Liz Local Richmond Magazine - Summer Edition

RICHMOND SUMMER 2020 SUMMER RECIPE: Mexican Street Corn COUNTRY ROADS, TAKE ME TO Waterfalls THE HISTORY OF Blue Porch Ceilings OUR FAVORITE PLACES: Burn Boot Camp RVA NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: Fan District

2020 - In other news this year, we are thrilled to finally be in our brand-new office Year of in Richmond – stop in for a cup of “Home” coffee and a visit at 14061 Midlothian Turnpike in Midlothian Village. We Home has never felt more important also opened a satellite office in McLaws than it does right now. After months of Park in Williamsburg this summer, quarantine, many of us are re-thinking welcoming 4 transfer agents from what’s important to us. Separate Kingsmill Realty. spaces for remote working and distance learning, as well as home gyms, outdoor Who knows what the remainder of living spaces and vegetable gardens will 2020 has in store? Whatever it will be, undoubtedly bring a premium in the we would love to help you love where months to come. you live! Our real estate family has been blessed Liz Moore, that we have stayed busy (very busy!) President throughout these crazy times. We began the year with record setting sales in the first quarter, and like so many, we were forced to pivot quickly to figure out how to keep our clients safe in a whole new environment. I am incredibly proud of our team, who persevered through a very challenging few months with nothing short of grit, to ensure that our clients who needed to move in the midst of a pandemic could do it safely. With interest rates in the 2.75% range (yes, I said 2!), we are experiencing record levels of buyer demand. At the same time, we have extremely low inventory, as many sellers have delayed putting homes on the market for a variety of virus- related reasons. What does that mean for the market? It’s a great time to sell; with little competition and multiple offers in most price points, it’s the most robust sellers’ market that we’ve seen in years. Buyers need to be patient and heed their agent’s advice about moving quickly and aggressively when they find the right home. It’s worth it, though, as the reward will be historically low house payments and the promise of solid appreciation in the years to come. 2 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

Liz Moore & Associates has officially MWoEv’VeEd! to agents working and meeting with moved into its new building at clients, we would be able to host client 14061 Midlothian Turnpike in the story building that will be home to 50 events and educational events for Charter Colony Shopping Center sales agents and support staff. It was the community we work in. We are in Midlothian. After over 2 years of designed with multiple meeting spaces planning on events for those interested searching for the perfect location and for agents and clients, as well as flex in not only selling their homes, working with local architect Balzar space for agents to gather for meetings investing in real estate, and first-time and Associates and builder Century as well as a full suite marketing agency. buyer programs but also, hosting Construction to design and build the The tower lobby doubles as a training football nights, family movie nights and real estate office of the future…the facility and will also be used to host so much more. So far, it’s been great. dream has finally become a reality. client and community events. Everyone has been wowed by the space,” says Morrow. When asked about the office design, Liz “The building design is totally different Moore & Associates Managing Broker than our Peninsula and Williamsburg Liz Moore & Associates has been Tonya Morrow says, “our goal was a offices,” says President Liz Moore. in business since 2003 and opened resi-mercial look – a combination of the “We focused on the open space here; its first branch in the Richmond comfort of home and the functionality collaboration and community are two market in 2016. Since then it has of state-of-the-art commercial space.” hallmarks of our company culture, and outgrown 3 temporary spaces as it has we wanted that reflected in our work rapidly expanded its market share in The newest Liz Moore & Associates environment.” Chesterfield and become one of the top office is a 13,000 square foot, single players in the market. “We wanted our space to be totally unique – a place where in addition Check out one of our favorite spots! Contents Present this coupon to receive 3 We’ve Moved! 4 Summer Recipe: 14 DAY FREE Mexican Street Corn TEST DRIVE 5 Virginia Waterfalls 6 History of Blue Ceilings Short Pump • Libbie Mill • Woodlake • Midlothian in the South 8 Our Favorite Places: (804) 372-0064 Burn Boot Camp 10 Neighborhood Spotlight www.burnbootcamp.com In our Winter issue, Our Favorite Places: La Cucina, the owner has a son and daughter, not 2 sons. SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 3

SUMMER RECIPE: Mexican Street CORN SALAD It’s high sweet corn season, and time to feast on this end of summer bounty. Once you’ve eaten it boiled and buttered to your heart’s con- tent, you absolutely must try it Mexican-style. Elote (Mexican street corn) has become a summertime staple in the melting pot of Ameri- can cuisines. How can you go wrong, with sweet corn, mayonnaise, salty cotija cheese and a sprinkle of chili powder? The classic way to eat elotes is standing outside, holding the cob by the pulled-back husk, unconcerned about where stray corn kernels and mayo might end up. Of course, you can always make your own elote served on the cob. No real recipe is needed. Simply grill or boil corn on the cob, spread mayonnaise on the hot corn and sprinkle with finely ground cotija cheese and chili powder. If you want to stir some lime juice and zest into the mayo, that is a delicious addition. Some versions of elote use Mexican crema, a mild and sweet ver- sion of sour cream, instead of mayo. Others mix softened butter into the mayonnaise. Cotija cheese is a firm, salty white cheese that does not melt. It’s easiest to cube it and grind it to small bits in the food processor. If you can’t get cotija, very firm Greek feta, halloumi or, in a pinch, Parmesan can be used. We thought this was a great “less mess” way to serve up this tasty side at your next summer BBQ. 8 cobs of corn, cooked or grilled 1/2 cup green onions, chopped 2 tbsp vinegar 2 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup queso fresco cheese 1/2 teaspoon paprika salt and pepper, to taste Allow cobs of corn to cool, then remove kernels from the cob with the Good Cook Corn Stripper. Place in a large serving bowl. Toss with green onions, vinegar and oil. Salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled queso fresco. Garnish with paprika. Serve immediately and enjoy! Yield: 4-6 4 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

By Brandy Centolanza APPLE ORCHARD FALLS TRAIL Looking for a place to enjoy nature while soaking up some scenery Apple Orchard Falls can also be found in the Jefferson National and sun? Consider making the trek to one of these outdoor Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Bedford. The roughly three- destinations, all sites of some of the most beautiful sets of waterfalls mile trail is considered difficult, ideal for more experienced hikers in Virginia. and adventurous types. The highlight of this trail, which runs along a series of streams, is the 200-foot Apple Orchard Falls with its GREAT FALLS NATIONAL PARK stunning views. View the Potomac River at its most powerful at Great Falls National Located 136 miles from Richmond (roughly 2 hours 30 min with no traffic) Park just outside of the nation’s capital. There are three scenic overlooks offering differing views of these falls, all within walking SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK distance of the park’s visitor center. Great Falls National Park is Spend the day, a night or the weekend hiking throughout situated on 800 acres 15 minutes from Washington DC and has Shenandoah National Park. The park features various hiking trails fifteen miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. including numerous trails along creeks and streams to waterfalls. Swimming is not permitted, though you can kayak here. A few worth exploring: Dark Hollow Falls (mile 50.7) is the most Located 114 miles from Richmond (roughly 2 hours with no traffic) visited trail in the park and is 1.4 miles out and back; Rose River Falls (mile 49.4) is a 4-mile loop trail with access to a number of CRABTREE FALLS pools and cascades including Rose River Falls; Lewis Spring Falls Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway in the George Washington (mile 51.2) is a 3.3 mile loop; and South River Falls (mile 62.8) is National Forest, Crabtree Falls is considered the highest vertical- a 4.4 mile out and back trail that leads to the park’s third-largest drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Crabtree waterfall. Meanwhile, more experienced hikers may wish to take an Falls is actually a series of five major waterfalls as well as a few other entire day and hike the Cedar Run-Whiteoak Canyon Loop (mile smaller ones along a three-mile trail that features overlooks with 45.6). This strenuous 8.8-mile loop hike through two gorges passes breath-taking views. Crabtree Falls is ideal for families with older nine beautiful waterfalls in Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon and children. takes roughly nine hours to complete the whole loop. Located 116 miles from Richmond (roughly 2 hours 15 minutes with no traffic) Located 126 miles from Richmond (roughly 2 hours 20 min with no traffic) NATURAL BRIDGE STATE PARK SHENANDOAH Natural Bridge State Park, which was once owned by Thomas NATIONAL PARK Jefferson and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, boasts six miles of hiking trails within the forest along Cedar APPLE ORCHARD GREAT FALLS Creek. Cedar Creek Trail leads from the famous bridge (actually a FALLS TRAIL NATIONAL PARK limestone gorge carved out by the creek) to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls, which has a 30-foot cascade. APPLE ORCHARD Located 149 miles from Richmond (roughly 2 hours 20 min with no traffic) FALLS TRAIL CASCADES NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL NATURAL Cascade Falls is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in BRIDGE Virginia, and is one of the most popular and most visited spots STATE PARK in the state. These falls are located in the mountains along Little Stony Creek in Jefferson National Forest. Hiking and picnicking are CASCADE permitted in the park as well as fishing along the creek. The hike to NATIONAL the 66-foot waterfalls is on a four-mile round trip trail. RECREATION Located 238 miles from Richmond (roughly 4 hours with no traffic) TRAIL SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 5

From the palest of powder blues to varying shades of aqua, teal, cobalt, robin’s-egg, periwinkle and gray, blue porch ceilings are popping up all across the country. Once just an old Southern tradition, the Aurora Colony, a Christian communal society blue porch ceiling has made its way north that gained popularity in the 1850s. and is being introduced to new generations. Blue porch ceilings are also quite prevalent along There are numerous theories as to why – from the east coast, from Boston to Philadelphia and fooling spiders and wasps into thinking the ceil- other historic cities, where Victorian and Colo- ing is the sky, to blue being a harbinger of good nial homes abound. luck, to the color extending daylight, to scaring away evil spirits. Sky blue ceilings were a popular color scheme for the Victorians, who preferred the colors of Regional Influences nature when painting their homes. Mustard yellow, ochres, browns, olives, terra cotta and In the Northwest, aurora blue is a popular shade the color blue were commonly used in exterior for the porch ceiling. It’s associated with the paint schemes. The warm earth tones reminded 6 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

the Victorians of the outdoors around them, with the blue existing coat with a new coat of paint, and fresh lye. reserved for the porch ceiling to remind them of the blue sky But many still theorize that insects prefer not to nest on blue even when the days were overcast and gray. ceilings because they are “fooled” into thinking the blue paint is actually the sky. The Significance of Haints Extending Daylight Hours Blue ceilings are popular and have been popular in the South for centuries. “Porch ceilings have always been blue in the Haints and insects aside, many people choose to paint the South,” says Lori Sawaya, an independent Principal Color porch ceiling blue simply because of the way it makes the Strategist. “People continue to paint their porch ceiling blue room look and feel. Blue is a calming color, so using it to because that’s what their grandmother did, and that’s what paint an area of the house that’s intended for relaxation her grandmother did.” makes sense. Throughout the U.S., porches are often a favor- ite place while the weather is warm, or even hot, to sit and But many Southerners suggest that blue porch ceilings watch time and life go by. When sitting on the porch, it can originated out of the fear of haints. Southerners, especially in seem as though life has taken on a slower pace, as though the area of South Carolina, have a name for the ceiling paint relaxation is a must. used on porches – the soft blue-green is referred to as “Haint Blue.” People may also paint the porch ceiling blue because the color seems to emulate the natural sky and makes the day- “Haints are restless spirits of the dead who, for whatever light hours feel as though they last just a little longer. “Light reason, have not moved on from their physical world,” says blues especially lighten and brighten space and propagate any Sawaya. light that you do get, because of the basic nature of color,” says Sawaya. Haint blue, which can also be found on door and window frames as well as porch ceilings, is intended to protect the Picking the Right Blue homeowner from being “taken” or influenced by haints. It is said to protect the house and the occupants of the house Most paint experts agree that the best shade of blue is the from evil. one that fits the look of the house. “You don’t want [a blue ceiling] to look like an afterthought or like it came out of Blue Paint as Insect Repellent? nowhere,” cautions Zoe Kyriacos, architectural color consul- tant for Colors by Zoe in Takoma Park, Md. “You want to Some people swear that blue paint repels insects, leaving make it look like it was part of the package.” a porch bug-free and pleasant during those long summer She says blue can be used on any style of house; it just evenings and afternoons. Most credible sources discredit depends on the blue. “A traditional house would use a more this belief. However, this belief could be seated in historical traditional color, something lighter. On a contemporary truths. house you can do something bolder, something brighter.” Kyriacos prefers blues with hints of other colors, which make When blue paints were first used on ceilings, they were the blue more complex and interesting, she says. A blue with usually milk paints, and those paints often had lye mixed a drop of red in it, for instance, adds “a little warmth.” into the composition. Lye is a known insect repellent, which Also consider the natural light. Colors tend to get washed would explain why insects would avoid nesting on a painted out when used outdoors, so there’s a little wiggle room to go porch ceiling or ledge. As milk paint has a tendency to fade darker than you would indoors. over time, giving it a rustic look, people would usually need to repaint their home every year or few years, covering the sherwin-williams.com SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 7

OUR FAVORITE PLACES: While most people sign on to a gym to lose extra pounds, Jonathan stresses Burn Boot Camp that Burn Boot Camp is more than that. Working out at Burn has helped By Brandy Centolanza owns and operates the gym in Short some members with depression, Pump as well as gyms in Woodlake, diabetes, and other conditions. “I have always been a huge proponent Midlothian, and Libbie Mill, with the for healthy living and exercise and I am goal of opening another Burn local “Most importantly, we’ve really very entrepreneurial by nature, so Burn location later this year. helped people who never dreamed Boot Camp has been a perfect fit for of becoming fit completely exceed me,” said Jonathan Ceasar, the owner “The biggest reason I love Burn and their beliefs,” Jonathan said. “Almost of four Burn Boot Camp workout why I opened the franchises is the anybody can do this program and be facilities within the Richmond area. reward of helping people everyday on successful. You have to want to be a fairly large scale,” Jonathan said. better, though. Change your mind and Burn Boot Camp has various locations “Every day we are growing and helping the body will follow.” throughout the country. Jonathan more people get healthy.” purchased the first Burn Boot Camp Burn Boot Camp offers 45-minute franchise in Virginia in 2015 and It’s Not Just About Hight Intensity Interval Training opened a Burn Boot Camp in Short (HIIT) style workouts in state-of-the- Pump a year later. He currently Weight Loss art studios. “Workouts always change,” Jonathan 8 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

said. “You will never repeat a workout. Camp roughly one to three times a manager as well as a trainer. This is the best part about the week and relishes his interactions with “Both myself and the entire staff take program. Although you can be an members. a lot of pride in our gyms and what we elite level person and have incredible stand for as a company and the overall workouts with us, you do not have to “My favorite aspect is meeting all Burn mission,” Jonathan said. be a super athlete. We always modify of the members and kids who come Burn Boot Camp offers free two- exercises for anyone who needs it.” to the locations, and talking with week trial periods, which include everyone and the staff,” Jonathan said. complimentary one-on-one focus Burn Boot Camp Is “I could be having a terrible day and meetings with trainers to review goals, my mood is immediately lifted just by measurements, nutrition, and other For Everyone going to one of my facilities and seeing concerns. all the energy and the smiling faces.” “I love speaking to everyone about Burn Boot Camp’s clientele is the journey they are embarking on,” primarily female, though there are Feel the Burn Jonathan said. “When starting out limited co-ed classes held throughout with our program, the most important the day. There is also free childcare What makes Burn Boot Camp stand thing is to just jump in and do it. Burn four times per day. out from other gyms is its family-like Boot Camp truly is a life-changing atmosphere as people work to achieve wonderful company.” “We have members with all physical their fitness and health goals. and ethnic backgrounds,” Jonathan Ready to Burn? said. “Nobody is going to judge you “The atmosphere is incredible,” here. We truly are for everyone. We Jonathan said. “Not only will you Midlothian have all ages and fitness levels and even have a tremendous workout, but our offer kids camps too.” community is unbelievable. It’s way 1208 Carmia Way more than a gym. People meet their Richmond, VA 23235 Jonathan, who has a real estate best friends at our gyms, friends they background and grew up playing would never have met anywhere else.” Woodlake soccer, basketball, and ice hockey as well as lifting weights, is up early daily For Jonathan, who has lived in the 7000 Woodlake Commons Loop to get his own workouts in before Richmond area since 1987, Burn Boot MIdlothian, VA 23112 making the rounds to each of his Camp truly is a family affair. His locations. He visits each Burn Boot girlfriend, Kierstyn, is Burn’s operation Libbie Mill 5001 Libbie Mill East Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 Short Pump 3091 Lauderdale Dr Henrico, VA 23233 804-372-0064 burnbootcamp.com Ask us how we are protecting you and our staff during COVID-19. SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 9

RVA Neighborhood Spotlight: Fan District The Fan District is located in Rich- of the Fan occurred after the Civil War a more rural location (its present Wes- mond’s West End, and is one of the through about 1920. Streetcar lines lead- thampton location). During the Great city’s most popular neighborhoods. This ing from downtown influenced develop- Depression, many of the single-family large district gets its name from the ment; the nation’s first electric streetcar homes in the area were converted to way its streets branch out in a fan shape system was inaugurated in Richmond in apartments. from Belvidere Street to the Boulevard. 1888. If you love historic architecture, you’ll The term “the Fan” was coined in the love the elegant homes for sale in The As development increased from down- mid 20th century by a Richmond Times Fan District of Richmond, since most town at the turn of the 20th century, Dispatch editorial, as the appellation date back to the late 19th and early Franklin street became a fashionable “West End” no longer applied. 20th century and are available in a vari- “West End” address. A desire for a West ety of building styles, including Queen End address drove rapid real estate de- Foodies love The Fan, which is home to Anne, Italianate, Beaux Arts, Bunga- velopment of the area, changing the area approximately 80 restaurants and bars, low, and Tudor. from rural tobacco fields in 1880 to be- many of which are locally owned. While ing almost fully developed land by the there are many new and trendy eateries In 1817, the Fan was plotted as the village 1920s. As development accelerated, the in The Fan District, there are also some of Sydney on land formerly owned by University of Richmond (then located old standbys, including Kuba Kuba, William Byrd II. Primary development on Lombardy Street) was moved west to which first opened in 1998. This restau- 10 SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL

rant serves authentic Cuban food and is Most of the homes in the Fan District, The Fan District’s real estate offerings a favorite of the locals. are beautiful historic brick row houses are also within easy walking distance of and townhomes, although there are also Carytown and all of its great restaurants This neighborhood is also located next some large, elegant single-family houses. and shopping options. And downtown to the Museum District, where you can During the Great Depression and then Richmond is just about two miles away, find six blocks lined with museums, in- later in the 1940s and 1950s, some of so it is still close enough to walk or bike cluding but not limited to the Science these larger homes were split into du- to, if you didn’t feel like driving or tak- Museum of Virginia and the Children’s plexes. There are also some new homes ing one of the GRTC buses that service Museum of Richmond. Both of these available in The Fan, including Citizen this neighborhood. The Fan is also an museums offer many events and pro- 6, a new development of three-bedroom excellent neighborhood for commuters. grams for children. You’ll also enjoy Modern-style row houses. The Downtown Expressway, which con- taking the classes offered at the Virginia nects to I-95, is located on the southern Museum of Fine Arts. This museum’s This largely residential neighborhood is edge of this district, and I-64 is just a Studio School offers an excellent selec- very walkable. Living in The Fan, you’ll short drive away. tion of art workshops and courses for find pretty much everything you need, adults, and also has art classes that are including coffee shops, small markets, designed specifically for children. eateries, and bars just a quick stroll away. SUMMER 2020 / LIZ LOCAL 11

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