Henrico County

The seasons are changing, and local parks and recreation centers offer a front-row seat to everything the fall season has to offer.

Our real estate agents work fitness and fun into their busy schedules at these wonderful Henrico County recreation centers near Richmond homes for sale. 

• Belmont Recreation Center - 1600 Hilliard Rd., Henrico, VA 23228
  In earlier times, Belmont Recreation Center was a private home that later became Hermitage Country Club. As a result, the beautiful building and grounds are a great site for parties, meetings, and other large events. In addition to a golf course and tennis courts, the center has a community game room and drop-in programs for bridge, pinochle, and Colonial dance. Belmont Recreation Center is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m on weekdays.
  
  
• Eastern Henrico Recreation Center - 1440 N. Laburnum Ave., Henrico, VA 23223
  Who needs a pricey gym membership? Eastern Henrico Recreation Center has a fully-equipped fitness center with free weights, machines, an exercise studio, a locker room, and showers. Outdoor park hours are dawn to dusk daily. Visit the website for fitness center/gym hours and application for an access pass.
  
  
• Hidden Creek Park & Recreation Center - 2417 Brockway Ln., Henrico, VA 23223
  History meets nature at Hidden Creek Park & Recreation Center. The centerpiece of the park is a lovely garden dedicated to the memory of the 1986 Challenger space shuttle crew. Amenities include a playground, walking trails, tennis courts, and picnic facilities. Hours are dawn to dusk daily.
  
  
• Laurel Recreation Area & Skate Park - 10301 Hungary Spring Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
  Catch some air at Laurel Recreation Area & Skate Park. Use the facility to build skills with skateboards, BMX with Gyro, non-motorized scooters, in-line skates, and Heely-wheeled athletic shoes. The center also features baseball/softball and football/soccer fields. Hours are dawn to dusk daily.
  
  
• The Springs Recreation Center - 302 Lee Ave., Henrico, VA 23075
  During the early 20th century, the Richmond and Rappahannock Railroad ran through the property that is now The Springs Recreation Center. Today, wonderful Henrico homes for sale are just down the street. The building retains stunning features such as wooden beams and a parquet floor. Enjoy the old-school charm of croquet, learn the popular new game of pickleball, or nurture your creativity in the self-guided art studio. Grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk, while the center is open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  
  
• Twin Hickory Park & Recreation Center - 5011 Twin Hickory Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23059
  On hot days, let your kids make a big splash at Twin Hickory Park & Recreation Center, not far from Glen Allen homes for sale. Children 12 and under love to frolic in the center's refreshing spray park. There are also two separate playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 6-12. The whole family can enjoy a walk along the nature trails. Park hours are dawn until dusk, seven days a week.
  
  
• Virginia Randolph Recreation Area - 2175 Mountain Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
  Team sports provide kids with a way to stay physically active while developing valuable social skills. With baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, basketball courts, and play equipment, Virginia Randolph Recreation Area accommodates the most popular sports. If you prefer one-on-one or doubles, the center also has tennis courts. Virginia Randolph is open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.

Life in Henrico County offers something for everyone. Contact us at Napier Realtors ERA to learn more.

Fall is in the air and the holiday season is gearing up. As you prepare to do your holiday shopping, our real estate agents want you to know that there is no better gift to your family than a new home. As you consider homes for sale in Henrico, the following are seven tips that can turn your homeownership dreams into a reality this holiday season. 

1. Golden Geese Lay Great Deals
   Holidays are not prime season for home sales which means that when you find a good deal, it is often a bargain. Sellers who list their home between November to January are typically highly motivated to make a deal. If you are willing to be patient and work with buyers on move-in dates, etc., you will find plenty of opportunities to pad your nest egg with plenty of gold.  
   
   
2. Watch Interest Rates Closely
   Many factors can influence interest rates, and you should pay close attention to news reports about potential rate changes. This will help you determine the best time to purchase and whether you want to lock in a 30-year fixed mortgage or another mortgage product.
   
   
3. Get Pre-Approved
   Sellers are eager to wrap things up quickly during the holiday season. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you leverage at the negotiating table. For sellers, it shows that you are serious about making the purchase and that you have the ability to seal the deal. On your end, it also helps simplify your search and help you plan for the monthly payments. 
         
4. Shop Early
   While everyone else is getting ready for Black Friday sales, spend your time searching out the perfect property for your family. The thousands you can save in property prices far outweigh the deals and discounts offered by retailers. Our real estate agents can help you find a home in Henrico that fulfills your vision as the perfect setting to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. The sooner you start, the sooner you can move into your new home.
   
   
5. Talk to Your Accountant
   Homeownership offers some significant tax advantages. These include deducting mortgage interest. Of course, it is a two-sided coin and you will also be liable for property taxes. Purchasing a home will have a considerable impact on your tax liability. You will want to discuss this beforehand with your accountant so that you know exactly what to expect when the ink dries on the contract.
   
   
6. Bring Your Imagination
   It is easy to see the beauty of a home in the spring and summer. It's not so easy during the fall and winter. When searching for properties during the holiday season in Henrico, you will need to imagine and envision what the home and landscape look like when the flowers are in bloom and the trees are lush and green.  
   
   
7. Use Your Vacation Time
   Do you have a week or two of vacation time saved up? As things slow down at the office, now is the time to make the most of them. You can use your vacation days to scout neighborhoods, view properties, and seal the deal with the lawyers and bankers.

When visions of new homes replace the sugarplums and fairies in your dreams, Napier ERA Real Estate can help you make your home ownership dreams a reality. Contact us to start searching for homes for sale in Henrico this holiday season and to learn more about our services.  

Celebrate Virginia's History at the Walkerton Tavern in Henrico County 

Our real estate agents continue to be impressed by the abundance of historic buildings and homes in Henrico County, Virginia--and few are more impressive than the Walkerton Tavern. An iconic fixture of the Henrico County landscape for nearly 200 years, the Walkerton Tavern hosts events throughout the year that are open to the public, including some that you won't want to miss this holiday season.

A Historic Local Landmark

Built by John Walker, a Massachusetts native, between 1824 and 1825, the Walkerton Tavern is located in the community of Glen Allen, along the historic Mountain Road corridor. The stately brick building was built directly across the road from Walker's residence, and served as a tavern for many years, equipped with three ice houses, a wine cellar and a horse stable to accommodate its guests.

Throughout the years, the building changed hands numerous times, and served many purposes, including many years as a private residence. The Walkerton Tavern has also functioned as a store, post office, and voting precinct, and was even used during the Civil War as a field hospital for wounded Union Cavalrymen. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

Holiday Happenings at the Walkerton Tavern

The Walkerton Tavern is now owned by Henrico County, who purchased it in 1995. It is used as a community center and hosts a wide variety of public events throughout the year. Be sure to stop by to check out one of our favorite local holiday events at the Walkerton Tavern, the Annual Tree Lighting

Taking place on Friday, December 2 from 4 to 7 pm, the 14th Annual Tree Lighting is a great opportunity to get into the holiday spirit with friends, family, and neighbors. This free event has become a local favorite and includes festive music, hot chocolate and cookies, a toasty bonfire, and a visit from Santa himself to help light up the 60-foot tree outside the tavern.

Planning Your Visit to the Tavern

If you aren't able to catch the Tree Lighting, but still want to check out the historic Walkerton Tavern, the building is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, and on weekends for special events and programs. The tavern can also be rented out for private events. It is located at 2892 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA.

Contact Napier ERA today to learn more about life in Henrico County, VA. Our team has been calling this region home for many years, and we've helped countless clients find historic Henrico County homes to call their own.

Holiday Fun at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

There's no doubt about it, the holidays are a special time of year. Gathering with family and friends to celebrate the season is more than just sharing food and gifts—it's an opportunity to experience the best holiday events in Henrico County has to offer. November 24, 2017 – January 8, 2018 (closed Dec. 24/25), Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers shimmering holiday fun for the whole family. Henrico County's ultimate holiday tradition features more than 500,000 twinkling lights, hand-crafted botanical decorations, family activities, model trains and more.

Who doesn't love a good story? This year, the theme at GardenFest of Lights is Naturally Ever After: Stories in Lights. From fairy tales and folklore to time-treasured classics, these holiday events highlight stories, legends and rhymes that encompass many different eras and cultures through indoor and outdoor displays of light.

Holiday Events and Activities

Celebrate the seasons and nature with engaging events and activities that explore natural phenomena, teach life valuable lessons and connect people through the wonder of plants.

• Merry Mondays
  The Garden Keeper hosts a fireside story time featuring Aesop's Fables at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 PM on Mondays in the Library Reading Room. "Santa sightings" in the Conservatory Mondays, 6 - 8 PM through December 18
  
  
• Enjoy the Library
  Explore the timeless children's tale, Miss Rumphius, The library will be transformed into mini-galleries that highlight the works and stories the stories of area artisans and their hand-crafted wares.
  
  
• Caroling Tuesdays
  Holiday caroling throughout the Garden 6:30 - 8 PM. Tuesdays.
  
  
• Crafty Wednesdays
  Crafting based on this year's GardenFest theme with the help of staff and volunteers. 5 - 8 PM in the Kelly Education Center.
  
  
• Musical Thursdays
  Acoustic musicians provide festive live holiday entertainment. 6-7 PM & 7:30-8:30 PM in the Lora Robins Library.
  
  
• GardenFest for Fidos
  Bring your leashed dog to enjoy the holiday lights at GardenFest for Fidos on Thursday, November 30, 2017 and Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018.
  
  
• The Garden Shop & The Bling Shop
  The Garden Shop offers all kinds of handmade gifts that are perfect for holiday shopping. Open Monday - Saturday: 10 AM - 10 PM, Sunday: noon - 10 PM The Bling House retail shop is open on select nights.
  
  
• Tea House Dining at GardenFest
  Open Nightly; 5 – 9 PM Exceptional fare with fine wines and stunning Asian Valley views.
  
  
• Santa Brunch & Santa Dinners
  Meals with Santa can't be beat! Reservations highly recommended. If you have a group of 15 or more, consider GardenFest Dinners.
  
  
• New Year's Eve Family Frolic
  Rock and roll with the "Ululating Mummies," take photos with the GardenKeeper, make a party hat and "roll in the New year" with the annual hillside tumble.
  
  
• Instagram Contest
  Share your best photos and tag #GardenFest

If you're ready to celebrate the holidays with a new home, our real estate agents can help you find homes in Henrico County you'll love. To learn more about fun, festive living in Henrico County, contact Napier ERA today!

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Discover 140+ Shops, Restaurants & Entertainment Venues

Imagine living in an area where you have top of the line retail shops, luxurious amenities and fine dining area just outside your front door. Sounds great! If you dream of such a life, you could have it all right here at Short Pump Town Center in Henrico County. This center is a shopping, dining and entertainment complex with over 140 stores and has been popular with shoppers since it opened its doors in 2003. You can enjoy the best of luxury living in homes available near the Short Pump Town Center.

Living in this spectacular community will give you access to luxurious amenities, shopping, entertainment, and world-class dining. The best thing yet, you only take a short walk from your home. All the things that you need close to your home are right here at the Short Pump. The Center is a convenient location that offers easy access to notable areas including Barnes & Noble, Red Robin and Chipotle.

Luxurious amenities

Short Pump is a planned community that will give you the luxury of walking along beautifully landscaped walkways with serene water features and hanging lanterns. During the chilly months, you can still enjoy the atmosphere since there are heated pavilions and outdoor fireplaces. Shopping and dining has never been this amazing in winter. Enjoy the luxurious amenities in this community including Red Door spa, full-service fitness center, and beautiful outdoor spaces. 

Dining

The Short Pump Town Center offers an excellent selection of dining options. This is an awesome place to share a meal with family and friends. Whether you want to have a cup of coffee or a gourmet entrée, you will have no trouble finding a place to grab something at the Short Pump Town Center. Dining options include California Pizza Kitchen, Cheesecake Factory, Lehja, Maggiano's Little Italy, The Boathouse and Rock Bottom Restaurant. Cold Stone Creamery is also available to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Shopping

You can enjoy a versatility of shopping in over 140 unique shops including Macys, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, TUMI, Madewell, Sephora, Free People, Athleta and Pottery Barn. There are popular clothing stores, high-end retailers and even stores that are sure to become your favorites. The Short Pump aims to be an awesome place for people who love everything about shopping.

Short Pump Park

When it comes to picnics, walks, kids' fun and pets, this is the best place to live. The park has a water play area with an enclosed dog park and fountain sprays. The dog park is open from dawn to dusk. The park also has play equipment, shelter building, restroom, and additional trails. The Short Pump is a wonderful place that will make your stay in Henrico County an exciting experience.

Excellent Entertainment

Do you want to enjoy a movie but don't feel like driving to the closest theater? No worries! All you have to do is to take a short walk to the Regal Short Pump Stadium 14 & IMAX. And when you are in the mood for a laugh, just head over to the Funny Bone Comedy Club.

Short Pump, has more to offer than just great places for entertainment and dining. It's a place with amazing people and a great history. If you are looking for homes in Henrico County, our real estate agents can help you find the perfect place to settle down at the Short Pump Town Center. At Napier Realtors, we have the experience to help us find your dream home. Contact us today for more information about homes in Richmond and finding a great place to live in the Short Pump Town Center.