Date Archives: April 2021

When you think of the Richmond music scene, is jazz the first genre that springs to mind? With International Jazz Day coming up on April 30th, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at the important role that Richmond has played in the development of jazz music. Some of the best jazz musicians in history have called Virginia home at various points in their careers, and many more have put on legendary shows at some of Richmond's historic music venues. Our real estate agents have the exciting details on how Central Virginia has helped shape jazz music, and where you can learn more about the history of jazz in the area.

International Jazz Day: The History of Jazz in Richmond

• The Richmond Jazz Society and the Preservation of Music History
  If you want to learn more about the history of jazz near Richmond homes for sale, then the Richmond Jazz Society is the perfect place to start. Founded in 1979, the Richmond Jazz Society has been working ever since to shine a light on the hidden history of jazz in the city, and share those unique stories with the world. You can find their exhibits at local museums, music venues, and points beyond. It would be impossible to tell the story of jazz in Richmond without the contributions of this unique local organization.

• Making Music and Making History
  In addition to sharing stories, the Richmond Jazz Society has made some musical history of its own. The organization started less as a place to preserve jazz history and more as a destination for local jazz musicians from a wide variety of backgrounds to jam together. The first sessions were held at a local fish market, with talented Richmond musicians gathering to celebrate their love of jazz by playing music together. Of course, these musicians had a deep knowledge of local jazz history and loved sharing unique stories of the Richmond jazz scene. Over time, the organization evolved to focus more on the preservation of jazz history through educational exhibits, live shows, and a strong devotion to uncovering the hidden stories of the local music scene.

• Virginia Jazz: The Early Years at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia – 122 W Leigh St., Richmond, VA 23220
  In the past, it would have been hard to discover the early history of jazz in Richmond without talking directly to the people who lived it. The Richmond Jazz Society has decided to change that, by creating an exciting exhibition called "Virginia Jazz: The Early Years" which can be found at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia. This exhibition weaves together more than a century of local jazz history through multimedia exhibits that bring that history to life. After its run at the Black History Museum, the exhibition will be hitting the road to share jazz history with new audiences.

• The RJS "Make Music With Me" Band Brings Jazz to a New Generation
  Of course, one of the best ways to experience local jazz history is to experience the music first-hand, and the Richmond Jazz Society has created a unique way to bring the joy of jazz to young audiences. The Make Music With Me band brings jazz to young audiences through interactive performances that allow children to come on stage, join the show, and help make the music happen in a lively, encouraging atmosphere.

Ready to find your next home near the bustling music scene of the Richmond area? We can help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Central Virginia area.

Disc golf is a great way to spend some time outdoors with friends, immerse yourself in natural scenery, and enjoy some fun, healthy exercise in some of your favorite local parks. You don't need much equipment to get started, yet disc golf still offers many of the same enjoyable challenges of a traditional round of golf. Our real estate agents have the details on 5 of the best disc golf courses that you can enjoy around Central Virginia.

1. Gillies Creek Park – 4425 Williamsburg Ave., Richmond, VA 23231
   Start your tour of disc golf courses near Richmond homes for sale at Gillies Creek Park, which has been a popular destination for disc golf for more than 25 years. This is a perfect course to play if you're looking to enjoy a quick round, with relatively short holes surrounded by beautiful, wooded terrain. There are multiple tees for each hole to accommodate players of all experience levels, and the course is conveniently located close to some of Richmond's most popular neighborhoods.
   
   
2. Dunncroft/Castle Point Park – 4901 Francistown Rd., Glen Allen, VA 23060
   With two names and one great disc golf course, Dunncroft/Castle Point Park is a fun place to enjoy a round of disc golf near Glen Allen homes for sale. This course offers a wide variety of terrain, which adds to both the challenge and beauty of playing here. You will find thick forests, meandering creeks, and hilly terrain at Castle Point Park. This course is 9 holes long, so it's perfect for playing a quick round.
   
   
3. Dorey Park and Recreation Center – 2999 Darbytown Rd., Henrico, VA 23231
   Dorey Park and Recreation Center is a beloved local destination for outdoor fun of all types close to Henrico homes for sale, and it features one of the best disc golf courses in the area. This is an ideal place to play if you're in the mood for a longer, more challenging round of disc golf. The course plays over 6,200 feet from the back tees, with various elevation changes and tree-lined holes that add to the fun challenge of playing a round here.
   
   
4. Bryan Park – 4308 Hermitage Rd., Richmond, VA 23227
   If you're searching for a challenging disc golf course with long holes and beautiful scenery, then be sure to plan a visit to Bryan Park in Richmond. The course at Bryan Park is one of the most popular in the Richmond area, with hilly, wide-open holes and fewer trees than some of the other courses on our list. The terrain makes this a perfect place to play on a warm, sunny day, and the length of the holes adds plenty of challenge to this fun course.
   
   
5. White Bank Park – 400 White Bank Rd., Colonial Heights, VA 23842
   Searching for a fun, scenic place to enjoy a round of disc golf near Colonial Heights homes for sale? Then it's time to plan a trip to White Bank Park, where you'll find a fun disc golf course and a wide variety of outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. This course makes outstanding use of the surrounding terrain to create unique holes, with layouts that reward players with great technique.

Ready to find your next home near fun outdoor attractions and excellent disc golf courses? Let our team help. Contact us today.

With landscaping season finally upon us, it's time to start thinking about how you can boost your home's curb appeal. Your yard and landscaping are the first things guests, and potential buyers see when visiting your home. As a result, good landscaping not only makes your home look nice but can help to boost your home's value. 

Consider incorporating these fun features into your landscaping this spring before listing your home among Central Virginia homes for sale.

1. Add Outdoor Furniture
   With a record-breaking number of people spending more time outside of the house last year, stylish outdoor furniture has definitely become a major trend. Creating an outdoor oasis with a comfortable sitting area near the patio, pool, or garden can create the best outdoor feeling. Just make sure to pick styles, sizes, and designs that fit the surrounding area.
   
   
2. Optimize Your Lighting
   Outdoor landscaping lights are generally inexpensive and a great way to add a romantic vibe to your lawn this summer. String lights over the patio, LED lights along your flowerbed, or lantern lights along your walkway -- these are all great ways to shine a little extra light on your landscaping this spring. 
   
   
3. Add a Fire Pit
   What better way to spend time with friends and family than to gather around the fire pit on a cool spring evening. Not only does a fire pit provide a source of heat, but it can also serve as the focal point of an outdoor gathering space. Consider a stylish fire pit made of brick, stone, or concrete.
   
   
4. Create a Grand Entrance
   Our real estate agents love using spruces or shrubs to create a grand entrance. By planting two trees or shrubs on either side of your driveway, front door, or garden, you can really define your entrances and impress your visitors. 
   
   
5. Incorporate Levels
   Adding terraced levels to your yard or garden is not only visually appealing, but it can actually make your yard look larger. If your yard slopes, consider creating defined spaces or sections. Terracing your yard can allow you to define specific spaces for dining, fire pits, or gardens.
   
   
6. Add Some Native Plants
   It's easy to see why native plants are popular these days. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they're also easy to take care of since they thrive locally. Not only do they look nice, but they also are important for supporting natural wildlife. 
   
   
7. Try a Vertical Garden
   Vertical gardens are really becoming popular these days, and they're incredibly easy to create. Just choose a location and grab a vertical frame, a plastic sheet, and some fabric. You can then plant whatever you'd like - flowers, edibles, or succulents. For a more traditional look, you can even try adding some vines or ivy.

Beautiful landscaping is the best way to make a great first impression when visitors stop by your home. For more tips on how to make the most of your yard, contact us today.

Libraries are some of a community's most important assets. They provide an enormous amount of knowledge and a place to meet and get to know your neighbors – and they do it all with no entry fees or subscriptions. Even in today's world of instant access e-books, our real estate agents love to get lost in a good library. And our area has some of the best around!

Combining peaceful surroundings with expansive collections and great learning technology, they set a high standard for what a library can be.

Navigating the challenges of the last year, many local libraries have shifted to a full calendar of virtual events so locals can continue to enjoy the resources of their library without interruption. Since April 4th-10th is National Library Week, let's take a look at some of the top libraries in the Central Virginia area:

1. Chesterfield County Public Library – Ten Locations in Chesterfield County, See Website for Details
   With a convenient location from wherever you are, Chesterfield County Public Library is a modern, exciting "24/7 library." You can access digital learning materials any time of day or night. In addition to robust streaming and downloading, library patrons will find plenty of educational events. Programming is held regularly for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. There are plenty of active book discussion groups, too. Plus, Chesterfield homes for sale are just nearby.
   
   
2. The Henrico County Public Library at Glen Allen – 10501 Staples Mill, Glen Allen, VA 23060
   With nine locations and a Mobile Library Service – lovingly known as the Bookmobile – Henrico County Public Libraries are where to find everything you've been looking for. On top of a full range of virtual events, the Glen Allen location is known for computer classes that will get anyone up to speed, from children to elders. Plus, a digital media lab helps locals preserve their important old photos steps from Glen Allen homes for sale.
   
   
3. The Henrico County Public Library at Tuckahoe – 1901 Starling Drive, Henrico, VA 23229
   Henrico homes for sale benefit from the spacious and newly renovated Tuckahoe Area Library and its many high-quality collections. At 53,000 square feet, it includes specialized reading and gathering areas for both kids and teens. It is also the home of the Joseph P. Rapisarda, Jr., Law Collection, which attracts scholars from all around Virginia. More than 100 public computers are located throughout the library, and Wi-Fi is available for free.
   
   
4. Richmond Public Library – 101 East Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219
   Considering Richmond homes for sale? You are in luck if you are a lover of books. Richmond Public Library is one of the finest in the nation, incorporating all the features you expect and many you won't. For example, you'll find the Master Gardener Virtual Help Desk to help you answer all your tough gardening questions. 

Central Virginia Libraries Are Just the Beginning for Culture, Education, and Much More

Richmond is a cultural center that attracts visitors – and new homeowners – from all over the United States. Not far from your local library, you'll find world-class attractions like the Edgar Allen Poe Museum, Virginia Museum of the Arts, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, and the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

No matter what interests you most, you can find out more at your library!

Napier ERA is here to help, too. Contact us to learn about Central Virginia real estate.