Date Archives: March 2020

One of the great things about living in Richmond is the way that the community comes together to support one another in challenging times. Local restaurants add so much life to Richmond neighborhoods, and are also among the businesses hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis due to restrictions on public gatherings. The good news is that there's still plenty you can do to support your favorite local businesses – from buying t-shirts to ordering takeout – and our real estate agents have all the details on how to Keep Calm and Nom Nom. The Keep Calm website was created by a Richmond ad agency, Familiar Creatures, to help area businesses during this time. We highlight some of our favorite Richmond dining staples and how you can support them below! 

• The Fan
  Can't get enough of Richmond's historic architecture? The Fan neighborhood is loaded with historic homes, museums, and beautiful boulevards, conveniently located near Richmond homes for sale. There are restaurants here for every taste, from basement bars where you can dance the night away to quiet coffee shops perfect for escaping from a busy day. Right now, you can still pick up pizza and craft beer from The Hop, order something sweet from Red Eye Cookie Co., or grab one of the legendary sandwiches from Garnett's Cafe.

• Downtown
  Not quite sure what you're in the mood for? Downtown Richmond has you covered. This is the urban heart of Richmond, with vibrant culture, busy boutiques, top-rated art galleries, public art, and history at every turn. It's also home to the Grace Street corridor of restaurants, which includes some of the biggest names in the Richmond culinary scene. Order inspired Indian food from Nama, have some fresh, delicious oysters delivered from Rappahannock Oyster Co., or dig into one of the unique pizza creations from Bottoms Up.

• Scott's Addition
  The craft brewing scene in Richmond is legendary, and Scott's Addition is the brewing capital of the city. This formerly industrial neighborhood has been re-imagined, as former factories are turned into popular breweries, restaurants, and shops. Support Scott's Addition by ordering a takeout brew from Strangeways Brewing, grabbing some authentic Richmond BBQ from Buz and Ned's, or stocking up on all of the best local beers from Growlers to Go.

• Carytown
  Love shopping and style? Then Carytown is the place to be. This Richmond neighborhood is home to many of the city's famous boutique shopping spots, offering clothing, books, records, antiques, and so much more. It's also home to many quaint cafes and bustling bistros, with flavors for every taste. Many Carytown restaurants are still offering takeout, delivery, and gift cards. Grab an amazing slice of pizza from the Mellow Mushroom, pick up a delicious drink from Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery, or sample Vietnamese food made with fresh, local ingredients from Sen Organic.

• Church Hill
  Richmond is an amazing place to call home for anyone who loves history, and the Church Hill neighborhood is likely the most historic corner of the city. Libby Hill Park is one of the oldest city parks in the United States, having first opened to the public in 1851, while historic St. John's Church is the oldest church in the city. This neighborhood also happens to feature some of Richmond's best-known restaurants, with delicious pub grub at Patrick Henry Pub & Grille, fantastic seafood at Bookbinder's Seafood & Steakhouse, and so much more.

Are you ready to live in a city that knows how to come together in challenging times, and celebrate together during happy days? Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Richmond area.

If you're getting ready to install new flooring, you'll be faced with a choice between laminate and hardwood. Though they may look similar, each of these two flooring options has its pros and cons. Our real estate agents have summarized a few key factors to help you decide which is best for your home.

• Appearance and Aesthetics
  When it comes to aesthetics, the difference between laminate and hardwood flooring is glaringly obvious. Hardwood has a timeless appeal and tremendous texture variation of the wood grain. No two planks of hardwood flooring appear exactly alike. They can also take on different finishes and stains.
  
  When copying real wood, laminate flooring cannot look as genuine due to repeated patterns in the photographic layer. While the quality of synthetic materials continues to improve, repetition is unavoidable because it's impossible to replicate the uniqueness of authentic wood grains. 
  
  
• Durability
  The durability of the flooring surface greatly depends on foot traffic, wear and tear, adherence to manufacturer recommendations, and maintenance practices. Laminate flooring is made from pressed wood and has a wear layer that protects the photographic layer. The tough surface makes this type of flooring more durable and is almost impervious to stains, moisture, dents, and scratches. However, if laminate flooring is grooved, deep scratched, or heavily worn, it cannot be sanded or refinished – it must be replaced.
  
  Natural hardwood is softer and can dent more easily. Hardwood is also susceptible to scratching, will easily show wear, and can get damaged from excessive moisture. But solid hardwood can be repaired, refinished, and renewed, usually without the need to replace the planks or entire floor. 
  
  
• Repair and Maintenance
  Regular sweeping, wiping, damp mopping, or vacuuming is all that's necessary for cleaning and maintaining laminate flooring. No floor waxing is necessary for laminate wood floor. Hardwood floors, on the other hand, require a little more care because they need special cleaners that restore and preserve the finish.
  
  Most solid and engineered hardwood floors have excellent resistance to many household chemicals, red wine, and soda. The floor can be refinished many times, and noticeable imperfections can be reversed, without reinstalling everything, as is the case with laminate flooring.
  
  
• Moisture Resistance
  Wood is an organic material that responds to temperature and humidity fluctuations. Hardwood's water resistance qualities depend on the species of wood, finishing, and maintenance practices. Unfinished wood is more likely to get damaged if installed in the kitchen or bathroom.
  
  Laminate surfaces are stain and water-resistant. The tough top layer makes this material a good choice for areas where spills are a possibility, such as in the kitchen. 
  
  
• Cost
  Hardwood flooring is made from harvested trees; the type of wood you choose would determine the cost. But generally, hardwood is more expensive to buy and install. The stronger the wood, the more you spend. There are also added costs to wax, finish, and treat the floor. Laminate flooring is considerably cheaper than hardwood. The installation cost is about 50 percent less than it is with solid wood flooring.
  
  Hardwood flooring can go for $3-$10 per sq. ft., including installation. Good-quality laminate flooring cost about $3.00 per sq. ft. and up. You can get lower-quality laminate at a much lower price but at the expense of performance and looks. 

Looking for more home improvement advice before listing your home among the many Richmond homes for sale? For more tips and advice, contact us today!

Spring is the perfect time to get out and about in Richmond, as the weather warms and gardens bloom. You'll find plenty of places to have fun as you celebrate the spring weather.

Richmond is a wonderful place to call home all year long, but there are certain activities that are just more fun in the spring! Our real estate agents suggest the following locations to add to your checklist of places to visit in Richmond this spring! 

1. River Front Canal Walk, access points are at nearly every block between 5th and 17th streets, Richmond, VA 23219
   The River Front Canal Walk is a popular destination and activity in Richmond, offering plenty to do as well as beautiful scenery. You can buy fresh produce at one of the country's oldest public markets or visit the Poe Museum, which commemorates the famous author's time spent living in Richmond. The walk covers 1.5 miles and travels along the James River and Kanawha Canal, making it the perfect stop while you're touring Richmond homes for sale.
   
   
2. James River Park System, 4001 Riverside Dr., Richmond, VA 23219
   Richmond's natural beauty is on full display at the James River Park System, which includes more than 550 acres of shoreline and islands. This oasis in the city offers many activities, including hiking, navigating a climbing wall, braving the Pony Pasture Rapids, and exploring Williams Island, which is open to the public and is accessible only by water.
   
   
3. Agecroft Hall & Gardens, 4305 Sulgrave Rd., Richmond, VA 23221 
   Agecroft Hall - a 16th-century manor - is a unique sight, with a Great Hall, leaded glass windows, intricately carved staircases, and more. Stop for a visit, which includes a one-hour guided tour, after which you can take your time strolling through the property and its beautiful gardens that are truly beautiful during the spring!
   
   
4. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA 23228
   The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is worth a stop year-round, but especially in the spring. The historic property has more than 50 acres of gardens in addition to dining and shopping. You'll find more than a dozen themed gardens, including Cherry Tree Walk and a Children's Garden, and if your interest in gardening is piqued, the Botanical Garden offers many classes.
   
   
5. Spring festivals, various locations in Richmond
   When the weather gets warm, Richmond hosts some festivals that offer the perfect excuse to get out of the house have fun in the city. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Shamrock the Block, which draws a big crowd each year. Or head out to Monument Avenue on Easter Sunday to see a unique type of parade. The attractions remain in place, and it's the spectators that parade around to get a good look at everyone and everything! To check out a list of Richmond's spring festivals, visit River City Food Tours online.

Contact us to learn more about what to see and do in Richmond. Our agents are well versed in what Richmond has to offer and are the experts when it comes to buying or selling your home. 

Does spring make you think of blooming flowers, sunny skies, and warmer temperatures? For college basketball fans, March brings an extra level of excitement. Join in the fun and fill out your brackets at these lively sports bars around Richmond suggested by our real estate agents.

1. Kickback Jack's - 9318 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23294
   Watch the game from home while eating frozen pizza and fast-food wings or head to Kickback Jack's for fresh, made-from-scratch appetizers and entrées? The choice is a no-brainer for anyone living near Richmond homes for sale. With more than 50 HD TVs on-site, there's not a bad seat in the house. Cheeseburgers and fries are only $5.99 all day Tuesday. Kickback Jack's is open daily from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. 
   
   
2. Sportspage Bar & Grille - 14245 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113
   Rob Jones and his wife Karee blended his sports background with her family's restaurant experience to create Sportspage Bar & Grille, just minutes from Midlothian homes for sale. In addition to the 40 flat-screen TVs surrounding the restaurant, there are five booths with individual TVs so you can control the remote. Stop by during the week for their generous "Happy Hour" that runs from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sportspage is open 11 a.m. - 1:15 a.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 1:15 a.m. weekends.
   
   
3. Daddio's Grille - 12385 Gayton Rd., Henrico, VA 23238
   Watching the game is only part of the story at Daddio's Grille, a comfy and casual sports bar not far from Henrico homes for sale. Something special is happening every day, whether it's karaoke, open mic night, free poker tournaments, trivia contests, or live music. And why wait for Taco Tuesday? Daddio's Monday taco buffet is free with the purchase of a drink. Hours are 10:30 a.m. - midnight seven days a week.
   
   
4. On the Rox - 119 N. 18th St., Richmond, VA 23223
   On the Rox has been making a name for itself since the beginning, when Richmond Magazine named them as one of the city's Best New Restaurants in 2012. The creative menu revolves around elevated comfort food such as French fries cooked in duck fat or tossed in truffle oil and pb&j grilled between two slices of Texas toast. Get an early start on weekend game days with On the Rox's brunch. Irresistible options include strawberry cheesecake French toast and the unique Failure Pile, a mash-up of whatever the chef feels like putting together that day. On the Rox is open 4 p.m. - midnight Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Wednesday and Friday, 4 p.m. - 1 a.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. - 2 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - midnight Sunday.
   
   
5. J.R. Crickets - 1509 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond, VA 23222
   Wings are the thing at J.R. Crickets, a beloved Atlanta institution that made its way to Richmond in 2017. Their signature Buffalo-style wings come in sizes from 10-piece to 150-piece and your choice of eight specialty flavors. Add variety by pairing your wings with shrimp, ribs, or fish. Beef lovers aren't forgotten with the best-selling steak and cheese sandwich. Hours at J.R. Crickets are 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. weekdays and noon - 2 a.m. weekdays.

When it comes to helping you buy or sell your Richmond home, we hit nothing but net. Take your best shot and contact us for more information.

Read Across America is held each year on March 2 - on Dr. Seuss's birthday - to encourage children as well as parents and teachers to read and share the joy of reading. What better day to visit some of Richmond's local independent bookstores?

Our real agent agents love shopping local in the Richmond area and recommend these local bookstores:

1. bbgb - 3003 West Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
   Although bbgb specializes in kids' books, you'll also find some choices for adults as well. The shop offers unique activities as well as staff recommendations, author events, and more, so it's well worth a stop as you're looking for Richmond homes for sale. It's also the perfect place to pick out a gift that keeps on giving, with A Year of Tales in 6- or 12-month subscriptions. The shop's book experts choose titles according to the recipient's age, gender, and interests. You can also sign up to receive 1 kids' book each month, with 10 donated to the community at the same time.
   
   
2. Fountain Bookstore - 1312 East Cary St., Richmond, VA 23219
   Fountain Bookstore has sold books to Virginians for more than 40 years with the help of knowledgeable staff members who are happy to answer questions and share book recommendations. When you're browsing in the store, you can also check out some quirky cards and gifts. Fountain Bookstore also hosts many events - including discussions with authors, book club meetings, and new book launches - that are popular with customers.
   
   
3. The Little Bookshop - 1318 Sycamore Square, Midlothian, VA 23113
   Priding itself on personalized service and a carefully chosen selection of books, The Little Bookshop is worth a stop. Visit and browse through books, greeting cards, stuffed animals, journals, and more as you're looking for Midlothian homes for sale. You can also drop by for one of the shop's events, such as story and craft time for kids, book signings, author readings, and new book launches.
   
   
4. Book People - 536 Granite Ave # A, Richmond, VA 23226
   You'll find new as well as used fiction and non-fiction books at Book People, which also boasts an extensive foreign language section. The shop has served Richmond readers since 1980 and hosts interesting events such as poetry readings by the authors and Scrabble nights in English, French, and German.
   
   
5. Chop Suey Books - 2913 West Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
   The unusual name of Chop Suey Books was adopted when the original store moved into the former home of George's Chop Suey restaurant. A rusted sign remained, so the bookshop adopted the Chop Suey name and found it suitable for a shop selling a little bit of this and a little bit of that. Chop Suey houses over 45,000 books, and your money will go far since most are used, and you can trade-in your books for cash or store credit. You'll find plenty of literature, art photography, architecture, design, poetry titles, as well as books in other categories.

Contact us to find out more about the Richmond real estate market. Our agents are experts in buying and selling homes in the local market as well as in its shops, attractions, and other popular destinations.