Date Archives: May 2022

Summer is coming, and there's no better time to catch a baseball game here in Richmond! There's just something about the sizzling summer air that makes a cold beer taste better, and a night at the baseball diamond even better. 

Our real estate agents are always excited to watch the Richmond Flying Squirrels play on their home turf, and with the 2022 season well underway, it's definitely time to play ball. Here's what you need to know about our local team!

Meet the Flying Squirrels

RVA's own minor league baseball team is the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Part of the Eastern League, the Squirrels are the Double-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and they've made their home at Richmond's Diamond stadium since 2010. 

The Flying Squirrels have plenty of home games coming up. In June they'll be facing off here in Richmond for a six-game series against the Erie SeaWolves from June 7-12, before taking on the Portland Sea Dogs for six more games from June 21-26. 

And the season is far from over! The team usually plays 71 home games at the Diamond every year, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to see the Squirrels play well into fall. Check out their full schedule here. 

About the Diamond

Built in 1985, The Diamond has been the home of the Flying Squirrels since they started their tenure in Richmond.

The Diamond seats up to 12,134 people (seating for Flying Squirrels games is 9,560) and is located within minutes of many Richmond homes for sale. It's not uncommon to find it close to full capacity during home games, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. 

Fans have a lot of fun seating options in The Diamond as well as several spots to grab some food and drinks, including Rosie's Bistro at the Bullpen and Brewski's 804 Corner Cantina. The Cross Timbers Party Pavilion offers an all-you-can-eat buffet with a great view of the action from just outside right field. 

Other Things to do Nearby

The Diamond is located in an area known as the Diamond District, which is an area of Richmond poised for redevelopment and revitalization. Nearby neighborhoods have seen a ton of urban renewal over the last decade, and the neighboring Scott's Addition Historic District is one of Richmond's most vibrant neighborhoods. 

Lots of industrial spaces near the stadium have been repurposed in recent years. Craft brewing, in particular, has exploded. Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, Castleburg Brewery, and Main Line Brewery are all minutes away from the stadium and are popular game-day hangouts.

The Diamond also hosts other events throughout the year. The weekly PopUp RVA Market at the Diamond takes place every Saturday from April through October, and The Diamond Flea Market is a monthly event, usually happening on the third Sunday of the month.

Contact us today to learn more about life in Richmond. Our city really comes to life in the summer, and our real estate agents are here to help you find your dream home in Richmond and the surrounding areas. 

Why spend money and deal with the hassle of traveling when amazing vacation adventures can be found just minutes away from Richmond homes for sale? Whether you're new to the area or have lived in Central Virginia your entire life, there's always something to explore. Plan an entertaining and memorable staycation around these exciting local activities.

• Virginia Repertory Theatre - 114 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
  With four venues offering a variety of productions, Virginia Repertory Theatre is one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia. In addition to staging many of Broadway's most popular shows, the theater develops and produces original plays which go on to performances by other companies. When summer rolls around, Virginia Rep's summer camps are a great opportunity for kids to explore their own creativity. Visit the website for event calendar and ticket pricing.
  
  
• Maymont Park - 1000 Westover Rd., Richmond, VA 23220
  Even a full day isn't enough to explore all the incredible sights and sounds of Maymont Park. The centerpiece of the 100-acre park is Maymont Mansion, a stunning Queen Anne/Romanesque Revival building that served as the home of the Dooley family. View nature's glory in the arboretum and numerous specialty gardens, including the oldest public Japanese garden on the East Coast. Kids love getting up close with the farm animals, and Robins Nature Center includes interactive exhibits spotlighting the ecology of the James River. Park grounds and gardens are open daily from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. with a suggested admission price of $5. Visit the website for hours and admission for the various attractions.
  
  
• Riverfront Canal Walk - 14th and Dock Streets, Richmond, VA 23219
  Richmond's glorious scenery and rich history meet in a stroll along the Riverfront Canal Walk. The story of four centuries is depicted in medallions, statues, and exhibits along the 1.25-mile path, which is open to pedestrians and bicyclists. After you've worked up an appetite, relax over a leisurely lunch at one of the wonderful restaurants nearby. For a different perspective, take one of the 40-minute narrated Riverfront Canal Cruises. The Canal Walk is accessible 24/7 and there is no charge.
  
  
• Pony Pasture Rapids- 7310 Riverside Dr., Richmond, VA 23225
  While you'll no longer see any of the namesake animals, there's still plenty of fun to be had at Pony Pasture Rapids. Located two miles downriver from the Huguenot Bridge, Pony Pasture's signature attraction is the rapids, which are popular for swimming, canoeing, rafting, kayaking, or just sunbathing. Pony Pasture is also known as a prime spot for bird-watching, with trails that pass through wooded areas and inland meadows. Hours are dawn to dusk daily.
  
  
• Children's Museum of Richmond - 2626 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
  Yes, learning and fun can co-exist, and both go hand-in-hand at the Children's Museum of Richmond. Skills such as problem-solving, language and communication, reading, and motor development are improved more readily through the museum's interactive exhibits. During the summer months, water jets in the Front Yard offer a break from the heat before lunch in the picnic area. Watch the calendar for special events such as "Seymour's Living Lab." Museum hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $9, with no charge for children under 1.
  
  
• Old Towne Petersburg - 216 N. Sycamore St., Petersburg, VA 23803
  Rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1815, Old Towne Petersburg became a thriving crossroads for commercial ships and railroads. Today, those beautiful brick buildings are home to an eclectic assortment of antiques, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries, right down the street from Petersburg homes for sale.

Whether you're buying or selling a home, our real estate agents are your #1 resource for experienced help and up-to-date information. Contact us at Napier Realtors ERA to learn more.

With warmer temperatures and flowers in bloom, it's the perfect season to start spending more time outside. If you just bought one of the Richmond homes for sale with a backyard or patio, you're probably looking forward to how you'll use it this season! You could lounge outdoors while reading a book or grill some food to share with friends. Of course, this is most enjoyable when you have outdoor furniture that suits your needs. Make the most of your outdoor spaces by selecting the right furniture. Here are some tips for selecting furnishings for your own patio or yard.

• Measure Your Space
  Outdoor spaces often look larger than they actually are. You don't want to arrive home with a new patio set and find out it doesn't fit your space. Make sure to measure the area you're planning to furnish and bring those measurements with you as you shop.
  
  
• Map it Out
  As you look at various furniture sets, use a piece of graph paper to sketch the way you'll arrange the furniture. Use the measurements you took of your space, along with the measurements of the furniture, to guide you. Experiment with different layouts to see which option you like best.
  
  
• Sit on Chairs Before Buying Them
  People often focus on the appearance of outdoor furniture, overlooking the fact that furniture should be comfortable, too. This is why it's a good idea to shop for furniture in person. Sit in the chairs before you buy them and make sure you choose ones that are comfortable. Does the back offer enough support? Are you at a reasonable height when you scoot up to the table?
  
  Some people prefer patio chairs with cushions, but there are some really comfortable, non-cushioned chairs out there, too. Sit in a few and see how you like them. It really is a matter of personal preferences.
  
  
• Choose a Low-Maintenance Material
  Maintaining outdoor furniture is not as fun as relaxing in it. So, make sure you choose furniture made from easily cleanable materials. Vinyl and aluminum are both good choices. If you like a more natural look, teak and cedar tend to be the best wood options. These woods resist rot, so you can hose them off to clean them.
  
  
• Look for Easy Storage
  Most people like to store their patio furniture in a garage or shed during the winter months. So, when looking at various furniture choices, consider how easy it is to store. Chairs and tables that fold up will take up less space in storage. If you prefer rigid chairs, look for ones that stack. Also, try picking up the furnishings. Be sure to choose furnishings you can lift and carry safely. Vinyl is a good, lightweight material for those with less strength. Wood, while beautiful, can be heavy. So if you go with wooden furniture, make sure you have help moving it.
  
  
• Coordinate Colors With Your Landscaping
  Neutral colors like white, black, and natural wood should look good with most any landscape. But if you want brighter-colored furniture, make sure the color you choose coordinates with your landscape and home exterior.
  
  It often works well to choose a color that is seen in small amounts elsewhere in your yard or garden. For instance, if you have purple flowers, purple furniture may look nice. If you have forest green trim, then outdoor furniture with some green is an option.

With these tips, you're sure to find the perfect outdoor furniture for your yard or patio. If you're still looking for the perfect house and yard to furnish, contact us. Our real estate agents will gladly walk you through the buying process.

If the best things in life are free, it doesn't get any better than Richmond. You don't have to spend a lot on a fun day out with the whole family! The price is right at these great family-friendly attractions near Richmond homes for sale. 

• Falling Creek Ironworks Park - 6407 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Chesterfield, VA 23234
  Nature and history meet at Falling Creek Ironworks Park, right down the street from Chesterfield homes for sale. In the past, the grounds were the site of the eponymous ironworks, including a blast furnace and iron forge, as well as a grist mill that dates back to the 17th century. The park also includes a fully refurbished brick cottage that was relocated from nearby Moore's Lake, which was a popular vacation area during the mid-20th century. Get a panoramic view of the entire site from the promontory to the north of old Marina Drive's end. Park hours are dawn until dusk, seven days a week.
  
  
• Echo Lake Park - 5701 Springfield Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
  With its beautiful pond centerpiece, Echo Lake Park is as peaceful and serene as its name implies. Try your hand at fishing or just enjoy the scenery from the pier, watching the ducks swim by. Get your steps in along the half-mile hiking trail or boost your heart rate on the exercise course. There's a play area for little ones and picnic tables to enjoy a leisurely lunch, so you can take a pleasant break while viewing Glen Allen homes for sale. Echo Lake Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. 
  
  
• Riverfront Canal Walk - 139 Virginia St., Richmond, VA 23219
  There's so much to see and learn at the Riverfront Canal Walk that it's always worth a repeat visit. The pet-friendly path spans only 1.25 miles, but it's packed with exhibits highlighting points of interest throughout centuries of Richmond's history. Don't miss the gallery of street art murals decorating the old hydroelectric plant. When you get hungry or want to explore a little further, check out the 100+ restaurants and attractions within walking distance. 
  
  
• Historic Farmers Bank - 19 Bollingbrook St., Petersburg, VA 23803
  Historic Farmers Bank has a fascinating legacy that goes beyond its beautiful Federal-style architecture. In 1812, as fears of war with England were growing, the state's General Assembly authorized the Farmers Bank of Virginia to lend money to the United States. When the original building was destroyed in the disastrous 1815 fire, a new building was constructed at the current location, just minutes from Petersburg homes for sale. Today, the building is maintained as a way to educate the public about local life and business during the early part of the 19th century. Free tours are conducted Friday and Saturday between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  
  
• Lavender Fields Herb Farm - 11300 Winfrey Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059
  You don't need a green thumb to visit Lavender Fields Herb Farm, considered a "hidden Richmond gem" by local residents. The 37-acre farm has remained in the same family through six generations, producing herbs and gourmet vegetables. Their charming store features a unique mix of items, including raw honey, herbal salt and pepper, flavored sugars, and a number of lavender-themed products. Relax on the deck overlooking the Chickahominy River with some lavender lemonade or ice cream. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 

Whether you're buying or selling a home in Richmond, our real estate agents will help you reach your goal. Contact us at Napier Realtors ERA to learn more.

What could be better than a weekend brunch at one of your favorite Central Virginia restaurants? There are so many great options to choose from, whether you want to enjoy an outdoor brunch on a patio, a meal with some live music in the background, or a family-friendly restaurant with extensive dining options for kids.

Plus, with Mother's Day right around the corner, you might want to consider taking mom out to brunch to celebrate all she does! 

Our real estate agents have the delightful details on 5 of the top brunch spots around Central Virginia.

• The Savory Grain – 2043 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220
  You might already know The Savory Grain for its outstanding New American cuisine and one of the best local craft beer selections near Richmond homes for sale. But did you know that they also offer a fun Sunday brunch? Starting in May, The Savory Grain offers its weekly Jazz Sunday Brunch, with great music and even better food. The brunch menu here features favorites like chicken & waffles, biscuits & sausage gravy, shrimp & grits, a breakfast burger, and even a station where you can build your own breakfast sandwich from fresh, local ingredients.
  
  
• Parterre Restaurant – 100 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219
  When you're in the mood for outdoor dining – even on a chilly day – Parterre Restaurant has you covered. The outdoor garden patio provides the perfect atmosphere for brunch, and it's heated, so you can enjoy an outdoor meal during any season. The service here is highly rated in all of the reviews, and the atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for a brunch date. Of course, the menu is also excellent, filled with traditional Southern favorites and a distinctive lineup of craft cocktails.
  
  
• Hondos Steak House – 4120 B Cox Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
  Known as one of the best places for steak near Glen Allen homes for sale with an elegant atmosphere and menu to match, Hondos Steak House is also a great place to enjoy brunch every Sunday. Brunch here is served buffet-style, with some unique options that you won't find on every brunch menu. In addition to classics like hickory bacon, maple sausage, gravy & biscuits, and an omelet station, brunch here includes some steakhouse staples. Who could say no to some barbecue ribs, prime rib, or a fresh salad station that includes smoked salmon?
  
  
• West Coast Provisions – 301A Maltby Blvd., Henrico, VA 23233
  In the mood for seafood instead of steak? Then head over to West Coast Provisions, which is located around the corner from Henrico homes for sale. The brunch menu here is heavy on seafood options, from a crab omelet to crab cake benedict, grilled oysters, lobster rolls, and fish tacos. There are also tons of great sandwiches, soups, salads, and tasty desserts like the delicious house donuts.
  
  
• Huddle House – 11807 South Crater Rd., Petersburg, VA 23805
  When you're planning a brunch with the whole family, it's hard to top the experience at Huddle House. And technically, you don't even need to visit during normal brunch hours. Huddle House offers breakfast and lunch all day long, with a convenient location near Petersburg homes for sale. The menu here includes plenty of great options for kids, as well as platters that are sure to satisfy any appetite. You can even order to-go and enjoy a great brunch at home.

Your next great meal is never far from your front door when you live in Central Virginia, and our team is here to help you find the perfect home in the area. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout Central Virginia communities.