Lynchburg Campbell County Bedford County Nannette Saunders ASSOCIATE BROKER

Yesterday I was having a casual conversation with another business person, not in the real estate industry and the first words out of his mouth before I could even comment was that he did not think the real estate market was that bad in our area. This person was telling me the market was good!

Funny how things come around if you wait long enough. Although I admit, I did not expect it to happen so quickly. But many REALTORS in this area and other markets, including myself, have been spouting that the market is not necessarily what the media would lead the public to believe.

Keep up the good work - spouting the news folks and eventually our words will return to us in conversations with potential clients. Our efforts are not in vain. It is a shame that the media has made our job harder than necessary in some cases but that is the price we pay for freedom on speach. I would not change that for anything.

Two weeks ago, really ten days ago, I put out the humming bird feeder.  The first week of April is when the "scouts" are out.  I've never been successful with a hummingbird feeder, but I've never really tried either.  I just put in a 1/2 effort and put it out too late probably for the scouts to get wind of it and by then they had found their favorite places to feed.  Hummingbirds are territorial so they won't usually venture out of their territory.

This morning when I saw a hummingbird feeding at the hummingbird feeder I got excited.  It was cool to watch him.  I found success!  I did what I was suppose to do when I was suppose to do it based on what the experts told me and a "scout" found my feeder.

Of course I told my husband and he said, "Isn't that what is suppose to happen?"  Yes, dear it is. 

But if I equate hanging out bird feeders to prospecting for listings or clients what does that mean? 

It means I have to hang out the right bait.  What are sellers attracted to?  Top producers, someone who cares, or agents that market on the internet.  What are buyers attracted to?  Agents that listen, know the area market well, is available during the times they are available and able to communicate in a way that best suits the client.

I have been been helping folks in the Central Virginia Real Estate Market since 2001 reach their real estate goals and have sold hundreds of homes in this area.  I hang out the right bait.  If you are looking for an agent to knows the market area, cares enough to listen, successfully market homes on the internet and have invested in the technology to communicate with you in the venue that you are most comfortable with and will arrange my schedule to suit your needs whenever possible.

Call me if you wish to list your house or purchase real estate in the Lynchburg, Campbell County or Bedford County area.

Earlier this week I decided to hang out the humming bird feeders and fill up the bird feeders. The first week of April the "scouts" are out to find the feeding places.

I have "feeding stations" strategically planted around my house. One on the deck. One just outside the bay window in the kitchen and another outside the window of my home office. Each station has different kinds of seeds to attract different types of birds and to hopefully provide a wide variety so they don't fight so much.

One of the true signs of spring is to watch as the male golden finch turns from grey/green to gold as the weather gets warmer. You can tell the females because they don't change.

The golden finches are quite a feisty little bird. I have several of finch feeders because they draw quite a crowd and it is fun to watch them but not fun to watch them fight over food. Especially when there is plenty for everyone.

Since I started feeding the birds I have tried to learn more about them and learn and identify the different ones that visit.

We recently purchased the property we live in currently so last fall I planted some bulbs and it is so rewarding to see them come up. They brighten up the entire yard. I think that it is very rewarding when I put things in the yard and they come up in the spring.

I love to garden and I've got a large yard to work in this spring and summer. I think decorating the outside of the home is as important as decorating the inside. I think gardening is very therapeutic. I just feel peaceful and calm after spending time playing in the garden. The deer wander through our yard in the early part of the morning and I've seen where they have nibbled the tops of my hyithisins. But today I saw a few bees out working.

This male oriole to the right is giving other birds a piece of his mind. If you put fruit out you are bound to attract a few of these beautiful birds. They love oranges.

Although the tulips are not in bloom yet we have plenty of other spring flowers in bloom. Watching them come alive is inspiring because everything seems to start over and feel fresh and new again.

It is great living in this area of the country because spring does come pretty early here and the growing season lasts quite a long while.

Central Virginia is a real find for history buffs. Much of the area's heritage and tradition are preserved and ready for you to explore. The natural beauty of the area also draws people from throughout the country.

Lynchburg is located in the heart of Central Virginia, so it's a natural place to begin seeing the area. Starting in downtown, we see the Old Court House, the heart of the Lynchburg Museum System. It is an outstanding example of Green Revival architecture. The Hustings Courtroom has been restored to its original 1885 appearance. Other rooms house exhibits tracing Lynchburg's history from the time Monocan Indians roamed her hills to present day.

Rising to the Old Court House from Church Street is Monument Terrace. This 139 step staircase is a memorial to Lynchburg citizens who fought and died in America's wars. The terrace is adorned with monuments and a Doughboy stands at the base.

The Museum System has also restored Point of Honor at 112 Cabell Street, a 19th century mansion build by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., Patrick Henry's personal physician. The mansion is an example of federal residential style architecture and is well known for its octagonal bay facade and finely crafted interior woodwork. Located on Daniels Hill on a bluff above the James River, Point of Honor was named for being on the site of dueling grounds. Completed in 1815, it was the home of some of Lynchburg's most prominent and influential citizens. It is also open to the public.

The Miller-Claytor House, built in 1791, is one of the city's oldest buildings. It was the fourth house to be constructed in Lynchburg and has been restored and moved to Riverside Park. It is famous for being the spot where Thomas Jefferson reportedly ate a tomato, known as a "love apple," proving it was non-poisonous. The house is open to the public.

Also on display in Riverside Park is the keel of the packet boat "Marshall." It was one of the fleet of luxury passenger packets that provided the principal mode of transportation along the James River and Kanawha Canal during the mid-19th century. The "Marshall" carried the remains of T.J. "Stonewall" Jackson to Lexington for burial in 1863.

The home of internationally acclaimed poet Anne Spencer is located at 1313 Pierce Street. Directly behind the main house sits "EdanKraal," the studio where she composed many of her poems. Spencer, part of the Harlem Renaissance, is unique among Virginia poets in that she is a black woman and the only Virginian whose works are included in the Norton Anthology of Modern American and British Poetry. The house is open to the public.

Lynchburg is well know for the elegant and historic homes and churches in its original neighborhoods. The houses along Clay and Court Streets were among the oldest in the city. When touring Garland Hill, Daniels Hill, Diamond Hill, Federal Hill and Rivermont Avenue you will see a variety of 19th century architecture, stained glass and ornate iron work. The downtown churches also provide spectacular examples of architectural styles form the late 1800s. Walking tours have been designed to help visitors enjoy and learn about the area.

The Lynchburg Academy of Music, located at the corner of Sixth and Main Streets is the only surviving theater of its kind in Virginia. It was build in 1905 and during its heyday many of the country's leading actors and actresses performed on its stage. The interior of the theater has a hand painted ceiling and hand painted columns.

The Western Hotel at Fifth and Madison Streets is one of the city's surviving antebellum taverns. It is an example of early commercial architecture.

The Freeman House, birthplace of Pulitzer Prize winner Douglas S. Freeman, is on Main Street. Freeman received the honor for his biographies of George Washington and Robert E. Lee.

The Quaker's South River Meeting House was the city's first house of worship. Located on Fort Avenue, it has been restored and is now part of the Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church. The present structure was completed in the 1790's replacing the one built by Sarah Lynch in 1757.

Fort Early is a monument to Gen. Jubal Early who turned back Gen. David Hunter in his raid on Lynchburg in 1864. The original breastworks that served as a focal point in the city's defense are still intact.

Over 2,500 Confederate soldiers and many of Lynchburg's earliest citizens are buried in the Old City Cemetery off Fourth Street. The land was given for this purpose by John Lynch.

The cities and counties around Lynchburg offer many places of historic and scenic interest.

Appomattox, the site where our country reunited on April 9, 1865, is about twenty miles east of Lynchburg. The National Park Service has restored the village, including the McLean House, jail, courthouse, Meeks General Store and several other buildings. To bring this chapter of our history alive, the park service sponsors "Living History Exhibits" during the summer. Costumed interpreters explain the events through the eyes of the people of the time, including a Confederate and Union soldier. Today the restored village closely resembles its 1865 appearance. The park is open daily except Christmas Day.

The history of Appomattox County from the turn of the century is preserved in the Appomattox County Museum. The museum is located on the Appomattox Courthouse Square.

The Bedford Museum in the city of Bedford has exhibits tracing the area's early history. Special displays concentrate on the Civil War and local black history.

In Bedford County is Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's "other home." The unique home which Jefferson designed for himself is reported to be the first octagonal residential building constructed in the country.

The Elks National Home is also in Bedford and visitors are welcome.

Red Hill, the last home and burial place of Patrick Henry, is located near the town of Brookneal. Henry, nicknamed the "Voice of the Revolution," called Red Hill the "garden spot of the world." The buildings have been reconstructed and the grounds restored to represent authentically the plantation at the time the Henry family lived there. The Patrick Henry Museum houses many of the Henry family's personal belongings and mementos.

Brookneal was one of the largest tobaccos markets in Virginia. Artifacts of the tobacco industry and local archaeological excavations are exhibited in the Willie Hodges Booth Museum.

The Amherst County Historical Museum houses a collection of maps and other local artifacts in a former 19th century jail. It is located in the town of Amherst.

Winton, the last home of Patrick Henry's mother, Sarah Winston Henry, is in Clifford. Built in the early 1770's, the house is now part of the Winton Country Club.

Green Hill is a Federal architectural home that shows an agrarian lifestyle. It is located at the end of Va 728, about a half mile north of the Staunton River.

Booker T. Washington, the famous black leader, author and first president of Tuskegee institute, was born on a small tobacco plantation not far from Lynchburg. Though the cabin in which Washington was born is no longer standing, the National Park Service has marked the spot and that of the Burroughs's house. There is also an Environmental, Educational and Cultural Center and a picnic area.

Two miles north of Altavista is the Staunton River Valley Museum. It marks the home and burial place of Revolutionary War patriot, Charles Lynch, Jr., brother of Lynchburg's founder.

Virginia has become popular for it's wines. The first vineyards in the state were planted by Thomas Jefferson in Central Virginia. Soil similar to the European Rhine region and moderate temperatures make this area an excellent growing environment for grapes. You will find a wide variety of wines and grapes from the Cabernet Sauvignon to the Reisling.

Visit any one of the wineries within an hour or spend the day touring them all. Only 20 minutes from Lynchburg is Stonewall Vineyards, featuring Vidal Blanc, Cayuga White, Verdelet and Chambourcin.

The James River was the lifeline for Lynchburg during the city's formative years. The James River-Kanawha Canal was to have been equally important in the city's growth, but the railroad made the system obsolete even before it was completed. Still, the canal and numerous locks provide a fascinating look at early transportation in the area. Those people who enjoy a little exploring will find several locks hidden in the underbrush in and around Lynchburg. For those less adventurous, a section of the locks has been restored near Big Island.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the Central Virginia's most popular and spectacular attractions. In addition to hiking, camping and picnicking, the mountains provide breathtaking panoramas. The Parkway has an average elevation of 3,000 feet and extends from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smokey Mountain Park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The many log cabins and old mills along the Parkway emphasize the pioneer culture of the Blue Ridge Highlands.

The Blue Ridge Mountains provide many awesome formations. Natural Bridge, considered one of the natural wonders of the world, is located near Lynchburg. Carved by a river from the 36,000 tons of limestone, the formation soars 215 feet. each evening the "Drama of Creation" is reenacted under the bridge.

The mountains are also famous for their many caverns. These include Natural Bridge Caverns; Luray Caverns, one of the largest and most famous; Endless Caverns at the foothills of the Massanutten Mountain in New Market; Shenandoah Caverns, also near New Market, and Skyline Caverns in Front Royal.

Other chapters of history unfold while touring Central Virginia. Near Charlottesville, Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, draws visitors from around the world. The house is one of the classic examples of American architecture. Inside you will see many of Jefferson's inventions and personal belongings. The extensive gardens are among the most memorable aspects of a trip to Monticello.

Ash Lawn, the home of James Monroe, is also near Charlottesville. When visiting the home of the country's fifth President, people enjoy seeing the 550 acre estate and the periodic demonstrations of spinning and weaving.

In Nelson County near the Rockfish River is the community of Schuyler. This is the boyhood home of Earl Hamner, creator of television show The Walton's and the setting for the series.

Also north of Lynchburg is the marble palace and extensive gardens of Swannanoa, the headquarters the University of Science and Philosophy. It is located on 900 acres of Afton Mountain overlooking the Shenandoah and Rockfish rivers. Swannanoa contains the art, science and philosophy of Walter and Lao Russell.

Local farmers have been bringing their fresh grown produce up to the community market here on Saturday morning since 1783.

The location and hours have changed, but the vegetable selection and neighborhood camaraderie have remained constant.

Mae Evans Coleman remembers Friday nights in the late 20's, loading up her grandfaters's new Ford truck in preparation for the 4 a.m. ride to the market. The children helped pick the vegetables the day before. They also helped load the truck and weigh and sell produce. The trip from hat Creek in Campbell County took her family about an hour.

The merchandise consisted of whatever was in season. There were all kinds of garden vegetables, butter, apple cider and hams, cured pork, pies and ice cream and other specialties.

By 1920 the market had moved several times. The first market was located in the center of town on Ninth Street between Main and Church.

Building the three-stall market cost $750 and in 1811, the stall rented for a total of $15 annually. The market was considered too small to accommodate all the merchants and their produce so it was enlarged to house a fire engine and ladder and an adjacent shed was constructed to sell meat.

The original market was replaced in 1814 with an eight-stall market, also on Ninth Street. Rental costs increased to $23 a year per stall, and two stalls were left vacant for use of people from the country.

Many of the stalls were rented permanently to butchers. As the prime source of fresh meat for the community the market became a town gathering place. Legal notices were posted not only at the courthouse, but also at the market.

The market was open every day except Sunday until either noon or 1 p.m., depending on the time of year. Virtually all types of produce were available except for a two year period starting in 1832. Watermelons, muskmelons, cucumbers, green corn, and unripe fruit was banned from the market to protect the community from the ravages of cholera.

Government found its way to the market in 1839 when a market committee was established with common council members and a market superintendent.

But by 1855 the Ninth Street market had become an embarrassment. According to reports, it was smelly, dark and inconveniently located.

After almost 20 years of planning, a new market was built in 1873 on Main Street, at 11th and 12th. That was demolished in 1909 and replace with a market building and an auditorium on the second floor.

When that structure was sold in 1909, residents bought their vegetables elsewhere for eight years. The current market was built under the Church Amory in 1932.

City staff welcomes public involvement in planning the future of the Lynchburg Community Market. Please offer comment by contacting the Department of Parks and Recreation at (434) 455-5858. Continue to check our website for updates and announcements.

As of May 1, 2007 all funding for capital improvements to the Community Market have been deferred.