Client Christmas Appreciation Night

Lynchburg's Finest Real Estate would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported and worked with us this year. We hope everyone enjoyed your Christmas pie from Montana Plains Bakery .  🌲 Merry Christmas! 🌲

Client Christmas Appreciation Night

Lynchburg's Finest Real Estate would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported and worked with us this year. We hope everyone enjoyed your Christmas pie & pound cake from Montana Plains Bakery .  🌲 Merry Christmas! 🌲

November 2017 Forest Area Stats

Recent Market Movement | 🏡#marketmatters #lynchburgva #realestate #listed#sold #market #stats #home #lynchburgsfinest

Forest, VA Market Snapshot For Autumn 2017

If you live in the Forest area and have been thinking about selling the hot price range right now is $260-280k. Call us today and we will share with you "What Sets us Apart" from other brokerages and agents. We would be honored to serve you!

434.381.3085

Halloween 2017 - Lynchburg's Finest Real Estate

Here's a few of the photos from our client appreciation Halloween event. Thank you to everyone who came out. Also we had 2 winners from our $75 giveaway drawing: Ariel Hildreth of Lynchburg and Jackie Cabell of Madison Heights!! The coloring contest winners were Meredith, Julian and Alex. They each received a $10 gift card to Cold Stone Creamery... Enjoy!

Christmas Giveaway!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! At Lynchburg’s Finest, we are excited to embrace this season of joy and sharing by giving back to you, our readers, who mean so much to us.

Now we are encouraging our followers to enter for a chance to win our Stocking Giveaway!

That’s right, we have a stocking full of surprises including the Young Living Essential Oil Collection which features Christmas Spirit, Frankincense and Myrrh! Additionally, it's stuffed with chocolates and gift cards for coffee, shopping and dinner.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page to enter to win. Good luck!

Graphic by: quiltinglines.com

*Participants must live in the Lynchburg, VA area. The contest ends on December 20th, 2016. The winner will be selected and must pick up their prize by December 22nd, 2016 at 113 Goldenrod Place.

For more prizes and giveaways, keep your eyes on the Lynchburg’s Finest blog.

Lynchburg's Finest Christmas Flicks

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a list of holiday movies I want to see!

There are so many shows on TV now, it’s nearly impossible to keep track of everything you want to watch. But, Christmas movies are a special exception because they are only aired during this season!

We wanted to be sure you and your family got to see all of your favorite holiday movies this year. So, for your viewing pleasure, we have made an easy to reference evening schedule so you don’t miss any of your holiday favorites throughout the season! All the fun begins on December 1st, so be sure to print this handy calendar so you don’t miss out on our top picks!

Click the image below to enlarge or print our calendar! 

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Graphic by: Charissa Cox

Christmas movies warm our hearts and help prepare us for this magical season! We hope you enjoy this list, made especially for you and your family! 

For a complete viewing schedule, click these links:

Freeform 25 Days of Christmas

Hallmark Original Holiday Movies

O' Tannenbaum

On a cold winter evening, you sit on the sofa, snuggled up with a blanket and hot chocolate. There is a cheerful Christmas instrumental playing softly in the background as you bask in the warmth of the roaring fire. Your senses are steadied by the smell of fresh evergreen and the twinkle of soft lights on the tree.

Christmas is truly a magical season, the sights, the sounds, the smells. The weeks leading up to Christmas Day are mesmerizing. In the busyness of the holidays, there is one family tradition that always makes me smile as I reflect on years gone by, and that is the memory of choosing the family Christmas tree!

We know selecting the perfect tree is important, but it can also take time. So, we have compiled a list of local places where you can search and find the best live tree to decorate your home this holiday season. There are many kinds of Christmas trees, but if you long for a real tree, the thrill of the hunt, your home to smell of fresh-cut pine, handcrafted wreaths, and the quintessential tree-shopping experience, you must plan to visit one of these providers:

Green Needles Christmas Tree Farm

1175 Yew Tree Lane, Coleman Falls, VA  24536

434-299-5939 - Hours vary, be sure to call ahead!

This hidden gem is located just a few minutes outside of Lynchburg. Open on Fridays and Saturdays beginning the weekend before Thanksgiving, this tree farm is the real deal as guests can roam the property in search of that perfect family tree. Customers have the option to choose pre-cut trees, or select a live tree! Saws are provided, as well as netting and vehicle attachment. Wreaths and gardland are also available for purchase. As a courtesy, free hot beverages are available onsite.

Green Needles Farm is offering a special deal for our Lynchburg’s Finest readers, when you arrive, simply show them you’ve read the blog on your Smartphone or provide a photo of the post from your computer screen to receive 10% off your purchase!

Photo by: greenneedleschristmastreefarm.com

Riverbend Tree Farm

1017 Elkton Farm Rd, Forest, VA 24551

540-845-6840

Riverbend Tree Farm is a family owned business that originated in North Carolina. They now have a few locations throughout Virginia, including one just a few miles away in Forest, Virginia! Riverbend offers handmade wreaths, tree stands and fresh cut trees.

As a special thank you to our readers, Riverbend Tree Farm will be offering a 10% discount to Lynchburg’s Finest blog followers! Be sure to show the cashier a screenshot of this article on your Smartphone for your discount.

Photo by: @riverbendtreeslynchburg on Facebook.com 

Smith’s Christmas Tree Lot

6210 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA             

434-316-4224

Smith’s is a family owned business located in the heart of Lynchburg. Also featured in the autumn season for their pumpkins and fun fall activities, Smith’s will be providing live Christmas trees this holiday season! At Smith’s, you will get a fresh cut tree, and have it secured to your vehicle before you leave. Additionally, handmade wreaths are available for purchase.

As a special bonus for our Lynchburg’s Finest readers, Smith’s is offering $5 off of any tree! Be sure to show this post on your Smartphone for your discount.

Photo by: smithspumpkinpatch.com

There is no doubt this is the most wonderful time of the year! We hope these local tree providers will help you and your family as you prepare for the holidays. The perfect tree sets the mood for the Christmas season, and finding a live tree with those you love will warm your memories for years to come!

~ Anna Cribb

For more information on fun things to do in this area, keep your eyes on the Lynchburg’s Finest blog.

From Our Table to Yours!

One of the most anticipated aspects of the holidays is the delicious food we share together. Not only do the smells and tastes of these dishes warm our thoughts all year long, but the family recipes make us feel like we are at home, no matter where we are. From traditional turkeys, to tasty side dishes, fresh rolls, cranberry sauce and desserts, these delights are just days away.

Since family recipes are unrivaled, this year our staff wants to share some of our favorite recipes with you!

To begin, since turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table, it seems like the ideal place to start!

Mary Grace’s Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey with Gravy

2 Tbs dried Parsley

2 Tbs ground dried rosemary

2 Tbs rubbed dried sage

2 Tbs dried thyme leaves

1 Tbs lemon pepper

1 Tbs salt

1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 orange, cut into wedges

1 white onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped

1 (14.5 oz) can of chicken broth

1 ( 750 milliliter) bottle of champagne or dry white wine.

After you’ve collected the assorted ingredients, follow these directions for turkey perfection!

1. preheat an oven to 350. Line a turkey roaster with long sheets of aluminum foil that will be long enough to wrap over the turkey.

2. Stir together the parsley, rosemary,sage,thyme, lemon pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Rub the herb mixture into the cavity of the turkey, then stuff with the celery, orange, onion , and carrot. Truss if desired, and place the turkey into the roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth and champagne, or wine, over the turkey, and seal.  Try to keep the foil from touching the skin of the turkey breast or legs.

3. Bake the turkey in the oven for 2 and 1/2, to 3 hours until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear. Uncover the turkey, and continue baking until the skin turns golden brown, 30 minutes to 1 hour longer.  An instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 180 degrees. Remove the turkey from the oven, keep covered with aluminum foil and allow to rest in a warm area 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

4. Drain leftover turkey juices with a fine strainer. Discard the herbs and veggies and transfer the liquid into a sauce pan. Bring the leftover turkey juice to a gentle boil and add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch to the pan, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken.  Continue adding small amounts of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you get the desired gravy thickness of your choice. Serve and enjoy.

Photo by: Gleny's Rome and Beyond

There are many ways to enjoy a turkey this Thanksgiving, we hope Mary Grace’s family recipe will create wonderful new traditions in your family!

Next we will feature a few side dishes to compliment your turkey and thrill your guests!

Matt Ferguson’s Squash Casserole

2 cups squash

3/4 stick of butter

2 eggs

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 small can of evaporated milk

1/4 to 1/2 tsp of salt

1/8 tsp of black pepper

1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1.5 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Cook squash and onion in boiling water until tender. Drain and mash. Allow to cool, then mix the butter, eggs, evaporated milk, salt, pepper and cheese. Pour into 9x13 glass dish. Top with crackers. Bake at 350 for 30 to 45 minutes.

Photo by: allrecipes.com

Cribb Family Sweet Potato Casserole

Casserole Ingredients:

5-6 cups mashed, peeled sweet potatoes

1 cup sugar

1 stick of butter

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

1/3 cup of milk

Topping Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar

¼ cup flour

2 ½ Tbs chopped butter

1 cup crushed pecans

1)   Boil sweet potatoes until fork tender. Mash them.

2)   Mix in the stick of butter while it melts, add sugar, milk, vanilla and eggs.

3)   Put in a casserole dish of your choice, but not larger than a 13x9.

Crumble toppings together and spread on top, place in the oven and bake on 350 for 20 minutes.  

Photo by: cupcakesomg.blogspot.com

Side dishes are the best! We are excited for you to try these recipe this year! Now, let’s move to the most delicious, most anticipated event...Dessert!

Chrysty Knolwes’ Cranberry Pie

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup white sugar

¼ tsp salt

2 cups cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 eggs

1 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease one 9 inch pie pan.

Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir in the cranberries and the walnuts, and toss to coat. Stir in the butter, beaten eggs, and almond extract. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.  

Photo by: Dishmaps.com

Ferguson Family Cool Whip Pie

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 small can of crushed pineapple

1 cup chopped pecans

1 (9oz) Cool Whip  (ALLOW TO COMPLETELY THAW)

Mix all the ingredients and pour into two 8" graham cracker crust pies. Refrigerate 2 hours before serving. 

Photo by: wildflourskitchen.com

Wow, what a delightful looking Thanksgiving Day spread! We want to offer a special thanks to our staff for providing these delicious recipes! We hope these traditional favorites will bless your table this holiday season, but more than anything, we want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

A Pattern Shift To Colder Weather Ahead

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Graphic: WTVR.com

Round up the winter gear if you haven't yet. Whether you are ready for it or not, this seemingly never ending warmth looks to be coming to an end. Right now, long range guidance shows much chillier weather arriving next weekend (11/12, 11/13) and pretty much taking up residence across the eastern part of the United States.

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Image shows below normal temperatures in the blue shading.

Anticipate temperatures to be near or below normal for the rest of November into December. Also look for a stormier weather pattern to develop. This will bring much needed rain to the state. With this all being the case, we could possibly see our first snow or ice event before the end of December.

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Image shows lower than normal heights across the Northeast = colder than normal

Right now the upcoming winter is likely to be a bit colder than normal. As far as precipitation, there is no real signal for a dry or snowy winter, therefore an average seasonal snow total would be my guess. The average grand total from first snowflake to last ranges from 15 to 20” across the greater Lynchburg area. Of course, only time will tell exactly what is to come.

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Lynchburg, VA snow, by The News and Advance

Thank you for reading, 

Meteorologist and Realtor Matt Ferguson

Halloween Party!

Costume boxes are piled into the closet, crazy makeup and face-paint are put away and candy rations have been designated. You survived another Halloween!

Lynchburg's Finest would like to say thank you to all who joined us for our Trick or Treat Party this Halloween! We had a wonderful time celebrating with yummy food, fun fellowship and prizes. We would also like to say a very special congratulations to the winners of our giveaways, Leah Galatro and Jessica Miller who won the Visa gift cards!

Again, thank you to all who came out, we hope you had a “Boo”tiful evening!

Vintage Lynchburg Holiday Sale

Christmas Day is 60 short days away! If you are panicking about gifts, have no fear, Vintage Lynchburg Holiday Sale is next weekend!

On November 5th, the Vintage Lynchburg Holiday Sale begins at 10am and will continue until 5pm.

Are you still looking for gifts for family and friends? More than 80 vendors are already registered to provide a variety of crafts, art, clothes, treats, teas, coffee, jewelry, furniture and more. In addition to the vendors, there will be eight food vendors providing tacos, kettle-corn, burgers and vegan options.

As you browse the vendors and indulge in delicious food, be sure to stop by and participate in a free photo-booth provided by Lynchburg’s Finest! That’s right, a free photo booth for you to enjoy with props and poses for you and your crew! Be sure to enter your name in our raffle and share photos on social media with #vlhs2016 and tag @lynchburgsfinest for a chance to win prizes!

So how can you enjoy this event?

Tickets will be $3 at the door and children are free!

If you are anxious to get first dibs, this year Vintage Lynchburg is offering an Early Bird Special for just $15! Early Bird tickets will allow you to enter the sale at 8am, two hours before the general public, giving you the opportunity to get a jump on all the greatest gifts!

Do you want an Early Bird ticket but you're trying to save for the sale? Lynchburg's Finest is giving away 2 free Early Bird tickets! You can enter to win by going to our Facebook page (Lynchburg's Finest Team) and liking our "Win 2 Free Tickets" graphic! Don't wait, the winner will be announced next Wednesday.

Vintage Lynchburg is a can’t miss for Lynchburg’s locals. We look forward to seeing you there!

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For more information on fun things to do in Lynchburg, check out the Lynchburg’s Finest blog!

~ Anna Cribb

Trick or Treat!

October 31st is just two weeks away, and aside from ghosts and goblins, there is only one thing children think about that day, and that’s candy! As the crisp day winds down, you scramble to put the finishing touches on costumes, make sure the candy is ready for dispersing and finally, choose the perfect trick or treating route. Though we cannot help with costumes, Lynchburg’s Finest has the perfect solution for your family to find the best treats without the tricks!

Beginning at 4:30 on Halloween evening, the Wyndhurst area transforms to provide a safe and family friendly trick or treating adventure. Families are welcome to make their rounds until 7:30pm, collecting candy for the kids, memories, and a “good ole days” feeling for parents.  

Halloween is the best day of the year for little ones, and anyone with a sweet tooth! While enjoying your evening in Wyndhurst, make sure to stop by Lynchburg’s Finest at 113 Goldenrod Place for candy, snacks and cash prizes! Don’t forget to dress up! We hope to see you there, if you dare!

26th Annual Virginia Garlic & Wine Festival!

The air is crisp, leaves are crunching under foot, pumpkin spice tickles the senses and sweaters and boots abound, this can only mean one thing…it is finally October! Not only is autumn fully underway, but it’s time for the 26th Annual Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival!

Located just 25 miles north of Lynchburg, the Wine & Garlic Festival is one of the area’s most culturally rich experiences. What can you expect to find at Wine and Garlic Festival? Simply put, all of your favorite things! You will encounter more than 150 craft and art vendors, specialty foods from Central Virginia, four stages providing live music and entertainment throughout the festival, and of course, guest wineries from your favorite vineyards.  

                     Photo provided by thewokoflife.com

More than 10 vendors will be providing specialty recipes, highlighting, you guessed it! Garlic!  These hand-selected creations have been intentionally chosen to pair with the wine selections to be featured. The array of delicious morsels includes pizza, Greek dishes, flame grilled delicacies, succulent crab and everyone’s favorite treat, popcorn!

You will also find 10 wineries, each one featuring tastings of their choice selections for the event. More information on tickets to participate in the wine tastings can be found at the conclusion of this post.

                             Photo provided by the washingtonpost.com

Throughout the weekend, a variety of bands featuring folk, jazz, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, pop and country will provide music you are sure to love! You will also be able to see a comedy and magic show, plus solo artists! A complete list of performances can be found on the official website found here.

In addition to entertainment for everyone, you will find 19 vendors providing jewelry, pottery, woodwork, handmade crafts, coffee, pillows, soaps and more!

The festival will begin on Saturday, October 8th and continue on Sunday, October 9th. You can experience the fun from 10am until 5pm on both days.

You will find these tasty dishes, delectable wines, priceless crafts and lifelong memories at Rebec Vineyards, 2229 N Amherst Hwy, Amherst, Virginia.

                 Photo provided by wtkr.com

General Admission: $15 in advance and $20 at the gate.

Wine Tasting: $25 in advance and $30 at the gate.

Weekend Pass with Tasting: $35 in advance and $40 at the gate.

Tickets are available through this link.

With so much to taste and experience, we hope you will plan to attend this year’s Wine and Garlic Festival! As they say “Eat. Drink. And Stink.” We hope to see you there!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

~ Anna Cribb

For more information of fun things to do in the Lynchburg area, keep an eye on Lynchburg’s Finest blog.

Cruising the Blue Ridge Parkway with Lynchburg's Finest

Lynchburg, Virginia is uniquely situated in the midst of some of the East Coast’s most incredible attractions. From the sandy beaches of Florida to Maine’s rocky shores, the eastern United States is full of adventure. One such venture is the 469 miles of breathtaking scenery, captivating overlooks, and picturesque picnic plazas contained in the Blue Ridge Parkway. Over 600 million visitors have made their way to see the Parkway since construction began in 1935. The 52 year project has awarded our generation the exhilarating experience of hiking through nature without having to leave the comfort of your vehicle.

The Parkway begins near Rockfish Gap, VA close to Skyline Drive. The scenic highway continues through a series of more than 20 tunnels and enchanting bridges woven throughout Virginia. Heading south, the Parkway passes Lynchburg, and finally ends in Cherokee, North Carolina. Along the way, the sites of the Parkway are organized by mileposts. This enables visitors to plan what they would like to see while traveling. Skyline Drive in Virginia is milepost 1, and Cherokee, North Carolina wraps it up on milepost 469.

                                                              Peaks of Otter: MP 86

There are more than 100 overlooks along the way that will leave you breathless. Additionally, visitors can traipse through museums, historical sites, festivals, fishing spots, campgrounds, shopping centers and restaurants.

                                                         Waterrock Knob: MP 451.2

This much variety can be overwhelming, and those at the Blue Ridge Parkway official website know it! So, they have created a list of suggested itineraries to take the guesswork and stress out of the experience. For a list of itineraries, click here.  

                                                      Craggy Gardens: MP 364

Autumn on the Blue Ridge Parkway is unlike anything you have ever seen. ABC13 Meteorologist, Matthew Ferguson, predicts that the most beautiful leaves can be seen this year the last week of September and the first week of October. For Lynchburg specifically, the most gorgeous leaves are to be visible the last 2 weeks of October. Be sure to incorporate this inside scoop when planning your fall activities!

                      Autumn on the Parkway

Whatever you decide to do for your next family vacation or adventure with friends, we hope you will consider joining the 600 million who have visited the Blue Ridge Parkway. Named the largest linear National Park as of 2015, this winding, breathtaking tour is sure to leave you in awe. Get out there and explore!

For more information on fun things to do near Lynchburg, follow the Lynchburg’s Finest blog.

~ Anna Cribb

Apple Orchards & Pumpkin Patches with Lynchburg's Finest!

There is nothing quite like autumn in the Virginia mountains. One of the most wonderful and thrilling experiences of the fall is the opportunity to pick fresh apples for delicious seasonal recipes, and select the perfect pumpkins to complete your autumn home décor. We have selected some of the area’s most accessible apple orchards and pumpkins patches for your family to enjoy!

Johnson’s Orchard      

2122 Sheep Creek Rd, Bedford, VA 24523                        540-586-3707

A family owned and operated farm; Johnson’s Orchard is a nestled quaintly in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. More than just apples, Johnson's Orchard hosts a general store selling fresh cider in season, apple butter, a winery, jellies, jams, honey mustard and a variety of other delicious goods. This is a great place to purchase a bushel of apples, stock up on fresh cider, and do some tasty Christmas shopping! Be sure to check the hours of operation before you set off on your adventure, as the hours vary by season.

January – March: on weekends noon-5pm.

April – December: daily noon-5pm.

August – October: FRUIT is harvest (call ahead to be sure).

Smith’s Pumpkin Patch          

6210 Fort Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24502                              434-316-4224

This is an autumn afternoon paradise with their pumpkin patch in full swing from September 24th – November 7th. If you’re planning to decorate your home with pumpkins this fall, look no further!

For a set price, there are numerous activities for the kiddos, these include bounce houses, teepees, and hay bales as well as pumpkin and face painting!

If your stomach starts to rumble while you’re roaming, stop by concessions for hot dogs, nachos and hot chocolate for sale on site!

Finally, groups and field trips are welcome, a perfect place for school trips, youth groups, community groups and families. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, be sure to mention Lynchburg’s Finest at the entrance for $1 off admission! Don’t miss out on this special deal from Smith’s Pumpkin Patch!

Morris Orchard              

226 Tobacco Row Ln. Monroe VA, 24574                           434-929-2401

This spot is not too far from Lynchburg; Morris Orchard is producing from June-October with a detailed schedule on their website of what is available, including some delicious “pick your own” options in September and October.

During the summer months, call ahead to learn about the availability of blueberries, peaches, blackberries, delicious sweet corn and crisp summer vegetables.

In the cooler months, make plans to try the fresh pressed apple cider, this is the real deal with no preservatives and containing only yummy apples. You can also plan to find cider doughnuts, pumpkins and gourds.

Open 9am-5pm and closed on Sunday. Be sure to call ahead!

For more ideas of fun things to do in Lynchburg, keep an eye on the Lynchburg's Finest blog.

 

Written by Anna Cribb

Get!Downtown with Lynchburg's Finest!

Grab your wallet, your sense of adventure and bring your appetite because September 9th is Get!Downtown Lynchburg.

Get!Downtown Street Festival is the perfect way to say farewell to summer with an outdoor party for the whole town. All of the downtown shops, plus vendors and schools from central and western Virginia come together to provide food, handmade items, games, performances and we are just getting started.

On Main Street and Church Street, the magic begins at 6pm and continues until 9pm! With so much to do and see, you won’t believe what Get!Downtown has to offer!

Food: I hope you’re hungry! From gyros to barbecue sandwiches and burgers to pizza, you don’t want to miss these tasty treats. Favored Flavors will be providing a tasting by a professional chef to unveil some of their scrummy delights using their flavor infused oils, vinegars, and savory sea salts. You do not want to miss this gourmet experience!

                                                         Favored Flavors Balsamic Vinegar

Sweets: Already had dinner? No problem, you’re just in time for dessert! You’ll find funnel-cakes, freshly baked goods, kettle-corn, ice cream and the local favorite, Mama Crockett’s with their delicious cider doughnuts. So many tasty options are available, there is sure to be something that will satisfy your sweet tooth!

                                                         Mama Crockett's Cider Doughnuts

Activities: As you stroll down Main Street you’ll see a myriad of performances highlighting local talent. Dance teams are a must at Get!Downtown and are moving and grooving throughout the evening. In addition, Miller-Motte school provides a safe haven from the crowd, just when you thought it couldn’t get better, you could score a free 5 minute massage!

Handcrafted Items: If you’re looking for that perfect gift for someone you love, or that signature piece that represents you, be sure to keep your eyes open for wood work and drawings, paintings and more. Featured will be handcrafted pieces by Royal Obsession Jewelry that will inspire you to dream! Make sure you stop by this booth to see one of a kind items for both men and women! Additionally, Elegant and Royal Collection will be represented and providing their unique designs and matchless creations.

                                                                 Royal Obsession Jewelry

A warm evening, your favorite vendors, a cold drink in your hand and your people by your side, what could be better? If you’re looking for something fun to do next Friday, grab a friend and Get!Downtown!

Written by Anna Cribb

A Day on the James River with Lynchburg's Finest

If you live in the Lynchburg area for any amount of time, you know floating the James River isn’t just a hobby, it’s a must-have experience!  People from all over Virginia brave the chilly waters from early June until late August each summer. Whether kayaking, tubing, paddle-boarding or canoeing, this 348 mile waterway is bound to take your breath away while leaving you with memories that will not fade with your summer tan!

What you’ll need:

• Kayak, paddle-board, inner tube, or canoe. Something you can float in/on for a few hours.

• Note: If it’s rained recently this means higher water and a faster current. No/little rain means lower water (more likely to bump rocks along the way).

• Be sure to bring a pump if you have a large tube to inflate!

• 2 or more cars. You and your group will want to leave a car at both the entrance and exit locations as they are often several miles apart.

• A plastic/waterproof bag for the supplies listed below.

• Water! It takes a few hours to float even 3 miles, stay hydrated.

• Sunscreen. You’ll be in direct sunlight for the duration of your journey.

• Water shoes… I know everyone thinks these are lame, but when you get out of the river and hike/walk back to your car, your feet will encounter rocks, sticks and critters. Be prepared (Old sneakers, athletic sandals will also suffice).

• Snacks!

• Brightly colored bandana (red, yellow, orange).

• Cell phone (I recommend placing it in two sealed plastic bags inside a waterproof container).

• Carabiners! These are great to attach shoes, a cooler, etc. to your floatation device.

• Sunglasses you won’t miss if you topple over in rough waters.

• For children/mediocre swimmers: Life-vest. There are a few rapids along the way.

MAKE A PLAN:

1. You must plan ahead and choose your entrance and exit site. Click here for a list of entrance and exit locations.

2. Make sure your entrance and exit spots don’t have a dam in between them.

3. For your first time, when you arrive at the exit site, walk down to the bank of the river and ensure this is a location you are comfortable hiking/walking after you float. Tie that brightly colored bandana listed above to a sturdy tree, clearly visible on the river bank, this is how you’ll know when it’s time for you to get out of the river. Take note of the surroundings (after a few hours of floating, everything starts to look the same).

4. Don’t go alone, it’s more fun with a group and it’s safer too!

5. Be sure to take keys for BOTH cars with you in a sealed carrier on the water.

6. Know that parts of the river are more turbulent, this is not ideal for children or less experienced swimmers.

7. Have fun!

 Floating the James is a summer highlight for Virginia locals and visitors. You’ll be sure to see beautiful plant and wildlife as well as gorgeous mountainsides. Whatever your summer plans, be sure to include a day on the James!

For more information of fun things to do in the area, keep an eye on Lynchburg’s Finest blog!

Written by Anna Cribb

Lynchburg's Finest Farmer's Markets!

Summer is fully underway, which means it’s time for fresh blueberries, juicy plums and crisp cucumbers. Of course, the best place to find these tasty summer treats is your local farmer’s market! Farmers and vendors from all over central and western Virginia gather weekly to sell fresh produce, homemade jellies, pickled treats and so much more! If you’re looking to purchase healthy food grown by local farmers, the Lynchburg area has a few convenient options for you!

Lynchburg Community Market: Located on Main Street downtown, this farmer’s market is open Tuesday-Saturday from 7am until 2pm. On Saturday, a myriad of farmers from the surrounding area, along with craft vendors, make their way to Lynchburg to bring you their best produce and products. Located towards the back of the Community Market are additional vendors selling fresh baked goods, nuts, crafts, cheeses coffee and Irvington Spring Farm, providing the largest variety of flowers in Central Virginia! There’s nothing quite like being able to shake hands with the men and women who provide those delicious fresh fruits and vegetables and to experience Lynchburg’s downtown culture.

Doc's Market Square Farmer's Market: This fresh market experience is located on Liberty University’s campus and takes place every Thursday afternoon until late fall. Here you’ll find fresh eggs, hearty greens, fish, coffees, teas, handmade jewelry, woodwork and a myriad of other specialty crafts. Many local vendors arrive early with their food trucks and trailers to provide ice cream, hot doughnuts, delicious burgers and tasty empanadas. Whether you’re looking for that perfect gift, fresh food you can trust, or just want to browse, this is a great place to spend your Thursday afternoon!

Bedford Farmer’s Market: Main Street: Just a few miles down the road, a multi-partner group comes together every Tuesday from 3-6 PM, Friday from 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM and first Saturday of each month from 9 AM until 1 PM. You can count on these dates from May – October 1, 2016 for locals to bring fresh produce, often time picked as recently as that morning. Additionally, you’ll find an assortment of handmade arts and crafts, local meat, baked goods and homemade jams and jellies.

Forest Farmers Market: Last, but certainly not least, this farmer’s market offers programing as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. Located at 15583 Forest Road, this market will be functioning until October 29th! With more than 30 vendors, you are sure to find just what you are looking for, from homemade barbecue sauces, fresh fish, grass fed beef, coffee, kettle corn, not to mention the artisans and crafts, there is sure to be something for you! Open Saturdays from 8 AM until noon, be sure to check out the link for a list of events and programs, including food demonstrations and children’s activities.

You don’t have to worry about finding fresh food and handcrafted treasures, they are closer than you think! Be sure to check out Lynchburg’s most popular fresh markets this week, there’s a little something for everyone.

For more information on what’s going on in Lynchburg, keep your eye on the Lynchburg’s Finest blog!

Comparison is the thief of joy: Ladies, let's celebrate one another

Theodore Roosevelt said “Comparison is the thief of joy”.

Life is busy. Many of my family and friends haven't had a moment to think about ordering a copy of my latest published compilation. I thought why not share my favorite excerpts right here to encourage, inspire and empower women who work.

Go ahead. You know you want to. Go grab that cup of coffee or a glass of wine and let's celebrate one another as women!

Betsy Ferguson: Wife, Mother, Designer, Author & Owner of Lynchburg's Finest Real Estate Brokerage

So I've heard that people see Real Estate as an easy business route to make lots of money. Oh boy is it anything but easy! Rewarding...yes! Challenging...yes! Fulfilling...yes! Real Estate agent's put forth hours of work with many nights and weekends away from their family, not knowing if it will pay off and sometimes it doesn't. Nearly eight years in this business and it still hasn't driven me to quit yet. Much of what I want to share with you is why. These are things I wish someone had shared with me before ever getting started. 

If you are a woman who works ---no matter what you are considering pursuing I hope you can glean the importance of celebrating other women!

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Before pursuing a career in real estate or any business field, I challenge you to define what success means to you. Don’t just come up with an answer in your head. Write it down. If you don’t, you’ll end up never feeling satisfied or proud of yourself, because someone will always have a bigger victory than you. So if you define success as closing 12 houses a year, and you succeed at closing 12 houses a year, then you win! And when you find out your friend in the business closed 50 houses, you don’t have to compare yourself to them-- you can celebrate them because you both succeeded. Imagine driving a race car but constantly looking at the lanes to your right and your left.  If you do that it is going to slow you down. Perhaps even distract you from your goal. Keep your eye on the goal because the only person you are competing against is yourself.

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So many times we get on Facebook, Instagram, or engage in a simple conversation; anywhere that someone can show you the best things of their life. Be careful, comparison can catch you off guard. I can be having a great day and then after scrolling through my newsfeed or having a conversation with someone, all of a sudden I feel like I have lost the wind in my sails. I start thinking about where I want to be instead of being content with where I am. I recently had a fellow agent in the business approach me and begin comparing our businesses, models and practices. It really affected my spirit for days after the conversation. Listen when I tell you that your journey is your own, specially tailored for you and no one can take that from you. When you find yourself comparing and looking at what other people have, you will find yourself subconsciously devaluing what you have. What you really have is something pretty special. It’s special because it is specifically for you at this place and point in time of your life. I wish I could go back and tell my peer the importance of celebrating our diversity instead of comparing. Comparison requires someone be labeled the winner and someone the loser. Instead of her viewing me as her competitor why don’t we choose to support one another and stand together as allies? I know how hard my fellow peers work to stay and be in this business and for that I respect them. {Yes even the areas top local agent, Nadine Blakely. Especially Nadine Blakely, because I know what it has taken her to get to the top}

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Another thing to be on the lookout for around the corner of comparison is jealousy. Jealousy is often comparisons partner in crime. Comparison tends to foster competition over community. It also leads to feelings of inadequacy. The bystanders that only see the finale are usually those who are jealous. Jealousy has a way of focusing on only one thing. Jealousy doesn’t give a complete picture. It ignores the hours of work that generated the sales and rankings-- the sacrifice of the time that could have been spent with family. Jealousy tends to overlook the years of practice, turmoil, confusion, and failure that preceded the success. Success always comes at a cost and jealousy tends to discount that cost.

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When we compare ourselves to one another we lose inspiration. The question of inspiration is really a larger question of what moves us. What moves me. I recently read a great article in Real Simple magazine. The author Megan Abbott said, “As the years go by, as we grow older, we bury parts of ourselves, don’t we? The parts that make us vulnerable. That show us perhaps as we really are”. It’s those vulnerable parts that our clients need to see, that they want to see. They are in fact what make us human. Allowing our clients to feel connected to us. That is why comparison is the true thief of joy. We cut ourselves short, most importantly we cut our clients, family and friends short as well.

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What I have found is woman to woman we are the hardest on one another. I shared with you earlier about a fellow agent in the business who felt the need to compare our businesses and give me unsolicited advice. If you hadn’t guessed it already she is a woman. I have spoken with many women recently both in real estate and other businesses and the one experience commonly shared as they have endeavored to accomplish their goals is dealing with women who instead of supporting their success, compete with or sabotage them. Women often feel justified competing with other women for many reasons. I will share with you some of the most prevalent ones that some friends recently shared with me. This message is so powerful. Not only for ourselves it affects our children and grandchildren. If we can get this message and impart the wisdom into our own lives, we will be able to have amazing relationships with ourselves. It is only when you have an amazing relationship with yourself, bringing out the best in you, are you then able to bring out the best in your children. I want my daughter Layla Grayce to be proud of her Momma and learn this at a young age. 

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Insecurity. The definition of insecurity is self-doubt, not confident or sure. I remember in the sixth grade I had a tightly knit group of female friends in elementary school. We were the starting five on the girls’ basketball team. We felt important and exclusive. Four of the five of us had an early growth spurt. One day on the bus to a game I was chatting with the four girls I considered friends. After all, we were the dominant girl force in our little universe. As we were chatting I watched one of the girls examine my legs propped up on the seat in front of us. “Look”, she said, innocently enough, “Betsy hasn’t ever shaved her legs yet.” And she was right. I remember coming home after that basketball game and insisting to my mother that I had to begin shaving my legs. I thought I needed to hold to their expectation of shaving my legs at the age of twelve. That somehow their opinion of me was fact and the need to fit in was more important than if I was really ready. I felt stupid. Less than. I had to begin shaving now so they wouldn’t keep pointing it out and making fun of me. Women compete, compare, undermine and undercut one another --at least that seems to be the dominating approach of how we relate to one another.

By shaving my legs soon after that encounter I was proving a point. I had a need to prove that I could fit in, by comparing with the other girls who had already begun shaving their legs. It seemed at the time like such a small thing but I truly wasn’t ready yet. What I was truly longing for was a need to be accepted. I thought by shaving my legs they would accept me. Turns out they didn’t truly have my best interest. Turns out they really wouldn’t be lifelong friends. Turns out the starting five was made up in an effort for each one of us to feel important and exclusive. A fabricated friendship. We were only using one another to feel good about ourselves.

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How many women do you know today who are using one another to feel important, exclusive and accepted? It is in fact an artificial friendship. There is nothing authentic, sincere or genuine about it. The reality is that women don’t have to devalue other women to find value within themselves. When we are fully able to see that we each are unique beings, then we can understand why we don’t have to prove how worthy we are by putting other women down. If you want to better yourself, it does not take tearing another woman down to do so. You are your own competition, so start there. We are worthy just as we are, and its time we all started to believe that.

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A part of the “competition” between women is due to the fact that we’ve bought into the idea that there is some sort of “limited stock” that we’re all trying to attain. Whether that’s the ideal man, some perfect beauty standard, perfect mother award, or a checklist of accomplishments. Somewhere along the way we have been convinced that for one of us to have it, someone else needs to not have it. It ends up making women a threat to other women. We see it on a larger scale in celebrity culture all the time -- “Who wore it better?” etc. On a smaller scale we see it as we scroll through our social media newsfeeds. It is like we are always trying to one up each other. When we post the picture of the most Pintresty party, a perfect family photo or how skinny we look in an outfit. We are putting these perfect moments out for the world to see and which lead to manifest shaming other women, disempowering them as they walk away feeling outdone. Whether we are doing this consciously or subconsciously it is an issue of misplaced self-worth.

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It’s women’s emotional intelligence and compassion that make us fantastic leaders. Women who compete successfully have a self-assured awareness, a positive self-image, self-direction, are assertive when they need to be, and are aware of their own strengths and the strengths of their colleagues. Here are some final thoughts to getting this “thief” under control. It boils down to embracing other women as allies, whether that’s at a mother’s group, with our friends, in the real estate community or within business in general. Women should be kinder and stop competing against each other. We forget to appreciate how far we’ve already come in the direction of our dreams and goals because we are always chasing and comparing. Comparison after all is the thief of joy.

I challenge you to spend some time today or within the coming days thinking about how fabulous you are and reminding yourself of a couple of your unique and special qualities. Don’t pick the easy stuff. Dig deep and remind yourself of the good stuff that only you can bring to the table.

Thanks for taking the time to stay and see what my latest published book is all about.

- Betsy

For more excerpts click the link below to Amazon and purchase your copy today. 

https://www.amazon.com/Success-Chronicles-Real-Estate/dp/1535190027/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469047159&sr=8-1&keywords=the+success+chronicles