News
From Vermont to Virginia: Chef Kyle Perkins Brings Fresh Flavor to The Tides Inn
Every chef has that aha moment — that instant when they know they’ve found the right place to plant roots. For Chef Kyle Perkins, that moment came when he stepped onto the grounds of The Tides Inn in Irvington and looked out across Carter’s Creek. As a fellow Vermont native, I know exactly what he felt — that deep breath of contentment when you find a place that feels like home. A Journey Rooted in Place Kyle’s culinary path took him from Vermont’s Twin Farms — where he s...
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Northern Neck Real Estate Market: Q2 2025 Snapshot
The Northern Neck Housing Story: Summer 2025 Summer in the Northern Neck is a season of warm breezes, waterfront sunsets, and shifts in the housing market that can set the tone for the months ahead. As July turns to August, the market is telling a story — one of balance, opportunity, and new possibilities for both buyers and sellers. The Big Picture: Steady With More Choices Virginia’s economy added more than 1,200 jobs in May, though our region’s unemployment rate rose sl...
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Celebrate Summer: The 90th Kilmarnock Firemen’s Festival Wraps Up Tomorrow Night
If you’ve driven down Waverly Avenue lately, you’ve probably noticed it—the glow of carnival lights, the laughter spilling into the night, and the unmistakable aroma of those famous burgers on the grill. It’s that time again in Kilmarnock: the beloved Firemen’s Festival is in full swing, and tomorrow night, Wednesday, August 6, is your last chance to join the fun before it fades into summer memory. For 90 years, this festival has been more than just rides and games—it’s ...
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Should You Buy a Vacation Home This Summer? Here’s Why It Might Be the Right Move
Now that summer’s in full swing, you might be scrolling vacation listings, mapping out long weekends, or planning a last-minute getaway. But what if your next escape wasn’t something you had to plan at all? What if it was already yours? For many of my clients, buying a vacation home in Virginia’s Northern Neck isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating a lifestyle. It’s about building something long-term: a place to retreat, recharge, and return to again and again. ...
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🎇 Irvington’s Fourth of July Weekend: Small-Town Charm, Big-Time Spirit
If you’ve ever spent the Fourth of July in Irvington, you already know—this little town throws a celebration that feels like something out of a storybook. And this year, we’re getting a little extra love: Southern Living just featured Irvington as one of the South’s most memorable small-town Independence Day parades! So whether you're a local, a weekender, or hosting guests, here’s your guide to all the events happening this holiday weekend. Thursday, July 4 – Parade &a...
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How to Help Mom Sell Her River House: A Guide for Adult Children Navigating Big Transitions
There’s something sacred about a river house. It’s more than wood and windows—it’s sunsets on the dock, crab feasts on the porch, and a lifetime of memories anchored in one place. So when it becomes clear that it might be time for Mom—or Dad—to sell the home they’ve loved for decades, it’s no small thing. Especially when that home sits on the beautiful but sometimes burdensome shores of Virginia’s Northern Neck. If you're an adult child facing this situation, you’re no...
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The Smells That Could Sink Your Sale: A Guide for Northern Neck Sellers
We love our pets, our favorite dinners, and the way our homes smell after a good rain. But what we get used to every day might be the very thing that sends buyers running. If you're preparing to sell your home in the Northern Neck—whether it's a cozy cottage in Irvington or a waterfront retreat in White Stone—it's time to talk about something many sellers overlook: odor. Here are six common smells that can quietly kill a showing—and what to do about them before your buyers walk t...
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Flood Zones in Virginia: A Must-Read Guide for Coastal Buyers and Sellers
It’s easy to fall in love with a waterfront view—harder to fall out of love with an unexpected flood insurance bill. Whether you're purchasing your Chesapeake Bay dream home or preparing to sell a long-loved family retreat, understanding Virginia's flood zones is more than fine print. It's essential. Here's what every buyer and seller needs to know about flood risk, insurance, and smart decisions in the Northern Neck. What Is a Flood Zone—and Why It Matters Flood zones are...
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Show It Like You Mean It: Staging Tips That Highlight What Makes Your Home Special
In today’s market, buyers are moving quickly. They’re swiping through photos before they ever step through the front door—and forming strong opinions in seconds. If you’re getting ready to sell your home here in the Northern Neck, especially a waterfront or lifestyle property, staging isn’t just a “nice touch.” It’s a strategic move that makes your home stand out from the start. First Impressions Matter—Here’s Why Staging Works You don’t need to fully redecorate y...
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Lancaster & Irvington Real Estate Market Update – June 2025
As we ease into summer here on the Northern Neck, there’s a noticeable shift in the real estate mood—one that feels a bit more optimistic, a bit more settled. Across Lancaster and Northumberland counties, sales activity picked up this spring—up 25% across the broader Chesapeake Bay & Rivers region. That’s a promising sign, especially as many buyers look to settle into a new space in time to enjoy the full rhythm of summer here on the water. That said, the headlines don’t ...
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