Busch Gardens Williamsburg to open for 2009 Christmas Season

 

busch gardens williamsburg va Santa Claus and his elf entourage toured the European-themed park Monday morning, gathering ideas and finalizing plans for Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration debuting November 2009. Santa and his elves concluded their tour by highlighting details of the holiday event for hundreds of park guests at a special presentation in the theme park’s German village.
For the first time in the park’s 34-year history, visitors will experience all-new attractions, shows and shopping that will fill them with the holiday spirit. From more than a million twinkling lights, the smell of fresh baked Christmas cookies and one-of-a-kind gift ideas to a spectacular 45-foot, light-animated Christmas tree.
“The ‘World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park’ will transform into a Christmas wonderland this November,” said John Reilly, executive vice president and general manager for Busch Gardens. “We’re hoping to create a holiday tradition for families to enjoy in a spectacular setting.”
Event details are available on the new Christmas Town Web site at www.christmastown.com .
A limited number of $5 tickets are available only online for active pass members valid for opening day, Nov. 27. This special ticket price is available on a first come, first served basis. Visit www.bgwpass.com  for complete details on this special offer.
Christmas Town opens at Busch Gardens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4 – 9 p.m. beginning Nov. 27. The park will open each evening Dec. 18-27, excluding Christmas Day. Some sections of the park will remain closed for the season. Some rides and attractions are weather dependent.
Christmas Town admission tickets are available for $19.95. Guests with active Busch Gardens passes save 50 percent on Christmas Town tickets as well as free parking and in-park discounts.

Wellington Community Update Williamsburg VA Real Estate

Wellingtonentrance

Wellington was developed by American Eastern, Inc., best known for the master-planned community of Coventry in York County, American Eastern (H.R. "Dick" Ashe) is a highly respected residential builder/developer from the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg , VA area.  Since 1985, he has produced thousands of affordable townhomes and single-family homes as well as luxurious custom homes for a demanding clientele.
The newest phase of the Wellington Community is now open. Lots are available, as are new homes in various stages of construction.

wellingtonhomesearch Wellington offers quiet wooded surroundings with plenty of open green-space. A Master Planned  Community , Wellington Estates offers both  new and resale homes from a variety of local builders. The two primary builders have been Wayne Harbin and Marques Homes. Located in the western part of James City County/Williamsburg,  Virginia . New and resale homes currently start in the mid $300,000’s.

Wellington Estates offers it’s residents a 14 acre private lake, playground and new for the 2009 a  beautiful clubhouse and community swimming pool. An active homeowner association has many  social events throughout the year. 

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Detached homes offered in Wellington Estates in James City County offer a wide array of architectural styles  and  home choices. From 3 bedrooms to 5 bedroom models. Square footages range from 2000+ to over 4000 square feet.

Located on approximately 175 acres, Wellington Estates still has numerous lots available for sale to owners wanting to custom build their “ Dream Home”. Around 237 homes have been completed so far.

Most homes were built starting around the year  2000. The monthly home owner fee in Wellington is a very reasonable $55 . It covers all common Area Maintenance ( entrances, playgrounds, park areas ),  Use of the  Pool, Clubhouse , Playground and maintenance/ upkeep of those  facilities.

 wellingtonpool From the chart below you will see that  sale prices in last 12 months ranged from$352,000 to $619,000. List prices as of today range from $359,000 to $619,000. The average days on market for  homes in Wellington in the last 12 months was 310days . The average price per square foot on homes sold in Wellington in the last 12 months was $128.00 . 12 homes sold in Wellington in the last 12 months. 11 are currently for sale. Two are under contract.
Current Sales activity in Wellington(Statistics from Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors  (WAAR) WMLS)

Current Williamsburg/ James City County Schools for The Wellington Community are Stonehouse, Toanoa Middle and Warhill High School

See School Statistics for these schools here

Click here to Search all homes for sale in Wellington

Click here to search all Williamsburg, James City, York County,New Kent , Gloucester homes for sale currently listed in the WMLS

 

Location Map of the Wellington Estates  Community in Williamsburg, VA

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Directions to Wellington :

Take I-64 to Exit 231 A (Croaker Rd So/Rt 607)
Turn right on Route 30 (Rochambeau Dr.)
Make a U-turn at Old Stage Road so you head south on Route 30
Turn right into the Wellington Community

Sales Statistics for Wellington for the last 12 months:

Inventory Analysis Prior 7-12 Months
07/05/2008 – 01/04/2009
Prior 4-6 Months
01/05/2009 – 04/04/2009
Current – 3 Months
04/05/2009 – 07/05/2009
Total # of Comparable Sales (Settled) 8 1 3
Absorption Rate (Total Sales/Months) 1.33 0.33 1.00
Total # of Active Listings 8 10 13
Months of Housing Supply (Total Listings / Ab. Rate) 6.02 30.3 13
Median Sale & list Price, Dom, Sale/List % Prior 7-12 Months Prior 4-6 Months Current – 3 Months
Median Comparable Sale Price 399,500 364,000 354,754
Median Comparable Sales DOM 245 393 266
Median Comparable List Price 379,450 394,900 379,900
Median Comparable Listings DOM 252 150 111
Median Sale Price as % of List Price 95 % 93 % 95 %

 

Site Plan for Wellington Community in James City County/ Williamsburg, VA

 

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Free Movies in Williamsburg, VA

Regal Theater’s Free Family Film Festival is Now Showing!
free Family Film Festival williamsburg va When school’s out, kids around the country visit selected Regal theatres for the Free Family Film Festival. It’s a fun-filled nine weeks of movies for kids and parents. Since 1991, Regal has provided this service to the community, and best of all it’s FREE!

Selected G & PG rated movies start at 10AM each Tuesday and Wednesday during the festival. First-come, first-served seating is limited to theatre capacity. The Free Family Film Festival is safe, lots of fun and a great way for kids to spend a weekday morning in the summer.

Tickets for our 2009 Free Family Film Festival are exclusively available at select theatres’ box office on the day of the show.

Although I am writing about the free movies being shown that the New Town Regal Theaters you can check this link to see if this series is playing at at Regal Theater near you http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx

New Town Stadium 12
4911 Courthouse Street
Williamsburg ,VA 23188
757-253-7653

07/07/2009-07/09/2009
Mr. Bean’s Holiday (G)
Inkheart (PG)

07/14/2009-07/16/2009
Horton Hears A Who (G)
Madagascar 2: Escape To Africa (PG)

07/21/2009-07/23/2009
Kit Kittredge: American Girl (G)
Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

07/28/2009-07/30/2009
Everyone’s Hero (G)
Kung Fu Panda (PG)

08/04/2009-08/06/2009
Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (G)
Star Wars: Clone Wars (PG)

08/11/2009-08/13/2009
Charlotte’s Web (G)
Barnyard (PG)

08/18/2009-08/20/2009
Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything: Veggie Tale Movie (G)
Monster House (PG)
Check Movies and Showtimes

Free Candy Bar ! on Fridays- Real Chocolate Relief Act

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Ok, this has nothing to do with real estate or Williamsburg VA. Just thought I would share this clever marketing ploy that could net you a FREE candy bar.

Learn about the promotion, blog about chocolate, find out why Mars uses only cocoa butter in its chocolate (hint: that’s what makes it real!) and share this sweet relief with more of your friends.

Go to www.realchocolate.com today!

New Homes Now Available at Burlington Woods in Williamsburg, VA

Ryan homes has now unveiled the new home offerings to be built at Burlington Woods. The first homes should take about 5-6 months to complete from time of contract.

Burlington Woods in James City County, Williamsburg VA will consist of 26 lots that will be from one-quarter to one-third of an acre. Home prices start in the $290”s and range in size from 2000 square feet and up. Basements will be available on some of the lots. The community will offer a playground for kids. All of the lots back up to a wooded green-space buffer. Lot sizes average around 13000 square feet. ( around a third of an acre). Approximately 35% or 6 acres of the 17 acres is non-developed greenspace.

Pre-selling will begin on July 1,2009.
Ryan Homes is the largest new home builder in the Richmond / Williamsburg VA Corridor. They offer one the best values for new construction in the area.

ryanhomeswilliamsburg
If you would like to get more information on this community or any other new homes community in Williamsburg VA or Hampton Roads VA Send an email to John@MrWilliamsburg.com  or call 757 254 8136.
I can supply you with pricing, floor plans, video, virtual tours, photos of everything that is available.

These single family homes feature 3+ bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 2 car garages. You can personalize your home with sunrooms or basements for those desiring additional living space. The option list is endless allowing you to create exactly what you want in your own “dream home”

Convenient to shopping and dining in Williamsburg
Open expansive floor plans
2-car Garages
Up to 5 bedrooms
Williamsburg.James City County Schools

Square footages range from 2000 square feet to 3000 +

Prices: from the $290’s

 

Available Home Designs in Burlington Woods    
Florence Low $290’s

  Savoy Upper $290’s

Venice Under $310’s

  Milan Low $310’s

Springbrook Upper $310’s

  Naples Upper $310’s

Rome Low $330’s

   

 

Burlington Woods Williamsburg VA Site-plan

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Click here for a map to Burlington Woods New Home Community in Williamsburg, VA  Click here for a location map for Burlington Woods New Home Neighborhood in Williamsburg/ James City County VA

Villas at Five Forks in Williamsburg, VA

3original The Villas at Five Forks is a quaint village of just 90 homes offering the finest in upscale condominium living. The award winning homes are designed to offer residents quality, single story living with a variety of condominium services. There are four models available that offer two or three bedrooms. All feature a two car garage as well as a garden patio or veranda. Pricing  starts in the low $290’s.

 

villasatfiveforks Within the neighborhood will be  a heated pool and community center with a fitness room. Services provided with home ownership include lawn mowing, fertilization and weed control, landscape maintenance, snow removal ( if it ever snows) and exterior building maintenance.

Located in the heart of the Historic Triangle of Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown it is right down the road from New Town and within walking distance to grocery stores, restaurants, shops ,banks, etc. The James and Chickahominy rivers are close by as is the award winning Williamsburg National Golf Course.

villasfiveforkswilliamsburg This upscale community will offer a quaint , village atmosphere with tree lined streets, green spaces with colorful flowers, sidewalks,park benches, lush green lawns and walking trail.

 

Search homes for sale at The Villas at Five Forks in Williamsburg , Virginia

 

Home Models available at the Villas at Five Forks include :

The Canterbury

FloorplanCanterbury

Canterbury Details: Single Story, 1860 SF living area, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Den, Veranda, Two Pantry Closets, Laundry Room, Storage Room, Optional Garden Patio, Attached 2-car garage, Vaulted Ceilings in living room.

And the Abbey

The AbbeyAbbeyfloorplanvillas

Abbey Details: Single Story, 1720 Square feet, 2 Master Bedrooms, 2 Baths
Veranda, Two Pantry Closets, Laundry Room, Storage Room, Attached 2-car garage, Vaulted Ceilings in living room.

 

Site plan for The Villas at Five  Forks

 

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Location Map of The Villas at Five Forks in Williamsburg, VA

View 55+ Active Adult Communities in Hampton Roads , VA in a larger map

Summerplace a New Home Development in James City County Williamsburg VA

Looks like East West Communities will be building more homes in Williamsburg/James City County. In addition to their Liberty Ridge Community on Centerville Rd near DJ Montague Elementary . Developments plans are currently in review for Summerplace a new home community of 165 single-family homes bordering Yarmouth Creek. Summerplace will be built on 924 acres.

Since 1973, East West communities has developed 35 communities including Patriots Landing in New Kent, VA Riverwatch in Gloucester, VA  Liberty Ridge in Williamsburg VA , Eagle Harbor in Isle of Wight, Founders Pointe in Isle of Wight, The Riverfront in Isle of Wight and Brandermill in Richmond, VA providing homes for more than 15,000 families. East West Communities has expanded from its beginnings and is now actively developing numerous communities in the metro Richmond area, the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, and Orlando and Jacksonville, Florida.

 

Here is a satellite photo of the Summerplace Community in Williamsburg VA

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Here is a location map of the Summerplace Community in Williamsburg VA on the banks of Yarmouth Creek.

View Summerplace, Williamsburg, VA- New Home Community in a larger map

 

Stay tuned for further updates.

Williamsburg VA Windmill Meadows New Homes Update

windmill meadows new homes williamsburg va Associated Developers and Beamon Construction have opened a new community off of Centerville Rd in Williamsburg James City County Virginia.  more information at www.williamsburgsrealestate.com Associated Developers and Beamon Construction have opened a new community off of Centerville Rd in Williamsburg James City County Virginia. 

The Village at Windmill Meadows is  a 40 acre community with new homes starting from the $400,000’s . Originally the site of a farm. The old windmill from that farm has been restored and now stands sentry at the entrance to the neighborhood.

Seventy Eight new homes are slated for construction. There two models finished and available for viewing.

 Search homes for sale in Windmill Meadows in Williamsburg/ James City County , Virginia

Williamsburg/ James City County Schools assigned at this time are Norge Elementary, Toano Middle and the new Warhill High School although there will be redistricting in 2010 when the new middle and elementary schools open. There is a high probability that the neighborhood will be zoned for the new Elementary and Middle Schools.

The new elementary school will bear the name of the late Dr. J. Blaine Blayton, a well‐known African American physician who practiced medicine for 50 years in the Williamsburg area and beyond. The new middle school will honor Lois S. Hornsby, a longtime fixture in the Williamsburg , VA community.

 

Explore Williamsburg/ James City County Schools website here

Fox Hill and Longhill Station are the nearest neighborhoods to Windmill Meadows.

windmill meadows williamsburg va Associated Developers and Beamon Construction have opened a new community off of Centerville Rd in Williamsburg James City County Virginia. Upon researching the approval of the neighborhood on the James City County Planning site I noticed that there is a restrictive covenant which prohibits outdoor irrigation of any kind from the public water supply. This apparently is part of A Water Conservation Agreement with our local water supplier JCSA ( James City County Service Authority). This is a pretty radical proposal. NO watering your yard !

It will be interesting to see if anyone installs a cistern to store rainwater. I am assuming this would be the only way you can water a yard in Windmill Meadows.

Homes are being built by Beamer Construction of Williamsburg VA. Beamer has built many homes in the area and was the developer of the Powhatan Secondary community.

The homes being built by Beamer Construction at Windmill Meadows are Earthcraft Certified.

EarthCraft House is a green building program that serves as a blueprint for healthy comfortable homes that reduce utility bills and protect the environment. The aim of the program is to help home builders be leaders in smart growth management and environmental stewardship.

Building an EarthCraft House is about constructing a healthy, more valuable home while minimizing environmental impacts. EarthCraft House follows a systems approach to home building that stresses an understanding of how the different components of a home work together. This approach results in a home that performs better, is more economical for the homeowner and costs little more to build than a comparable home built with standard construction practices.

EarthCraft House guidelines address energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality, resource efficiency, waste management, and water conservation.

Today’s home buyers want to get the most house for their money. In addition to paying a monthly mortgage, home owners must also pay for utilities, maintenance and repair. All of these factors must be taken into consideration when determining the true cost of home ownership. A durable energy efficient house can be more economical and affordable even if it has a higher asking price than another home built with standard construction practices. (True cost of home ownership ).

 

Read more about the Earthcraft Home builder program in Virginia here

Contact John Womeldorf/ Mr Williamsburg for information on ALL New Homes and New Home Communities in the Williamsburg/ James City County/ York County, Gloucester and New Kent areas of Virginia.

You can email me here John@MrWilliamsburg.com or call me directly at 757 254 8136 

Location Map of the Windmill Meadows Neighborhood in Williamsburg VA

 

View Windmill Meadows-Williamsburg VA in a larger map

Help Plant a tree in a State Park- FREE

To Do list items for the week: walk the dog, pick up dry cleaning, wash the car, oh and plant trees in State Parks across the US. Don’t worry, the last one is easy and you can do it from your desk with the click of a mouse.

 

Odwalla, is donating $100,000 to plant trees in State Parks all across the US (actually California, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Utah, Ohio, Texas, Maryland, Michigan and Virginia to be exact). When you go to the site, all you have to do is pick your favorite state and click "Plant My Tree." Then the site allows you to see which states have had the most trees planted thus far – you may be surprised to find out which states are in the lead and which states could use a few branches of support.

Launched yesterday, trees can be donated from now until the end of the year (December 31, 2009) and will be planted late 2009 and early 2010. Tree species chosen will depend on the region, the organizers want to choose something native, and the trees will be planted in areas in need of reforestation. The Plant a Tree website also has facts about tree planting. Odwalla will donate $1.00 for each click and estimates that trees cost between $.25 and $1.20, depending on the tree.

Happy planting!

Click here to plant a Tree

Colonial Williamsburg Fourth of July 2009

colonial williamsburg fourth o fjuly Colonial Williamsburg’s Fourth of July Activities celebrate the founding of a nation.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Virginian Thomas Jefferson, was adopted July 4th, 1776. Celebrate the nation’s birthday with Fifes and Drums, militia parades, and Colonial Williamsburg’s famous Historic Area fireworks. Colonial Williamsburg offers programs throughout the day that honor the birth of our nation.

At 10 a.m. on Market Square, A Salute to the States offers a salute to the original 13 colonies with a Fifes and Drums performance and cannon fire.

At 12:30 p.m., the Declaration of Independence is read to citizens of Williamsburg at the Capitol building.

At 8:15 p.m., Music for the Fireworks features a concert of patriotic music with Colonial Williamsburg’s Fifes and Drums prior to the fireworks. Fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m.

colonial williamsburg fourth of july Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and park at the Visitor Center and take Colonial Williamsburg’s buses to the Historic Area. No ticket is required to enjoy these programs.

Find out more information here

Where to watch local fireworks in Williamsburg and Yorktown VA:

■ Next to the 1770 Courthouse in Colonial Williamsburg. Listen to the Fifes & Drums perform tunes dedicated to each of the 13 original colonies, then sit back as the rockets are launched from the Publick Hospital.

■ Aboard a boat on the York River. The reflection of the fireworks against the water is magnificent.

■ Thomas Ebert of Gloucester recommends the view from The Duke of York Motel in Yorktown. “Viewing from the fourthfloor pool area was exquisite,” he wrote in an e-mail to York County.

■ Atop the bridge on Page Street or Capitol Landing. It’s possible to see the fireworks from Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens simultaneously.

■ The Yorktown Fourth of July Celebration Committee recommends viewing from the Victory Monument. Fireworks are launched from the beach picnic area directly below the monument.

■ Parking in Yorktown is difficult. Arrive early enough to score a spot in the parking deck at Riverwalk. From there, it’s a short left down Water Street to the Colonial Parkway or Route 17.

■ For those trying to watch the Busch Gardens fireworks for free, don’t try to park on the flyover from Interstate 64. Police will move you along.

■ For a quick getaway, watch the Colonial Williamsburg fireworks from the parking lot at the Bruton Heights Education Center. The view has diminished since the launch site was moved away from the Governor’s Palace, but the benefit is a 5-minute ride to get to Bypass Road as opposed to 25.

■ Avoid parking at Matthew Whaley Elementary or the parking deck next to the Williamsburg Community Building. While a short walk to watch the fireworks, getting out can take up to an hour.

Colonial Heritage new model update Williamsburg VA

 

ch9 Colonial Heritage an active adult community in Williamsburg VA has begun building and selling seven brand new plans which will be ready for fall deliveries.

There are 5 new single family floor plans  and two duplex/ attached floor plans being built.

Basements will be available  on all of the single family homes, and they have broken ground on the first 5 inventory homes with basements on the golf course.

Prices on these homes start at  $345,990

Prices for the new models start at:

$230,990 for the Duplex and $289,990 for the single family homes

Basements,home-site premiums and upgrades are extra.

colonialheritagehomesforsaleThe  seven newly designed floor plans at Colonial Heritage  will include between 2-3 bedrooms and will range in size from 1400-2500 square feet. The new models are the •Abby/Aldrich Duplex •Boxwood •Foxglove •Christopher Wren •Patrick Henry and The Bayberry

 

You can find all of the new plans below:

Aldrich Town Home Floor plan

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Boxwood  Detached Floor Plan

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Foxglove Detached Floor Plan

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Christopher Wren Detached Floor Plan

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Bayberry Floor Plan

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Patrick Henry Detached Model Floor Plan

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Williamsburg VA Summer Breeze Concert Series 2009

merchantssquare1 Returning for the 18th season, Summer Breeze features a solid line-up of popular local and regional bands Wednesday nights  from 7 to 9 p.m., All concerts are free .

These concerts are always a fun way to spend a Wednesday evening with Family and friends.  Bring your dancing shoes and a chair, grab some sandwiches from The Cheese Shop and have a picnic.

The concerts are held in the middle of tree-lined Duke of Gloucester Street. During the months of July and August. The fun gets started on July 2 with an Independence Day Concert.

 

You can find the 2009 Summer Breeze concert schedule below. This program is sponsored in cooperation with the City of Williamsburg, Merchants Square Association and York County Arts Commission.

Summer Breeze Concert Schedule – July & August 2009:

Concert Dates: Concert Times: Performances By:
July 2 7:00-8:30 p.m.

USAF Heritage of America Band
Independence Day Concert

July 8 7:00-9:30 p.m. Charles Darden Jazz Group
July 15 7:00-9:30 p.m. Slapwater
July 22 7:00-9:30 p.m. Jae Sinnett Trio
July 29 7:00-9:30 p.m. Stingrays
August 5 7:00-8:30 p.m. USAF Heritage of America Concert Band
August 12 7:00-8:30 p.m. USAF Satellite Popular Music Combo
August 19 7:00-8:30 p.m. USAF Vector Brass Ensemble
August 26 7:00-8:30 p.m. USAF Heritage of America Concert Band

Click for a Location Map of Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg, VA

 

View Merchants Square , Colonial Williamsburg, VA in a larger map

Hampton Roads VA Fireworks , Fourth of July , 2009

 

hamptonroadsvafireworks Williamsburg – Jul 1-4 – Fireworks Extravaganza "BOOM ‘n’ July"

New Kent – Jul 3-4 – Colonial Downs’ "Racing to the Stars and Stripes"

Norfolk – Jul 3-5 – Harborfest

Chesapeake – Jul 3 – Independence Day Concert at the Bagley

Hampton – Jul 3 – Fireworks at Langley Speedway

Hampton – Jul 4 – Fourth at the Fort

Newport News – Jul 4 – 4th of July Stars in the Sky

Norfolk – Jul 4 – Great American 4th of July Picnic and Fireworks

Portsmouth – Jul 4 – 4th of July Fireworks over the Elizabeth River

Suffolk – Jul 4 – Stars & Stripes Spectacular

Virginia Beach – Jul 4 – July 4th Celebration at Mount Trashmore

Virginia Beach – Jul 4 – Stars and Stripes Explosion

Yorktown – Jul 4 – Yorktown Independence Day Celebration

Free Outdoor Movies in Williamsburg, VA

 

They’re back – for the 4th Summer in a row!  Sunday night at the movies – ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Through the generosity of local business people – like Joe at Middle Peninsula Insurance, Mark & Marshall at Chesapeake Bank, Billy & Sharon at The Fife & Drum Inn, Blue Talon Bistro as well as The City of Williamsburg, VA and Merchants Square – They are able to bring a series of films to downtown Williamsburg every Sunday night, all summer long.  If you aren’t familiar with the program, ask around!  The films are intended to be fun for the whole family .

The truth is, there aren’t a lot of places that still have the small town charm and sense of community that are needed to pull this off.  Hopefully all of you will have time to check out at least one of the offerings this summer.  We will be showing everything from The Wizard of Oz to Jaws, from To Catch a Thief to Rocky, even from Kung Fu Panda to Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  When was the last time you sat back and had this much fun on a Sunday night?

All you need is a lawn chair or a blanket and you are off to the movies!

moviesincolonialwilliamsburg

The movies are shown – outside on Prince George St., on Sunday nights at sunset or a little after.

We all look forward to another great summer of movies and we hope you’ll join us!

Don’t forget, bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Explore the other stores at Merchants Square in Williamsburg, VA here

 

Upcoming Films for 2009 include:

June 21: Wizard of Oz

June 28: Iron Man

July 5: Jaws

July 12: Kung Fu Panda

July 19: To Catch a Thief

July 26: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

August 2: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

August 9: Rocky

August 16: Wall-e

August 23: Thunderball (Sean Connery as James Bond)

August 30: The Sting

 

Location Map of Merchants Square , Colonial Williamsburg, VA

View Duke of Gloucester St, Williamsburg, VA- Merchants Square in a larger map

Hinckley to have longer visits to Kingsmill

Presidential assailant John W. Hinckley Jr. will be allowed to obtain a D.C. driver’s license and spend more time at his mother’s home in Kingsmill in Williamsburg Virginia under a ruling yesterday by a federal judge.

The decision is the latest in recent years expanding privileges for Hinckley, who has been held at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in D.C.  since he was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the 1981 shooting of President Ronald Reagan, his press secretary and two law enforcement officers. The psychiatric hospital is seeking to gradually increase Hinckley’s freedom so that doctors can evaluate whether he is nearing the point where he can be released and live independently with his mother in Williamsburg VA.

Friedman’s ruling was not a complete victory for Hinckley, however.

The judge refused to allow Hinckley to perform unsupervised volunteer work in the District, a hospital request opposed by prosecutors. In the District, Hinckley must remain supervised by a hospital staffer at all times.

Under yesterday’s ruling, Hinckley will be required to carry a GPS-enabled cell-phone so authorities and doctors can ensure that he is following his release restrictions.

The judge also ruled that Hinckley would not be granted more social privileges unless he successfully completes volunteer work during three straight visits to Williamsburg. The expanded privileges include increasing the amount of unaccompanied time in his mother’s subdivision and more free time for recreation and other activities.

Williamsburg VA Mobile Real Estate Search

Williamsburg, VA Mobile Real Estate Search
williamsburgvamobilesearchmls Mr Williamsburg is happy to offer a consumer mobile real estate search for the use  on your smartphone ( iPhone, Blackberry, Treo, etc) to find and search for real estate, homes, land, condos town homes and more in the Williamsburg VA area. James City County, City of Williamsburg, York County, New Kent County, West Point areas of Virginia are all included in the search area. The Data is sourced from the WMLS of the Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors.

Although Williamsburg Mobile MLS Search was designed for iPhone and Blackberry devices, many other devices with a wide screen (340 pixels or more) may display well and function nicely. Smaller display screens will not display well with this version.

Property Details
Displays the address, sale price, beds/baths, square feet, estimated mortgage, and in most instances, taxes. Map it to see the location and save it to Favorites to show family and friends.

Features Include:

  • - Search by MLS Number, Street Address, City, Zip
  • - View full listing details and up to 10 photos
  • - While viewing a listing, find comparable listings nearby
  • - iPhone – view map location of properties
  • - Call by highlighting a phone number
  • - Email by highlighting an email address

Using Williamsburg VA Mobile Search 
This service is very simple in design. You will be able to navigate your way around easily.
Bookmark your Williamsburg VA Mobile Search link now!
Tip - Use the top navigation bar as an indicator of the options available from each page.

Williamsburg VA Mobile MLS Search is very simple and intuitive to use. Options williamsburgvamobilemlssearch are generally displayed with a button as an indicator. A quick summary of the features and instructions are shown below. 
Searching for listings
From the main search page enter a street name, address, city, zip code or property type.
The less information you enter, the broader the search results.
For example just entering a street name will return all listings on the street name.
Refine results by specifying bedrooms, bathrooms, minimum price and maximum price.
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Colonial Williamsburg Merchants Square Entertainment Schedule 2009

June
14: Colony Auto Enthusiasts Car Show, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
21: Outdoor Concert, 6-7:15 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., 29th Army and Peninsula Concert Bands
21: Prince George Movie Nights begin for season, dusk, Prince George St.
Saturdays: Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon, Duke of Gloucester St.
Sundays beginning June 21: Prince George Movie Night, dusk, Prince George St.

JULY

2:
USAF Heritage of America Band Independence Day Concert, 7-8:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St.

7: Amazing Buttercup Band, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
8: Summer Breeze Concert, 7 – 9:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., Charles Darden Jazz Group

13: Outdoor Concert, 7 p.m., Duke of Gloucester Street, Army National Guard Band (Wyoming)
15: Summer Breeze Concert, 7–9:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., Slapwater, (Stagelights opens with selections from "Annie Jr.", 6:15-6:45 p.m.)
18: Outdoor Concert: Bonsal Blues American Legion Band (Wildwood, NJ), 7 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St.
22: Summer Breeze Concert, 7–9:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., Jae Sinnett Trio
29: Summer Breeze Concert, 7–9:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., Stingrays
Saturdays: Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon, Duke of Gloucester St.

August
Sundays
: Prince George Movie Night, dusk, Prince George St.

5: Summer Breeze Concert, 7–8:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., USAF Heritage of America Concert Band
12: Summer Breeze Concert, 7-8:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., USAF Satellite Jazz Ensemble

14: Amazing Buttercup Band, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
19: Summer Breeze Concert, 7-8:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., USAF Vector Brass Ensemble
26: Summer Breeze Concert, 7-8:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St., USAF Heritage of America Concert Band

Saturdays: Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-Noon, Duke of Gloucester St.
Sundays: Prince George Movie Night, dusk, Prince George St.

September
17:
Constitution Day Concert, USAF Heritage of America Concert Band, Duke of Gloucester St., Time TBD
27: Fourth Annual Autumn Festival, by Jamestown 4-H, 12 p.m.-4 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St.
Saturdays: Farmers Market, 8 a.m. – Noon, Duke of Gloucester St

October

3: Dancing Under the Stars (Williamsburg Symphonia), 6 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St.
4: An Occasion for the Arts, Duke of Gloucester St., 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturdays: Farmers Market, 8 a.m. – Noon, Duke of Gloucester St.

December

5-6, 12-13, 19-24: Strolling Holiday Entertainment
6: Grand Illumination, Colonial Williamsburg
12: Holiday Farmers Market, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Duke of Gloucester St.

More info on Colonial Williamsburg’s Merchant Square here

Colonial Williamsburg in the news..

It seems that New Yorkers can’t get enough of Williamsburg. After a feature article  ran in the New York Times recently the New York Daily News ran it’s own article. The Daily News  piece encompassed a wider reach throughout the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland and Virginia.

You can read the full article here

Wanna Help William and Mary Choose a Mascot ?

w&Mlogo What’s silver, green and gold all over? The College of William and Mary hopes it will soon be a new mascot.

We have the ‘Tribe but the College has lacked a mascot ever since the feathers bit the dust.

The school has seen mascots come and go. Native American and pony mascots faded in the 1970s and ’80s when the college became known as the “ Tribe”

In 1961 the yearbook recognized the new mascot with these words, “An outstanding addition to the squad this year was the Indian pony Wampo. Present at all home football games and in Richmond and Norfolk, Wampo helped the Indian dancers — another new attraction — in their efforts to drive away the evil spirits and spur the Indian team on to victory.” 
Wampo and the Indian dancers helped to add color and spirit to many of the football games at Cary field and away.” 

I know that the NCAA will deplore this lapse in political correctness, but who really cares? The team has been called The Tribe, The Indians and The Fighting Virginians, all these names correctly referring to the proud Indian heritage embodied in the Indian school at William & Mary. Perhaps the motivation for the school was flawed from the Native American perspective. But we’ve grown in the last 300-plus years. Let’s honor our Native American brethren by bringing back that Indian pony mascot Wampo. And while we’re at it, put the feathers back on the logo.

In 2006, the NCAA ruled that the use of the word “Tribe” was fine but decided that William and Mary’s feathered logo was demeaning to Native Americans and had to go.

The new committee has some proposed rules: The mascot can be an “animal, vegetable or mineral.”

The Mascot Committee has been accepting mascot ideas since April 1 – So far  270 ideas have been received. The word has gone out on several social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. There’s even a YouTube page devoted to the mascot search. In interviews posted on the web site, the frontrunner seems to be Phoenix.

  • 52% of the ideas were submitted by alumni
  • 29% of the suggestions have come from current students
  • 10% of the ideas were submitted by faculty, staff and administrators
  • 8% of the suggestions were offered by parents and friends of the College.

Here are guidelines for you to suggest one !

Please review these requirements and guidelines before you submit an idea.

There are two ways to submit an idea to the Mascot Committee.

  1. Print and complete the submission form – PDF version OR Word version
    Then mail it to:
    Susan T. Evans, Mascot Search
    c/o Information Technology
    College of William & Mary
    PO Box 8795
    Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795
    OR
  2. Submit your idea online.

The deadline for submitting ideas is June 30, 2009.

Drawings, photographs, videos, or other visual representations of your idea are encouraged, but not required. If you have a visual that you would like the committee to review, you will be able to provide a link to it in the online submission form; or you can mail it with your printed submission form to Susan T. Evans, Mascot Search, c/o Information Technology, College of William & Mary, PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187-8795.

Recently during the Young Guarde Weekend in April at William and Mary,  several attendees were asked to share their thoughts on what sort of mascot they’d like to see roam the sidelines at future William and Mary football games and other activities.Their responses may shock and amuse you.

> > Submit your idea online > >

Where in the world is Hampton Roads and What is it ?

map virginias hampton roads hampton roads va map The Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia is comprised of 17 communities – ten cities, six counties, and one town. Despite a population nearing 1.6 million and unlike many of the metropolitan areas across the country, Hampton Roads’ population is not centered in one city, but spread broadly throughout the region. Designated in the late 17th century as the name of the world's largest natural harbor, Hampton Roads is where the James, Nansemond, and Elizabeth Rivers pour into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1607, three ships carrying over a hundred adventurers from England crossed the Atlantic, not knowing what they would find on the other side. After landing at Cape Henry, in what is today Virginia Beach, they set out to explore the surrounding rivers and bays. They mapped and chronicled their discoveries as they made their way inland, eventually settling at Jamestown, Virginia. There they built the first permanent English settlement in the New World.

jamestown From Jamestown they would branch out to other areas of southeastern Virginia, creating towns, counties and cities, and in the process becoming Hampton Roads first regional citizens and establishing Hampton Roads as America’s First Region.

The term ‘Hampton Roads’ is a centuries-old reference that originated when the region was a struggling British outpost nearly 400 years ago. Designated in the 17th century as the name of the largest natural harbor where the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth Rivers pour into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Signifying the safety of a port, "roads" in nautical terminology means "a place less sheltered than a harbor where ships may ride at anchor".

The region’s most notable geographic characteristic is proximity to a variety of waterways. Bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean, Hampton Roads is where the James, Nansemond and Elizabeth rivers pour into the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. 

With the world’s largest natural harbor, Hampton Roads’ ports have played an important role in the region’s history and economy.
Hampton Roads is ranked the 31st largest Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) in the United States. The region encompasses two areas linked by the Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula. The South Hampton Roads region includes the cities of Chesapeake,    Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach.
These cities are often referred to as the Tidewater area. The Peninsula consists of the cities of Hampton , Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg and the counties of Gloucester, James City,, and York.

Governors Palace colonial williamsburg va Williamsburg, James City County, and York County are often referred to as the Historic Triangle because they played host to many important events in American history. In 1992, Isle of Wight County, Virginia and Currituck County, North Carolina were added to the MSA due to commuting patterns between the two counties and the existing MSA      Smithfield, Southampton, and Surry round out the region.

To call Hampton Roads rich in history is perhaps the greatest understatement.  General Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington at Yorktown in 1781, in the last major engagement of the American Revolutionary War. The Civil War battle of the ironclads, the Confederate Merrimac and Union Monitor, occurred in the waters of Hampton Roads on March 8-9, 1862, changing forever the nature of naval warfare. Colonial Williamsburg has been described as the world’s largest living museum, and is perhaps the nation’s premier educational and historical resource on early American life.

Unlike many of the metropolitan areas across the country, Hampton Roads’ population is not centered in one city, but spread broadly throughout the region.

Hampton Roads is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the southeastern United States, and the largest between Washington, D.C. and Atlanta. Hampton Roads’ labor force surpasses 750,000 and unemployment averages between 4 and 5 percent. Over 15,000 highly-skilled workers exit the military in Hampton Roads each year and the region is home to over 70,000 university and community college students. The military, manufacturing, the Port of Virginia, high technology, and tourism are major drivers in Hampton Roads’ $54 billion economy.
navalstationnorfolkva The military has long been a mainstay of the Hampton Roads economy, and today the region boasts the largest concentration of military personnel in the nation, with forces stationed at such critical defense facilities as Naval Station Norfolk (the largest naval facility in the world), Langley Air Force Base, Oceana Naval Air Station, Little Creek Amphibious Base, Fort Eustis, Fort Monroe, and Fort Story, and more. Total military and civilian defense-related employment in Hampton Roads surpasses 111,000.

Hampton Roads is rich, too, in intellectual resources. The region is home to eight colleges and universities and two federal laboratories: The Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, a U.S. Department of Energy facility that conducts basic and applied atomic research, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Langley Research Center, an 800-acre facility conducting research in aviation and space sciences.

firstlandingstateparkva A pre-eminent maritime center, the region is thoroughly entwined and proudly identified with the water, included 26 miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches, the Chesapeake Bay, and a host of picturesque rivers and inlets. Hampton Roads is blessed with environmental assets, as well, including First Landing State Park, False Cape State Park, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and Plum Tree Island National Wildlife Refuge, to name a few.

Whether you are visiting the area, considering a move here or already reside here, we encourage you to take advantage of all Hampton Roads has to offer.

Click here to search all homes for sale in Hampton Roads VA

Yorktown, VA- "Shagging on The Riverwalk" 2009

shaggingatriverwalk Shagging on the Riverwalk is a  summer concert series held at Riverwalk Landing in Historic Yorktown and features some of the area’s finest beach music, Motown, oldies and more. Guests have the opportunity to practice the “shag” on the large outdoor dance floor, and all are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. The event is free and open to the public.

This gathering is truly fun and exciting for anyone who really appreciates the shag. Back by popular demand for a fourth straight year, York County is excited to offer the 2009 Shagging on the Riverwalk Beach Music Concert Series. Entertainment will take place on the performance stage at Riverwalk Landing, overlooking the York River in historic Yorktown.

shaggingyorktown The series will be held on Friday’s from 6 to 9 p.m., beginning June 5, and continuing through June 26. Following a two-week break, the series picks up on July 17 and continues through August 7.

The Colonial Shag Club will once again provide shag lessons, demonstrations, club information, and answer any questions related to this popular form of dance. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes, as one of the area’s largest outdoor dance floors will give you the opportunity to practice your shagging.
For the kids, a clown will be present each week to provide free face painting and balloons.
SCHEDULE OF ENTERTAINMENT
June 5 – TFC Band
June 12 – The Main Event Band
June 19 – Fatback and The Cadillacs
June 26 – The Original Rhondels
- – - – - 2 Week Break – - – - –
July 17 – Coolin’ Out
July 24 – FAB
July 31 – The Band of Oz
August 7 – Ron Moody and the Centaurs

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and/or lawn chairs for seating. Food will be available for purchase. Free parking is available at the Riverwalk Landing parking terrace, York Hall, York-Poquoson Courthouse, County Administration
Building, and other designated public parking lots throughout Yorktown.

YorktownRiverwalkLanding1 No rain dates are scheduled for Shagging on the Riverwalk. In the event of inclement weather, please call the event weather hotline at 890-3520. For more information on Shagging on the Riverwalk or any other events in York County, call the York County Parks and Recreation Office at 890-3500 or visit www.yorkcounty.gov/tourism  . Sponsored by York County, VA.

If you don’t know what " Shagging or Beach Music is watch this medley showcasing Local Musician Bill Deal and the Rhondels. Bill Deal passed suddenly in 2003 and we lost one of the great Beach singers of his time..Most Folks think the Rhondels were one-hit wonders but the truth is that they had 3 Top 40 hits to their credit; "I’ve Been Hurt", "May I" and Who Do You Think You Are.

I guess I am showing my age as I remember him playing at a high school prom when I was growing up in VA Beach.

Location Map for Riverwalk Landing in Yorktown, VA

Map picture

Homerama 2010 @ Founders Pointe in Isle of Wight VA. Are you sure ?

I had previously posted an article about The Peninsula Housing and Builders Association (PHBA) selecting  Founders Pointe in Isle of Wight, VA to host their 26th Annual Parade of Homes event in the spring of 2009.  As you have now discovered this did not happen. Then I wrote that Hampton Roads Crossing was the new location. This also was changed.  The association changed the location from Hampton Roads Crossing in northern Suffolk, a successful mixed-use development after builders who were initially interested in participating indicated the time frame, the lot size and the unique design requirements didn’t allow them to use their standard plans. 

3original Subsequently  Tidewater Builders Association  ( TBA)  announced the Homearama 2009 showcase of homes will be hosted at Culpepper Landing, a mixed-use traditional neighborhood development in Chesapeake.
The event, set for Oct. 3-18, 2009 They expect to feature 12 single-family homes ranging from the mid-$300,000s to the low $500,000’s.

I then wrote about The Oaks at Fenton Mill being chose for a Fall 2009 Parade of Homes. As of last week this apparently is in jeopardy as well. Seems that they cannot get enough builders to commit. Who can blame them, not me. Having participated in a previous Parade of Homes in York County at Taylor Farms I was amazed at how much effort goes into producing an event like this. I witnessed builders and subcontractors working 24 hours a day to get the homes ready as well as volunteers by the hundreds working to make it a success.

I am not sure if it will occur but the Tidewater Builders Association is seeking builders to participate in a spring 2010 Homearama at Founders Pointe in Carrollton, Va. 

original2222The spring Homearama at Founders Pointe is tentatively scheduled for April 17-May 2, 2010. There are 15 home sites available to custom home builders who would like to participate. Lot prices range from $112,500 for wooded views to more than $300,000 for waterfront views.

With lot prices like that the builders would have to price the homes from $450,000 to $1,200,000. That’s assuming they get concessions from their suppliers and vendors if they want to load up the homes with options like they normally do.

I have a novel idea. Why not have a Parade of Homes or Homerama for the first time home buyer ? See what you can build for $200k or less. How GREEN can you build it ? Big homes are passe. I see them languishing all over the place. Most home buyers don’t want them even if you give them the extra space for free.

So how about it TBA. Let’s see a Homerama with a $200,000 cap on pricing. Let’s give an award for the home with the lowest monthly utilities. Let’s showcase GREEN Building techniques. Let’s have numerous Habitat For Humanity Homes builds happening during the Homerama or Parade of Homes. Invite the public to help build the Habitat Homes. Teach them how. Show them how you build your homes.

It is easy to build a showpiece with tons of molding and electronic displays. Show us what can be done with efficient floor planning, energy saving appliances/systems and above all common sense site planning. Make it a show of building ideas and not about room staging.

Or what about a show that features updated/repaired homes bought at bargain rates from older neighborhoods. Buying what’s less than desired and making the most out of it is what most people face. Builders would still have a hand in redoing kitchens, adding sunrooms, adding molding, landscaping, etc

Anyone listening ?

Visit Colonial Williamsburg, VA

aerialcapitol3Well, I guess we are bound to get a lot of visitors coming to Williamsburg VA for 36 hour trips now that the New York Times has posted a Williamsburg, VA travel story.

I was just looking at my Twitter account ( Twitter/ MrWilliamsburg) and it seems that hundreds if not thousands of people are reposting the story.

 

Here is the story:

ONCE the preserve of eighth-grade field trips and history re-enactors, Williamsburg, Va., with its restored Colonial District, has become in recent years a much more rounded — and upscale — experience. Local chefs raised on both grits and Asian ginger have adapted traditional Southern cooking and native ingredients to create more exotic combinations. Virginia wineries, once scorned, produce high-quality vintages, while the central district of Williamsburg is known not only for stark Colonial homes but also for a lavish spa and upscale folk-art shops. Of course, if you want to see a staging of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death!” speech, or stick your head in the stocks, that’s still an option

Read the rest of the story on Colonial Williamsburg here

By the way. There are many fine restaurants to choose from besides the Fat Canary. Contrary to what the NYT article indicates.

Make sure you take in a performance of “Revolutionary City if you visit. Somehow the writer missed this entirely.

If you lived here instead of paying $34.95 for  a one day pass to Colonial Williamsburg, you could purchase an annual " Good Neighbor Pass" to CW for $10. Kids under 17 get an annual Good Neighbor Pass for FREE ! Read about it here: http://williamsburgsrealestate.com/2008/11/29/good-neighbor-pass-colonial-williamsburg-resident-discount/

Another benefit of living here for our kids at least is Busch Gardens. If you are a resident of Virginia instead of paying $59.95 for a one day pass you can buy a Fun Pass that gets you in all season.  Or you can take out a second mortgage on your house and buy one year passes to both Water Country and Busch Gardens. I was only kidding about the second mortgage , we all know those aren’t available anymore so you just sign up for the monthly payment plan to purchase your BG passes.

 

Fords Colony Retains Realtec as HOA Manager

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA         Williamsburg, VA -The Ford’s Colony’s board of directors voted to continue its relationship with Realtec Monday, agreeing to contract with the management arm for five more years.

Two years ago the Ford’s Colony homeowners association began to consider other management companies for the $4.5 million management contract. In the past year it solicited proposals and narrowed the choice down to three companies: two from northern Virginia and Realtec. It was the first time in the 24-year history of Ford’s Colony that the association had considered an outside firm. Realtec’s development arm retains veto power over the vote, so if the association had chosen another vendor, Realtec could have struck down the decision. Association president James Taverna said the directors ultimately chose to remain with Realtec for the cost, the synergy and history of Ford’s Colony, and the risk of trouble during a transition to a new company. They also felt Realtec was best poised to handle future growth within the gated community.
fordscolonyaerial Realtec Community Services has also agreed to a lease-purchase option on the management facility, which was the management company’s leverage to renew. Under the new arrangement, the association can lease the management and maintenance facilities for $800,000 a year for five years.

With a $4.5 million annual budget, derived from $1,400 annual fees from each homeowner. Realtec  maintains 46 miles of private roads, and  manages the security, property maintenance, and recreation crews. They have 65 employees, and are responsible for the contractors, as well.

Also, because there was a perception that Drew Mulhare might have a conflict of interest because he is both general manager and president, which means he has responsibilities to both the developer and the board, the assistant general manager will now become general manager and Mulhare will remain president.

Mulhare said the new general manager will have more direct contact and communication with the association.

 

Ford’s Colony

Williamsburg/ James City County

Williamsburg VA

clicktosearchhomesforsale clicktosearchhomesforsale 55555555555555

City of Williamsburg VA- Village at Quarterpath- Town Homes from $200k

Construction crews are busy all along Quarterpath Rd in Williamsburg VA.

Thanks to a new builder from Richmond , VA , Royal Dominion Homes is now building Town -homes at Village at Quarterpath  within the city limits of Williamsburg at prices starting from $199,900.

The town homes offer First Floor Master Bedrooms,  3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, optional garages and much more. Square Footages range from 1496 Sq Feet +

The current HOA Homeowner Association Fees at The Village at Quarterpath are $ 85.00  monthly for town homes. This includes exterior lawn maintenance, common area maintenance and a scheduled roof replacement for the town homes.

The two models currently being built are the Madison and the Jefferson. Here are descriptions, floor plans and elevations for each :

The Madison Model

Move home and enjoy this amazing open, two level townhome featuring two or three bedrooms with two and half bathrooms. This versatile floor-plan features an oversized 18 x 20 living room that flows into a large 12 x 24 kitchens with a breakfast nook and island . Great for entertaining and meal time. Need more space. Add a sunroom or family room optional extensions to bolster the square footage to 1936, providing the second floor with some great options for the master bedroom.

Upstairs, relax in an owner’s suite with a soaring cathedral ceiling complemented by the large walk in closet. A luxury owner’s bath and sitting room create an inspiring retreat useful at the end of any long day. The second floor also boasts two spacious bedrooms and a full bath, along with a convenient second floor laundry room. Add extra storage space by adding an optional 8 x 20 attic. Exit the rear entry and discover either an optional 1 or 2 car detached garage providing additional storage and shelter creating a backyard retreat.

Approximate Square footage – 1936 sq ft.

 

Option 2 Floor Plan Madison, Other Plan options are available- Please Inquire

 

The Jefferson Model

Spacious Living awaits in this two level townhome with up to four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms! A front, covered porch greets family and visitors alike and delivers them into a beautiful open foyer and an incredible 2460 square feet of living space. The natural and open combination of the dining and kitchen area creates a fabulous flow, meant for memorable entertaining. Relaxation exudes from the first floor master bedroom, highlighted by a large walk-in closet and two-room master bath.

Walk upstairs and find space to choose from several different bedroom arrangements, designed to accommodate a multitude of needs. For those desiring a second floor master bedroom simply select the option for our large, dual walk in closets and a second luxury bath bedroom design. Exiting the rear entry, the space continues with a 1 or 2 car detached garage providing not only more storage but an auto shelter and a backyard for the perfect finish!

Approximate Square footage 2460 sq ft

Jefferson Floor Plans- Other Floor Plan options are available- Please inquire

First Floor
Option 2 Second Floor

House plans are for illustrative purpose only, builder reserves the right to make changes without notice or obligation – architectural blueprints should be reviewed for further clarification of features. Some optional items are shown on the plans which are available at additional cost. Not all features are shown. Illustrations are believed to be correct at the time of publication.

Village of Quarterpath

All Williamsburg VA

 
clicktosearchhomesforsale clicktosearchhomesforsale 55555555555555

Email or call for further information on Village at Quarterpath Town Homes. John@MrWilliamsburg.com

The Village at Quarterpath is sited on Williamsburg’s Quarterpath Road among some of the historic city’s most notable features: the Colonial Golf Club, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Nursery, Quarterpath Park, and a series of historical markers that are several centuries old. It is the goal of the developer of this newly planned residential area to maintain the site’s historic character while designing the best home sites the parcel would allow.

Village at Quarterpath is located within the city limit of Williamsburg and enjoys the lower tax rate of the city ( .54 per $100 ) as well as other benefits. It is located across the street from the Quarterpath Recreation center a 23-acre facility that includes three lighted softball fields; a 25-meter, 6- lane-Z-shaped outdoor swimming pool, Swimmers with a need for aquatic speed can shoot through two sliding tubes into 12-foot water. Kiddies have a pool all to themselves. Three all-weather tennis courts; playground equipment; and a picnic shelter complete the amenities.

QuarterpathpoolQuarterpath Park is also the site of the Quarterpath Recreation Center, a 35,000 square foot facility that offers an 18,000 sq. ft. double gymnasium, a 1,700 sq. ft. dance/aerobics room, two classrooms and a 1,900 sq. ft. multipurpose room. Various instructional classes, athletic programs for youth and adults, sports camps, and special events are held throughout the year at this facility.

 

A short walk away is  Redoubt Park 
redoubtparkwilliamsburg This beautiful, wooded 22-acre park preserves and interprets two of the fourteen Civil War earthworks forts – or redoubts – which made up the Confederate’s Williamsburg Line in the Battle of Williamsburg. This engagement on May 5, 1862, resulted in more than 3800 Union and Confederate casualties and left the Union in control of the Virginia Peninsula. This inconclusive engagement left the Union in control of the Virginia Peninsula. These fortifications remain a stark tribute to those who served, defining America’s future.

Nearby Shopping will soon include : Quarterpath Crossing

Harris_Teeter_logo The service-oriented shopping center is scheduled to open in November 2009 — with "everything a neighborhood needs to support its daily lifestyle,".
The centerpiece of the shopping center is a 52,610-square-foot Harris Teeter grocery store. Termed a Flagship Plus’ store. It’s the best store with the best amenities that Harris Teeter, which is already a nice upscale chain, puts out."

The list of expected  tenants includes at least two restaurants, a salon and a dry cleaner, among others. The developer is in discussions  with several national restaurant chains at this time. TowneBank and Wachovia will open branches in two of four outbuildings. Quarterpath Crossing’s location is across Route 199 from the main entrance to Kingsmill on the James.

quarterpath

Another  nearby project will be Quarterpath at Williamsburg —Riverside  Health System plans to build a 120-bed nursing home at Quarterpath at Williamsburg, a 350-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of state Route 199 and U.S. 60. Plans for the project include 1,374 dwellings (including single-family homes, town houses and condos) 200,000 square feet of medical office space, 202,000 square feet of offices space and 400,000 square of “destination” retail use. Riverside has now received  state approval to build Doctors Hospital of Williamsburg, a 40-bed hospital .
The new street through Quarterpath Crossing will wind through the woods past a nursing home, assisted living, medical office park and retail and residential areas. The street will connect with Route 60 near the 7-Eleven.  The residential neighborhood will feature a second street running from Battery Boulevard back to Quarterpath Road, intersecting just below the redoubts near Route 60.

Riverside had been trying for about eight years to get into the hospital business in the Williamsburg area, and twice its application to build a new hospital has been denied. 

Construction will start once the necessary city approvals are in place. Construction of the newly approved hospital won’t begin until 2010. The two-story hospital will be designed to accommodate expansion in case it’s needed in the future. The hospital includes an intensive-care unit and two operating rooms.

Map picture

ForSaleByOwner.Com Offers Home Selling Guarantee To Help People Sell With Confidence

Be Cautious about " Guarantee Offers ! Here is a recent press release from ForSaleBYOwner.com. There is one catch to this program. It states that you must list your home with an agent of their choice. What is doesn’t mention is the fact that they will then be paid a referral fee of 25 % of the commission.

If their system works so well, why are they resorting to this policy. They will make a tidy sum for not doing anything but referring you to a full service agent.

ForSaleByOwner could make considerably more money by losing a client to a broker. No wonder they are promoting their guarantee so heavily !

Why not explore that option first if it is inevitable anyway.

With turbulence continuing in the real estate market, the advantages of selling by owner are greater than ever. ForSaleByOwner.com, the nation’s leading “by owner” real estate website, is offering a Home Selling Guarantee to give “by owner” sellers more confidence in selling their home. The guarantee includes a full refund of money paid to ForSaleByOwner.com.

The Home Selling Guarantee provides an additional level of confidence, security and flexibility for sellers who purchase a ForSaleByOwner.com listing package and then are interested in moving from a “by owner” status to a “full-service listing” status. For sellers in that situation, ForSaleByOwner.com will work to place them with a real estate agent within their local area and, after the home sells through the agent, will refund any money the seller paid to ForSaleByOwner.com.

Rock The Block in Williamsburg, VA

When :Friday, June 5th, 2009
(Rain Date – June 6th)
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm • On Prince George Street
Between Boundary and Henry Streets

Make plans to attend the 7th Annual Rock the Block Festival. Hosted by downtown Williamsburg Merchants.

  Music, Food, Games, Shopping Discounts & more. Games for the children, live entertainment & raffles to kick off the arrival of Virginia’s Famous Summer outdoor festivals. This small town event, a locals’ favorite is sponsored by the Williamsburg Land Conservancy. Enjoy the area’s best hot dogs and frozen custard at Retro’s, Baubles and More at the Queens Court and the best ever java from Aromas! Open to the public – FREE admission and reduced prices for all food and beverages. Handicap accessible.

http://www.williamsburglandconservancy.org/

  There will be food, beverages,  Entertainment: John Tracy & Dick Smith aka “Dick Tracy, information tables on recycling and more and a children’s activities area. The annual Celebrating Conservancy Awards will be presented to schools involved in conservation activities. Free admission. Proceeds to benefit the Williamsburg Land Conservancy.

rocktheblock2008

Some of the recipients of the Conservancy’s annual Celebrating Conservancy awards smile for the camera! The awards are given to schools in the Historic Triangle that involve students in projects related to conservation. Thirteen schools received awards in 2008

Founded in 1990 as the Historic Rivers Land Conservancy, we were the first private non-profit land trust in Virginia incorporated specifically to use the provisions of the Virginia Conservation Easement Act. In 1996 our name was changed and today, the Conservancy operates as a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, supported by annual membership dues, donations and grants. A 20-member Board of Directors, comprised of community leaders from throughout the Historic Triangle, governs the organization. Ten working committees help to carry out the programs and projects of the Conservancy.

The Conservancy is dedicated to protecting and preserving significant natural, scenic, agricultural and historic land in the Historic Triangle. Through a combination of land preservation tools, education and advocacy programs, and shaping public policy, the Conservancy strives to maintain the character and ambiance of this special place where we live and work or where others simply come to visit for a while.

The Conservancy currently protects over 3,000 acres of land in the James and York Rivers watersheds. We measure our success by the total acreage of land protected in our region. That’s why the Conservancy works in partnership and collaboration with other land protection organizations and programs to ensure land owners use the best conservation tool to protect their land.

Location Map of " Rock The Block"

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SPONSORED BY:

Alizé Bistro • Aromas Coffeehouse Café • Baskin Robbins
Berret’s Seafood Restaurant and Taphouse Grill • Big Top Entertainment, Inc.
Blue Talon Bistro • Campus Shop • Center Street Grill • Cheese Shop
Fife and Drum Inn • Flower Cupboard • G. Bates Studio • Green Leafe Café
J. Fenton Gallery • Movie Tavern • Queen’s Court • Quilt’s Unlimited
Retro’s • SunTrust Bank • The Genuine Smithfield Ham Shoppe
The Peanut Shop of Williamsburg • The Williamsburg Winery
Williamsburg Event Rentals • Wythe Candy

FHA finalizes bridge loan program for the $8000 first time homebuyers tax credit, allowing use of the credit towards closing costs

From the HUD Website:

Speaking to the National Association of Home Builders Spring Board of Directors Meeting, U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced that the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow homebuyers to apply the Obama Administration’s new $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit toward the purchase costs of a FHA-insured home. Donovan said that today’s action will help stabilize the nation’s housing market by stimulating home sales across the country.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homebuyers a tax credit of up to $8,000 for purchasing their first home. Families can only access this credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS. Today’s announcement details FHA’s rules allowing state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits to "monetize" up to the full amount of the tax credit (depending on the amount of the mortgage) so that borrowers can immediately apply the funds toward their down payments. Home buyers using FHA-approved lenders can apply the tax credit to their down payment in excess of 3.5 percent of appraised value or their closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. To read the FHA’s new mortgagee letter, visit HUD’s website.

"We believe this is a real win for everyone," said Donovan. "Today, the Obama Administration is taking another important step toward accelerating the recovery of the nation’s housing market. Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away. At the same time we are putting safeguards in place to ensure that consumers will be protected from unscrupulous lenders. What we’re doing today will not only help these families to purchase their first home but will present an enormous benefit for communities struggling to deal with an oversupply of housing."

Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to make a minimum 3.5 percent downpayment on the purchase of their home. Current law does not permit approved lenders to monetize the tax credit to meet the required 3.5 percent minimum down payment, but, under the terms of today’s announcement, lenders can now monetize the tax credit for use as additional down payment, or for other closing costs, which can help achieve a lower interest rate. Buyers financing through state Housing Finance Agencies and certain non-profits will be able to use the tax credit for their downpayments via secondary financing provided by the HFA or non-profit. In addition to the borrower’s own cash investment, FHA allows parents, employers and other governmental entities to contribute towards the downpayment. Today’s action permits the first-time homebuyer’s anticipated tax credit under the Recovery Act to be applied toward the family’s home purchase right away. Unlike seller-funded down-payment assistance, which was a vehicle for abuse, this program will allow homebuyers to shop for the best home price and services using their anticipated tax credit.

To explore financing options for real estate in Hampton Roads or Williamsburg VA  contact: John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Fords Colony in Default

From an article in the Rocky Mount Telegram  by  John Henderson

fordscolonyrockymountnc Undeveloped lots in the Ford’s Colony community in Rocky Mount, North Carolina are slated to be sold to the highest bidder next month at the Nash County, NC Courthouse as part of a foreclosure sale.

According to a legal notice published in the Rock Mount Telegram this week, developer Ford’s Colony Rocky Mount LLC has gone into default on a loan taken out in June 2008 for $7.2 million.

But the developer is working with BB&T bank, which is owed the money for a loan it made for water, sewer and roads, to avoid the sale, said Drew Mulhare, vice president of Realtec Inc., the managing partner for developer Ford’s Colony LLC.

The lots were used as collateral for the infrastructure loan, Mulhare said. He said a bond required by the city ensures that work will be finished.

The company will continue to develop the 1,400-acre master-planned community, which is slated to have 1,000 home sites, Mulhare said.

About 20 to 30 lots in phases 3 and 4 of the project are slated to be sold in the foreclosure sale. So far, between 200 and 225 lots have been sold.

Among the phases slated to be sold is Phase 3 of the community, which, according to property records, is located a few hundred yards north-northwest of the community’s tennis courts and clubhouse.

Other lots being sold are in Phase 4 of the community along Cummings Road. Mulhare said a court ruling that prohibited that community from closing the road to public traffic had hurt lot sales along that road.

“When we were opening Phase 4, the real estate crunch hit, and the Cummings Road crunch hit, and we were pretty much stalemated at that point,” he said.

He said they have every intention of developing out the remaining 800 lots in the community.

“We love Rocky Mount,” he said. “It has been very good to us. We’ve tried to stay in touch with the city and county government, and we all want the best for Ford’s Colony. What’s good for Ford’s Colony is good for Rocky Mount.”

The legal ad states that the property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at the Nash County, NC. Courthouse at 10 a.m. June 8, 2009.

The community’s golf course and clubhouse are not part of the sale.

And lots with homes on them are not part of the sale, according to Kitty Hawk attorney Daniel D. Khoury, who is the trustee in the sale.

“It would be fair to say (the sale) involves unimproved lots,” he said. “We’re not foreclosing on any homes.”

Homes in the gated, master-planned community cost between $300,000 and $750,000.

The 1,400-acre community is being developed by the Ford family, who created Ford’s Colony at Williamsburg in 1985.

Development began at the Rocky Mount community in summer 2004.

You can view the Foreclosure Sale notice here :  http://classifieds.rockymounttelegram.com/classifieds-bin/classifieds?tp=RockyMount&property=rockymount&classification=announcements&ad_id=188700187&temp_type=detail

You can read the full Story here :http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/fords-colony-forced-to-sell-off-some-undeveloped-lots-634050.html

VIMS Marine Science Day, Gloucester VA.

Starts: Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Location: VIMS Campus, Gloucester Point, VA
Event URL: http://www.vims.edu/public/msd/index.php

VIMS’ annual open house is a fun-filled event for the whole family.

Join us in Gloucester Point , VA for exhibits, children’s activities, seining on the York River, lab tours, seafood cooking demonstrations, mini-lectures, and much more. All activities are free, as is parking. The event proceeds rain or shine.

This Saturday, May 30, 2009 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester, VA, rain or shine. Hands-on learning experiences for children, collecting and observing aquatic animals from the York River, a Scallop Discovery Lab and creating sea life prints and educational crafts. Local groups and individuals march in the Parade of Marine Life at 11 a.m. Seafood demonstrations, tours of the Teaching Marsh and shellfish hatchery. No admission or parking fees. www.vims.edu or 804 684-7846.

Chartered in 1940, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is one of the leading marine research and education centers in the United States.VIMS’ School of Marine Science is a graduate school of the College of William & Mary.

Here is a short video of a previous open house at VIMS

 

Location Map of VIMS in Gloucester , VA

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