The Liz Moore Market Watch Blog

By: Lauren Cummings

Yorktown Presents:
Independence Day Celebration at Yorktown Beach

What better place to celebrate where the U.S. gained independence from Britain than the place it was won? The town’s traditional Independence Day Celebration at Yorktown Beach is a full-day event with so much to see and do to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day:

8 AM : Start off the day cheering on participants or participating in the Yorktown Independence Day 8k Run/Walk at York High School!

9 AM : The Patriotic Parade begins! The parade will be throughout Water and Main Streets. Find a good spot and enjoy the awesome festive atmosphere and community.

1 PM : Family Games and Kids’ Activities at Riverwalk Landing are so much fun for the whole family. There is even a hotdog eating contest!

2 PM : Enjoy a performance by Acoustical Guitarist Phil Poteat at Riverwalk Landing Stage. We love to support local artists! Find him on Instagram: @philpoteatmusic

4 PM : Event Parking Opens at Cook Road and Ballard Street – early bird gets the worm! Parking closes at capacity, however, there are shuttles that will be running for parking further away from the festivities. We want you to have a stress-free experience; check the link below for even more details to prevent any difficulty with parking.

7 PM : The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown Performance and The Reading of the Declaration of Independence Sounds of Liberty Bell Ringing Ceremony is at the Riverwalk Landing Stage. American history buffs and patriotic guests will love this extra-special event!

8 PM : Enjoy more musical performances leading up to the grand firework display! The Super Jazz Band Concert Featuring Conni Ironmonger will be live at the Riverwalk Stage.

9:15 PM : Finally, what we’ve all been waiting for! Fireworks start at 9:15 PM over the York River. They can be seen from Yorktown Waterfront and Victory Monument.

Click here to check out the full calendar, and discover even more details by clicking “View the 2023 Lineup”.

Sources:

“Independence Day Celebration.” York County Tourism, VA, visityorktown.org/Calendar.aspx?                                                  EID=4034&month=7&year=2023&day=4&calType=0.

Newport News Presents:
4^th of July Stars in the Sky

Head over to Victory Landing Park for an evening full of patriotic spirit and festive activities! The kids will enjoy face painting and inflatables, and there is plenty of entertainment for the whole family. You’ll get to see live musical performances and keep an eye out for strolling entertainers decked out in red, white, and blue attire!

Come hungry! There will be plenty of all-American food to enjoy such as hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, snow cones, and more. Grab a free light-up giveaway to light up the crowd as the sun goes down!

Live music will be playing from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, followed by a spectacular firework display presented by the internationally award-winning Pyrotecnico! The fireworks will light up the James River and can be seen from the event grounds.

Click here for more event details, directions, and safety restrictions.

Source:

“4th of July Stars in the Sky - Events & Festivals - Newport News Tourism Development Office.” 4th of July Stars in the Sky - Events & Festivals - Newport News Tourism Development Office, www.newport-news.org/visitors/events-and-festivals/3304/4th-of-july-stars-in-the-sky/.

By: Lauren Cummings

Plan your weekend trip to Virginia’s Peninsula with a thought-out itinerary from local insiders. We love sharing the beauty of our hometown, and we are so excited to show you why we love where we live!

Book Your Stay

Book your stay at one of our most-trusted favorites.

The Lodge at Kiln Creek is an upscale boutique hotel and resort that offers luxury and comfort. It is conveniently located in Newport News and is on the border of York County. You will be in proximity to various attractions and restaurants – more than likely, what you have planned for the weekend will be within a 20-minute drive from the resort.

For a great location on Yorktown Beach, book your stay at Yorktown Beach Hotel. You will be staying on the water with a beautiful view and will be within walking distance of all the restaurants and attractions Yorktown Beach and Yorktown Battlefield has to offer.

Rise & Shine

Start your day with a morning stroll before you refuel at a local coffee and brunch spot.

The Noland Trail is a beautiful lakeside walking trail. You will likely see local wildlife that live peacefully in the water and nearby woodlands – birds, turtles, and even deer may be spotted! The full trail is 5 miles long and is divided into shorter trails if you are looking for a shorter morning stroll.

Find which path best suits your interests at marinersmuseum.org/park/noland-trail/

Mobjack Coffee Roasters and Petite Café is located in the heart of Historic Yorktown Village. If you’re staying in Yorktown, this is the place to go for a coffee in the morning! The charming coffee spot serves treats and sweets, imported roasts, and also offers coffee beans for purchase if you find that you would like to take a piece of Yorktown home with you.

If you are staying in Newport News, it’s worth stopping by Café Full Circle. This coffee and breakfast spot offers locally roasted coffee, brunch all day, and pressed juice and smoothies. It has a clean, calming atmosphere and has something for everyone.

What to Do and Where to Go

There is something for everyone to enjoy on the Peninsula - all within a 20-minute drive from your resort.

As one point of the Historic Triangle, the Yorktown Battlefield is full of historical sights. It is nestled along the York River and is a great spot to spend the day on the water. Have lunch at Yorktown Pub, Waterstreet Grill, or Carrot Tree Kitchen. For dessert, Ben and Jerry’s is conveniently located between these dining spots. In the warm seasons, there are special themed markets to browse and shop from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturdays.

Check which market is scheduled for your visit: visityorktown.org/225/Market-Days

Hampton Coliseum is a multipurpose arena, hosting a variety of shows and events. It is worth checking their website to see which shows are offered during your visit! There are a variety of shows that are booked at the Hampton Coliseum, including the popular Hampton Jazz Festival.

Check out which events are scheduled during your stay at hamptoncoliseum.org/events.

The Virginia Living Museum is a great spot for a fun date or a day for the family. This museum is a sanctuary for some of Virginia’s precious wildlife such as otters, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, bobcats, deer, and the endangered red wolves. There are a variety of species to observe and discover – amphibians, birds, reptiles, and more!

Plan your visit: thevlm.org/your-visit/

Explore space at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center, also serving as the visitors center for NASA’s Langley Research Center and Langley Air Force Base. The kids are sure to have a fun time with the hands-on exhibits, and those of all ages that love aircraft history are in for a treat! The museum is also home to the IMAX theater, offering a variety of shows that range from educational to pure entertainment.

Purchase your tickets here: https://vasc.org/tickets/

Farmers Markets

Take a piece of the peninsula home with you by visiting one of our local farmers markets!

The Farmers Market in Hilton Village, Newport News is year-round and offers a variety of local vendors. Listen to live music and browse locally grown produce, flowers, handmade items, and so much more! You will feel the strong sense of community while attending and will more than likely find something you love to bring home with you. Stop by during your stay from 9-12 pm on Saturday.

In addition to the special markets in Yorktown, the Yorktown
Market Days opens on Saturdays April 8^th to Sept. 30^th from 8-12 pm, and Oct. 1 to Nov. 28^th from 9-12 pm. Shop for seasonal produce, fresh seafood, handmade items, and enjoy live entertainment from local artists.

Wine & Dine

Sipping on local wines and exploring new flavors – what could be better for a wine lover?

Vintner’s Cellar Winery of Yorktown offers personal wine events and tastings. The urban winery is a destination in Yorktown to not only taste local fruit-fusion wines, but also learn about winemaking and custom wines. The winery takes reservations for daily tasting events, so check their website and RSVP for a personalized wine-tasting experience.

You can RSVP here: vintnerscellaryorktown.com/events

The family-owned Hampton Roads Winery is in the beautiful rural area of Elberon, just south of Surry, across the James River from Jamestown. The peaceful and secluded winery is a destination for wine tasters and those who are seeking a beautiful view. The tasting bar is open from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm, Thursday through Monday.

Check their website to see if they are hosting a sip and paint class during your visit!

hamptonroadswinery.com

Good Eats

There are plenty of great spots to eat in Hampton Roads, but we have listed a few of our favorites to help you narrow down your choices.

Just over the James River Bridge towards Gloucester, York River Oyster Company offers a beautiful view on the riverside and a menu providing seafood options and American dishes. Their mac and cheese egg rolls are a popular choice or try their fresh oysters with a cold beer on tap. It is worth planning your visit during the sunset with a table on the outside patio.

Fin Seafood is in William Styron Square in Port Warwick, offering seasonal, organic ingredients. Chef Kenny Sloane described the menu as “refined yet robust”. The exciting menu extends to the cocktail options. The exceptional service will prove to offer a catered experience during your meal. If you would like to enjoy live entertainment, sit out on the patio with glowing lanterns that offer a superior ambiance.

Along with the southern atmosphere, this County Grill & Smokehouse serves some of the best ribs and barbeque around! The savory sides, corn bread, and drink specials make this a destination for locals and visitors alike. You won’t leave hungry!

Nightlife

The day hasn’t ended yet! Try out some of our trusted spots for a drink and live entertainment.

Cozzy’s Comedy Club and Tavern is a memorable destination for a night out. Order a delicious meal and enjoy a beverage with live entertainment and stand-up comedy. The comedians put on a great show, and the food is great too!

To buy tickets, visit: https://venue-cozzys-comedy-club-490.seatengine.cloud/events

Tradition Brewing was the first brewery to be established in Newport News and has a reputation as being a local beer destination. Have a drink and relax! Draft beers are offered seasonally, however there are year-round beers that stay consistent. Some year-round draft beers worth mentioning are the Blood Orange Gose, Red Willie, and Tradition Honey Brown Ale.

A Short Drive Away

For even more to do and see during your stay, check out more of our recommendations in Richmond, Williamsburg, and the Northern Neck!

Try any of these spots, or find any worth noting? Let us know at lizmoore.com!

By: Lauren Cummings

There is something special about sharing books; the creases from where the previous reader was  gripped by the tension of the story, the dog  ear folds from where they had to mark their  place, or even the little notes they have left  behind as they jotted down their thoughts – these qualities don’t just add character to the book  itself, it creates connections between readers. We  may each experience a story differently, but it is up  to us to share them.

How It All Started

Todd Bol of Hudson, Wisconsin was inspired by the  “take a book, leave a book” projects launched by coffee  shops and community buildings. He placed a Free Little Library in front of his residence as a tribute to his mother,  who was a schoolteacher with a passion for reading. All  it took was a few people to recognize the importance of  easy access to books for everyone, and from there, a chain  of free little libraries was established across the country.  As of 2022, 150,000 mini-libraries have been registered  across 115 countries worldwide.

What is a Little Free Library?

Little free libraries are exactly as they sound, and no library card is required. Little free libraries are usually 
placed by residents of the community or by volunteers  that are passionate about spreading knowledge and 
story magic to everyone. These mini libraries symbolize community, inspiration, and support.

How Can You Start One?

Creating your little free library is easier than ever with  the help of the non-profit organization behind it all, Little  Free Library. This organization has made it possible for  people to announce their library to the public and provide  access to resources to get noticed by the community. 
1. Identify a location and steward
2. Get a library – create one yourself or buy one
on the Little Free Library’s online store.
3. Register your library – see the QR code below.
4. Set up your steward account 
5. Build community support

Building Inspiration

If you want to get creative and don’t want to purchase  a mini-library from the online store, there are plenty 
of resourceful ways to create a mini-library. We have  seen people convert old microwaves into mini-libraries,  small dog houses, storage bins, and even an old  cabinet. The one thing to consider is if the structure is 
weather-proof material so no books are ruined; a door is ideal for this requirement.

Register your library or find one near you at www.littlefreelibrary.org.

The Summer Edition of our Liz Local Magazine is now available.  We've dedicated this issue to our four-legged, furry friends highlighting pet friendly places, interior design tips with pets in mind, and more!

View the digital version for your market below:

Peninsula Edition

Northern Neck Edition

Richmond Edition

Williamsburg Edition 

Amazing fireworks shows are a July 4th staple on the Virginia Peninsula and in Williamsburg.  Here's this year's schedule:

Yorktown
9:15pm
visityorktown.org

Victory Landing Park, Newport News
9:00pm
nnparksandrec.org

Williamsburg
9:30pm
colonialwilliamsburg.org

Busch Gardens
9:30pm
buschgardens.com 

The Spring Edition of our Liz Local Magazine is now available.  We've included real estate predictions, ways to help your kids get on the path to wealth building, local restaurant spotlights, and more!

View the digital version for your market below:

Peninsula Edition

Northern Neck Edition

Richmond Edition

Williamsburg Edition 

April showers means finding fun activities indoors and Hampton Roads has a number of military museums that make for a great day trip.  Here are our recommendations:

U.S. Army
Transportation Museum
300 Washington Blvd. | Besson Hall
Fort Eustis VA 23604
transportation.army.mil/museum

USS Monitor Center
100 Museum Drive
Newport News VA 23606
monitorcenter.org

Virginia War Museum
9285 Warwick Boulevard
Newport News VA 23607
newportnewshistory.org/virginia-war-museum 

Military Aviation Museum
1341 Princess Anne Road
Virginia Beach VA 23457
militaryaviationmuseum.org

Hampton Roads
Naval Museum
One Waterside Drive
Norfolk VA 23510
nauticus.org

American Revolution
Museum at Yorktown
200 Water Street
Yorktown VA 23690
jyfmuseums.org

Winter is in full swing here in Hampton Roads and it looks like we'll still need to wait a while before enjoying the outdoors again.  However, there are many great options for indoor activities here in the 757!

Check out our recommendations for the visual arts:

Charles H. Taylor Visual Arts Center
4205 Victoria Blvd.
Hampton

Muscarelle Museum of Art
603 Jamestown Road
Williamsburg

Hampton University Museum & Archives
14 Frissell Ave.
Hampton

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
S. Nassau St.
Colonial Williamsburg

The Mariners' Museum
100 Museum Dr.
Newport News

DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
S. Nassau St.
Colonial Williamsburg

The Noland Trail, one of the most beautiful spots in Newport News, Virginia, celebrated its 30th birthday on October 26th, 2021.

Following the shoreline of The Mariners’ Lake, which is part of Mariners’ Park, is the five-mile Noland Trail. Dedicated as a gift from the Noland Family in 1991 and with significant ongoing financial support from the Noland Family, the trail has 14 bridges, picnic areas, benches, and mile markers. Each fall, The Mariners’ Museum hosts a Park celebration that includes the Noland Trail 50K and Relay and a family-friendly fall festival.

Mariners' Park is one of the nation’s largest privately owned and maintained parks that is free and open to the public.

Park and Trail Hours:

OPEN DAILY

Hours: 6 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Bring the kiddos by our Newport News office in their best costume for some trick or treating fun on Thursday, October 28th from 4-6. The offices will be decked out for Halloween, and of course, there will be candy!

The past 15 months has been a roller coaster in our real estate world. It’s hard to imagine that in spite of being in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, we also experienced the hottest real estate market in US history. The perfect storm of low listing inventory and historic low interest rates converged to cause buyer demand to spike to all-time highs.

Clearly, it’s a great time to be a seller. But… what about the other side of that equation? Sellers are asking themselves, “I may get peak pricing for my home right now, but then I’ll have to turn around and pay peak pricing on the other end. Does that make sense for me?” Every situation is different, and the answer really depends on a lot of different factors. One thing that definitely makes sense, though, is that now is a great time for an in-depth look at values with your favorite REALTOR. If you’re not currently living in your dream home, now just may be the perfect time to explore alternatives.

Other drivers that are causing people to re-think their current space are the possibilities created by new opportunities to work remotely. Many people have realized that they can hang up their commute, and work from home…and that home can be anywhere they want. That freedom extends beyond location – it also means new and different features are important in a home: home offices and outdoor spaces have become all the buzz in recent months.

We’ve devoted this month’s edition of Liz Local to exploring a few of those features.

Check out a digital version of our Summer Liz Local Magazine:

Peninsula Edition

Williamsburg Edition

Richmond Edition

Northern Neck Edition

Visit www.lizmoore.com/love to enter.  If you don't live in the Northern Neck, what a great reason to take a day trip and enjoy the beautiful water views!

Staying safe and enjoying the water this Summer can go hand in hand! Check out these tips for keeping yourself and your family safe.

We love where we live and we know you do, too!  Join us for our photo contest throughout Northern Neck and be entered to win some great prizes.  Don't live in the Northern Neck but you've visited?  All participants welcomed!  Visit www.lizmoore.com/love before September 10, 2021 to enter your favorites photos of Virginia's Northern Neck.

Your pets are beloved members of your family and you want to make sure they receive the very best medical care. But how do you choose the right vet for your pet? We've outlined some important considerations below when selecting a veterinary practice for your fur baby.

Communication is Key
Ask your friends, family, and neighbors who they recommend. People with first-hand experience are great sources of information and someone who has had a great experience is eager to sing the praises of their veterinarian.

Responsive
Call potential veterinary practices: Do they answer the phone, or if not, do they return your call promptly? Is someone available to answer your questions? Can you easily get an appointment? Are you able to call and check on your pet frequently if they are having a procedure? You want to choose an office that communicates well with their clients.

Philosophies
Ask the veterinarian about their philosophies on pet health care. A few topics to discuss are euthanasia, cancer care, chronic disease planning, and spaying and neutering. Do they mesh with your own? Having a care giver with like­minded philosophies will help when faced with difficult decisions. Observe how they react and respond to your specific questions. Does this seem like someone with whom you'll be able to communicate and trust?

Take a Tour
A good office or hospital is proud of their facility and should be willing to give prospective clients a tour of their facility. Check the cleanliness of exam rooms, check out their medical equipment, do they have access to x-ray, ultrasound, dentistry, labs, and the like? Also, be sure to inquire about health care specific to your pet and any special care they might require. 

Interaction
Introduce your pet to your potential veterinarian and their staff long before your first appointment. Observe how everyone interacts with you and your pet. Are they welcoming, calm, and attentive to you both? Observe how your pet responds to them as well. Choosing a warm and caring practice can soothe a stressful situation for your pet.

Location and Hours
This isn't as important as good, solid care, but convenience is a factor to consider. Choose a vet you can access in a reasonable amount of time, and with hours chat work with your schedule. Choosing a wonderful practice that you can never get to won't do anyone any good.

Busier Can Mean Better
Don't be put off by a busy waiting area. A crowded, fast paced waiting area can be signs of a great, well-liked, hardworking practice.

Money Matters
Vet bills can add up quickly. Be sure to ask about costs of routine care like office visits and vaccines and ask about emergency services like x-ray.

Virginia Beach has all the elements of a classic seaside resort town all within a short drive making it the perfect day trip beach destination.  Just an hour or two away, you will find gorgeous beaches, a bustling boardwalk, a variety of excellent restaurants, and fun activities sure to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and kids. Virginia Beach is a year-round destination with beach fun and water play in the summer and many attractions to explore in the less crowded, cooler months.  Let’s head east and explore! 

Virginia Beach first and foremost offers miles of wide, gorgeous sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. People near and far flock to Virginia Beach to sun bathe on the shore, splash in the waves, and enjoy the boardwalk.

If you like adventure, Virginia Beach has exciting waves that attract boogey boarders and surfers daily, especially around the south end of the beach.  The locals usually surf around 1^st Street at the oceanfront if you want an authentic surfing experience.  Still a grommet on the waves?  No problem, several outfits offer surfing lessons and board rentals including VB Surf Sessions, Seth Broudy School of Surf, and Pungo Board House.  You can find more information on lessons and rentals on their websites at www.vbsurfsessions.com, www.sethbroudyschoolofsurf.com and www.pungoboardhouse.com.

Those wanting to enjoy the water at a slower pace might enjoy stand up paddle boarding, or SUP as seasoned paddlers call it.  Companies offer lessons, rentals, guided eco tours, and even SUP yoga on the calmer waters around Virginia Beach including First Landing State Park, Rudee Inlet, and Back Bay.  SUP is great exercise and offers beautiful nature views that often include pods of dolphin, osprey, bald eagles, great blue herons, and more.  A few tour companies to check out are Beach Eco Tours, Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle, and Tula Adventure Sports Stand up Paddleboard & Kayaking.  You can learn more on their websites at www.beachecotours.com, www.paddleboardvb.com, and www.tulasports.com.

For those looking to just sit back and enjoy the view, a boat tour might be more your speed.  Many tours are offered including fishing, dolphin watching, and there is even a Craft Brews Cruise offered by the Virginia Aquarium!  Capt. Jack’s Pirate Ship Adventures are very popular with tourists of all ages.  Aboard Capt. Jack’s Black Pearl, a bright red ship flying iconic Jolly Rogers, passengers sing and dance along with the crew, enjoying the show as much as the view.  More information on boat tours is available at www.rudeetours.com, www.virginiaaquarium.com, and www.virginiabeachpirateship.com. 

When exploring Virginia Beach’s land-based attractions, the VB Wave, a trolley-inspired bus, makes getting around fun, easy, and affordable.  The VB Wave transports passengers around the oceanfront, Rudee Inlet, and First Landing State Park.  Just hop aboard at one of the many stops and sit back and enjoy the ride!  Fares are due in cash and cost $2.00 per adult and children 17 and under are free with a paying adult!  Day passes are available for $4.50 each.

All of the fun in the sun is sure to make you hungry and Virginia Beach has many delicious and unique dining options.  A couple of our favorites include Citrus, breakfast here is a must!  Located at 2265 W Great Neck Road and made famous by appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, locals and tourists alike stand in line for citrus orange glazed pancakes and innovative benedicts.  And what’s a trip to the beach without enjoying a raw bar?  Local favorite, Big Sam’s Grill and Raw Bar located at 300 Winston Salem Ave. in Rudee Inlet serves up fresh, locally caught seafood dishes and raw bar items in a comfortable setting with views of the marina. 

Thirsty for an adult beverage? Quench your thirst with an Orange Crush, the unofficial drink of Virginia Beach, made famous by Waterman’s Surfside Grille, a great oceanfront restaurant at the south end of the beach.  The recipe is a blend of the juice of one whole fresh orange with flavored vodka, orange liqueur and a splash of Sprite served over crushed ice.

If you decide to turn your day trip into an overnight, there are numerous hotels and motels for every budget.  One of our favorites is the Hilton Garden Inn Virginia Beach Oceanfront located at 3315 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach.  This hotel is at the northern, quieter end of the beach and features an indoor/outdoor pool and their onsite restaurant, Lagerheads. 

There is so much to see and do in Virginia Beach, enough to fill up many, many day trips.  It’s a good thing this jewel is just a short drive away! Other day trip options include a visit to the Virginia Aquarium and their Adventure Park, seeing a concert at the Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater, visiting the Military Aviation Museum, touring an oyster farm, visiting the Cape Henry Lighthouse, playing at Top Golf, and so much more.  Plan your trip today!

Virginia Beach...just another reason why we love where we live!