Date Archives: May 2021

Warm weather has returned to Central Virginia, and while it might not quite be summer yet, our real estate agents are already dreaming of summer fun in the sun. And is there any more enjoyable way to spend a sunny day than at your local miniature golf course?

Many of us have fond memories of playing putt-putt golf as youngsters. So whether you're looking for a place to take your kids now that you're grown-up—or maybe you want to relive some childhood nostalgia of your own—these are the best mini golf courses in Central Virginia!

1. Putt-Putt Fun Center - 7901 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235
   You're always in for a good time at the Putt-Putt Fun Center. With three 18-hole miniature golf courses, they have more than enough entertainment to keep the whole family happy for hours and hours. The courses even offer great practice for experienced golfers looking to improve their putting skills. The Putt-Putt Fun Center also offers arcade games, go-karts, and bumper boats, and it's a great place for birthdays and other parties near these Richmond homes for sale. 
   
   
2. Ironbridge Sports Park - 11400 Iron Bridge Rd, Chester, VA 23831
   Specializing in non-stop family fun, Ironbridge Sports Park offers an endless array of outdoor activities. They have a great miniature golf course, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. You can also enjoy a covered driving range, outdoor laser tag arena, nine batting cages, and a go-kart track. Plus, their on-site cafe serves all kinds of tasty goodies. Located just minutes from many Chesterfield County homes for sale, Ironbridge Sports Park is open year-round. 
   
   
3. Windy Hill Golf Course - 16500 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113
   Windy Hill Golf Course is a great destination for fans of mini-golf and golf. In addition to two 18-hole miniature golf courses, Windy Hill also offers beautiful 9- and 18-hole regulation golf courses, along with a fully-stocked pro shop. There's really something here for golfers of every age and skill level, along with other attractions like batting cages and a go-kart track. Windy Hill Golf Course is located a stone's throw from these Midlothian homes for sale.
   
   
4. Swaders Sports Park - 4725 Whitehill Blvd, Prince George, VA 23875
   You'll find two professionally designed miniature golf courses at Swader's Sports Park, each complete with waterfalls, fountains, and streams. Mini golf here is always equal parts relaxing and challenging, and you can also try out a wide range of other outdoor family fun, from batting cages and bowling to a driving range and laser tag. Swaders Sports Park also hosts all kinds of events,  and they're located just up the road from many beautiful Prince George homes for sale. 
   
   
5. Hanover Sports Park - 11000 Washington Hwy, Glen Allen, VA 2305
   Open year-round and lit up well after dark, the mini-golf course at Hanover Sports Park is one of the most popular in the area. It's always a challenge to avoid the hazards and beat the par of 42 on this 18-hole course. Hanover Sports Park also offers a fully covered driving range with 28 teeing areas and seven batting cages that throw both baseballs and softballs. With numerous Glen Allen homes for sale nearby, you never have to go far for outdoor family fun. 

Central Virginia is a fun place to be in the summertime, with endless opportunities to enjoy the warm, sunny weather. Contact us to learn more about life in Central Virginia, and talk to our team of dedicated real estate agents about finding your dream home today!

Owning a home is a great investment, but it's not all fun and games. Any property requires regular maintenance to keep it in good repair, and as the owner, it falls to you. You'll find that there is typically a hierarchy of maintenance: things you can hold off on for a little while versus things that need to be done on time or immediately lest bigger problems develop. Here are five home maintenance tasks our real estate agents say you shouldn't skip and why you should prioritize them.

1. HVAC Tune-ups
   A professional should set eyes on your HVAC system at least once a year, preferably twice if you have central AC. The general rule of thumb is to have your furnace tuned up in the fall and your AC tuned up in the spring. This not only keeps everything running smoothly and extends the life of the system and its components but also enables your technician to keep an eye out for developing problems before they become large (and expensive) problems. Having a well-maintained HVAC system can also help when it comes time to sell, as the furnace is one of the things buyers look at when they browse Central Virginia homes for sale.
   
   
2. Water Heater Maintenance
   Many people install a water heater and forget about it until, of course, it stops working or starts leaking. Annual maintenance can actually make a huge difference in the life of your water heater, however, and possibly even catch problems before they lead to significant water damage. A tech will inspect your water heater for signs of problems and then drain and flush it to get rid of sediment buildup that collects on the bottom of the water heater, leading to corrosion and heating element failure.
   
   
3. Gutter Cleaning
   Cleaning your gutters is another thing that needs to happen on a seasonal basis. Most experts recommend having your gutters cleaned in the spring and fall, but if you live in an area with many big trees, you may need to clean them more frequently. Gutters that aren't cleaned regularly may get clogged with debris from nearby trees, causing them to back up. The resulting overflow of water could cause expensive water damage to your home if not caught in time.
   
   
4. Sump Pump Testing
   A sump pump isn't a "set it and forget it" kind of feature. It's easy to forget that it's down there in the basement, but if you don't do some periodic maintenance, you could end up without it when it's finally needed. You can test your sump pump by simply pouring some water in just to make sure it'll still kick on when needed. If it doesn't, you should get a technician out to have a look as soon as possible.
   
   
5. Dryer Vent Cleaning
   Many people forget or don't realize that their dryer vents need to be cleaned out periodically. The lint trap collects most of the lint from your laundry, but some still gets by and will build up in the dryer vent over time. In addition to making your clothes dry more slowly, if that lint buildup gets bad enough, it can actually start a fire!

A well-cared-for house requires less emergency maintenance and will show better when it's time to sell. If you're thinking about selling your home, take the time to get caught up on all of your deferred maintenance, and then contact us to get the listing process started.

There's never a bad day to fire up the grill, and National BBQ Day is right around the corner. That's right, May 16th is an entire day dedicated to celebrating this American favorite! 

Plus, if you prefer to let someone else do the cooking, you're in luck. There are a ton of great BBQ restaurants in the Central Virginia area. Stop by these BBQ spots for flavorful dishes that will have you celebrating National BBQ Day all year long. 

1. Deep Run Roadhouse: 12379 Gayton Rd., Henrico, VA 23238
   If you're looking for delicious Tex-Mex, regional BBQ, and comfort food, look no further than Deep Run Roadhouse. They make everything from scratch using fresh ingredients. On the menu, you'll find items like their signature sliced brisket, rope sausage, fried catfish, smoked fried wings, and more. After you enjoy your meal, we suggest taking a drive around the area. It's home to some of the best Henrico homes for sale.
   
   
2. Alamo BBQ: 2202 Jefferson Ave., Richmond, VA 23223
   For a taste of Texas right in Richmond, you can't go wrong with Alamo BBQ. From the award-winning beef brisket to southwest-influenced items like grilled burritos and fish tacos, their menu is sure to please even the most discerning of diners. Alamo BBQ is located in historic Church Hill, just minutes from downtown. When you're in the area looking at Richmond homes for sale, you'll definitely want to stop by or order take-out to enjoy when you get home.  
   
   
3. Pig & Brew Barbecue Bar: 1313 Hull St., Richmond, VA 23224
   When you visit Pig & Brew Barbecue Bar, you may come for the food, but you'll stay for the fun! This kid-friendly neighborhood restaurant/bar is the area's best place for authentic North Carolina-style barbecue. We love the smoked wings and the Hillbilly Fries topped with cheese, bacon, and NC-style pork BBQ.
   
   
4. Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q: 257 E. Bank St., Petersburg, VA 23803
   If you've been exploring Petersburg homes for sale, you'll definitely want to get to know Saucy's Sit-Down Bar.B.Q. They were voted "The South's Best Butt" by Southern Living Magazine not once but twice! The menu features all the classics and some interesting items like fried mac & cheese balls. 
   
   
5. The Original Ronnie's BBQ: 2097 New Market Rd., Henrico, VA 23231
   The Original Ronnie's BBQ is definitely worth the stop! This family-owned-and-operated roadside BBQ joint serves up boxed specials like ribs, chicken wings, or beef brisket with your choice of two sides. If it's your first time, we recommend splurging on the Sampler Box. It comes with brisket, a chicken leg, smoked ribs, and a mound of Carolina BBQ. 
    
6. Sibley's BarBQue: 12000 Winfree St., Chester, VA 23831
   Whenever we're in the area showing Chester homes for sale, we love to stop by Sibley's BarBQue. This excellent BBQ restaurant has been an area favorite for over 20 years. We recommend the hickory-smoked BBQ ribs, pork chops, and hand-breaded catfish. Make sure you save room for some of their almost-famous homemade pies - you'll be glad you did. 

Ready to learn more about the Central Virginia area? Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled real estate agents. 

Mother's Day is the biggest holiday of the year for restaurants, surpassing even Valentine's Day. If you're taking mom out for brunch or dinner, head to one of these great restaurants in Richmond recommended by our real estate agents. 

1. Independence Golf Club - 600 Founders Bridge Blvd., Midlothian, VA 23113
   Treat mom to stunning sunset views near Midlothian homes for sale at Tavern 19, the onsite restaurant at Independence Golf Club. Relax on the patio or at the Lexus View as you dine on inventive small plates such as coconut lime cauliflower, short rib egg rolls, or seared sesame seed tuna. You can't go wrong with Tavern 19's hand-tossed and wood-fired pizzas, available in both traditional and gourmet options. Hours are 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
   
   
2. Laura Lee's - 3410 Semmes Ave., Richmond, VA 23225
   Laura Lee's is named after owner Kendra Feather's mom, making it a particularly appropriate choice for a Mother's Day outing not far from Richmond homes for sale. With vibrant artwork on exposed brick walls and beautiful splashes of greenery, Laura Lee's is a 21st-century update of the iconic fern bar. The menu includes seafood, meat, and vegetarian dishes, so there's something to satisfy any taste. Dine alfresco on the charming and secluded garden patio. Laura Lee's is open 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. daily, with extended hours until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
   
   
3. Howlett's Restaurant & Tavern - 3530 Festival Park Plaza, Chester, VA 23831
   After a day of viewing Chesterfield County homes for sale, join mom for a special dinner at family-owned Howlett's Restaurant & Tavern. Customers keep coming back for Howlett's famous prime rib, offered in 12-ounce and 16-ounce portions, as well as their crab cakes, prepared with their own special recipe. Make sure mom saves room for one of co-owner Brooke Helbling's homemade desserts, such as the signature peanut butter pie. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
   
   
4. The Boathouse - 701 W. Randolph Rd., Hopewell, VA 23860
   While the name has changed since the restaurant's debut in 1988, The Boathouse has always focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Located just minutes from Hopewell homes for sale, the restaurant overlooks the Appomattox and James Rivers. Not surprisingly, seafood takes center stage, from the popular crab cakes to the Southern classic shrimp and grits. If you prefer an earlier celebration, The Boathouse serves Sunday brunch with a mix of breakfast favorites, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. Hours are 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday, with brunch until 2:45 p.m. Reservations are required.
   
   
5. Kitchenette - 1405 Prince Arthur Rd., Richmond, VA 23225
   Treat mom to a home-cooked meal where she doesn't have to do the work. Kitchenette is a take-out eatery that offers full meals and a la carte main dishes, salads, and sides. Daily specials include mouthwatering items such as Parmesan-breaded chicken tenders, garlic-citrus pork tenderloin, and meatloaf with mashed potatoes. Mix-and-match your own dinner with choices like salmon filets, pasta, grilled asparagus, and roasted butternut squash. Hours are 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. - noon Saturday.

Richmond's history, culture, and natural surroundings make it a perfect place to raise a family. Contact us for friendly and knowledgeable help with all your real estate needs.