New in Town? Places to Visit in Charles Town
When you’re new in town, it can be difficult to figure out the best places to shop, dine, and hang out. This is especially true in an area like Charles Town that’s so close to places like Sterling, Virginia, Hagerstown, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Charles Town is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, which is not only close to Virginia, Maryland, and D.C., but is also close to more well-known West Virginia hotspots, like Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown. Sometimes, it’s easier to drive out to Frederick, Maryland for a date night or to head into Virginia to shop because you’re just not sure what there is where you live. Here’s a list of places to visit in downtown Charles Town (and around) to help you get to know the area. Ideas for Date Night You don’t need to travel into Frederick or Leesburg to find great food and entertainment. There are plenty of local restaurants to try in downtown Charles Town, and if you’re looking for some entertainment, you can check out what shows are playing at The Old Opera House. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, check out Ortega’s Taco Shop downtown. Their street tacos are to die for! There are also a handful of Mexican restaurants just minutes from downtown, including Mi Degollado in Charles Town and El Ranchero in Ranson. Charles Town is also home to a fabulous Puertorican restaurant, Cocina Plantosaurus. If you’re vegan or enjoy plant-based cuisine, this is the place to be. Check them out on Sooshi Tuesdays for vegan, gluten free sushi items! Volcano sushi roll at Cocina Plantosaurus For those who appreciate a good drink, head down to Paddy’s Irish Pub or Abolitionist Ale Works. From authentic Irish fare and delicious cocktails to artisan pizza and craft beer, these are two fabulous options for a fun date night. Love Thai food? Check out Sumittra Thai Cuisine in downtown Charles Town. Just twenty minutes away, you’ll also find Kome Thai & Sushi Bistro in Shepherdstown. Places to Take the Kids If you’re looking for some places to take the kiddos on the weekend, you’ll want to check out Kylie’s Confections. From freshly baked cosmic brownies and signature cupcakes to hearty soups and sandwiches, this bakery is the perfect place to stop in for a fun treat or quick lunch. In the summer, The Caverns Ice Cream Shop is the perfect place to grab a cold treat. You can visit them in the winter, too, for soups and sandwiches! Orr’s Farm Market in Martinsburg is another popular weekend spot to take the kids. Just 30 minutes from Charles Town, Orr’s is the perfect place to pick fruit and berries or interact with animals. Calf at Orr's Their barnyard packages, which are available by reservation only, include: Admission to barnyard animal viewing, which includes their bunnies, goats, sheep, and other adorable creatures Access to their Farmer Fun Playground A scenic hayride Storybook trail Other fun activities, depending on which package you choose! You can also book birthday parties for your littles at Orr’s. Find out more information here. Looking for activities to enroll your child in? Charles Town has: Dance: Decade Dance Academy and the Old Opera House Martial Arts: Grappling Arts 360 Horseback Riding: Crossties Ancient Oaks Farm Meetups with Friends If you’re meeting up with friends or coworkers, Charles Town has some intimate spots for coffee and lunch dates. Stop into Sibling Coffee Roasters for a delicious latte and baked goods (my go-to latte flavor is lavender) or head down to Teyta’s Treats, a Middle Eastern bakery with so many yummy goodies, for baklava, freshly baked breads, meat pies, and more. Grab your girlfriend and head over to Needful Things Emporium for a unique shopping experience. Check out the various vendors showcased inside, then walk down to Fuzzy Dogs Books & Music to peruse their three floors of books and records. Self-Care Don’t forget to take time for yourself while exploring downtown! Hair and Facials: Studio M Boutique and Headhunters Salon and Day Spa Nails: Nails by KenzieM and Natalie’s Nails in Ranson Makeup and Skincare: Sokel Makeup & Skincare and Wholeisitc Esthetics Massage: Effleurage Spa and Lavender Rose Holistique in Martinsburg Yoga: Double Iris Yoga & Massage Tattoos: Blue Heron Tattoo, No Tomorrow Tattoo, and HQ Tattoo & Art Collective Nails by KenzieM Stay up-to-date on events and business updates by following the Charles Town Now Facebook page. If you’re looking to move to Charles Town, contact one of our agents today. Not only can we help you find the right home, but we can also point you to the best restaurants, shops, and experiences in the area!
5 Tips for Moving During the Winter Season
Congratulations! You’re closing on your new home! After weeks—or maybe months—of waiting to move in, the day is finally approaching. But if you’re moving during the winter season, there are a few things you should do to prepare for the challenges that come with snow, ice, and cold weather.1. Create a Gameplan Whether you’re moving a few blocks away or a few states away, you’ll want to have a gameplan for move-in day. Mark your calendar for the day or days you wish to move in. Make sure you check the weather forecast for rain, snow, or ice a few days prior, and pick a backup date just in case the weather derails your plans. In addition, make sure you’ve transferred your utilities and have electricity and running water in your home the day of your move. Because the sun sets earlier in the winter, you’ll have less daylight to work with and won’t want to move your belongings into a dark home if you happen to arrive at your new residence later in the evening. You’ll also want to make sure the heat is on prior to arriving to make your move more comfortable.2. Make Arrangements for Pets and Children You’ll want to have a safe, warm place for your pet(s) to stay in your current or new home during the move. Make sure they are secured in a room with food, water, bedding, and a litter box (if applicable). Keep the heat on, and make sure the door is closed all the way so you won’t have to worry about your pet(s) escaping as you carry furniture and boxes in or out of the house. If you’re moving further away, you may consider making accommodations with family or friends or leaving your pet(s) in a kennel. If you have young children, consider hiring a babysitter or asking a friend or family member to watch them at their place while you move your belongings into your new home. Remember to ask in advance, as people often have holiday plans during the winter season.3. Prep Your Car, Walkways, and Floors There’s nothing worse than waking up on a wintry morning with someplace to be, only to find your car won’t start. Make sure you prep your car for any upcoming winter weather so your moving plans aren’t delayed. Common vehicle issues to look out for in the winter include: -Corroding car parts -A cold car not turning over -Low tire pressure -Dead battery -Failed sparkplugs -Frozen windshield wipers You’ll also want to prep your walkways and floors before you begin moving boxes and furniture in and out of your home. If it’s recently snowed, shovel your front steps, walkway, and driveway so you have a clear path to your moving vehicle. You should also salt your walkways to avoid slipping on ice. Lay down tarps or tape cardboard to your floors to protect them from wet shoes. It’s also a good idea to move boxes and furniture to the foyer before loading up your vehicle so you don’t have to track wet shoes all over the house or repeatedly take your shoes off.4. Properly Pack and Protect Items Make sure your belongings are safely packed away and protected from the elements. Some items, like electronics or glassware, can become damaged by colder weather. These items are likely better off packed in your personal vehicle, where they can be kept warm in a heated car. Make sure you wrap furniture in tarps or blankets to keep it from getting wet during the move. You’ll also want to bubble-wrap or thoroughly protect any fragile items you have, in case of an accident.5. Get Professional Help Sometimes, it’s best to hire a moving service, especially if you aren’t in the proper shape to move heavy furniture in bad weather. Do your research to find a reputable company, and make sure you ask them about their winter weather policies. If inclement weather is forecasted for your move-in date, make sure you communicate with your moving company to ensure you’re on the same page and can reschedule if needed.If you're looking for a local moving company, there are several that service Jefferson and Berkeley Counties, including Herb's Hauling and Moving, owned by one of our very own realtors, Anthony Herbert.
Upcoming Holiday Activities in Jefferson and Berkeley Counties
From Charles Town to Martinsburg, there’s plenty of holiday magic to experience with the kiddos, your partner, or even on your own this holiday season! Family Fun If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kiddos this holiday season, there will be plenty of activities around the panhandle. The Old Opera House in Charles Town will be running multiple showings of Cinderella and The Nutcracker this month. If you’re looking for something to do with the family or for a date night, check out what days and times they will be performing. You can start your season of fun tonight at the Mountain Lake Club. Attend their walk-through Christmas event to enjoy food, music, and a dazzling display of lights. If you can’t make it tonight, don’t worry. Lights on the Lake will continue on select nights throughout December. Tomorrow, take the kiddos out for ornament making in Charles Town or head on over to Sam Michaels Park for s’mores, a Christmas carol singalong, story time, and the chance to make your own reindeer food! Space is limited, so register for your tickets below. Next, kick off the weekend with Christmas on Main in downtown Martinsburg. With live Christmas music, food trucks, and their annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Christmas on Main will entertain the whole family. The kiddos will especially enjoy the ice-skating rink and carousel! At 1 pm, head down to 128 E Martin St for a showing of Elf and to get your photos with Buddy the Elf. There’s more to look forward to this month, including Six Daisies and a Rose’s 2nd Annual Holiday Farm Fest. With horse rides, face painting, vendors, and live music, this is an event you won’t want to miss. If you missed your chance to ice-skate at Christmas on Main, head down to the Ranson Civic Center December 16 or 17 partake in the fun! -Lights on the Lake select nights throughout December -Ornament Making for the Charles Town Christmas Tree December 2 at 4 pm -Santa and S’mores Sing Along Storytime at Sam Michaels Park December 2 at 5 pm -Merry & Bright City Lights in downtown Charles Town December 2 at 6 pm -Christmas on Main in Martinsburg December 3 at 10 am -Showing of Elf in Martinsburg December 3 at 1 pm – plus photos with Buddy the Elf -Hot Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at the Old Opera House December 10 at 10 am -A Christmas Tea December 10 at noon -Bolivar Christmas Tree Lighting December 10 at 6 pm -2nd Annual Holiday Farm Fest December 11 at noon -Ice Skating at the Ranson Civic Center December 16 and 17 Holiday Photos Whether you’re looking for professional holiday photos or hoping to get a quick picture of your kiddos with Santa, there will be plenty of photo opportunities this month. Head over to Orr’s Farm Market this Saturday for a $150, 20-minute session. While you’re there, check out their hot cocoa bar, grab some fresh-baked treats from the bakery, and view their live nativity scene. If you want to donate to a good cause, stop by Rescue Me WV’s headquarters for photos with Santa, taken by Erica Danile Photography. For a $20 donation to Rescue Me WV, your kiddos or fur babies can get their pictures with Santa as well as complementary treats and access to their hot chocolate bar. You can get a free photo with Santa at Roberts Realty Group this Sunday. Bring your own phone or camera to snap some photos, then indulge in some hot cocoa and cookies! Fur babies are welcome, too! Teyta’s Treats will have free pictures with Santa and the Grinch on December 10. Stop by and purchase some delicious treats or a signature latte while you’re there! -Christmas Minis at Orr’s Farm Market December 3 at 9 am -Photos with Santa at Rescue Me WV December 3 from 9 am – 2 pm -Pictures with Santa at Roberts Realty Group December 4 from 1 – 3 pm -Pictures with Santa & the Grinch at Teyta’s Treats December 10 from 10 am – 4 pm Holiday Markets & Christmas Parades Kick off your holiday shopping this season by checking out the holiday markets in Harpers Ferry! Head down to Harpers Ferry Brewing this Saturday for their second annual holiday market to find unique gifts from local vendors and enjoy craft beer and hard cider. If you don’t find the perfect gift on Saturday (or if you’re just looking for some more fun), you can attend the Harpers Ferry Holiday Handmade Market on December 10 or 11. With 90 vendors and three locations to peruse, you’ll be sure to find something unique for your loved ones this Christmas. And don’t miss the upcoming Charles Town and Martinsburg Christmas Parades! Look for Roberts Realty Group’s float on December 3—we can’t wait to see you there! -Charles Town Christmas Parade December 3 at 1:45 pm -Martinsburg Christmas Parade December 6 at 7 pm -Harpers Ferry Brewing Holiday Market December 3 from noon – 5 pm -Harpers Ferry Holiday Handmade Market December 10 and 11
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