. It's one of the must-see sites in town. So if you're in the area touring Richmond homes for sale, be sure to set aside a little time to check it out. 

A Stroll Through History

Monument Avenue was conceived initially as a site for a memorial statue of General Robert E. Lee after his death in 1870. The statue was unveiled in 1890 and was joined by a host of other monuments in the years following. Only after the turn of the century did Monument Avenue begin to transform into a residential street, and quickly became one of the most desirable places to live in the city, with dozens of vast, splendid homes popping up rapidly along the asphalt block-paved street between 1900 and 1925.

Today, many of those homes exist virtually unchanged and represent an incredible link to Richmond's past. Monument Avenue is a designated National Historic Landmark District and resides on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Monument Avenue offers an opportunity to explore the architectural styles of a bygone era, including the Colonial Revival style that was popular at the time, along with a smattering of Spanish Colonial, Tudor Revival, French Renaissance and Italian Renaissance-style homes. Many buildings along Monument Avenue were designed by the greatest architects of the early 20th century, like the fetching Branch House, designed by John Russell Pope in 1917.

Exploring Monument Avenue

The monuments of Monument Avenue, many memorializing Virginian Confederate veterans of the American Civil War, sparked controversy when they were first built. These statues, however, are only a small part of what makes Monument Avenue so striking. It's a broad, tree-lined avenue flanked by magnificent mansions, and churches, and shaded by towering oaks and sugar maples. Strolling down its sidewalk is like stepping back in time. 

Overall, there are 263 residential, religious, and commercial properties on Monument Avenue and adjacent West Franklin Street that make up the National Historic Landmark District each having its own story to tell.

Richmond Area Real Estate Experts

Contact Napier ERA to learn more about life in Richmond, Virginia. From its rich history, splendid architecture and endless options for entertainment, it's an incredible place to call home. Be sure to ask how our real estate agents can help make your dream home a reality in Richmond. 

Richmond homes for sale stand at the crossroads of one of America's most vibrant craft brewing scenes. And it's not just about the drinks: Many of those breweries are local institutions that have real connections with the community. That makes things a lot more fun, after all.

Our real estate agents know you're looking for many things in a community to call your own, and it doesn't hurt if there's plenty of exciting events on the social calendar. With Richmond, you'll always have something to look forward to – in the taproom or out on the town.

Stone Brewing is one of the big local names, and it always has a surprise in store.

One milestone that locals remember every year is the annual Stone's Throw Down, always sponsored by Stone Brewing. It's the top local music and craft beer festival, and it's taking place on Brown's Island this coming Saturday, September 8.

Stone's Throw Down in RVA is the Complete Music Festival Experience Right in Richmond

Music and craft brews go hand in hand, and that's obvious at the Stone's Throw Down.

In an industry that moves fast and is known for its compelling stories, Stone's Throw Brewery still stands apart: It's been around since 1996, riding one of the earliest waves of the next-gen brewing craze. And it's been running Stone's Throw, the biggest local party, for many years.

Tickets are just $15 to $20 depending on when you lock in. Everything goes to benefit deserving charities that contribute to a thriving Richmond: The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation, Venture Richmond, James River Association, and Neighborhood Resource Center of Greater Fulton.

Smooth craft brews are a big draw, and you'll get to enjoy all of the biggest hits produced by the legendary Stone Brewery. Of course, the musical acts are the real highlight here.

The roster of top local and national talent will include:

• Drive-By Truckers
• Antibalas
• No BS! Brass Band
• Futurebirds
• Spooky Cool
• Kenneka Cook

Brown's Island is the remarkable venue for this spectacular music extravaganza. Right on the James River, the island is the hot spot for touring musical acts from around the country. It also hosts the Friday Cheers Concert Series and is a popular waypoint during charity marathons.

Keep your eyes peeled for the historical exhibits and public art that enliven Brown's Island as you mingle with other music fans. A full range of amenities will be available, and you'll also be able to bring your folding chairs to the show if you wish.

With Stone's Throw and its other events, Stone Brewing has contributed more than $3 million to nonprofits in its two decades of operations. When you choose to attend the festival, you'll become part of the story that has helped so many in Richmond.

Napier ERA Will Introduce You to the Real Richmond

At Napier ERA, we love Richmond – and we think you will, too.

It's easy to get excited about all Richmond has to offer when you've got the benefit of the best experience on your side. Our team is dedicated to making things easier for you: From the house hunt until closing day (and even beyond!) we'll be there.

Contact Napier ERA to hear more. We look forward to helping you.