The Liz Moore Market Watch Blog

This holiday season we have some exciting events going on at our Liz Moore offices!

Northern Neck
Don’t miss out on the biggest event of the year at our Kilmarnock office - Santa Paws! Bring your furry family members by for a photo with Santa, and don’t forget to bring items to donate to local shelters, too.
December 2nd
10am - 3pm
276 N. Main Street Kilmarnock

Richmond
Bring your kids by our Richmond office for photos with Santa!
December 2nd
11am - 2pm
14061 Midlothian Turnpike Midlothian

Williamsburg
Join us on the alumni green in front of Zable stadium (look for the Liz Moore flag) for a front row seat at the Williamsburg Christmas Parade and help us cheer on our Polar Express Float.  The cost is free but you do need a ticket.  Email info@lizmoore.com or call 757-645-4106 for details.
December 3rd
5pm

Newport News
Our Peninsula office is joining forces with We Are the Echo to collect new coats for children in need.  Stop by our office to pick up a tag with a child's name, age, and size or email info@lizmoore.com for details.
Deadline to drop coats off at the office is December 10th.
11801 Canon Blvd. Newport News

We hope to see you there to help us spread some holiday cheer!

Fall is here and there's no better way to spend your Saturday morning than at a local farmers market! Check out the Williamsburg Farmers Market every Saturday from 8am - noon in Merchants Square.

By: Lauren Cummings

Colonial Williamsburg Presents:
July 4 Celebration
Colonial Williamsburg is rich in American history, making it one of the best places to be for Independence Day. Observe historical reenactments and enjoy live music and entertainment to celebrate the Fourth of July. All of this will lead up to a dazzling firework display over Governor’s Palace.

Experience a full day of patriotic festivities on the historic Duke of Gloucester Street. American history lovers will have a one-of-a-kind experience listening to a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, and throughout the day there will be live musical performances based on the American Revolutionary War era.

Obtain a free July 4 Single-Day Ticket and get exclusive access to even more activities!

By securing a ticket, you not only get free parking, but also have admission to two world-class art museums, historical trade sites, costume-interpreter-guided tours of historical sites, and admission to stage performances on the Charlton Stage and in the Hennage Auditorium from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.

To cap off the evening, the Lights of Freedom grand fireworks display is scheduled to begin at 9:30 PM which is visible above Governor’s Palace.

Colonial Williamsburg Presents:
Summer Breeze Concert Series
To usher in the epic July 4 Celebration in Colonial Williamsburg, the Summer Breeze outdoor concert series will present The United States Air Force Heritage of America Band on July 3^rd.

The concert is from 7:30 pm to 8:45 pm on the Lawn of the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg.

Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket and settle in under the stars for this awesome performance, only steps away from Merchants Square! Admission is free for the entire series.

This performance kicks off the Summer Breeze Concert Series. Click here to check out the rest of the schedule all the way through August 17^th.

Sources:

“July 4 Celebration.” Colonial Williamsburg Wax Seal, www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/explore/special-event/july-4/?gclid=CjwKCAjwhdWkBhBZEiwA1ibLmCmyq5PXnyvItHbfGzNfIN7vWycblRG1oBKtuz7Ruei6KRxDldLuEBoCY60QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds.

“Lineup Announced, Summer Breeze Outdoor Concert Series Returning July 3.” Williamsburg Yorktown Daily, 20 June 2023, wydaily.com/our-community/things-to-do/2023/06/21/lineup-announced-summer-breeze-outdoor-concert-series-returning-july-3/.

By: Lauren Cummings

Plan your weekend trip to Williamsburg, Virginia 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 in Williamsburg at one of our most-trusted favorites.

Kingsmill Resort is AAA Four Diamond Condominium Golf Resort – a luxury golf and spa destination. The resort nestles on the James River and is a short drive away from Busch Gardens. You can choose to stay in a 3–4-bedroom cottage, a room, or a condo. Regardless of what you choose, your stay is sure to be comfortable, scenic, and immaculately clean.

Colonial Williamsburg Resorts offer deals for admission to Colonial Williamsburg when booking directly:

For a modern luxury experience mixed with southern charm, book your stay at the Williamsburg Lodge. Enjoy a spa day, purchase a golf course package, and dine at Traditions. The dining spot is a comfortable and classic restaurant located in the resort. Bringing your dog? They have rooms that are dog-friendly!

The Williamsburg Inn embraces an impressive Regency style with a combination of the old world and modern luxuries. Those who have dined at the inn can attest to the elevated culinary options. This resort also offers dog-friendly rooms for guests.

Rise & Shine

Early bird gets the worm! Start your day with an invigorating morning stroll with views of the water and the wildlife that occupies it.

Bassett Trace Nature Trail is a birding “hotspot” and is a delightful way to spend the morning! Walk the 1.4-mile trail and explore the woodlands that are home to native plants and 40 different bird species.

You may crave a coffee and a nice breakfast to re-fuel after your morning activities. We’ve got you covered!

Aromas is a highly rated café and is known for its gourmet coffee, refreshing smoothies, and relaxing ambiance. It’s a great place to stop before your day in Colonial Williamsburg to get caffeinated or after for a cooldown from your day of activity.

What to Do and Where to Go?

There are a variety of activities that can fill up your itinerary for your stay in Williamsburg. Even as a local, these never get old!

Busch Gardens Williamsburg is known as being the World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park. It should be on your list of things to do during your stay if you enjoy attractions such as rides and rollercoasters, performances, and great food! The park’s theme is Europe, and there are four different countries to “visit” in the park. Planning for the Summer? Check out Water Country USA – Busch Gardens’ sister water park!

When visiting Williamsburg, touring Colonial Williamsburg in the Historic Triangle is a must for those curious about American history. There is so much to learn, see, and discover within the historical triad – also including Yorktown Battlefield and the Jamestown Settlement.

Wine & Dine

The immaculate Williamsburg Winery is a must-visit for those who enjoy the finer things in life. The epic vineyards offer a beautiful view from the restaurant located on the estate. The Williamsburg Tasting Trail follows four of the best wineries in the state of Virginia and are all within a one-hour drive of Williamsburg. The tasting trail features a variety of breweries and distilleries, with a total of 12 stops.

Good Eats

Decisions, decisions. Choosing a place to eat in Williamsburg is no easy feat – there are so many great choices! Don’t fret, we’ll let you in on which restaurants are at the top of our list.

Williamsburg’s only outdoor bar and restaurant, Berret’s Seafood Restaurant, doesn’t only have amazing entrees – they also provide entertainment and ambiance. The outdoor style is perfect for the warmer seasons, and the menu provides a variety of delicious seafood and rotating draft beers. They have one dollar oysters everyday from 11:30 am through 7:00 pm – go get them while the gettins’ good!

Casa Pearl is an oyster and taco restaurant with an eclectic cuisine that focuses on locally sourced fresh ingredients. The raw bar features fish and shellfish from the Chesapeake Bay region, which then become a cuisine that is described as, “Latin-inspired with a southern twist.” Because who doesn’t love tacos?

One of our favorite restaurants here at LMA is the award-winning restaurant, La Tienda. This restaurant will make you feel like you stepped into Spain. From the European-inspired décor to the delicious menu offering tapas, entrees, and sangria, you will be delighted with an authentic Spanish culinary experience.

Don’t forget to stop by The Cheese Shop during your visit in Colonial Williamsburg! There are so many unique goods to shop in the small store, and they also serve fresh sandwiches that are the talk of the town. Make sure to order the Original House Dressing!

Nightlife

Precarious Beer Project is the place to go for a good time. The brewery has a variety of local beers on draft with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating space. The decked-out arcade makes this place especially unique. Get your nostalgia fix with the Pinball machines, get competitive with your pals in Pop-A-Shot, and so much more!

For the bravest of visitors, Williamsburg Ghost Tours is an awesome activity to do when the sun goes down. The guided tours take those who dare to, “the most frighteningly haunted places in the entire world.” The tours run every night at 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm. But beware, these tours are the real deal!

A Short Drive Away

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

Visit any of our favorite spots during your stay? Let us know about your experience on 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 

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

Ellen Knecht, a REALTOR® with the Williamsburg office of Liz Moore & Associates, to be featured along with her clients on HGTV’s House Hunters

Ellen introduced her clients to each other and later she helped them find a home for their blended family!

Ellen’s clients, Laura Mullin and Michael Gasser, were excited to combine their families into a single household. Originally introduced to each other by Ellen Knecht, a REALTOR® with Liz Moore & Associates, Ellen was their first call when they decided to look for a house big enough for their blended family that includes four children.

According to Ellen, HGTV’s House Hunters gets about 200 applications per week, so Laura and Michael were excited when they learned that they were selected. HGTV filmed the couple for a total of 7 days in the Williamsburg area as they searched for their new home.

The crew also filmed at The Sipping Flea, a hometown coffee shop in Toano.

Air date: November 23^rd – 10:00PM

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!