Date Archives: July 2017

Every Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Powhatan's favorite farmers and artisans come together at Westchester Commons to provide their wares for sale. Whether you are in the market for fresh produce for your dinner table or unique jewelry for your wardrobe, you will find it at the Powhatan Farmers Market from the beginning of May to the end of October.

The farmers market offers Powhatan residents the opportunity to enjoy locally-grown, low-pesticide produce and meats. They also give a venue for local artisans to showcase their good, so you can buy unique gift and home decor options. Items are fresher, more unique and often less expensive when you shop at the farmers market, and the Powhatan Farmers Market is packed with vendors. In fact, our Powhatan real estate agents believe the farmer's market is one of our area's best features, and here are five reasons, in particular, why we think you will love them too!

1. Casselmonte Farm LLC
   Casselmonte Farm makes it easy for people with homes in Powhatan to enjoy the best heirloom veggies and berries around. Located on the banks of the Appomattox in Powhatan County, Casselmonte Farm primarily focuses on nine different products...bringing the best produce to your dining table. Each season you will enjoy asparagus and forest-grown shiitake mushrooms, followed by heirloom tomatoes, fingerling potatoes and blueberries. As summer moves on you will find blackberries, Bradford watermelons, honey. and baby ginger.
   
   
2. Pleasant Fields Farm
   Folks with homes in Hanover know Pleasant Fields Farm as a small family farm located on a 73-acre plot of land. In addition to vegetables of all types, the farm offers cut flowers, hanging baskets and small fruits. If you can't catch Pleasant Fields Farm at the farmers market, head to Hanover to get your own produce in the U-Pick fields.
   
   
3. Grassbelly Farm
   This family-owned farm is located in Powhatan. As its name implies, Grassbelly Farm offers grass-fed and free-range meat products including woodland/pastured pork, chicken eggs and chicken with the addition of beef coming soon. The farm is committed to providing a natural lifestyle for animals, and all pastures are free from pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers giving consumers a better quality meat product. Animals are supplemented with non-GMO feeds when needed.
   
   
4. Arcangels Creations
   If you're looking for something spicy, Arcangels Creations delivers with fresh-made salsa, guacamole and gazpazcho. Arcangels Creations' products are all-natural, with no sugar or salt added, and they are completely gluten free. You can purchase a quart or a pint of your favorite flavor.
   
   
5. Alpaca Woods Farm
   Nothing is quite as soft as alpaca wool, and Alpaca Woods Farm allows you to purchase items made from this soft material. If you own a home in Midlothian, you may know Alpaca Woods Farm as the place to see the community colorful herd of alpacas. When you stop by their booth at the Powhatan Farmers Market, you'll be able to find rugs, yarn, wall hangings, planters, and scarves made from this beautiful fiber.

Calling Powhatan Home
If you're shopping for homes in Powhatan, Hanover or Midlothian, you will be able to enjoy the Powhatan Farmers Market regularly. Contact Napier ERA to get your Powhatan house hunt started.

Considering a move to Midlothian?

Whether you're planning a visit or considering a permanent move to Midlothian, finding out what it is like to live in our community might be a challenge if you don't know where to turn. Granted, Yelp and Tripadvisor can introduce you to the most talked about restaurants in a city; however, these may not be the places where locals eat.  There's no substitute for the advice from someone who lives in a city.

So while you're searching for homes in Midlothian, take a moment to check out our real estate agents' recommendations for their favorite local restaurants.  Our list is peppered with places you'll soon call your hometown favorites too.

Craving a flavor from around the world?  How about a juicy burger or maybe some sushi?  Midlothian eateries specialize in the tastes you hunger after. They offer local and international menu items, extensive beer and ale selections, and a perfect atmosphere for your dining experience.

1. Pescados - 13126 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113
   At Pescados you can dine on a lunch or dinner menu of Caribbean inspired food. Dishes feature crab, calamari, conch, and of course, pescados (fish).
   
   
2. Burger Bach, 101 Heaths Way Road, Midlothian, VA 23114
   Burger Bach calls itself a New Zealand inspired gastro pub. They create thick burgers with grass-fed Black Angus beef, grass-fed lamb, and free range chicken. They serve vegetarian burgers if you prefer, and also craft beers, small plates, salads, and sides.
   
   
3. Latitude Seafood, Westchester Commons, 15532 WC Commons Way, Midlothian, VA 23113
   The Latitude menu includes fresh fish delivered daily, and crab, lobster, and shrimp. They also serve delicious grilled chicken, steaks, and bone-in pork chops.
   
   
4. Palermo Trattoria Pizzeria, 15717 City View Drive,  Midlothian, VA 23113
   Palermo Trattoria Pizzeria brings a taste of old Sicily to Midlothian families.  Their menu includes a selection of soups, salads, pastas, seafood and traditional Italian pizza pies.
   
   
5. Orexi Greek & Mediterranean Restaurant, 13979 Raised Antler Circle, Midlothian, VA 23112
   Orexi satisfies your craving for genuine falafel, hummus, and other Mediterranean dishes. They also serve vegetarian entrees.
   
   
6. Bell Greek Authentic Grill, 11307 Polo Place, Midlothian, VA 23113
   Bell Greek serves moussakas, pasticcio, 5 different types of gyros, and they even have a 12-and-under children's menu.
   
   
7. Capital Ale House, 13831 Village Place Drive, Midlothian, VA 23114
   As the name implies, the Capital Ale House offers a lengthy list of ales. The non-ale menu includes seafood, pork and crab entrees, a variety of small plates and 3 varieties of mac 'n cheese.
   
   
8. Katana Sushi, 13825 Village Place Dr, Midlothian, VA 23114
   Katana Sushi attracts the region's sushi lovers. Diners love their fresh fish, large portions, and bento boxes.
   
   
9. Sedona Taphouse, 15732 WC Main Street, Westchester Commons, Midlothian, VA 23113
   Sedona Taphouse showcases hundreds of craft beers but their food menu is also worth a taste. The chef creates a variety of beef, seafood, and chicken dishes including tasty wood-grilled entrees.
   
   

We Know Your New Hometown

Our real estate agents live and work in the Midlothian and Richmond areas. When you contact Napier ERA, we'll be happy to share indispensable home-buying information like how to find the right Midlothian neighborhoods, school districts, and, of course, restaurants.

Our real estate agents are excited to see The Boathouse at City Point become a part of Hopewell's commercial revitalization. The restaurant's contemporary style, good service, and great food fit neatly into the city's entertainment traditions. 

The Boathouse is located on a scenic waterfront site that presents diners with a dramatic view of the James and Appomattox Rivers. It offers locals a new upscale dining option for family celebrations or a special date night. Residents with homes in Hopewell need only drive a short distance to enjoy the newest restaurant in the area.

Contemporary Building
Boathouse owner, Kevin Healy, transformed an existing commercial building into a contemporary showplace. Exterior dining areas now offer a stylish yacht club atmosphere and an impressive view of both rivers.

Interior dining spaces, bar, and private event areas have an open, modern look. Each section is accessorized with trendy seating, modern light fixtures, and artisan-inspired metal, glass, and fabric decor.

Great Food
The Boathouse at City Point serves a menu similar to the three other Boathouse restaurants. You can begin your meal with calamari, clam chowder, raw bar options, and a variety of additional delicious appetizer choices.

Entrees include fresh seafood, steak, and chicken dishes, and the restaurant's legendary Boathouse Crab cakes. Many menu items are prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.

The restaurant operates a full meal schedule each day.

• Lunch: Daily beginning at 11:30, except for Sundays
• Dinner: Daily beginning at 3:00, 4:00 on Sundays.
• Happy Hour: Food and drink specials from 3:00 to 7:00, Fridays 3:00 to 6:00
• Sunday Brunch: 10:00 to 3:00, Sunday dinner served at 4:00, No happy hour on Sundays
  
  

Private Events
The Boathouse event staff will tailor a special event that exceeds your expectations. The staff can plan the menu package of your choice: breakfast, lunch, dinner, hors d'oeuvres, and more. They keep your planning options open with venues sized to accommodate weddings, office parties, and other private events.

• The Navigator's Den holds up to 40 people.
• The Tent Pavilion accommodates larger groups such as wedding receptions.

Boathouse Holiday Events
On July 1st, diners were the first to enjoy a Holiday meal at the new Boathouse at City Point. The chef creates a special menu for these occasions. Be sure to check the Holiday Menu page for upcoming events.

Let us Help You Find a Home in Hopewell

We believe that getting to know your community is an important part of settling into your home. Contact Napier ERA if you have questions about buying or selling a home in Hopewell. We're here to help.

When you're searching for a home in Richmond, you are sure to hear about our Seven Hills. Although never receiving an official designation, according to a 1937 ordinance by the City of Richmond, the seven hills of RVA are: Union Hill, Council Chamber Hill, French Garden Hill, Navy Hill, Gambles Hill, Shockoe Hill and Church Hill. These neighborhoods have shaped RVA's history and are part of what makes it such a special place to live today.

Church Hill - Richmond's First Neighborhood

Church Hill holds the distinction of being the first official neighborhood in Richmond. It's home to the original 32 blocks of the city and as such has a rich history and many historic buildings. The old architectural styles are still enjoyed and protected in Church Hill, and gas street lamps still line the red brick cobblestone sidewalks. This is a distinctive community that is full of character and charm.

Church Hill is found on the eastern end of Broad Street. It sits within walking distance of Richmond's downtown, but has its own collection of shops, restaurants and businesses. Church Hill also has a beautiful collection of residential properties that embrace the historic ambiance of this neighborhood. Here you can find homes that show the Greek Revival, Federal, Queen Anne and Italianate architectural styles and these properties have been carefully and lovingly maintained throughout the neighborhood's history. Today, the Church Hill North Historic District is part of the National Register of Historic Places.  Homeowners and business owners alike are dedicated to preserving the history and architecture of the community for future generations.

Unique Blend of Past and Present

Today, Church Hill provides Richmond homeowners with the perfect blend of historic with modern. The homes and their classic architectural styles, along with the beautiful streetlamps and cobblestone sidewalks, are the historic side of Church Hill. It's also home to Chimborazo Park and the Richmond National Battlefield, which is home to a museum that houses artifacts from Civil War history. Patrick Henry Park is also in Church Hill near the site where he uttered his famous quote, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" Libby Hill Park, one of the first parks established in the city, is another historic community site. Everywhere you look in Church Hill, history awaits discovery.

Church Hill is modern at the same time. The community is located within walking distance of the city's vibrant and modern downtown. Within Church Hill, you will find local eateries, photography studios and locally owned shops. This blend of modern and historic is part of the reason Church Hill has continued to be a popular Richmond residential community.

Find Your Church Hill Home Today

If the history and ambiance of Church Hill appeals to you, our real estate agents at Napier ERA are ready to help. Contact us to start the search for your own historic property in Richmond's charming Church Hill neighborhood.

With a downtown as vibrant and entertaining as Richmond, it's sometimes easy to forget there is serenity only twenty miles away. Nearby Chesterfield's Pocahontas State Park (PSP) boasts over 8,000 acres of natural beauty and is the perfect place for locals and visitors to unwind.

Our real estate agents at Napier ERA Real Estate love sharing their favorite local area destinations, so we've put together some information to help you enjoy a memorable day with family and friends at Pocahontas State Park.

• Trails
  60 plus miles of trails will give you lots to look at when you bike, hike, horseback ride or run in PSP. There are so many trails to choose from. The park is pet friendly, so pick a short trail and bring the pup. For runners, Fenley Station is a great trail. It's approximately 14 miles and is very well maintained, as are all the trails. The whole park is marked with excellent signage and has trail maps posted throughout for those wanting to explore different routes.
  
  
• Camping
  Bring your tent, RV or even rent a Yurt and spend a night or two, or more at one of the campsites located in PSP. All sites have electricity and water hook-ups, a laundry facility, vending machines, centrally located restrooms and very clean showers with hot water! Overnight guests swim free and get free use of the boat launch so reserve a spot, and don't forget your canoe.
  
  
• Aquatic Center
  A water park in the woods, how cool is that? There are several different pools for all kinds of people at every swimming level. There are even two water slides. If you don't like the pool and just want to get cool, stand in front of a sprayer, or wait under the giant bucket of water until it tips over and saturates you. Certified lifeguards are always on high alert so parents can enjoy themselves as much as their kids. Pizza, hot dogs and other snacks are available at the concession. It costs to enter but the fee is minimal and children under 3 are free.
  
  
• Heritage Amphitheater
  This 2000-seat amphitheater is an absolute hidden gem. "Pocahontas Premieres" hosts concerts, plays and other events throughout the season. Bring the kids, pack a picnic dinner and head over to free movie night for family films like ET and Yogi Bear. Or check out a concert with scheduled performers ranging from jazz, to bluegrass to classical. Concert tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door, and gates open at 6 PM. Food and drinks are always available and adult beverages can be purchased during specific events. Culture under the stars. What a wonderful way to spend an evening.

A Home in Chesterfield

One of the most wonderful things about Pocahontas State Park, Chesterfield and the surrounding areas, is the wide variety of activities they have to offer. If you're thinking about buying one of our homes for sale in Chesterfield, contact Napier ERA Real Estate for help and advice with your next real estate transaction.