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July 2017 Solds by Prime Location Realty, WV

184 JONES SPRING WEST RD, HEDGESVILLE, WV 25427

Here is the list of properties sold by Prime Location Realty in July of 2017. Many were sold above listing price. A few turned around from when they were listed on the MLS to sold in under 10 days. This month features homes in Berkeley Springs, Martinsburg, and Hedgesville, WV.

Address	List	BR	FB	HB	Lvl	FPL	Gar	Basement	Acres	Age	DOMP	Subdivision	Style	Sq. Ft.
215 United Morgan Cir, Berkeley Springs	$120,000	2	2	0	2	0	1	Yes	0.12	12	97	Morgan Terrace	Rancher	1,260
28 Mabel Ln, Martinsburg	$119,900	3	2	1	2	0	0	Yes	0.01	12	52	Hammonds Mill	Colonial	1,360
3181 Apple Harvest Dr, Martinsburg	$124,000	3	2	0	2	1	0	Yes	2.2	44	18	Glengary	Raised Rancher	2,008
1392 Files Cross Rd, Martinsburg	$107,000	3	2	0	1	0	0	Yes	1.7	19	12	Evermay Manor	Rancher	1,232
92 Comet Ln, Martinsburg	$154,900	3	1	1	2	1	2	Yes	0.7	51	32	Crestfield	Rancher	1,368
1240 Gainsboro Ln, Martinsburg	$219,900	5	3	1	3	1	2	Yes	0.29	12	7	The Gallery	Colonial	4,532
133 Baneberry Ln., Martinsburg	$115,000	3	2	0	2	0	2	Yes	0.35	24	6	Wildflower Creek Estates	Bilevel	2,352
110 Checko Ct., Martinsburg	$109,000	2	1	0	2	0	0	No	0.06	7	30	Prentiss Point	Colonial	1,320
184 Jones Spring West Rd, Hedgesville	$22,900	3	1	0	1	1	0	No	1.8	39	7	None

Summer Getaway: Cacapon Resort State Park

Located near Berkeley Springs, Cacapon Resort State Park is a perfect spot for a quick summer getaway. A quick 45 minute drive from Martinsburg, it’s a family-friendly, pet-friendly place to enjoy a summer vacation or escape for the weekend.

Cacapon?

If you’re new to the area, here’s a quick pronunciation guide: ka-KAY-pon. Cacapon is a word derived from the Shawnee Indians meaning, “medicine waters.” Nearby Berkeley Springs is rich with mineral waters, long thought to have healing properties. The resort is situated at the base of Cacapon Mountain, which is the highest peak in the eastern part of the state at approximately 2,600 feet.

Cacapon Resort State Park: Where to Stay

Cacapon Resort has several options for overnight accommodations:

The Lodge – The Lodge is a 48-room space with a restaurant, lounge, and recreation room. Each room has air conditioning, television, phone and private bath. Children under 12 stay free, and there are designated pet-friendly rooms available (pet fee applies). The restaurant is open to the public.
The Old Inn – An impressive 12-room accommodation with a Colonial feel, the Old Inn is ideal for groups and family reunions. Note: the Old Inn is only available for groups able to take all 12 rooms.
Cabins – You have a range of options for cabins at Cacapon:
- Classic and Vacation – these are your modern options, and feature fully equipped kitchens, baths with showers, central heat/air conditioning, and cable television. These cabins have a one-week minimum during the summer.
- Legacy Cabins – Log cabin-style accommodations situated at the base of the mountain in wooded areas. These can be rented by the night, with a two-night minimum on weekends and three-night minimum on holiday weekends.
- Economy Cabins – These will give you a taste of “tiny home” living. Think of it as a free-standing studio apartment. Again, these can be rented by the night, but the two-night weekend, three-night holiday weekend minimum applies.

What to Do:

Golf – The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is ranked as one of the 130 best-designed golf courses in the United States. Rates can be found here.
Game Courts – Play tennis, basketball, and sand volleyball.
Hiking – With over 20 miles of maintained trails for hikers, there’s a hike for every level available.
Horseback Riding – Experienced guides and gentle horses take you through the trails.
Nature Center – Offering a variety of programs and activities for learning about the natural history of our region.
Picnic Shelters – Rent a shelter for the day and have a party! The shelters come equipped with barbecues, so bring along your favorite grillmaster.
Trap Shooting – A new feature to Cacapon! Fee information, hours, and rules can be found here.
Fishing – Both the lake and reservoir offer fishing, including trout, catfish, bass, and blue gill.
Boating/Swimming/Beach – Swimming at the beach, paddleboat, kayak and row boat rentals, and general fun in the sun available.

Close-by and Awesome

You don’t have to go far to find fantastic summer happenings and things to do around here! Take advantage of the natural beauty and fun available practically in your backyard at Cacapon Resort State Park!

a Quick Update:

Remember when we highlighted our area’s craft breweries? Front Porch Brewing wasn’t quite open yet. Well, they are now, and have changed their name to Abolitionist Ale Works. They are off an running in Charles Town. Check them out when you have a chance!

Good Neighbor Ideas for Summer

Easy ways to help your neighbor while they are away.

Are you a good neighbor?

Most of us are considerate enough to help a neighbor out by picking up the mail and newspapers during summer trips, but there are other simple things you can do for them. Great post to share with your neighbor group on NextDoor, Facebook or email. You can all agree do to these things for each other, and foster a sense of trust and community in your neighborhood. Do you have more good neighbor ideas for summer? Let us know. We’d love to add them to this post.

10 Good Neighbor Ideas for Summer:

Pick up packages for them that you see on the porch. Amazon deliveries are awfully tempting to thieves. Pick it up, and leave them a note.
Give your neighbors yard a bit of extra watering time for more delicate items and raised garden beds. One heatwave can wipe it all out. Remember to set a timer, because when it’s not our house and we don’t hear the water running, we tend to forget and get distracted.
Take out or bring in the trash barrels – depending on their timing.
Pinch some buds! Help out in their garden/flower beds and pinch off the buds that are on basil plants, arugula, parsley and cilantro. Help them enjoy them longer and not go to seed in the heat.
Strangers stopping by? How odd. Make sure you have your neighbor’s phone number to text or call them while they are away for emergencies.
Strange cars parking around the corner out of general sight? Take a photo of the license plate, just in case. Hopefully you won’t need it, but better to have it.
House sitter bringing friends over? We had a house sitter throw a party at 3 am involving my husband’s wheelchair as part of some relay. You aren’t a tattletale, your neighbors would want to know. We had to change the locks after that fiasco.
In the event of fireworks nearby or electrical storms, walk around the house a couple of times each day to make sure all is well. Be on the lookout for your neighbor’s animals if you hear fireworks in the area. Fireworks can make for really scared and disoriented pets. If a pet runs off and you see it, help bring the poor little thing home!
Did they leave town to tend to something sad or celebratory? Perhaps you could have a bouquet, welcome basket or something thoughtful for them. In our neighborhood.
If it’s for something sad – illness or death – we usually organize a meal train for their return and have their needs met. You may have the key to the house and can have the fridge cleaned out for them and stocked upon their return with just the basics – same stuff they left it with. A photo of the fridge before you clean it out is helpful. Old milk is bad, but a type of milk they don’t drink is silly.

We’d love to hear your stories about how you foster a warm, friendly sense of community in your neighborhood. So, we’re asking YOU: what are some of your good neighbor ideas? Share with us in the comments and we’ll add them here!

Great Block Party Ideas

Do you know your neighbors? Why not get to know them by throwing a block party? Summer is the perfect time to gather your neighbors for some fun, mingling, food and games. We’ll help you organize your neighborhood gathering with these great block party ideas, taking you from start to finish. Ready?

Get Ready for Great Block Party Ideas:

Step 1: Invites and sign ups

First, reach out to the neighbors you know and narrow down a date. Once you have a date and time chosen, decide where on your street/block to have your party. Thru-traffic and hazards are a few things to consider. Ultimately you want to find the area of your neighborhood with the least amount of traffic and potential dangers. Then, start spreading the news! To cover all your bases and maximize turnout, reach out both in person and online. Be brave! Knock on a few doors! You can find free printables online at sites such as Our Thrifty Ideas, and download their free block party invites printables. Next, create an event on Facebook or Evite and spread the word online.

To keep track of who is bringing what, print a signup sheet for potluck and equipment, or create one on Sign Up Genius. Encourage your neighbors to go online and sign up for what they will bring to the party. With Sign Up Genius you, the organizer, will get an email notification when someone takes on a task, so you stay on top of what’s happening.

Prime Location Realty: Great Block Party Ideas — *Get ready for summer fun!*

Step 2: Setup

Make a checklist ahead of time. Some items you should have ready:

Several tables
Disposable tableware
Napkins
Cups
Chairs
Name tags
Coolers
Ice
Disposable table cloths

You’ll probably want to begin setting up for the party at least an hour ahead of time.

Step 3: Food

Food is important. GOOD food is key. Barbecuing things like hot dogs and hamburgers are always great, but why not add some variety? Some suggestions:

Trout, ribs, bratwurst, or chicken
Barbecue Corn on the Cob – break the cobs into two pieces and double how far they go. Here’s a delicious recipe from Food Network: Perfectly Grilled Corn on the Cob
Potato Salad
Pasta Salad
Tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole. Check out this Chipotle copy-cat guac recipe.
Fruit skewers
Veggie trays
Iced tea, soda, water, and if desired, beer and wine.

Dessert deserves it’s own paragraph. You can’t have a great block party without dessert. Set up a dessert table with an ice cream sundae station. Keep ice cream in the freezer until it’s time for dessert, and then let the kids (and adults!) create their own sundaes. A friend recently attended her neighborhood block party and they had a cotton candy machine. Get creative!

A note about special diets:

Do you have babies and toddlers in your neighborhood? Keep little-kid friendly food on hand, such as Cheerios, squeezable fruit pouches, and juice.
Have note cards and Sharpies handy at the food table for neighbors to write down what their dish is, and whether or not it has peanuts, gluten, and other potential food allergens in them.

Step 3: Games and Activities

You gotta have games, right? Here’s a quick list of games you can bring out for some fun:

Ladder Toss
Cornhole
Water Balloon Toss
Three-legged race (a classic, right?)
Lawn Darts (the safe kind!)
Bubbles
Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt
Super Soakers
Sidewalk Chalk
Giant Jenga:

Check out this rousing game of life-sized Jenga!

If you have older kids in the neighborhood, invite them to participate in running some of the games for the younger children. Get everyone involved!

Want to learn how to make your own Corn Hole set? Check out this great tutorial: How to Build a Regulation Cornhole Set

The Neighborhood Superhero: You

There you have it – you are the neighborhood hero! With these great block party ideas and organization tricks, you’ll be everyone’s favorite neighbor. Block parties are a wonderful way to foster a sense of community with your neighbors and have some fun. The camaraderie and connections will last long after the party is over.

Want to read more about our homeowner tips?

Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning: It’s a hot one. Check on your neighbors!

What to Plant: Up your home’s curb appeal with plants!

Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning

Hot season is upon us. Our region’s warmest temps appear between May 28th and September 17th, so buckle up! If you’re fortunate to have a home with air conditioning, you have it made in the shade. But what if you don’t have a/c? I’m here to help with some easy ideas for you to keep cool without air conditioning. Your family and your pets will thank you.

Keep Cool Without Air Conditioning: Lighten the Load

If you can keep the heat build up to a minimum during the hot hours, cooling things off takes less work. Where you can trim your load:

Close your windows during the day – When things cool off in the evening and at night – fling those windows wide open. Then, when you get up in the morning, close them. Trap the cool air in the house as much as possible.
Close the doors to rooms you aren’t using – keep the cooler air circulating where you ARE, not where you AREN’T.
Set your ceiling fan to turn counter-clockwise – the counter-clockwise direction keeps cooler air circulating.
Unplug unused lights, appliances and electronics – just because they’re turned off, doesn’t mean they aren’t generating heat. Standby power is also a big drain on your electricity bill. Save money AND stay cooler. Win-win.

A Few Other Keep-Cool Tricks:

Keep your curtains closed during the day – Especially be mindful of the west and south-facing curtains. Also, draw the drapes for any windows that get direct sunlight.
Tune your windows – Stick with me on this one: use The Bernoulli Effect. The air on the top and downwind side of your house will be at a lower pressure than on the upwind side. If you have double-hung windows, open the bottom section of the window on the UPWIND side of your house, and open the upper section on the DOWNWIND side of your house. The lower pressure will help suck the air through your house.
Cook outside – Who doesn’t love a good barbecue? If you can avoid turning on your cooking appliances, you’ll keep the temp lower. It’s also a perfect opportunity to break out the sprinkler and have a little water play fun.

Keep-Cool Items to Invest In:

Attic Fans – heat rises. So, blow the hot air out of your house with an attic fan. My husband installed an attic fan in our house and it made a huge difference on our second floor. They aren’t very expensive and can really help you beat the heat.
Awnings – Hanging awnings, particularly on south-facing windows, can help block the heat.
Good Window Coverings – this investment can help both summer and winter efficiency. Note: Pay particular attention to R-value and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient. R-value refers to the shade’s ability to block out temperature differences. SHGC is a measure of how much solar energy passes into your home. The Department of Energy has a great article on the topic: Energy Efficient Window Treatments.

Be a good neighbor:

Check on your neighbors – especially the elderly or infirm – they can be especially susceptible to heat-related medical complications.

When All Else Fails:

If you just can’t seem to keep cool without air conditioning – leave. We’re so fortunate to have water parks, the river, public swimming pools, and indoor, air conditioned facilities to enjoy. If you can’t keep cool without air conditioning at home, go find some! Want some ideas on where to go and what to do? Check out our spring break ideas, where to hunt down a craft brewery, or plug in at a local coffee shop.

Planting Season! Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

It’s been a long, weird winter, but the sun is peeking through, things are warming up, and it’s time to take on some outdoor projects. Whether you’re just getting settled into your new home, or sprucing it up to sell, planting season is a great opportunity to up your home’s curb appeal with some flowers, greenery, and an outdoor spring cleaning.

What’s Curb Appeal?

Ah, curb appeal. It’s that magical something that makes folks drive up to your house and say, “wow, what a great looking home!” Essentially, it’s the look and feel of your home from the street. Is it well-kept? Fresh-looking paint? Nice landscaping? Those are the kinds of things prospective buyers are looking for. And really, it’s the kind of thing YOU want to think when you drive up to your house. “Wow! My house looks awesome!” Whether you’re getting ready to sell or just want to brighten things up a bit, it’s not that tough to give your outdoor spaces a fresh look.

Planting Season! Where to start.

Learning what to plant and what does well in our region is a great place to begin. The Eastern Panhandle is in the USDA plant hardiness Zone 6b. Typical last frost date is May 1st, but that can vary a little, so watch the weather. With a last frost date averaging November 1st, we are lucky to enjoy a nice, long growing season. Knowing this, you can plant flowers and grasses to bloom at various times throughout the season, keeping that curb appeal at max for months.

Best plants and flowers for the region

Ultimately, the best plants and flowers for your home are ones that grow well in our hardiness zone and are native to the West Virginia/Virginia/Maryland region. When plants are well-adapted to the region, they’re frequently easier to maintain and use less water. Several of these varieties are also pollinator-friendly, which means you may see butterflies and hummingbirds hanging around.

A few examples of plant/flower species well-suited to our region:

Wild Blue Indigo – May, full sun
Common Milkweed – June, full sun
Cardinal Flower (shown in main photo) – July/August, best in partial shade
Smooth Aster – Sept, full sun.

These are just a few! My favorite resource for learning about native plants is the West Virginia Native Plant Society’s website. There’s a page about invasive species as well, which is another detail to keep in mind as you plan. Invasive species are plants not native to our area and cause problems by taking over and posing a threat to the natural, local ecosystems. These guys may look nice, but can wreak havoc on our region’s natural spaces. Find out about the biggest offenders here.

Other Spots to Freshen Up

Consider taking a close look at your walk/pathways, front door and landing, and windows. If you don’t already own one, the Ranson Home Depot has pressure washers for rent at a reasonable price, and I can’t stress enough how a good ol’ pressure wash can clean up hardscapes. Blast out any mold that may have grown through concrete seams, dirt collected over the seasons, and you’ll be amazed.

April Discounts

Bonus! Just in time for your tax refund, you can score some fantastic deals on outdoor big-ticket items. According to Consumer Reports, now is a great time to buy pressure washers, as well as gas grills, lawn mowers, and room air conditioners.

Planting season is NOW. Get your landscaping full of flowers and you’ll be enjoying your yard all summer long. If you’re prepping for sale, attention to these details is money well spent.

Local Spring Break Adventures

It’s tempting to escape someplace sunny and warm for spring break. Unfortunately it’s also expensive. One of the coolest things about living in West Virginia is how close we are to some of America’s most treasured historical sites and museums. Best part? These outings don’t have to cost you much! Here are a few ideas for your local spring break adventures:

Local Spring Break Adventures: West Virginia

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park – The national park in Harpers Ferry is such a great resource for local history and environmental education. Get guided tours and hikes, learn all about Storer College, and take in the stories from our past. The National Park Service offers a free app, and having used a NPS app recently, it’s definitely worth the download. Everything you need for exploration right in your hand.

Appalachian Trail Hike – Located within the Harpers Ferry National park, the Appalachian Trail is a local spring break hiking adventure practically right in your own backyard. Four miles of the trail resides in West Virginia, and includes the famous Jefferson Rock. To plan your day with kids, take a look at the National Park Service’s site and figure out which trail works best for your family. Check out the downloadable maps here.

Bring water, a few snacks, some basic first aid supplies like Band-aids, antiseptic wipes and tweezers, your cell phone, then have some fun and enjoy the beauty of our region.

Fun fact: Emma Gatewood was the first woman to hike the entire Appalachian Trail alone, in 1955. She was 67 at the time, a mother of 11 and grandmother to 23!

Local Spring Break Adventures: Washington DC

Want to go a little further away from home? Try the Washington DC area. There’s more to do in DC than you can manage in a day, but you can certainly plan ahead and see some of our country’s most historic and interesting sites. Make history real to your kids.

Martinsburg to DC – take the MARC into DC, which is a two hour train ride that ends at Union Station in Washington DC. The station itself is beautiful, and boasts a rich history. Finished in 1907, it was a major transportation hub for decades. It saw a steady decline after World War II, nearly falling into complete disrepair, but in 1981 Congress passed the Union Station Redevelopment Act. What we see today is the restoration and a return to it’s former glory. Very cool spot!

From the train station, you are blocks away from the Capitol Building. A quick 15 minute walk and you are at the seat of American government. Where do you want to explore?

Tours of the Capitol Building are free, but because it’s spring break, be prepared for lines. Other possibilities for exploration include:

The National Archives – see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. (free)
The Library of Congress – Thomas Jefferson’s library, full of some of his original books, is housed here. (free)
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History – Dinosaur bones. Is there anything else that needs to be said here? (free)
The International Spy Museum – (note: Adult admission: $21.95, Youth ages 7-11: $14.95, Children under 6 are free) Learn all about spies!

Other ideas to try:

I love this page for ideas! Check out TripBuzz: 109 Things to do With Kids in or Near Martinsburg. Between our parks, unique coffee shops, and the growing, mostly family-friendly craft brew pub community here, there’s lots to keep both you AND your kids busy all week!

So, what you’re missing in tropical beaches and airport headaches, you are more than making up for with local history, exploration, and learning. There’s so much wonderful stuff here! Have a great spring break and enjoy some time off.

Cheap Home Improvement Projects: Save Money!

Prime Location Realty: cheap home improvement projects

You have a new home! You may have to spend a little time getting to know your new place before you can really get a feel for what’s working great, and what may need a little TLC. For example: is it drafty? Where? Are there surprise water leaks? What can I do to save money on utilities? It’s time to get smart with your new home. Get started with these cheap home improvement projects.

Cheap Home Improvement Projects: Save and Prevent

Saving Energy 101

Utility Company Perks

When you transfer utilities to your own account, be sure to check out Potomac Edison’s website. There is an entire section dedicated to energy savings. Start with the Home Energy Analyzer, and sign up for the Energy Conservation Kit Program. You get a free kit with one compact fluorescent light bulb, a furnace filter whistle and two LED night lights. Free stuff! Don’t miss it!

Usage Monitoring

Knowledge is power, right? One of the first things we recommend for new homeowners is a usage monitor. For less than $30, this will give you a snapshot of how efficient your appliances are. There are several on the market, but here is one with excellent ratings that is available at Home Depot: Kill-A-Watt EZ Meter. Simply plug it in to an outlet, and plug the appliance into the unit. Find out if that old refrigerator needs to move on down the road.

Smarten up your thermostat

Next up: your thermostat. You will definitely want a programmable thermostat right out of the gate, if your new home didn’t already have one. The most popular brand of “smart” thermostats is Nest. The Nest is a “learning” thermostat, which means you set the temperatures for various times of day and Nest automatically adapts to the seasons and your habits. Check it out – the initial cost isn’t small, but the savings from its features grow over time, eventually paying for itself.

Preventing Disaster

Water Leaks

Water leaks are the WORST. You may not even realize it until it’s cost you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in repairs and water bills. Enter: Water Leak Detector. We recommend the D-Link DCH-S160 mydlink Wi-Fi Water Sensor. It’s a stand-alone, wifi-enabled leak detector that can detect water without being connected to a more-expensive smart home hub. For $60-$70 on Amazon, a little investment now can save you a whole bunch later.

Pipe Insulation

Help prevent your pipes from bursting with pipe wrap. No smart phone necessary with this one. Very inexpensive, and can save you a whole load of money. Pick some up at Home Depot and you’re on your way. Pro tip: Measure everything first. Then measure it again. THEN get your pipe insulation.

Carbon Monoxide Detection

Carbon monoxide can be a silent killer. It is odorless, invisible, and produced when you burn fuel-based home items, like fireplaces and furnaces. I can’t stress this enough: a carbon monoxide detector is an extremely important part of home ownership. Keep your loved ones healthy and safe! There are many types of CO detectors available, from wired, to battery powered, to smart-enabled, and they come in a range of prices. Check out this article from SafeWise: Carbon Monoxide Buyer’s Guide. It will give you information and reviews the best detectors available for 2017.

Be a Smart Home Owner

See? A few cheap home improvement projects – even free! that save you money over the long haul. How much you spend on these prevention and saving basics is entirely up to you. We can tell you that the old saying, “an ounce of prevention” when it comes to home ownership certainly rings true here. Take care of your home, and it will take care of you (and your wallet!) for years to come.

Bonus Tip: beware of “phantom load.” It’s the vampire of your power bill. Standby power, when you leave things plugged into an outlet and the unit or appliance “ready” can be a huge drain. Unplug things you aren’t using, and save big money over time. This is one of many cheap home improvement projects that will cost you nothing and save you a ton. We’ll be highlighting more tips like this in the future!

Make it Yours! Resources for Home Interior Services

Prime Location Realty: Home Interior Services

You bought an awesome new-to-you house. Now what? Make it yours, of course. Time to put your touches on the interior of your home, and we’re here to help. Check out a few Martinsburg-area resources for home interior services.

Local Home Interior Services

Interior Design Services – Want advice on colors, furniture placement, window treatments, subcontractor referrals and all things design in your new space? Start with an interior designer. Professional designers can help you hone in on the style, look, and feel you want for your new home, and typically work within a wide range of budgets. For inside your home, an interior designer can help you take your vision and make it a reality.
- Prime Location Realty recommends: The Design Center, 112 West Burke Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401. Phone: 304-260-8810 (office) / Cell: 304-676-7785
Interior Painting Services – Real estate beige got you down? Or, maybe layers of wallpaper that walk you down the memory lane of decade design trends? Time for fresh new walls! Now, a designer can help you choose colors, but a professional interior painter will take your walls to the next level. They have the tools and skills to prep your walls appropriately, tape, and keep drips off your carpet.
- Prime Location Realty recommends: Aaron’s Painting, 5000 Hood Circle Martinsburg, WV 25403. Phone: 301-263-6241
Carpet/Flooring Contractors – Old linoleum got you down? Scrubby old shag carpet giving you unwelcome 1970’s design flashbacks? Time to update! Flooring and carpet can update your home and give it a fresh, clean look immediately. There are so many great flooring and carpet options out there, a professional can help you decide, and do the installation job right the first time.
- Prime Location Realty recommends: Apolinar’s Carpet & Flooring, 110 Coralberry Drive Martinsburg, WV 25401 Phone: 301-305-5351 / email: info@apolinarsflooringllc.com

For the DIY’er

Need ideas? There are a plethora of design ideas, instructions, and even YouTube video tutorials to get you inspired and on your way. Try:

Houzz – A design nerd’s online paradise. So much inspiration – all in one place. Houzz is a design and home central dream book, with the added bonus of connecting you to local professionals who are also on the site. You can even purchase items for your home all from here. Check it out!
Pinterest – Home ideas on this site will send you down an internet dreaming hole. Searchable, and a wonderful way to create your own “dream board” of ideas and pictures for what you want to do in each room.
DIY bloggers – Hard working and super creative DIY’ers are all over the internet with tutorials, ideas, and resources. Try The Kim Six Fix (check out her 80’s to awesome kitchen!) Green with Decor (look at her Before and After Home Tour), and if you want to get organized, check out iHeartOrganizing. More favorite DIY bloggers to check out: My Repurposed Life, Create and Babble, and H2OBungalow are a few we really like.
YouTube Stars – HomeAdditionPlus.com, and eHow Home are two great ones that take you step by step through creating and fixing things on your own.

We love seeing you make your house a home, and are
happy to help you with these resources for interior home services. Come back for more ideas soon on what to do with your exterior and outdoor spaces as well. Nicer weather is coming, let’s get you ready!

Must-Visit West Virginia Craft Breweries

Craft breweries are popping up all over our area. Hooray! These independent breweries offer up some of the best beers and ciders around, making the region a new hot spot for pubs and eateries. Get a taste for the craftsmanship and unique flavors of small-batch beers with these must-visit West Virginia craft breweries. Take a look:

Must-visit West Virginia Craft Breweries: The List

Old 690 Brewing Company – located in Purcellville on Ashbury Church Road, Old 690 is one of the first limited breweries in the region. (Limited means small-batch.) Located on a ten acre family-owned farm near Hillsboro, it’s about a 20 minute drive from Charles Town. The brewery has a tasting room, fresh beer on tap ranging from IPA’s to sours with ingredients sourced locally, and growlers to go. For food, enjoy unique dishes from on of their featured food trucks, Old 690 lite fare, or you can even bring your own food. The casual, friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery makes this worth the drive. (Ok, so this is *technically* in Virginia. Still worth it!)

Town Run Brewing Company – This Shepherdstown hot spot boasts a community center, rotating taps, Fried Chicken Fridays…how could you possibly go wrong here? (They had me at fried chicken.) What’s really cool about Town Run is the events they have here. Trivia nights, Crafts & Drafts, music – their aim is to be a gathering place for the community, with really good food and beer. Insider tip: Their Sunday Brunch includes free-refill mimosas! They are planning to begin in-house brewing very soon. A true “public house.” Don’t miss it! Located on E Washington Street.

Escutcheon Brewing – Another one not *technically* in West Virginia, but we all know it’s not far. Escutcheon Brewing is a partnership between John Hovermale, Winchester native and head brewer, and Art Major, owner. Great beers, cool backstory (read about the meaning of their logo) and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere make this a great place to stop and hang out for awhile, listen to music, grab a bite from a local food truck they partner with, and relax in a family-friendly environment.

Front Porch Brewing Co. – While it’s not quite open yet, Front Porch Brewing Co. looks really promising. They are in the midst of remodeling the blue building on W. Washington street, and it’s beginning to look pretty cool. Their beer will be fermented in neutralized oak wine barrels for it’s West Funkin’ Virginia series of beers. Totally unique! Brothers Mike and Josh Vance are barreling ahead (see what I did there?) so look for the cozy pub with unique flavors to head your way soon. Can’t wait? Read more about this up-and-coming pub in this November 2016 story from beer industry magazine, Brilliant Stream.

Plan ahead for your weekend, grab a brew and some food, local flavors and community. These are must-visit West Virginia craft breweries, and be on the lookout – more are on the way in our region.