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Welcome to Charlottesville!

July 18, 2011 by Sasha C. Farmer, REALTOR ® · Leave a Comment 

This is a great video produced by a local UVa law student here in town.  Great overview of all that Charlottesville has to offer and the rich lifestyle that so many are drawn to!

Charlottesville 365; Junior League of Charlottesville Kids in the Kitchen

March 13, 2011 by Sasha C. Farmer, REALTOR ® · Leave a Comment 

This upcoming Saturday, March 19 from 9:00am – 1:00pm, is the annual Junior League of Charlottesville Kids in the Kitchen event. This is a “healthy kids fair” aiming to teach young children (primarily ages 4-10) and their families about leading a healthy lifestyle, and health wellness in general. This annual event is always held at a local high school, is free, and is open to the public.

This year, Kids in the Kitchen is being held at Albemarle High School, and some of the activities include a smoothie station, growing gardens, featured U.Va. athletes, a mountain bike station, cookbook creation, backpack safety, oral health, and nutrition bingo.

This event is fun for the whole family, and is one where you can easily stay for the whole day or just stop and swing by at your leisure. The PDF flier is attached, but feel free to email me with any questions about the event!

This event is free for both children and adults and no RSVP is necessary- please just come enjoy!  If you’ve ever been before, I’d love for you to share your photos and memories here!

The Junior League of Charlottesville is;

“an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.”

If you have any questions about the Junior League or any interest in becoming involved with the group, let me know that too! It is a wonderful group of women that has a great impact on the Charlottesville community.

Charlottesville 365: Devil’s Backbone Brewing Co.

June 29, 2010 by MJ Arquette · Leave a Comment 

In our world of busyness it is often times difficult to spend real quality time with the ones you love. As a new Mom, who works a 9-5 job outside of the home, I hardly ever have non-working time that is without a scheduled obligation, grocery store trip, or general housecleaning/yard work. That’s why I made it my goal that on my husband’s first Father’s Day, we would forego any normal weekend ritual to take a day and celebrate our new family doing some of the things he truly enjoys. No easy task, given the fact that Father’s Day fell in a short 36 hour window we had to ourselves between Summer family visits.

My husband grew up in northern New York State, about an hour outside of the Adirondack Park. He spent his childhood in the midst of the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping in the mountains. Thankfully, our piece of Central Virginia has some fabulous areas that if you close your eyes for just a minute – probably in the Summer- you could be in either place.

Part 2 – my “sure thing” – a return trip to Devil’s Backbone Brewery. (for part 1, see post, here) We turned left out of Chile’s Peach Orchard and traveled through Greenwood, and drove 151 to Devil’s Backbone. Vistas galore, beautiful homes and Zac Brown on the radio created the perfect setting. Summer in Central Virginia is here. We arrived to a full parking lot at Devil’s Backbone; no big surprise there. The building is reminiscent of a Colorado Ski Lodge with grand stone pillars adorning the entrance, a large wrap patio and stone fireplaces. There are seating areas with booths and tables to the left and right of the hostess stand, and of course, the bar to the back with bistro tables. They have recently updated their menu and of course, offer tasty microbrews to sample on-site or take home in a growler. There was a nice breeze so we opted for outside seating. There are some awesome new additions to the menu, so it was difficult to make a decision. Standouts include Baja Fish Tacos, Grilled Cheese Mo’Different, Chicken Rustica Sandwich, and Espresso Bistro Steak – to name a few.

After some contemplation, we decided to start with the Nachos and our beer selections were Eight and Ten Point IPA’s, respectively. The nachos were great – piled high with cheese, black beans and peppers and accompanied by a sides of guacamole, salsa  and sour cream – you couldn’t beat it for $8. Honestly, after that we were full, but the entrees sounded too tasty to pass up so he selected the Baja Fish Tacos, while I chose the Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato Fries. Now, I’m a red meat kind of girl, but being that I just gobbled the Peach Sundae an hour before, I thought I would try something lighter, and different. It was my first experience with a Veggie Burger, and I admit that I might be hooked. It was a patty of rice, black beans and corn and came with a southwest mayo, tomato, lettuce and onion. The sweet potato fries were also tasty. My husband’s Baja Fish Tacos were double wrapped and came with a medium fruit salsa which was pineapple based. Also, super tasty. Awesome all around! While we didn’t need it, I do want to note that they have a kid’s menu with items reasonably priced at $3.95. I would advise anyone to check their website as well – they ALWAYS have cool things going on including live music and many food / drink specials.

As we traveled home to Ruckersville, we waved goodbye to the mountains. My husband was happy and relaxed. I declared the day a complete success. Our family was able to spend father’s day “really” together. I feel fortunate to live in an area with so much to offer, even a close getaway to a place that resembles roots for my husband and I. I hope you enjoy the Summer and are able to take a trip to the mountains at some point- Enjoy!

Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company on the Internet;
facebook
web

Map to Devil’s Backbone

Charlottesville 356; Clean Up The Monticello Trail June 26, 2010

June 24, 2010 by Terry Karnes · Leave a Comment 

Clean-Up The Trail Day

The drive up Route 53 to Monticello is beautiful, but for something different hike the Saunders-Monticello Trail up Carter’s Mountain. The trail is a scenic two-mile trek up Carter’s Mountain, and is need of some volunteers June 26 for a clean-up day!

Thomas Jefferson Foundation is hosting the Trail Day from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Volunteers will remove invasive growth that crowds native plants. Volunteers of any age are welcome, but children under 18 need to be with a parent or guardian. The schedule is:

Meet at 9 a.m. at Kemper Park

9 -9:15 a.m. discuss invasive growth with James Covert, parkway assistant
9:15 a.m. to noon: clear invasive growth in the Pine Room
12-1 p.m. break for lunch
1 p.m. meet in Kemper Park
1-1:15 p.m. review invasive growth for newcomers
1:15-4 p.m. continue clearning growth in Pine Room

Volunteers should bring a small pair of clippers or shears if they have them. This is relaxed family friend event and volunteers may work at their own pace. Volunteers may attend the morning or afternoon sessions or both.
For more information about the event, contact Emily Tenhundfeld at (434) 984-9869, volunteer@monticello.org or visit www.monticello.org/parkway/cleanupday.html.

But what is this?
Even if you cannot participate in the trail day, become part of the 85,000 walkers annually. Here’s some of what you’ll find along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway.

Kemper Park
You start at the base of the mountain—where Routes 53 and 20 meet. It includes additional trails through Secluded Farm. Kemper Park is 89 acres and includes:

The trailhead for the Saunders-Monticello Trail
A two-acre pond
The Carter Overlook with views of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains
An arboretum of native trees
The Palmer Woodland Theater (amphitheater)

There is a pedestrian underpass below Route 53 from the park to additional parking. Pets are allowed in Kemper Park (on a leash) but not on the trail.

Saunders-Monticello Trail
The trail is made of finely crushed stone and partly raised boardwalks. Walkers, cyclists and those in wheelchairs are allowed to use it. You take a less than 5 % grade up to the stone-arch Saunders Bridge to the entrance of Monticello. The trail and park are open all year sunrise to sunset.
The boardwalk portions of the trails take you behind Michie Tavern on the way up Carter Mountain.

Both the trail and bridge were a give from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Saunders III. The Parkway was designed by the Charlottesville landscape architecture firm Rieley and Associates and built by Abrahamse & Company in Charlottesville.

Want to do more?
If you want to do more, become a Monticello Trailblazer. You can donate online at www.monticello.org/trailblazer or contact trailblazers@monticello.org.

Click here for a downloadable map of the trails!

Charlottesville 365; Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE) Design House in Ednam Forest

May 11, 2010 by Sasha C. Farmer, REALTOR ® · Leave a Comment 

The Shelter for Help in Emergency (SHE), a non-profit organization whose mission is to end domestic violence in our community, is amidst their annual fundraiser – the SHE Design House.  The event runs from May 8th – 16th and takes an otherwise vacant and empty home (that is for sale, by the way!), and assigns a decorator to each room to put forth their decorating best for a good cause.  It is incredible to see the transformation that this home has undergone, and the “before” photos that are inside each room are truly eye-opening.  It is amazing to see what a difference is made with some great paint colors, beautiful furniture and accessories, and some incredible talent!

The SHE Design House assigned designers in early March, and just two months later has undergone a total transformation.  The most unbelievable part of the whole process, though, is that after next week and the final SHE Design House Open House afternoon on May 16, 2010, the pieces will be dismantled, the home emptied, and the walls will even return to their original colors if the home owner so wishes- so don’t miss out, it won’t be around much longer!

No matter whether or not you love interior design and decor, this event is for a great cause.  Your $20 donation goes towards providing safe havens for those who have survived domestic violence.  The Shelter for Help in Emergency is committed to providing a safe, confidential, and respectful environment for those who have been victims of domestic violence, so this provides us with a great opportunity for the community to work together to continue to ensure that as many people in our community as possible have a place to call home.  This past week in Charlottesville has been an unpleasant reminder that domestic violence still exists and sometimes in the most unexpected of places- I hope that as a community, now more than ever, we’ll come together to support the Shelter for Help in Emergency.

For all of you HGTV addicts, this is an awesome way to see a sampling of some of the areas most talented designers all in one place, and not to mention the full manuals that accompany each room, telling you about each individual piece, where they can be purchased, and often, their cost!

Some of the favorites of the afternoon that you won’t want to miss;

• The “suede” paint technique in the informal living areas by Tamara Lacy and Nancy Wardle with Interior Concepts.
• The beautiful dining room chandelier and crisp white lines designed by some of my favorites, The Gibson Design Group.
• The artwork in the Fitness and Jacuzzi Area by Linda Pye, Sheila Hoopman, and Susan Cash of Pye Interiors.
• The beautiful blue Sunroom by Moyanne Harding, which had one of the bleakest of “before” shots.
• The incredible Master Bedroom by Caroline Minsky of the Artful Lodger and Debbie Culp, of Gotcha Covered Blinds.
• Check out the “Designers” Page at the SHE Design House website for the full list of these great designers!

SHE Design House Dates and Details

• Saturday May 8th – Sunday May 16th, 2010

Design House Cost: $20 tax deductible donation to Shelter for Help in Emergency.  Tickets may be purchased online in advance, or at the door by cash or check!

Design House Parking: Enter Boar’s Head Inn from 250, and follow the many SHE Design House signs that lead you to the gravel parking lot behind One Boar’s Head Point (home of the University of Virginia Foundation).  From there, the SHE Design House Shuttle will be waiting to greet you and escort you to the home, whose actual address is 533 Rookwood Place, in Ednam Forest.  Out of respect for the neighbors, there is no parking at the actual home.

Please note the special comments from the SHE Design House website;

All proceeds from the Design House benefit the Charlottesville community’s Shelter for Help in Emergency. Please no food or drink, children under 8, strollers, photography, pets, or high heels. We apologize that the house is Not handicap accessible and there are no public restrooms available.  - SHE Design House Event Notes

Visit the SHE Design House facebook page for updates.

Visit the SHE Design House website for details!

Great photos of the SHE Design House coming soon!

A Map to 533 Rookwood Drive- the actual SHE Design House (please note that this is not the location of the Shuttle Pick-Up for the SHE Design House!);

And, of course, if you like the Ednam Forest area, here are some other nearby homes for sale;

Showing properties 1 - 1 of 1. See more Ednam tract real estate.
(all data current as of 2/9/2012)

1. $715,000 : 479 Worthington Dr, CHARLOTTESVILLE (ALBEMARLE)
   
   4 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,416 sq ft

   Lot size: 6,534 sq ft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Charlottesville 365; Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival- Crozet, VA. May 8 – May 9, 2010

May 5, 2010 by Sasha C. Farmer, REALTOR ® · Leave a Comment 

This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival, one of my favorite annual events in Charlottesville!  The Crozet Arts and Crafts festival is located in Crozet, VA (which is part of Albemarle County), in the Claudius Crozet Park.  It attracts artists from all across the region; this year boasting over 100! All types of artists are represented, including clay, drawing, pastels, fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, wood and more.  There is truly something here for everyone!  Not to mention, opening day on Saturday could be a great opportunity for some last minute Mother’s Day shopping!  Or Sunday could be a great day to take the kids so mom actually get’s a day off!

In addition to all of the incredible art, there is all-day live entertainment, children’s activities, and wine tasting for the adults!  This years vineyards include Flying Fox (one that I’ve heard so much about but have yet to try!), DelFosse, Mount Fair, Mountain Cove, Stone Mountain, and Well Hung Vineyards (who I’ve never heard of before, but whose creative name and logos got a chuckle!).  One of the entertainment highlights is Kid Pan Alley, which is a duo of musical artists, Paul Reisler and Terri Allard, who travel from school to school creating music with students and inspiring them to create their own.  This two day event is truly packed with fun things to do, and all of the proceeds go to benefit and maintain the beautiful Claudius Crozet Park, a well-known and well-attended park that is a highlight of Crozet.

For the kids- the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival has face painting, sand art, make-your-own crafts, and of course the added benefit of all of the future benefits that will be returned to the park!

The 30th anniversary is sure to be a hit, and it is a perfect opportunity for gift shopping, wine tasting, and a day of outdoor enjoyment!

Will we see you there?

Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival Schedule

• Saturday May 8; 10:00am – 5:30pm
• Sunday May 9; 10:00am – 5:00pm
• Note- The entire festival will be held rain or shine!

Visit Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival’s facebook page for updates.

Visit Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival’s website for details!

Great photos of the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival courtesy of their website;

Map to Claudis Crozet Park; Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival

And, of course, if you like the Crozet area, here are some nearby homes to check out;

Showing properties 1 - 5 of 101. See more city of Crozet real estate.
(all data current as of 2/9/2012)

1. $585,000 : 7128 Bradbury Ct (albemarle), CROZET
   
   4 beds, 3 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 3,880 sq ft

   Lot size: 20,908 sq ft
2. $669,000 : 6921 Windmere Ln, Unit LOT 15, CROZET
   
   4 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 3,104 sq ft

   Lot size: 20,908 sq ft
3. $774,900 : 6512 Woodbourne Ln (albemarle), CROZET
   
   5 beds, 4 full, 1 part baths

   Home size: 4,821 sq ft

   Lot size: 23,435 sq ft
4. $650,000 : 21 Windmere Ln, CROZET
   
   5 beds, 4 full baths

   Home size: 3,205 sq ft

   Lot size: 21,780 sq ft
5. $525,000 : 6721 Welbourne Ln, Unit LOT 11, CROZET
   
   5 beds, 3 full baths

   Home size: 2,942 sq ft

   Lot size: 23,958 sq ft

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

Charlottesville365 | Foster a Dog (or Cat) from the Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA)

March 27, 2010 by Sasha C. Farmer, REALTOR ® · 1 Comment 

If you’re an animal lover, and have a little bit of room in your heart and home, the Charlottesville/Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA) has an exceptional animal fostering program that is a really great fit for lots of families. If you would love to have another pet but just can’t commit to one full-time due to a busy schedule, demanding work, or too much travel, the Charlottesville SPCA foster program may be a perfect fit!

The foster program begins with an online application, and then explores your ability to foster (i.e. do you rent or own? If you don’t own, are animals allowed? Do you have enough room? Are you away from the home too much to care for a foster pet?). After the qualification process is set up, a home visit may be schedule and then you’re up and running and ready to foster.

Fostering is extremely rewarding. It is a very flexible process. You will be called occasionally with foster opportunities, where you’ll be given information about the number and type of animals they needs fostered (i.e.- litter of 3 puppies, a shy adult dog that needs socialization, etc) and the length of time they need coverage. Based upon your availability you are free to say either yes or no, with no pressure in either direction. It is entirely at your discretion and flexible to work schedules, travel plans and other commitments, as you can always say no if the time frame doesn’t work. In addition, if you agree to foster an animal but have an emergency arise or a late change in plans, the SPCA will always set up another arrangement for the animal, whether in the shelter or at another foster home.

John and I foster primarily young puppies. These puppies are occasionally sick or being fostered in an attempt to keep them away from all of the germs in the SPCA and becoming sick, or sometimes they aren’t able to be put up for adoption yet because it is still within the claim period for their owner, or because they haven’t yet been neutered or spayed. Puppies can be a challenge, as they aren’t trained in any way and can sometimes be a mess, but they are truly enjoyable nonetheless. There are also many older dogs that need fostering prior to becoming available for adoption, or because they need socialization or treatment. A crate, food, toys, and any medications are all provided for the animals, so the only cost to the foster parent is in time, patience, and a little extra love!

John and I fostered about 15 dogs in 2009- here is just a quick look at a few of them! Please contact me if you have any questions about fostering or if you think you might like to get started!

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