• psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg area or to sell your existing home. This website is authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf. John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market. His websites, WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com and Mr Williamsburg.com were created as a resource for folks who are exploring a move to Williamsburg, VA , Hampton Roads VA and the surrounding areas of the Virginia Peninsula. On his website you can search homes for sale , foreclosures, 55+ active adult communities, condos and town homes , land and commercial property for sale in Williamsburg, Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, and Gloucester, VA as well as surrounding markets of Carrolton, Chesapeake,Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth Mathews, Newport News Norfolk, Poquoson, Smithfield, , Suffolk, Surry, Va Beach, Yorktown and York County Virginia You can reach John by email John@MrWilliamsburg.com or phone @ 757-254-813

Flood Insurance Jumping Sevenfold Depresses U.S. Home Values

Posted on October 25, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

Monthly premiums for more than 1 million homeowners are set to increase due to a rewrite by the U.S. Congress last year of the federal flood insurance program. Home prices in flood zones around the country are declining as potential buyers balk at the premiums.

Rangel Dockery and her husband bought a waterfront house in Florida four months ago, assuming their $2,000-a-year flood-insurance premium would remain about the same. After reading recently about a change in the federal flood program, they checked on next year’s rates and were stunned: Their bill will grow to $14,000 annually.

Now the elementary school teacher and her husband, Clint, an information technology specialist, are considering selling their two-bedroom St. Pete Beach home, probably at a loss, because she said they can’t afford the bill, and their mortgage requires flood coverage.

“It was very frustrating to finally have what we’ve worked hard for all of our life,” Rangel Dockery, 52, said. “I feel like the rules were changed in the middle of the game. And unfortunately, we can’t play by the new rules.”

Monthly premiums for more than 1 million homeowners are set to increase due to a rewrite by the U.S. Congress last year of the federal flood insurance program. As a result, home prices in flood zones around the country are declining as potential buyers balk at the premiums, said Moe Veissi, a Miami real estate agent who led the Chicago-based National Association of Realtors last year.

Federal flood insurance covers $1.3 trillion of property in all 50 states, with Florida, Texas, Louisiana, California and New Jersey making up two-thirds of all policies, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency, which runs the program.

Read more here

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Cost of flood insurance poised to rise for thousands in Hampton Roads

Posted on September 24, 2013 by mrwilliamsburg

Mother Nature has spared U.S. coastal cities from devastating hurricanes this season, but some local homeowners should brace themselves nonetheless.

The cost of flood insurance for thousands of properties in South Hampton Roads soon could go up – significantly in some cases.

Subsidies that have kept insurance costs down for many homeowners across the country will be phased out beginning Oct 1. And those discounts no longer will be transferable from owner to owner, which will add hundreds or thousands of dollars to the annual out-of-pocket costs for buyers of such homes.

On top of that, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is redrawing flood zone boundaries. Houses that aren’t in a flood zone now might find themselves on the riskier side of the line once the maps are finalized in 2014. Those homes will have to be insured against flooding.

Read more here

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Suffolk, Loudon, Prince William Make Top 10 List for Job Growth in US

Posted on August 27, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

#9. Suffolk, VA job growth (2000-2011): 43.0% While actually a city not a county CNN noted It's smooth sailing for job growth in Suffolk, thanks to the Navy's recent decision to relocate four commands, . The move will add nearly 1,000 jobs -- which is about the total number of new jobs added to the area in all of 2011. Suffolk is also located close to the Port of Virginia, and like many of the places on the list, quality of life is a big selling point here. Schools, transportation and community are all strong in this city with historic charm.It’s still a tough job market, but these three Virginia localities counties can make it a lot easier to find work and a great place to live.

This week, CNN Money Magazine published their annual list of ““Where the Jobs Are”

Virginia had three localities in the top ten list of U.S. counties with the highest job grown from 200-2011.

Loudoun County was ranked number 1 with the highest job growth rate, at 83.6 percent. Prince William County was eighth with a job growth rate of 48.6 percent, and Suffolk (which actually is a city) was ninth with a job growth rate of 43 percent.

#1. Got data? Loudoun County , VA does. Lots of it. With its expansive fiber networks and a swarm of tech workers, it’s a major traffic hub on the East Coast. The latest boom to hit this area is data centers, which now occupy 4.3 million square feet in the county, earning Loudoun the nickname "Data Center Alley."

Easy access to the nation’s capital and Dulles International Airport also creates opportunities for government and the airline and freight servicing industries.

#8 .Prince William County, VA takes the crown when it comes to offering enticing perks to businesses. Expedited permits for companies in "targeted" industries that promise high-paying jobs and capital investment is just one of the ways it rolls out the red carpet.

Also behind the job boom: proximity to the D.C. Beltway, a smart workforce and competitive tax rates.

#9. Suffolk, VA job growth (2000-2011): 43.0%

While actually a city not a county CNN noted It’s smooth sailing for job growth in Suffolk, thanks to the Navy’s recent decision to relocate four commands, . The move will add nearly 1,000 jobs — which is about the total number of new jobs added to the area in all of 2011.  Suffolk is also located close to the Port of Virginia, and like many of the places on the list, quality of life is a big selling point here. Schools, transportation and community are all strong in this city with historic charm.

Those strengths have lured a variety of businesses. The retail sector is growing, as are manufacturing and warehousing. Planters, now owned by Kraft, was started here a century ago and still operates a major peanut processing center.

CNN Money released twelve lists this year, including “Best Places to Live,” “Where the Jobs Are,” “Top Earning Towns,” “Hotspots for the Rich and Single,” “Where Homes Area Affordable,” as well as lists for commute times and climate.

This type of positive recognition is a boost not only for business people and residents living and working in these Virginia localities , but it draws attention from outside the region. Site selection consultants and recruiters can use these rankings as another tool to help draw attention to the state as a vibrant region with tremendous assets for companies and potential employees.

CNN Money creates their rankings using a variety of community metrics and data sources within financial, quality of life and housing criteria. .

Take these list with a grain of sale as according to their source data they will allow 2 places in a state to qualify. ( well I guess Virginia squeaked by with three on this list)

Source: Census data, Onboard Informatics projection. Only counties where each Best Place within it was also experiencing job and population growth, and where unemployment was below the national average, were considered. No more than 2 places within a state could qualify.

See the full list here.

psst … I’m a Realtor! Thanks for stopping by my website. I  would love to help you find your dream home and community in the Hampton Roads or Williamsburg areas of Virginia or to sell your existing home.

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Hampton Roads Population Growth in 2011

Posted on February 12, 2012 by mrwilliamsburg

imageJames City County led the way in Hampton Roads Population growth percentages in the latest annual population estimates released by The Weldon Cooper Center.

Hampton Roads total population grew by 13,427 in 2011, a rate of 0.81%. James City County growth was 2.78% almost double that of Chesapeake @ 1.66%.

Virginia’s population growth has outpaced the nation’s since the 2010 census.

Demographers at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service say the state’s population grew by 1.2 percent as of July 1, 2011. That puts the state’s total population at 8.1 million, according to the center’s estimates.

During the same period, the nation grew by less than 1 percent.

The region still grows more slowly than the state as a whole however.

Most of the Hampton Roads population growth occurred in the larger cities of the region, including Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, but there was also strong growth in Suffolk and James City County. Portsmouth also grew more quickly than the region, which represents a change from a two decade trend of declining population.

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Attention Hampton Roads Military Commuters !

Posted on December 13, 2011 by mrwilliamsburg

imageThe Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) is seeking the participation of commuters traveling to/from all military installations in Hampton Roads in a transportation survey.  The HRTPO is collecting information about the commuting experience of military personnel (active-duty, civilians, contractors, reservists and others) traveling to/from the region`s military bases.  The survey was developed by the HRTPO, in concert with the Commands from the region`s military installations and various transportation stakeholders. It is designed to identify and determine the challenges local military personnel and military-related commuters routinely face during their daily commutes. Click here to take the survey.

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Hampton Roads Ranked #5 In Best Cities For Working Moms Forbes Report

Posted on October 16, 2011 by mrwilliamsburg

Three Virginia regions made the top 20 list  for Working mom. Hampton Roads ranks No. 5, Richmond came in at #7 and the Northern VA/ CD MD region was #9  among the nation’s top 50 metropolitan areas for working mothers.

Forbes Woman  examined the nation’s largest metro areas looking at job opportunity, earnings potential for women, and the cost of living, particularly child care.

"But it takes much more than a steady paycheck and healthy employment rate to land a city on our list," Forbes reported. "Safety, health care and education rank high on a working mother’s list of priorities."hamptonroadsmap

So it also looked at the number of physicians, school-district-per-pupil expenditures, and violent crime rates as reported by the FBI Uniform Crime Report.

Job opportunity and high earnings potential were at the top of the list.
They also looked at safety, healthcare and education, because those are priorities every mother considers when taking a job. They did this by looking at the number of practicing physicians, school district per-pupil expenditure, provided by Sperling’s Best Places and the violent crime rates as reported annually by the FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living was considered along with time and the rising cost of childcare. Time commuting to and from work and at work were also factors.

The top 10 best cities for working mothers are:

1 Buffalo-Niagara Falls, NY

2 Columbus, OH

3 Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT

4 Pittsburgh, PA

5 Hampton Roads VA ( Hampton Roads MSA  includes Currituck County, Gloucester County, Isle of Wight County, James City County, Mathews County, York County, Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Surry County, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg)

6 Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI

7 Richmond, VA ( which includes the City of Richmond and Chesterfield, Hanover, and Henrico counties. Richmond-Petersburg MSA includes these localities plus the cities of Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell and the counties of Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Goochland, King and Queen, King William, Louisa, New Kent, Powhatan, Prince George, and Sussex)

8 Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, MA-NH

9 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

10 Cleveland-Elyria-Mentor, OH

See the Forbes report  here

 

Do reports like this help you make choices or do you go where the jobs are? What say you ?

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Hampton Roads Real Estate Update Sept 2011

Posted on September 9, 2011 by mrwilliamsburg

The Hampton Roads real estate market experienced large gains and declines during August 2011. The number of homes that were listed for sale, those homes that went under contract and the number of residential settled sales all had double digit moves when compared to August 2010. The distressed residential market also showed signs of improvement.

imageThe number of residential listings for sale in August 2011 was down 15% when compared to August 2010. This is the largest decline on a year-over-year basis since May 2004 when there was a 16.7% decline. All seven of the major local cities (Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Virginia Beach) saw decreases, with six of those having declines greater than 10%. The sharp drop in active residential listings contributed to the 5.7% fall in the months’ supply of inventory measurement in August as well. Over the past year, the months’ supply of inventory has fluctuated, but not at this magnitude. 

Nearly 1 of every 3 homes sold in August – 29 percent – were in foreclosure or sold for less than what the homeowner owed last month, reported Real Estate Information Network Inc. That’s up from 25 percent a year ago.

The number of residential under contract sales grew by 23.4% in August this year when compared to the same time last year. All seven of the major local cities experienced year-over-year gains. Newport News had the largest gain, 57%, with Norfolk showing the second largest, 49%. The rise in under contract sales provides foreshadowing for future sales, but does not guarantee these sales figures over the next few months.

Rounding out the month’s positive trend, the number of residential settled sales was higher in all seven major local cities and the region as a whole in August 2011 when compared to August 2010. The region showed a 15.8% year-over-year rise in settled residential sales. Chesapeake and Newport News had the highest gains, 39% and 37% respectively. Suffolk had the smallest improvement with 5% growth. The median settled sales price for these homes was down 6.8% when compared to those homes sold in August 2010. For year-to-date 2011, the median residential settled sales price is $195,000, or 9.7% lower than the same time period last year when it was $216,000.

The distressed homes market, those that are bank owned or short sales, grew as a percentage of residential active listings, but fell as a percentage of residential settled sales. Distressed homes grew slightly as a percentage of homes actively listed for sale to 22.6%, the highest percentage since February 2011. However, the percentage of residential settled sales that distressed homes comprised fell to 29.3% which is the lowest percentage since September 2010. Overall, the number of individual distressed homes in the Hampton Roads real estate market is declining, down 12.8% since the beginning of this year. Since the year began the number of active distressed homes listed for sale has dropped each month from 2,897 to 2,526. Should this trend continue, the distressed homes market in Hampton Roads may stabilize and lessen its impact on the non-distressed homes market, namely prices.

 

Click here to search (REIN) all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Va Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth,Franklin, Sussex, Southhampton, Emporia, Greenville, Mathews, Suffolk, Surry, Smithfield, Newport News, Hampton , Poquoson, Gloucester or York County Virginia

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Do I need Flood Insurance ?

Posted on August 2, 2010 by mrwilliamsburg

Question: We are exploring  purchasing a home in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I know that that are certain areas in Hampton, James City County, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Poquoson, Va Beach,  York County and other nearby areas  are prone to flooding. How can I find out if a home I am interested in is in a flood zone ? How can I find out how much flood insurance will cost ?

flooding in ocean viewAnswer: Quite a bit of  Hampton Roads is in a flood zone and subject to flooding during tropical storms, nor’easters and even extremely high tides.

The flood maps for Hampton, VA were recently redrawn, and the process is under way in Suffolk and Newport News.

In Hampton, more than 1,700 properties and their structures were added to a new flood-hazard zone, while 2,568 were removed. An additional 2,734 properties were added to the new flood zone, but their structures remain outside the zone. The changes are scheduled to take effect by February 2011.

What distinguishes flood insurance from home owners insurance is the source. The federal government’s National Flood Insurance Program makes the coverage available through private insurers and agents, who sell it and deal with claims. Conventional homeowners policies exclude any coverage for flood damage.

Hampton Roads home buyers and others seeking information about the insurance should start with the National Flood Insurance Program’s Flood Smart website, www.floodsmart.gov. More detailed information about flood maps and flood-hazard zones is available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Map Service Center website, www.msc.fema.gov.

If you have a federally backed home loan, your lender may require it. Even if you aren’t required to have the coverage, it’s worth checking with neighbors and others about the flood risks where you live. Of the claims filed for flood damage, 20 percent come from homes outside zones designated as flood-hazard areas, according to FEMA.

A quick way for determining the risk at a particular address is to use an interactive tool on the Flood Smart website. Fill out the "Flood Risk Profile" box on www.floodsmart.gov and get an estimate of your exposure.

Flood policies are capped at a maximum amount of  $250,000 for a home and $100,000 for the contents. Private insurers offer additional amounts for homeowners who already have coverage from a National Flood Insurance Plan policy.

The deductibles are typically $1,000 for the building and $1,000 for the contents but can be higher.

The program also provides coverage for renters, condo owners and owners of commercial property.

Policy costs depend on your exposure to flood damage and how much coverage you buy. The annual cost of a standard policy with the maximum coverage for a single-family home and contents in a moderate-to-low-risk zone is $1,489.

The cost of maximum coverage for certain policies in a moderate-to-low-risk area can be as low as $355, but the premium jumps to $5,700 a year for a home in a high-risk coastal zone.

Flood insurance is available from most agents who sell homeowners coverage. The Flood Smart search engine for determining the flood risk of a property also lists agents who sell flood insurance. These agents use the same rates, deductibles and terms defined by the National Flood Insurance Program, so it doesn’t help to shop around for a lower rate.

Flood zones describe the land area in terms of its risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone—it’s just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.

How do I find out whether or not a property in Hampton Roads is at risk of flooding, and if it is, at what level?

Go to the website http://www.floodsmart.gov and fill out the Flood Risk Profile on the left hand site of the site. The site allows you to call up flood maps for the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas..

What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), or floodplains. These areas are indicated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

A home located within an SFHA has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage.

What is a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA)?
A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a low-to-moderate risk flood zone (Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains.

However, it’s important to note that structures within a NSFHA are still at risk. In fact, one out of four floods occurs in an NSFHA! Get the facts before you decide that your property is not at risk.

Want to see something covered in the next posting ? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send a note to John Womeldorf, John@MrWilliamsburg.com

5395This post was authored by local resident and REALTOR, John Womeldorf.  John is known around town as Mr. Williamsburg, for both his extensive knowledge of Hampton Roads and the historic triangle, and his expertise in the local real estate market.  His websites, www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com  and   www.MrWilliamsburg.com, were created as a comprehensive resource about living in Williamsburg and Hampton Roads, with the hopes of selling a house now and again.  You can reach him at 757.254.8136 or John@MrWilliamsburg.com.

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Benefit for local musician- Joe Maniscalco

Posted on January 8, 2010 by mrwilliamsburg

I first met Joe Maniscalco when I joined the folk group at Holy Trinity in Norfolk VA in the mid 1970’s . He was a great mentor , musician and friend.

It was saddening to hear of his recent illness.

Friends of Joe’ will hold a fundraising event entitled, ‘Benefit for Joe Maniscalco – Let’s Keep the Music Playing’ on January 31, 2010.  It will take place at Knuckleheads Roadhouse on 401 North Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach from 1:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. The public is invited . A donation at the door is requested.

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Williamsburg VA Christmas Parade- Cancelled

Posted on December 4, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

 

URGENT MESSAGE RE: Christmas Parade 2009

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance has canceled tomorrow’s annual Christmas Parade due to forecasted rainy conditions.

 Christmas Parade Williamsburg
The 2009 Williamsburg VA Christmas Parade theme is  Christmas Town  celebrating parade sponsor Busch Gardens’, newest attraction.
In celebration of the opening of Christmas Town the parade will include Christmas Town carolers, dancers, and elves.

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Filed under: Christmas, Christmas Events, colonial williamsburg, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Holiday Events, williamsburg va | Leave a comment »

Grand Illumination Colonial Williamsburg 2009

Posted on November 24, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

5 Colonial Williamsburg celebrates the 75th anniversary of Grand Illumination on Sunday, Dec. 6. At the same time, the Fifes and Drums make their 50 appearance at the traditional Christmas celebration.

Grand Illumination, a signature event of Colonial Williamsburg’s holiday season, features fireworks, music and candlelit buildings.  The celebration begins at 4:45 p.m. with a variety of entertainment on multiple outdoor stages throughout the Historic Area. The Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums provides 18th-century music appropriate to the season. Other costumed performers present holiday entertainment found in Williamsburg two centuries ago and today.

grand illumination At 5:45 p.m. the Fifes and Drums signals the beginning of Grand Illumination, from all four stages. At 6:15 p.m., candles are lit in public buildings, shops and homes, and fireworks are launched at three Historic Area locations: the Governor’s Palace, Magazine and Capitol. After the fireworks, entertainment resumes on the outdoor stages and continues until 7:30 p.m.

The tradition of Grand Illumination originated in 1934 with a “White Lighting.”  The first authentic re-creation of an 18th-century Christmas in Williamsburg featured simple single candles in the windows of the Historic Area’s restored and reconstructed buildings, as well as garlands and greens on the outside of the buildings. 

            The Fifes and Drums first performed at the Grand Illumination on Dec. 18, 1959.  The group was founded in 1958. Today the Fifes and Drums performs in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area nearly 500 times during the year in daily programs from mid-February through December and during special programs observing major holidays.

Filed under: Christmas Events, colonial williamsburg, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, williamsburg va | Leave a comment »

Santa arrives at Busch Gardens from St Louis

Posted on November 23, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

santa625nov232009 Warren Moellenhoeff combs out his beard every morning to keep it looking sharp. The former Grant’s Farm Santa will be performing as Santa this year at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia. (Elie Gardner/P-D)

As Santa says, everything happens for a reason. Especially when it comes to the holiday season.
Earlier this month, the former Grant’s Farm Santa flew — by plane — to Virginia, from St Louis to prepare for a new Christmas program at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. He is working for the same man who came to St. Louis in 2005 to help set up the Grant’s Farm program.
n161065423547_3523 Santa takes the stage in Williamsburg on Friday. He has spent the last three weeks perfecting his telling of "’Twas the Night Before Christmas." The theme park wanted Santa to tell it without a script.

Read the rest of the story here in the  ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Explore Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Williamsburg here

Filed under: bus service, Christmas, Christmas Events, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Holiday Events, williamsburg va | Leave a comment »

Christmas in Williamsburg VA 2010

Posted on October 26, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

Since so many people plan in advance I wanted to post a few highlights of the  Christmas Season events for the Williamsburg and Yorktown area of Virginia for the upcoming 2010 Holiday Season.  This list is by no means complete.

 

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens

November 26 – December 31 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays; daily December 17 – 31, except Christmas Day) Experience Busch Gardens in a whole new light during Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration. Holiday traditions, dazzling shows and one-of-a-kind gift ideas will make everyone say, "Now this is Christmas." Gaze at more than two million twinkling lights while enjoying Busch Gardens’ signature peppermint fudge hot chocolate. A complete Christmas Town experience includes a visit to Santa’s workshop and the park’s 50-foot tall, light-animated Christmas Tree. This year Christmas Town has been enhanced with additional operating days and the inclusion of the Italy village. For more information, including a complete operating schedule, visit the website or call 800-343-7946.

Master Thespian’s "A Christmas Carol"
Thanksgiving – Christmas (two performances each weekend)
This 20-minute version of Charles Dickens’ classic returns to Merchants Square!

Candlelight Concerts at Bruton Parish Church
Every Saturday in December, 8 pm

Continuing a tradition begun in the 18th century, Bruton Parish Church each Saturday presents recitals by instrumental and choral groups, interspersed with organ and harpsichord recitals by the church’s own splendid musicians. Concerts are held at 8 p.m. every Saturday. On Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic Area. Free (freewill offerings accepted). Call 757-229-2891 for additional information.

Annual Holiday Celebration at the Williamsburg Winery
December 5, 12 – 4 pm
Enjoy Grand Illumination like never before! Come out to the Williamsburg Winery as seven great chefs prepare their signature dishes for you — all paired with a Williamsburg Winery wine. This event includes round-trip transportation from the Williamsburg Winery to the Historic Area starting from 3 pm – 9 pm. Cost is $30/person. Holiday Celebration tickets ONLY cost $18/person (non-drinkers and children are $10/person). Partial proceeds from this event benefits the American Red Cross. Call 757-229-0999 for additional information. Overnight packages are available.

Illumination and Christmas Tree Lighting Yorktown
December 3, 7:30 p.m.
The holiday lights go on and the festive season begins at 6:30 p.m. with entertainment at the Victory Monument followed by the process of light through historic Yorktown to Riverwalk Landing. The ceremony includes holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa. 757.890.3500

College of William and Mary Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert
December 2, 8 pm
In its 82nd season, the Symphony Orchestra combines the talents of undergraduate, graduate and community musicians. Tickets are $8; free for children under 12. Call (757) 221-2674. At Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall.

College of William and Mary Wind Symphony Holiday Concert
December 3, 8 pm
Founded in 1929, the William and Mary Wind Symphony is the artistic cornerstone of the William and Mary Band program, presenting the finest in symphonic wind music. Comprised of both music majors and non-music majors, the Wind Symphony brings together talented wind, brass and percussion players to perform wind ensemble and symphonic band music from a repertoire that spans the 16th through the 21st centuries. Tickets are $8; free for children under 12. Call (757) 221-2674. At Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall.

Colonial Christmas Show
December 4 – 5
Head to the Colonial Christmas Show — at Trinkle Hall on the College of William and Mary campus. Live music provided by Ardie Boggs. Exhibitors from 6 different states will be showing and selling the best in handcrafted work, fine art, jewelry, folk art, wearable art, paper, baskets, pillows, photography, quilts, Christmas decor, food, gifts and much more! Show is from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturday and 10 am – 5 pm on Sunday. Trinkle Hall is located at the corner of the Campus Center, across from the Wren Building.

Christmas Night Concert – Presented by Cantori Vocal Ensemble
December 5, 3 pm
Established in the fall of 2005, Cantori is an auditioned choral ensemble composed of professional musicians and singers with extensive vocal and choral experience. It has earned a reputation for musical excellence, clarity of tone, and singular blend of voices. This concert will celebrate the Christmas season with music both joyful and reflective. Music to be performed will include excerpts from Monteverdi’s Christmas Vespers and traditional English carols arranged for choir by Sir David Willcocks, John Rutter, and Norman Luboff. The second half of the program will feature the entertaining extended work, A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas, by Craig Courtney, in which each "day" is set in the style of a different composer, with many tunes which will be familiar to the audience. The concert will be held at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Road in Williamsburg. The concert is free, but an offering will be received in support of Cantori.

Christmas Carol Concert
December 5, 4 pm
The Virginia Chorale, the 20-voice professional choral ensemble, will present their Christmas Carol Concert at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon, December 5. Tickets for the concert or for the season are available at the door or by calling 757-627-8375. This marks the 4th year of Virginia Chorale concerts in the new sanctuary at the church!

College of William and Mary Choirs Holiday Concert
December 4, 2 pm and 8 pm
The Choir of the College of William and Mary, a 70-member mixed choral ensemble, celebrates 88 years of choral singing at the second oldest institution of higher education in the United States. Tickets are $9; free for children under 12. Call (757) 221-2674.

51st Annual Christmas Homes Tour
December 4, 10 am – 6 pm
Presented by the Green Spring Garden Club. Enjoy touring five homes and buildings decorated for the holidays by garden club members and professional floral designers. Visit the Lightfoot House on East Francis Street, home of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation presidents; and the President’s House at the College of William and Mary. The Tayloe House and the Grissell Hay Lodging House, both on Nicholson Street in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, are also included. All four are original buildings from the 1700s. The fifth location is the Williamsburg Masonic Lodge built in 1931 on the site of the "Old Mason’s Hall." It is across from the Lightfoot House. Tickets are $25 (or $7 to tour a single building). Ticket price includes use of Colonial Williamsburg buses from the Visitor Center and around the Historic Area. This is a fundraising project. All proceeds benefit local horticultural projects and provide scholarships for area students. Please see the Garden Club website for details or call 757-903-2161.

Yorktown Lighted Boat Parade
December 4, 7 pm
Decorated in holiday spirit, area boaters parade the York River in competition for "Best of Show." Waterfront events begin at 6 p.m. Enjoy hot cider and musical performances in the glow of a beach bonfire while awaiting the magnificent parade of lights. Yorktown waterfront. Free

Williamsburg Community Christmas Parade
December 4
Come out to the annual Christmas Parade

Christmas Town Dash
December 5
Chick-fil-A and Busch Gardens are partnering together to bring you Christmas Town Dash 8K – a run that will travel throughout the park! This event will help raise money for Toys for Tots. See website for complete information!

Williamsburg Symphonia – Holiday Pops
December 4 & 5, 1:30 & 3 pm
Seasonal music to delight the young and the young at heart, at the Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg; performances each day at 1:30 p.m. & 3:00 p.m. Visit the website or call 757-229-9857 for updates and ticketing info.

Candlelight Concerts at Bruton Parish Church
Every Saturday in November & December, 8 pm

Continuing a tradition begun in the 18th century, Bruton Parish Church each Saturday presents recitals by instrumental and choral groups, interspersed with organ and harpsichord recitals by the church’s own splendid musicians. Concerts are held at 8 p.m. every Saturday. On Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic Area. Free (freewill offerings accepted). Call 757-229-2891 for additional information.

Ware River Circle of the King’s Daughters 21st Annual Christmas Open House
December 14th from Noon to 5:30 pm at Warner Hall Plantation- Gloucester VA
Details: Times for showing will be 12 – 1 p.m., 1:30 – 2:30 p.m., 3 – 4 p.m., or 4:30 – 530 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Green Gates Gifts, The Silver Box, or from any WRC King’s Daughter’s member.  Fee: Tickets: $25.00 each.  Contact: 694-0848

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 24, 5:30 pm

Colonial Williamsburg and the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg co-sponsor the lighting of an evergreen on Market Square. More than 2,000 guests will gather at the steps of the Courthouse on Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic Area. A local resident shares a recollection from her great-grandmother, Martha Page Vandegrift, who in 1842 witnessed the first Christmas tree in Williamsburg at the George Tucker House. The president of the Kiwanis Club and the mayor of Williamsburg deliver holiday remarks and ask that the Christmas tree lights be turned on. Following the tree lighting, the audience lights individual candles.

Filed under: Christmas Events, colonial williamsburg, Concerts, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Williamsburg general information, williamsburg va | 2 Comments »

Free Workshop on Leading Through Challenging Economic Times, Friday, May 8

Posted on May 1, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

WHEN :Friday, May 8, 2009

– Where:  Kingsmill Resort and Spa in Williamsburg, VA

Time 9 a.m. to noon

This free workshop focuses on helping business owners lead through challenging times.

Featured speakers and their topics will include:

  • Dr. Ann Battle Macheras, Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. Dr. Macheras oversees a professional staff engaged in research and analysis of regional economic conditions. Dr. Macheras supports regional outreach efforts to share economic analyses and insights across the Fifth Federal Reserve District, which includes North and South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. In her presentation, she will provide data on economic trends facing the region and the state.
  • Peter Cook, renowned journalist and host of Bloomberg TV’s "Money & Politics." Cook will provide information on the state of economy from a national perspective; he will also provide feedback on the political environment and national legislation that may affect the business community

In addition to these two distinguished speakers, there will also be a moderated panel of regional business executives, influential leaders and an executive coach who will provide insight and expert commentary on building trust and leading through challenging times. They will provide helpful information to business owners in the Hampton Roads region to ensure area companies not only weather the current economic storm — but thrive as well.

This forum is presented by Cox Communications who is excited to present it again this year. Through this executive series Cox is furthering their commitment to be the most Trusted Provider of communications and entertainment in America.

For more information contact Felicia Blow at (757) 222-8432 or via Felicia.Blow@cox.com.

Info on Ann Battle Macheras

The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond hired Ann Battle Macheras as vice president of the regional division of the Research Department, which is based in Richmond. As of Feb. 17, 2009, Macheras will oversee a professional staff engaged in research and analysis of regional economic conditions, advise Bank leaders in this area and support regional outreach efforts.    

“I feel very fortunate to join a team that I know to be exceptionally dedicated and talented,” said Macheras, former senior economist at the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “I look forward to the challenges and new opportunities at the Fed.”

Director of Research John Weinberg said the position is important to the Bank’s strength in recognizing regional economic trends, as well as influencing public understanding of the Bank’s work on behalf of America’s economy. “The vice president for our regional economics unit provides leadership to our efforts both to learn about the economy in our region and to share our economic analyses and insights across the Fifth Federal Reserve District,” Weinberg explained. “Ann’s experience and accomplishments as a regional economist make her well suited to play this role.”

In addition to working for the Commonwealth of Virginia, Macheras previously worked in the private sector for Chmura Economics & Analytics and SunTrust Bank. Through the years she has remained active in the Virginia Association of Economists and the Richmond Association for Business Economists.

A graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., Macheras earned her doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Filed under: Business, Business News, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, hampton roads, Williamsburg general information | Leave a comment »

Where is Waldo and is he reading Mr Williamsburg’s Blog ?

Posted on March 14, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

feedjit

Apparently real estate in the Williamsburg and Hampton Roads  areas is of interest to readers worldwide. The picture at left was from early Saturday morning on March 14,2009. I have noticed more and more readers from all over the world perusing this blog.
As you can see on this day there were readers from Copenhagen Denmark, Calcutta, India, France, Salzburg, Austria and Khabarovsk, Russia along with many more from the U.S..

If you have any questions about the area, communities, neighborhoods,  golf, cultural activities, museums,recreation, homes for sale, sales statistics, financing a home, kids activities, shopping, opening a business, waterfront ,schools, condos, town homes,neighborhoods, living in or selling a home in Williamsburg or Hampton Roads VA please drop me an email at John@MrWilliamsburg.com  I am happy to answer any and all that I can. If I don’t have the answer I will know where to send you to for a response.

 

emailsubscribe6

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, hampton roads, isle of wight, james city county virginia, New Kent VA, Poquoson VA, real estate, virginia real estate, wiliamsburg va real estate, Williamsburg general information, williamsburg va, York County VA | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Performing Arts Venues in Hampton Roads and Williamsburg, VA

Posted on February 18, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

Click on any of the following Pictures to learn more about the performances scheduled at any of these performing arts  venues in Hampton Roads and Williamsburg, VA

Sandler-Center Sandler Center for The Performing Arts
201 Market Street 
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462.
Ferguson-Center-2 Ferguson Center at CNU
1 University Place
Newport News, Virginia 23606
chryslerhall Chrysler Hall
215 St Pauls Blvd
Norfolk, VA 23510
harrison_opera_house Harrison Opera House
160 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA 23510

 
tedconstant Ted Constant Center
4320 Hampton Blvd
Norfolk, VA  23529
   
attuckstheater Attucks Theater
1010 Church Street
Norfolk, VA 23504
verizonwirelessvabeach Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
3550 Cellar Door Way
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
American_Theatre_ American Theatre
125 East Mellen Street
Hampton, 23663
   
wellstheater1 Wells Theater
254 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
scopenorfolk Norfolk Scope Arena
201 E. Brambleton Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23510
kimballtheater The Kimball Theater
428 Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg, VA, 23185
naro2 Naro Theater
1507 Colley Ave
Norfolk VA, 23517
pbkhall Phi Beta Kappa Hall
601 Jamestown Road Williamsburg VA 23185
ropertcc TCC Roper Performing Arts Center
340 Granby Street
Norfolk Virginia 23510
norva The Norva
317 Monticello Avenue
Norfolk, Va 23510-2407
wrl Williamsburg Library Theater
515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg, VA
   
townpointpark Towne Point Park
120 W. Main St
Norfolk, VA
ntelospavillion Harbor Center Ntelos Pavilion
901 Crawford St
Portsmouth, VA 23704
willethall Willett Hall Performing Arts Theater
3701 Willett Drive
Portsmouth, VA 23707
hampton_coliseum

Hampton Coliseum

1000 Coliseum Drive
Hampton, VA 23666-0309
41375 Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
110 W. Finney Ave., Downtown Suffolk
   
   
   
   
   
   

Map showing locations of venues in the Hampton Roads and WIlliamsburg, VA Areas
 

 

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Filed under: Arts in Williamsburg Va, Entertainment, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, hampton roads, Opera, Performing Arts Venues | Leave a comment »

Senate Unanimously Approves Isakson Amendment to Stimulate Housing Market Homebuyer Tax Credit Revived Market in 1975 and Would Work Today

Posted on February 4, 2009 by mrwilliamsburg

 

Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia has proposed a tax credit of up to $15,000 for homebuyers.

Here is a press release from his website:

The U.S. Senate today unanimously approved an amendment by U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market by offering a $15,000 tax credit to individuals who purchase a home in the next year.

“It is time to fix America’s problem, not throw money at the symptoms. It is time to fix housing first. It is rare that we have a road map to success in times of difficulty, but this country has once before realized a housing crisis every bit as bad as the one we have today and economic troubles every bit as dangerous,” Isakson said. “We have a pervasive housing problem, and we have a historical precedent that works. I am proud this Senate has joined together, learned from history and repeated a method that worked by adopting this amendment.”

Specifically, Isakson’s amendment to the pending economic stimulus bill would provide a direct tax credit to any homebuyer who purchases any home. The amount of the tax credit would be $15,000 or 10 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. Purchases must be made within one year of the legislation’s enactment, and the tax credit would not have to be repaid.

The amendment would allow taxpayers to claim the credit on their 2008 income tax return. It also seeks to prevent misuse by only allowing purchases of a principle residence and by recapturing the credit if the home is sold within two years of purchase. The amendment would sunset the current $7,500 housing tax credit on the date of enactment.

Isakson has pushed hard for a non-repayable tax credit for homebuyers because he knows that it will work. In the mid-1970s, America faced a similar housing crisis when a period of easy credit and loose underwriting flooded the market with new construction.  Interest rates rose, the economy slowed and America was left with a three-year supply of vacant homes. Congress responded by passing a $2,000 tax credit for anyone purchasing a new home for their principal residence. Isakson believes the results were clear and swift as home values stabilized, housing inventory dropped and the market recovered.

Last year, Isakson introduced legislation to specifically target those homes that were causing the unprecedented increase in housing inventory by offering tax credits to individuals purchasing a foreclosed home or a home where foreclosure is pending. In April 2008, the Senate passed legislation to stimulate the nation’s declining housing market that included Isakson’s proposal. However, the final version of the legislation that was signed into law included only a $7,500 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that must be repaid over a 15-year period. Isakson’s amendment that passed today would sunset that $7,500 tax credit.

 

Isakson has not made a decision regarding his vote on the overall economic stimulus legislation.

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia | Tagged: , , , | Leave a comment »

Its official Busch Gardens Williamsburg is opening for Christmas Season 2009

Posted on December 4, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

John Womeldorf is Mr. Williamsburg, sharing his thoughts, real estate expertise, and “all things Williamsburg” in an effort to spread the word that Williamsburg, Virginia is the greatest place on earth to live!

busch gardens williamsburgBusch Gardens Europe in Williamsburg VA has invited the media to the park for a special announcement today. Most are speculating that they will announce that the park will open for Christmas as the Busch Gardens in Tampa does. No clue yet if they will attempt to do it this year or 2009.  Seems very late to attempt an opening in 2008 but who knows.

The website Theme Park Insider reported Tuesday that Busch will make a major announcement on Thursday, and speculating that the news is “probably the long rumored Christmas festival.” Busch has invited media to the park for an announcement it says will show the park “in a whole new light.”

In any case look for the Christmas operating season to be announced. I’ve heard that they plan major decorations of the park and some rides will be open (including Griffon) but not all

My guess is some type of Christmas Light show and Christmas Festival as well as an opportunity to purchase a  season pass that is valid for a year/2 years. I would assume the Christmas festival will last during the month of December until after Christmas thru Jan 1. The season passes could be bought as gifts for Christmas. 

Whoops, Busch Gardens slipped. Listed under the Job Responsibilities for the Theatrical Services Operations Supervisor on Busch’s talent search site was the following bullet:

installs/strikes, HOS and Christmas Events.

  http://www.talentsearchbgw.com/theatricalservicesopsup.html  They have since edited the site….

Will update as soon as I know any further. Although the whole world will know for sure after the announcement !

So here’s the update:  

From the official press release:

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (Dec. 4, 2008) – Officials today announced plans for an all-new holiday event coming to the Virginia theme park in 2009. “Christmas Town: A Busch Gardens Celebration” will create the anticipation of the season and fill visitors’ senses with all things Christmas. The park will transform into a winter wonderland filled with holiday traditions, new surprises and park favorites that make everyone say, “Now this is Christmas.”

 

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 holiday spirit. Guests can look forward to an immersive experience amid more than a million twinkling lights while they explore the best holiday traditions from around the world. Santa Claus will visit the park each evening to hear Christmas wishes from the young and young at heart.

 

“We’ll kick off a season-long celebration for family and friends to gather for Christmas fun,” said John Reilly, Busch Gardens’ general manager and executive vice president. “Featuring live entertainment, great food and unique shopping experiences all under the glow of a million Christmas lights, Christmas Town will add a unique holiday tradition to Virginia.”

 

Christmas Town opens at Busch Gardens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4 – 9 p.m. beginning Nov. 27, 2009. The park will open each evening Dec. 18-27, 2009, 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 will be available for $19.95 beginning January 2009. Guests with active one-year and two-year Busch Gardens’ passes save 50 percent on Christmas Town tickets as well as free parking and in-park discounts.

 

 

 PLANNED EXPERIENCES at Busch Gardens Williamsburg Christmas Town

 Each section of the park will be themed in Christmas décor native to each country or hamlet, and will feature all new attractions, shows and shopping that will immerse guests into the Christmas season. Think of it as a European Christmas with an American flair. Christmas Town will feature:(weather dependent) , Corkscrew Hill and Curse of DarKastle

Special holiday-themed dining opportunities

Unique shopping experiences

Evening Santa Claus visits

Children’s shows

Strolling carolers

Tree-lighting ceremonies

Select rides, including *Griffon 

 ADMISSION

General admission price for non-pass holders: $19.95

Platinum, 2-Park and 1-Park Pass member prices: $9:95 + free parking and in-park savings on food and merchandise

Tickets go on sale in January and can be purchased at the gate or online at 

www.christmastown.com

.OPERATING SCHEDULE

Open evenings 4-9 p.m.

 

  

 This informational update provided by Mr Williamsburg.com/ John Womeldorf . A local Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas of Virginia.

Contact me at John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, schools, amenities, recreation , shopping or anything else about the area.

Search Homes for Sale

Click here to Search all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Williamsburg, James City, New Kent, York, Gloucester, Charles City Virginia

Click here to search all homes, town homes, condos and building lots for sale in Va Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth,Franklin, Sussex, Southhampton, Emporia, Greenville, Mathews, Suffolk, Surry, Smithfield, Newport News, Hampton , Poquoson, Gloucester or York County Virginia 

Filed under: Busch Gardens, Christmas Events, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Tourist information, Williamsburg general information | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY ANNUAL Williamsburg VA COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARADE and other Christmas Acitivities

Posted on November 29, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY ANNUAL Williamsburg VA COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARADE

Saturday, December 6, 9 a.m. Big doings this year for the annual Greater Williamsburg VA Chamber and Tourism Alliance Community Christmas Parade sponsored by Busch Gardens.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Fifes and Drums of Colonial Williamsburg, a contingent of the corps will lead the parade with Stewart Pittman as the Drum Major. The Grand Marshals will be Tim Sutphin, Lance Pedigo and Amy Miller. Honorary Marshals will be members of the original corps from 1958: John “Evans” Harbour, Linc Peters, Jim Teal and Chuck Miller. The alumni corps will also participate, as usual. You won’t want to miss cheering on this celebrated corps of fifers and drummers who have traveled the world representing our community. Yes, Virginia, Santa will be there too!

Click here for a map to the parade route 2008-Williamsburg VA christmas-parade-map-route

Parade route: Duke of Gloucester Street turn right onto Richmond Road, then turn left onto Brooks Street (continue marching) to end at William & Mary Hall Parking lot..

   Colonial Williamsburg’s Holiday Season
November 26 – January 1
Nothing quite compares to spending the Christmastime in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Special programs, dining, entertainment, workshops, decorations and much more.

The Gift of the Magi at the Kimball Theatre
December 2, 5, 12, 19 7:30 pm; Dec. 9 and 16 at 3 pm; and Dec. 10 and 17 at 5 pm. 
The Virginia Premiere Theatre, the Kimball Theatre’s resident professional company, presents a stage adaptation of O. Henry’s classic holiday tale.  Set in New York in the early 1900s, The Gift of the Magi is a story of love, devotion and the true meaning of giving.  A holiday treat for the entire family.  Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors/students and $10 for children under 12. 

 

Yorktown VA Celebrate Christmas:  Illumination and Tree Lighting
December 5 at 7 pm
The holiday lights go on and the festive season begins at 7 pm with entertainment at the Victory Monument followed by the Procession of Lights through Historic Yorktown to Riverwalk Landing.  The tree lighting ceremony, which includes holiday entertainment and a visit from Santa, begins at 7:30 pm and concludes at 8:30 pm.  Free.   From Dec. 6 through Jan. 1, the statues will be on display in the lobby of the Museum.  Would-be parents are invited to come in and touch them for FREE during regular hours. 

 

The Mystery of the Christmas Star Holiday Planetarium Show  Newport News VA
December 6 – 31
Experience a totally new version of the “Star of Wonder.” The Virginia Living Museum has presented the “Star of Wonder” since its inception, but never like this — all around you in the museum’s new state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater! Become immersed in the majesty and mystery of the scientific puzzle that is the Star of Bethlehem. See website for schedule details.

Yorktown VA Christmas Market
December 6 from 10 am – 4 pm
Join us for Yorktown’s 3rd annual Christmas Market. This event features demonstrations, musical entertainment, living history exhibits, roasted chestnuts and hot cider, arts and crafts and much more!

Williamsburg VA Symphonia Holiday Pops Concert
December 6 & 7, 1:30 and 3:00 pm
Williamsburg’s professional orchestra presents its annual program of holiday favorites sure to please the whole family.  Admission is $20.  Tickets are available through the Williamsburg Symphonia website or call 757-229-9857. 

Yorktown VA Lighted Boat Parade
December 6 at 6 pm
Decorated in holiday spirit, area boaters parade the York River in competition for “Best of Show.”  Waterfront events begin at 6 pm.  Enjoy hot cider and musical performances in the glow of a beach bonfire while awaiting the magnificent parade of lights.  Free. 

 Grand Illumination Colonial Williamsburg
December 7 from 4:45 pm – 7 pm
Grand Illumination is Colonial Williamsburg’s festive way of marking the beginning of the Holiday season, complete with music and fireworks throughout the Historic Area.

Merchants Square Holiday Markets
December 13 from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
Located on Duke of Gloucester Street in Merchants Square.

A Kid’s Holiday Weekend
December 13 & 14, 20 & 21 and 27 & 28, from 9 am – 4 pm
On three weekends in December, Colonial Williamsburg welcomes children and their families for a journey back in time. During this time, sites around town will be focused on sharing fun, food preparation and festive entertainments.

Christmas in Williamsburg VA: A Magical Night on Duke of Gloucester Street
December 13 & 14, 2 and 5:30 pm (Dec. 13), 2 pm (Dec. 14)
A comforting blend of holiday classics with a modern-day story line to capture your heart!  Student from the Institute for Dance, company members of Williamsburg Ballet Theatre and local performers and artists, young and old, bring the melodies of the classics to life once again.  Join us for a night of music, dancing and celebration.  Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors/children. 

A Colonial Christmas
December 20 – January 4
Holidays of centuries past are recalled through activities based on historical accounts. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center.

Celebrate the Season: Don Irwin in Concert
December 20, 7:30 pm
Popular pianist and Steinway artist, Don Irwin returns to Williamsburg for his annual holiday concert.  Don’s unique style and passionate piano performances are known all over the world.   His holiday concerts are the crown jewels of his talented career, and this is sure to be one to remember!  All seats are $25.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Colonial Williamsburg
December 24
Colonial Williamsburg and the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg co-sponsor the lighting of an evergreen on Duke of Gloucester Street in the Historic Area.

First Night Celebration Williamsburg VA
December 31
Williamsburg welcomes the new year with a variety of entertainment at Colonial Williamsburg and the College of William and Mary, concluding with a grand finale of fireworks at midnight. .

 

 Mr Williamsburg.com " Williamsburg VA. Real Estate

 This information provided my Mr Williamsburg.com . A local Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas of Virginia.

You can search all homes for sale in the area at www.MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, etc  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

Filed under: Christmas, Entertainment, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Holiday Events, Recreation, Williamsburg general information, York County Events | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a comment »

Hampton Roads School Links Public and Private

Posted on November 28, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

If you are thinking of moving or relocating to Hampton Roads Virginia and want to contact any of the private or public schools in the regions the links are provided below.

 

 

I would also recommend visiting www.SchoolMatters.com to compare schools around the area.

Public School Links Hampton Roads Virginia

Private Schools in Hampton Roads Virginia

Colleges/Universities in Hampton Roads Virginia

 Mr Williamsburg.com " Williamsburg VA. Real Estate

 This information provided my Mr Williamsburg.com . A Realtor assisting home buyers and sellers in the Hampton Roads and Williamsburg areas of Virginia.

You can search all homes for sale in the area at www.MrWilliamsburg.com

Research the area at www.WilliamsburgsRealEstate.com

Or ask any questions about homes, neighborhoods, etc  John@MrWilliamsburg.com

 

 

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, hampton roads, james city county virginia, real estate, Schools, Williamsburg/ JCC Schools, York County Schools | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Close out deals on New Homes in Hampton Roads Virginia

Posted on November 21, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg
Year End Closeout! Every Day is Different! 
HURRY, only 1 deal per day on standing inventory homes will be accepted! 
 Don’t let the deals pass you by on this schedule of amazing incentives at Chesapeake Homes that will change every day! These incentives are designed to help you own the home of your dreams! 

 

Want more information on any new home deal closeout pricing in Hampton Roads/ Tidewater Virginia  ?

Contact John Womeldorf/ Realtor/ New Homes Specialist

Liz Moore and Associates

757 254 8136 John@MrWilliamsburg.com

 

www.MrWilliamsburg.com

www.MrHamptonRoads.com

Filed under: 55+ Active Adult Communities Virginia, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, New Communities Hampton Roads, Real Estate information | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Williamsburg VA Christmas Concert

Posted on November 17, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

 

Each year, one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Williamsburg is the annual Christmas concert at the Williamsburg Community Chapel. They graciously welcome all in the community to attend. Even if you don’t attend church there. Although admission is free you do need tickets to attend. The tickets normally go quickly. The concert isunder the direction of Minister of Worship, Ted Cornell, more than 100 voices combine with orchestra for a memorable night of music. Tickets are free; the concert is their gift to the community during the Christmas season. 

Five Concerts: Thursday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. Friday, December 12, 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 4:00 p.m.  the Chapel Student Ministry Worship Room

Questions ? All should be answered in the FAQ you can read here : wccchapelchristmas

Or explore the website for the Williamsburg Community Chapel here

How do I get tickets?

Two Days, Two Convenient Ways:

1. Online: www.wcchapel.org , beginning Friday,

November 21, 6:00 a.m., while supplies last.

2. In-person: Saturday, November 22, 9:00

a.m. – Noon, in the Chapel’s Student Ministry

Worship Room, while supplies last.

Address: Williamsburg Community Chapel
3899 John Tyler Highway
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185

Phone: 757-229-7152
Mr Williamsburg.com " Williamsburg VA. Real EstateA community update brought to you by Mr Williamsburg.com

Filed under: Christmas, Christmas Events, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Holiday Events | Tagged: , , | Leave a comment »

Gloucester VA Blues Band’ Planet Full of Blues

Posted on November 16, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

Gloucester’s Planet Full of Blues has released a self-titled, 11-song album that is just plain smokin’ hot. Fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s blazin’ guitar licks should take note.

Clad in dapper black suits, hats and shades, guitarist/singer Johnny Ray Light and drummer Brock Howe – the main ingredients in Planet – have a decidedly Blues Brothers shtick goin’ on, and they’ve got the groove to back it up.

“Got the Blues” is an infectious dance track featuring the Hammond B3 organ work of guest Paul Draper, with loads of lightning-quick six-string injections from Light.

The title track and “Pain Will Melt Away” are highlighted nicely with the horn power of saxophonist Richard Yeager and trumpeter Eric Stark. “Miss Her Smile” and “Coming From a Friend” rock in a more subdued, Eric Clapton sort of way.

The band plans to tour Europe in the summer, with a June 27 slot at the Voxstock Festival in Belgrade confirmed.

Explore their website here  http://www.planetfullofblues.com/

Listen to their songs on Myspace here  http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=401587398

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Home Buyer Workshop in York County Va

Posted on November 12, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

York County’s Division of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization is offering a Virginia Housing Development Authority home ownership education workshop on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Community Services Conference Room located at 224 Ballard Street, Yorktown, Virginia, 23690.
The workshop will cover personal finances, credit reports and credit issues, the role of the lender, your relationship with a real estate agent, the Fair Housing Act of Virginia, home inspections, loan closing and home maintenance.

 


To register for this workshop, or for more information, call Tracy Pierce at 757-890-3885.

This update brought to you by Mr Williamsburg.com / Realtor/ John Womeldorf

A Realtor living / working in the Hampton Roads/ Tidewater area of Virginia.

You can reach me at 757 254 8136

Email John@MrWilliamsburg.com

 

 

Filed under: First Time Home Buyers, General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, james city county virginia, Legal issues, Legal Questions, Real Estate information, wiliamsburg va real estate | Tagged: , , , | Leave a comment »

Christmas Tree Farms in Tidewater Virginia

Posted on November 12, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

Can you tell me the locations of any Christmas Tree Farms in the Hampton Roads Virginia area ? We just moved here and want to go cut one this year.

Answer: There are a few different Christmas Tree farms in the Hampton Roads area.  Please call first to confirm their operating hours.

In Va Beach try :BRIGHT’S FARM 643 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23457

757.426.7832 E-mail:  jwafb1964@earthlink.net

Directions: 8 miles south of the Pungo stoplight (intersection of Indian River Road and Princess Anne Road) on Princess Anne Road.
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays only from Thanksgiving weekend until Christmas. 
Products: Choose-and-cut Christmas trees – white pine and Norway spruce.

In Suffolk try : EHRENZELLER TREE FARM 1965 Manning Road, Suffolk, VA  23434
757.539.1630
E-mail:  lauraehrenzeller@yahoo.com

Directions: From east of Suffolk, 58 west toward Suffolk.  Take bypass (not business 58).  From 1st stoplight at end of bypass, continue approximately 2.5 miles or to the 4th stoplight.  Make left on Manning Bridge Road, past Target Import Warehouse.  Go approximately 2 miles.  Make right on Manning Road.  We are ½ mile on the right.  Look for log cabin. 
Hours: 3 p.m.-dark, Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-dark, weekends.
Products: Choose-and-cut white pine; red cedar; blue, white and Norway spruce; pre-cut Fraser fir.  Fresh-made wreaths.  Balled and burlapped white pine, Norway, blue and white spruce, and red cedar.

In Williamsburg/ james City County try :  MILLFARM CHRISTMAS TREES 4900 Fenton Mill Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188
757.566.2035; Fax: 757.566.2035
E-mail:  bmapp44@msn.com

Directions: I-64 to exit 231-B.  After exiting on 231-B (Croaker Road), take first right (across from 7-11) on Fenton Mill Road.  Go 1 mile east on Fenton Mill Road to farm on your left.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturdays; 12 noon-5 p.m., Sundays, Thanksgiving to Christmas. 
Products: Choose-and-cut white pine, red cedar, Leyland cypress, Norway spruce, and Canaan fir.

In Charles City try : LONESOME PINE CHRISTMAS TREE FARM 8300 Cool Hill Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140
804.966.5452

Directions:  From Richmond, I-64 east to exit 205 to Route 60 east, 4 miles to traffic light at Route 106 (Roxbury Road).  Turn right, go 1.3 miles, turn left on 609 (Barnettes Road).  Go 1.7 miles and veer left on Route 631 (Cool Hill Road).  Go 0.9 mile, farm is on left; sign at entrance.  From Williamsburg, I-64 to Providence Forge (exit to Rt. 155, turn left and proceed about 4 miles to Providence Forge).  Turn right at traffic light (Route 60), go 1/2 mile.  Turn left on Route 618 (Adkins Road) over railroad tracks, go 3 miles to Cedar Grove Church, turn right on Route 631 (Cool Hill Road).  Go 2.8 miles.  Farm on right at sign.
Hours:  Daylight hours, Fridays and Saturdays after Thanksgiving; Sundays after 1 p.m. by appointment.
Products:  Choose-and-cut white pine to 12 ft.; Norway spruce to 12 ft.

In Suffolk try :Santa’s Forest & Nursery
Choose & Cut Christmas trees, Wreaths, Roping, tree stands, & Crafts

Directions: Take 58 business thru Suffolk then take Rt 13 south to Rt 32 South. The farm is on the right, approx one mile before the North Carolina State Line.
 
 View map  

Business Hours : Thanksgiving Day 12:00 noon until Dark, Friday the 25th 9:00am until Dark & weekends 9:00 until dark thru Sunday 12/18

In Elizabeth City NC Try: The Plant Park

407 Selden Street
Elizabeth City, NC 27909
Pasquotank  County
Phone: (252) 338-2773

Email:
suzanne@theplantpark.com
Web Site:
www.theplantpark.com

 

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, wiliamsburg va real estate | Tagged: , | 3 Comments »

Youth Football in Williamsburg VA

Posted on November 10, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg
I thought I would share a few thoughts from one of our son’s youth football coaches. Youth Football in Wiiliamsburg VA has a huge following. Our two sons play for the Williamsburg Hornets their website is, www.williamsburghornets.com . Amazingly both of their teams are going to the playoffs this year having achieved records of 9-1. It is an amazing effort from coaches and parents alike to coach and run the teams as well as they do. We are blessed to have such a dedicated coaching staff and parent involvement.
I jokingly made a comment about these last few years to a parent, She responded try doing it for 12 years like we have !
 
you can check out the Williamsburg Hornets and all of the other youth football teams in the Peninsula area at the Peninsula Youth Football Website http://www.leaguelineup.com/standings.asp?cmenuid=7&url=pyfa
There are teams throughout the area including Gloucester, New Kent, West Point, York County, Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg/ James City County
 
 
Wow, what a busy weekend!  — GAME NOTES —  what a mud-pit on Saturday. I’m thrilled for several reasons. The weather was horrid, but we played tough. The opponent was ruthless, but we hit harder. The score was against us, but we came back. The entire flow of the game wasn’t going our way, but we turned it around. The kids were frozen & wet on the sidelines, but they all cheered their team mates on. The crowd was amazing in their positive support  … I could hardly hear the cadence on the field over the cheers … THANKS A TON! 
 

— WYFCL Night at William & Mary Stadium — a huge hit again this year. Tons of folks around prior to the game, but most people I saw were in the “JUMBO-TRON” endzone having fun, watching the game, and supporting our GOLD & GREEN Midgets teams who did an outstanding job running plays and hustling.

  

 

 

 

— PLAYOFFS — SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15th vs Yorktown Patriots (9 – 1); the game will be played at Page Middle School in Gloucester … that’s Page Middle School in Gloucester. Kick-Off time is 11am, but be at Page Middle School in Gloucester by 10am for roll-call and warm ups.

 

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, Kids/ Toddlers Acitivities, Recreation, Sports | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Veteran’s days Free Meals for Active Duty and Retired Servicepeople

Posted on November 10, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.

 

This listing is in no way complete, and I encourage you to go online and search for military discounts/veterans discounts in your local areas!

Check out these Veteran’s Day deals (remember, all deals are subject to participation).

Applebees: Free entree (5 to choose from) at participating stores during business hours on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 with active/reserve/retired ID card.

Golden Corral: The 2008 Military Appreciation Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 17, 2008 from 5 pm to 9 pm in all Golden Corral Restaurants. The free “thank you” dinner is available to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner.

Lowes: Lowe’s Companies, Inc. will offer all active, reserve, honorably discharged, retired military personnel and their immediate family members a 10 percent discount on in-store U.S. purchases made during the Veterans Day holiday. The discount is available Nov. 6 – Nov. 11. The discount is available on in-stock and special order purchases up to $5,000. To qualify, individuals must present a valid military ID or other proof of service. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales, and purchases of services or gift cards.

Home Depot: The Home Depot(R) is offering all active duty personnel, reservists, retired military, veterans and their families a 10 percent discount off their purchases in honor of Veteran’s Day. The offer is valid on purchases of up to $2,000 for a maximum of $200 between November 6 and November 12, 2008, at The Home Depot stores, The Home Depot Design Center locations, Yardbirds and EXPO Design Center(R) locations.

As mentioned earlier :The “Honoring Service to America” pass provides free admission to Colonial Williamsburg for all active duty, reserve, retired and veteran service members and their families. Military veterans who separated before retirement can bring a copy of their honorable discharge paperwork as identification of service.

The Nauticus maritime museum in Norfolk offers free admission to military veterans.

Anyone who has served in the military will get free admission to any national park service site, including Historic Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield.

Active and retired military members and their families get half-priced admission to the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News through Dec. 15

This site has a huge listing of business that offer discounts to our military in many different areas.It is worth your time to check it out. http://www.military.com/DC/DealIndex.jsp

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia | Tagged: , | Leave a comment »

Flood Zones in Hampton Roads Virginia

Posted on November 7, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

Question: I am thinking of purchasing a home in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I know that that are certain areas in Hampton, James City County, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Poquoson, York County and other nearby areas  are prone to flooding. How can I find out if a home I am interested in is in a flood zone ? How can I find out how much flood insurance will cost ? What are flood zones?


Flood zones are land areas identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Each flood zone describes that land area in terms of its risk of flooding. Everyone lives in a flood zone—it’s just a question of whether you live in a low, moderate, or high risk area.

How do I find out whether or not a property is at risk of flooding, and if it is, at what level?
Go to the website http://www.floodsmart.gov and fill out the Flood Risk Profile on the left hand site of the site.

 What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
Land areas that are at high risk for flooding are called Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs), or floodplains. These areas are indicated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs).

A home located within an SFHA has a 26 percent chance of suffering flood damage during the term of a 30-year mortgage.

What is a Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA)?
A Non-Special Flood Hazard Area (NSFHA) is an area that is in a low-to-moderate risk flood zone (Zones B, C, X Pre- and Post-FIRM). An NSFHA is not in any immediate danger from flooding caused by overflowing rivers or hard rains.

However, it’s important to note that structures within a NSFHA are still at risk. In fact, one out of four floods occurs in an NSFHA! Get the facts before you decide that your property is not at risk.

Is there a special risk-rating procedure for coastal high hazard areas (V zones)?
Yes. When calculating the risk of a V zone property, the formula takes into account the ability of the building to withstand the impact of wave action.

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

Public beaches in Hampton Roads, Va Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Yorktown, Eastern Shore, Outer Banks

Posted on November 7, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

Question: We are thinking of moving to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and are wondering where the public beaches are.

Answer: There are many beaches to choose from in Hampton Roads both in Va Beach, Norfolk, Yorktown, Newport News, Hampton, The Eastern Shore and The Outer Banks ( OBX)

 In Virginia Beach the  Oceanfront offers visitors 12 miles of public beach stretching from Fort Story south to Sandbridge. Visitors can surf, swim, bask in the sun and stroll the three-mile Boardwalk. Entertainment includes concerts at the 17th and 24th Street stages, a summer-long series of festivals and celebrations, and fireworks shows through July and August. The main resort area, from First to 40th streets, has lifeguards in season, with surfing allowed between Third and Fifth streets. The Oceanfront also has public restrooms, public and private parking and wooden walkways to the beach. The VB Wave shuttle runs between Second and 40th streets, May through September. www.vbfun.com The beaches north of the resort area, in a residential area, are quieter, but parking is scarce and public facilities are limited.

 

South of VA Beach’s resort area are Croatan Beach, Sandbridge Public Beach, and Little Island Park, all with lifeguards during season. Croatan has a popular, and sometimes crowded, surfing area. Little Island Park, near the edge of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, has a fishing pier, concessions, picnic shelters and playground. The beach on one side of its pier is dedicated to surfing; on the other is a 2,000-foot beach for swimmers.

Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, south of Sandbridge, allows visitors to hike the freshwater marsh trails, bike on the dike roads or take a tram ride to nearby False Cape State Par k.

First Landing State Park is perfect for those who want to combine sunbathing and swimming with their walk on the wild side. Located on Shore Drive, the park has a swimming beach.

Norfolk has beaches in  Ocean View , along the Chesapeake Bay. The city maintains three beach parks, staffed by lifeguards in season, along the 71/2 miles of beaches off Ocean View Avenue. Ocean View Park, 100 W. Ocean View Ave., is home to a boardwalk and hosts a series of special events, including concerts, festivals and fireworks. There’s also Sarah Constant Beach Park, at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Fourth View, and Community Beach Park, between Tidewater Drive and Chesapeake Boulevard. Norfolk’s beachfront also is home to the new Ocean View Fishing Pier, which juts 1,690 feet into the Bay and is open 24 hours a day, Memorial Day through Labor Day. The pier includes a restaurant, bait shop and game room.

in Hampton you will find Buckroe Beach and with it’s  mile-long Chesapeake Bay beach along North First Street has a playground, boardwalk, bandstand and observation pier. A hot spot for swimming and sunbathing, this park also offers kayak and paddleboat rentals. The beach allows dogs Sept. 15 through May 15 and has an enclosed Bark Park near the beach. Public restrooms are available, as well as two free parking lots.

 Also in Hampton is Grandview Nature Preserve  a bit farther off the beaten path, but this two-mile stretch of beach along the Chesapeake Bay offers a secluded spot ideal for swimming and beachcombing. The nature trails that meander through some of the park’s 475 acres of salt marsh and tidal creek offer excellent bird watching. There are no lifeguards and parking is limited.

NEWPORT NEWS has Huntington Park, the city’s only public beach,  located on the James River, nestled at the base of the James River Bridge at the intersection of Mercury and Warwick boulevards. The park has a giant wooden playground called Fort Fun, the longest fishing pier on the East Coast, a children’s fishing pier extending into Lake Biggins, a boat ramp and snack bar. The swimming area has lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

YORKTOWN has The Riverwalk complex on the York River the anchor for the town’s two-acre public beach, with fine dining, an ice cream shop, boutiques and sightseeing cruises. Restrooms and showers are open April through mid-October.

On the EASTERN SHORE you will find the Cape Charles Town Beach, at the end of Mason Avenue, it offers a shallow, protected swimming area in the charming resort town of Cape Charles. There are restrooms and a fishing pier at the southern end of the half-mile-long beach and restaurants within walking distance. Summer concerts, holiday events and a monthly Applaud the Sun beach party take place in and around the beach’s pavilion. Parking is free along Bay Avenue, with a paved walkway running the length of the beach. There are three wooden walkovers providing handicapped access. No lifeguards. Pets are prohibited on the beach Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Also on the Eastern Shore is Kiptopeke State Park  just three miles north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, but worlds away from the hubbub of busier resort areas. Sunken concrete-filled ships form a protected area for swimming on the half-mile beach. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are not allowed.

Assateague Island has extensive beaches. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day at Toms Cove Beach. Pets are not allowed. Hours vary by season; entry fee is $10 per vehicle, good for a week; for those who enter on foot or by bike, admission is free.

The OUTER BANKS  offers Dozens of public beach access points along North Carolina’s string of barrier islands, on both the ocean and sound sides. Most have lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and some also offer bathhouses, showers and other amenities.

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Williamsburg, Yorktown, A Revolutionary Trip

Posted on October 30, 2008 by mrwilliamsburg

Revolution

The delegates of the 5th Virginia Convention, meeting in Williamsburg, Wednesday, May 15, 1776, agreed unanimously to instruct Virginia’s representatives at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia to propose that the colonies declare themselves free and independent states absolved from all allegiance to, or dependence upon, the crown or parliament of Great Britain. Seven weeks later, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed why the colonies had chosen independence. In Williamsburg, the Convention’s delegates drafted a declaration of rights and a constitution for Virginia, creating a society in which the people, not the monarch, were sovereign.

The Revolution had to be won on the battlefield, however. War had broken out a year earlier with skirmishes between British troops and Massachusetts militia at Lexington and Concord. It would continue for six years before the decisive battle of Yorktown. There, in October 1781, American and French troops led by George Washington defeated a British army commanded by General Charles Lord Cornwallis.

Don’t Miss

  •  

    Yorktown Victory Center

    This museum of the American Revolution chronicles America’s struggle for independence from the beginnings of colonial unrest to the formation of the nation. A new Declaration of Independence Gallery emphasizes the dramatic impact and relevance of this historic document. Exhibits also provide eyewitness accounts of the war and describe the convergence of forces in October 1781 at the Siege of Yorktown. “The Legacy of Yorktown: Virginia Beckons” exhibit examines how people from different cultures shaped a society and incorporates the theme of creating a national government with the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Outdoors, historical interpreters engage visitors in demonstrations of everyday life during the Revolutionary era, in re-creations of a Continental Army encampment, and 1780s Tidewater Virginia farm.

    Visit: http://www.historyisfun.org

  •  

    Colonial Williamsburg

    Each day, the Historic Area features Revolutionary City, a dynamic two-hour event during which guests witness – and participate in – the “Collapse of the Royal Government, 1774-1776,” and the struggles of “Citizens at War, 1776-1781.” Other sites of importance during the Revolution include the Palace, where the last royal governor Lord Dunmore resided, the Magazine, from which British marines stole the colony’s powder in April 1775 fueling a crisis that led to war, and the Capitol, where the General Assembly passed the crucial legislation that created the state of Virginia.

    Visit: http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com

  •  

    Yorktown Battlefield

    When Prime Minister Frederick Lord North learned that Cornwallis had surrendered to Washington, he reputedly said, “Oh God, it’s all over.” It was. Guests can tour siege lines and fortifications, witness artillery demonstrations, and step into Washington’s tent.

    Visit: http://www.nps.gov/yonb/

Filed under: General Area Information Hampton Roads Virginia, History, james city county virginia, Museums, wiliamsburg va real estate, Williamsburg general information, williamsburg va, Yorktown Battlefield | Tagged: , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

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