To download a printable checklist, click HERE.

💬 FROM ME TO YOU… Is anyone else as ready for spring as I am? (Not fake spring. The real deal - pollen and all.) I'll pop a Zyrtec to enjoy the redbuds, cherry trees, and the early blooms along the river. All day, every day. I was away for just a few days and returned home to a transformed RVA. Forsythia in bloom, warmer breezes, patios open, more people out on the James, and festivals starting to ramp up for warmer weather. It just might be my favorite season here. (Even though my white car is now green.) This issue, we've got the full list of goings on, a spotlight on Jackson Ward, and a wow salmon dish that is sure to impress. As always, reach out if you have Richmond questions or real estate questions! Happy almost Easter and Happy Happy Spring! What's Happening in RVA April is when Richmond really starts to come alive again. Patios fill up, festivals return, and there’s something happening just about every day. Whether you’re looking for live music, family-friendly events, or a reason to get outside. If you’re planning your month (or just your weekends), here’s a look at what’s happening around Richmond this April. GET THE FULL LIST HERE 📍RVA Spotlight: Jackson Ward There's a story behind the Bojangles statue in Jackson Ward that most people have never heard, and once you do, you will never drive through that intersection the same way again This week on the blog, I'm spotlighting a bit of what I learned about one of Richmond's most historically significant neighborhoods, where to eat (Lillie Pearl, Mama J's, and a really lovely Ethiopian cafe), and why this is one of the most compelling places to put down roots in RVA. Come take a walk with me. READ MORE HERE 🍴 What I'm Cooking Right Now: Miso Salmon My son and I were in New York recently, and had a miso-marinated black cod that we're still thinking about. Like, genuinely still thinking about it. The kind of dish that makes you go quiet at the table. Black cod is a little harder to track down here in RVA, but salmon? Salmon is everywhere. And it turns out miso and salmon are (almost) just as magical together. April is the month of my son's birthday, and while he may not be home for it, he loves fish, loves Japanese food, and this is a dinner that feels special without requiring a plane ticket or a hefty tip. Steamed rice, something green, and you're done. Make it for someone special, even if that special someone is you! GET THE RECIPE HERE Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know) thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help.  👉 SEARCH RICHMOND HOMES FOR SALE 👉 GET YOUR HOMES VALUE 👉 START YOUR SEARCH 👉 BOOK A CONSULT

I've been taking a course called "I Know Richmond" through The Valentine, and if you follow me on social media, you already know this. I haven't stopped talking about it. Every session has been great, and I’ve learned so much about this city I love. But the one that seriously stopped me in my tracks was a visit to the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia with Faithe Norrell, followed by a walking tour of Jackson Ward led by historian Gary Flowers. I thought I knew this neighborhood. I did not know this neighborhood half as well as I thought I did.. That's the thing about Richmond. You can live here for decades and still find yourself standing on a sidewalk, listening to someone tell a story you've never heard, thinking: how did I not know this? Jackson Ward gave me several of those moments in one afternoon. A Neighborhood With One of the Most Important Stories in America Jackson Ward is often called the "Harlem of the South," and that comparison is earned. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was one of the most prosperous African American communities in the country. A thriving center of Black-owned businesses, banks, theaters, and civic life, operating in full and remarkable force inside the suffocating constraints of Jim Crow Richmond. Maggie L. Walker, born and raised here, became the first woman in American history to charter and serve as president of a bank. Her home on East Leigh Street is a National Historic Site. The neighborhood produced entrepreneurs, artists, and civic leaders who served a community the rest of the city systematically refused to. You simply can’t really understand Richmond without understanding Jackson Ward. The Story Behind the Bojangles Statue  There is a 9½-foot aluminum statue of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson at the intersection of Leigh Street and Chamberlayne Parkway. Most people know Bojangles as one of the greatest tap dancers who ever lived, and as a Richmond native son. That part is true and worth celebrating on its own (and the reason I always thought that statue was there.) But here's what it’s is really about. In 1933, Robinson saw what was happening at the intersection outside Armstrong High School, which was the segregated Black high school in Jackson Ward. Black children crossing Leigh Street to get to school had been struck by passing cars on more than one occasion. The city of Richmond knew. The city did nothing. So Robinson went to city council himself and paid out of his own pocket to have a stoplight installed at Adams and Leigh streets, so the children would be safe getting to school. The statue, dedicated in 1973, was the first erected in Richmond to honor a Black person. It stands at that same intersection. And now, every time I drive through Jackson Ward, I see it differently. That is what a good tour, and someone who knows their stuff, does. Gary Flowers did not just give us dates and names. He gave us the why behind everything. The personal stories, the neighborhood tales. And in Jackson Ward, those things absolutely tell a more layered story than the “official” one.  The Black History Museum Before the walking tour, we spent a couple of hours at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, and I will be honest: it was a really powerful day. Faithe Norrell (a retired 42 year teacher and librarian whose grandparents were born enslaved), led us on the tour, and gave us context far beyond the placards on the exhibits.. The collections are significant, the exhibitions are thoughtful, and the building itself, the Leigh Street Armory, is a piece of history in its own right. (In fact, a lot of the brickwork on the Armory was done by Armstead Walker, Maggie’s husband. He specialized in the rounded forms like turrets, etc, done in brick.) If you have lived in Richmond for years and have not been, make the trip. I promise, you will leave knowing more about this city than when you walked in. You might cry, which I did, and you’ll definitely leave with a different view of much of Richmond. Where to Eat in Jackson Ward The neighborhood's restaurant scene reflects the same mix of history and momentum you feel everywhere you look here. Start at Mama J's Kitchen if you want to understand what soul food actually means in Richmond. Fried chicken, candied yams, cornbread. The kind of cooking that has its own gravitational pull, made by people who have been doing this for a long time and mean every bite of it. There may be lines, and if so, they are worth it.  Then there's Lillie Pearl, which is a whole different kind of special. Chef Michael Lindsey and his wife Kimberly Love-Lindsey built this restaurant as a celebration of his grandmothers' legacies, taking West African heirloom ingredients and his North Carolina roots of Southern African American cuisine through a journey of global influences. The result is New American cooking that feels deeply personal without being precious about it. Brunch is where Lindsey is having the most fun, with dishes like a short rib breakfast burrito smothered in green chile queso and a peach cobbler French toast. Make a reservation and go check it out.  For something quieter and completely distinct, wander into Buna Kurs. Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee, and those origins come to life inside this Jackson Ward cafe, where they brew their signature single-origin medium roast of Yirgacheffe beans every day. It is bright and fruity and not like anything else in RVA. The food is worth exploring too. This is the kind of place that makes a neighborhood feel genuinely interesting, and brings the feeling of a tapestry of culture.  The Architecture Speaking of interesting: the streetscape in Jackson Ward is extraordinary and worth slowing down for. Ornate Italianate rowhouses with cast-iron details on the facades, Victorian-era buildings with bones that simply do not exist in new construction. This is a walkable, urban neighborhood where the built environment tells you something true about the people who built it and the community that sustained it.  What the Real Estate Market Is Doing For buyers researching Richmond, Jackson Ward offers something rare: historically significant architecture in a central, walkable location with real cultural depth. Well-restored properties here move with urgency. Buyers who understand what they are looking at tend not to hesitate. What you are buying is not just square footage. It is a neighborhood with a story worth knowing, and a daily life that has actual texture. That combination is harder to find than most people realize, and buyers who find it here tend to stay. If you are relocating to Richmond and want to talk through what is available and what the neighborhood actually feels like on a Tuesday morning, I am happy to be your very opinionated local guide. But first: take the walking tour, or at a minimum, do a little research. Everything else makes more sense after that.  Have you spent time in Jackson Ward? And if you are researching Richmond neighborhoods from out of town, what questions can I answer? This is exactly what I am here for, so bring on the questions!

Miso Salmon Silky, savory, and just slightly sweet — inspired by a conversation worthy black cod we had at Teruko in New York. Serve with steamed rice and something green for an easy spring dinner that feels like a lot more effort than it is. Servings 4 INGREDIENTS 4 pieces salmon fillets (skin-on) 3 tablespoons white miso paste 2 tablespoons mirin 1 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoons rice vinegar 1 tablespoons honey 1 teaspoons sesame oil 1 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced 1 sesame seeds and sliced scallions, for serving STEPS Marinade: Whisk together 3 tablespoons white miso paste, 2 tablespoons mirin, 1tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoons sesame oil, 1teaspoons fresh ginger, grated, and 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced until smooth. Marinate the salmon: Pat the 4 pieces salmon fillets (skin-on) dry and place in a shallow dish or zip-lock bag. Pour the marinade over and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes30:00 — or up to 8 hours if you're planning ahead. Prep the oven: When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly oil it. Pull the salmon out of the fridge while the oven heats up. Roast the salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon any extra marinade over the top. Roast for 12–14 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized and a little sticky at the edges. (If you want more color on top, a quick 1–2 minutes under the broiler at the end does the job.) Finish and serve: Transfer to plates and scatter 1 sesame seeds and sliced scallions, for serving over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice and your green of choice — broccolini, snap peas, and edamame all work beautifully here. NOTES White miso is milder and sweeter than red, so it's the right call here. If you can only find red, use a little less. The longer the salmon sits in the marinade, the deeper the flavor, so if you can do it the night before, do it. And if you happen to find black cod at a fishmonger or a good Asian grocery, this marinade works just as well for that.

If you’ve lived in your home for a while, it’s easy to assume selling will be straightforward—clean it up, put it on the market, and wait for offers to roll in. And while that can happen, the reality is that the smoothest, most successful sales usually come down to preparation, strategy, and understanding how buyers actually behave. After more than 20 years of selling homes in Richmond, I’ve seen what works—and what can quickly cause a deal to go sideways. Here are four of the most important things every seller should know before listing their home. 1. Your First Week on the Market Is Everything The first 5–7 days your home is listed are the most powerful window you’ll have. This is when: Buyers who have been searching for months are waiting for something new New buyers are just entering the market Your listing gets the most visibility and attention You’ll never have this level of exposure again during your time on the market. That means your home needs to make a strong impression right away. This isn’t the time to “test” a higher price or ease into the market—you want to capture attention, generate interest, and ideally create strong offers early. 2. Pricing Right Beats Pricing High (Every Time) There’s a common belief that you can “start high and come down later.” In reality, that strategy almost always works against you. Pricing your home correctly from the start: Attracts more buyers Creates stronger interest and urgency Increases the likelihood of multiple offers Helps you sell faster—and often for a better price When a home sits on the market too long, buyers start to wonder what’s wrong with it. Price reductions can signal weakness rather than opportunity. The goal isn’t to price low—it’s to price right. 3. First Impressions Matter More Than You Think Buyers are incredibly quick to judge a home—and surprisingly unforgiving when it comes to first impressions. The good news? You don’t need a full renovation to make an impact. Focus on the basics: A clean, fresh-smelling home (not masked with heavy fragrances) Decluttered spaces so buyers can actually see the home Small repairs (sticky doors, burnt-out bulbs, scuffed walls) Clean windows and well-maintained surfaces These details may seem minor, but they signal to buyers that the home has been cared for. And that perception goes a long way—often further than a fully updated kitchen. 4. The Highest Offer Isn’t Always the Best Offer When offers come in—especially multiple offers—it’s tempting to focus only on the price. But the strongest offer is about more than just the number. You should also consider: Financing vs. cash Contingencies (inspection, appraisal, home sale) Closing timeline Flexibility and overall terms A slightly lower offer with cleaner terms and fewer risks can often be the better choice. Taking the time to compare offers carefully can save you stress—and protect your deal from falling apart later. Bonus: Timing Matters… But Not How You Think Many sellers believe they need to wait until spring to list—but in reality, a well-prepared and well-priced home can sell in almost any season. In fact: Listing earlier can mean less competition Spring markets often bring more inventory (more competition) Buyer demand exists year-round The key isn’t just when you list—it’s how prepared you are when you do. Final Thoughts Selling your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does require a thoughtful approach. The sellers who have the best experiences are typically the ones who: Prepare their home ahead of time Price strategically from the start Understand how buyers evaluate homes Stay aware of market conditions Do those things, and you’ll not only improve your outcome financially—you’ll likely have a much smoother, less stressful process overall. Thinking About Selling in Richmond? If you’re considering selling your home in the Richmond area (or just want to understand your options), I’m always happy to help you put together a strategy that fits your goals and timeline. Reach out anytime—I'd love to connect.

April is when Richmond really starts to come alive again. Patios fill up, festivals return, and there’s something happening just about every day—whether you’re looking for live music, family-friendly events, or a reason to get outside. If you’re planning your month (or just your weekends), here’s a look at what’s happening around Richmond this April. 📅 Saturday, April 4th Dominion Energy Family Easter | 9am to 12pm |📍 Maymont Edgar's Enchanted Garden | 10am to 12pm |📍 The Poe Museum | Poetry, Crafts, Games, and Storytime The Hunt | 2:30pm to 12pm |📍 The Space at Norches | Indoor Egg Hunt and Activities Hardywood Bunny Hop | 12 pm to 4 pm |📍Hardywood - West Creek 📅 Tuesday, April 7th Opening Night at Carmax Park | First Pitch at 7:05 pm | 📍 Carmax Park 📅 Wednesday, April 8th An Evening with John Legend | 7:30 pm | 📍 Altria Theater 📅 April 10th & 11th Hermitage Richmond Pop-Up Artisan Market | 10am to 4pm |📍 1600 Westwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23227 Richmond African American Book Festival | 11am to 4pm |📍 Diversity Richmond 📅 April 10th - 12th The Bizarre Bazaar 34th Spring Collection |📍Richmond Raceway Complex Friday, April 10th - 10am to 7pm Saturday, April 11th - 10am to 6pm Sunday, April 12th - 10am to 5pm 📅 Saturday, April 11th A Swingin' Centennial Celebration | 6 pm to 9 pm | 📍Agecroft Hall & Gardens Scotchtown's 5th Annual Fiber Festival | 10 am to 4 pm | 📍Patrick Henry's Scotchtown 📅 Sunday, April 12th Fetch Fest | 1 pm to 4 pm | 📍Hardywood Park - West Creek See Yourself Here: VMFA Community Celebration | 1 pm to 4 pm | 📍Virginia Museum of Fine Arts 📅 Thursday, April 16th Alabama Shakes | 8:30 pm | 📍The Allianz Amphitheater 📅 Friday, April 17th Disco, Always: A Harry Styles Dance Night | 8:30 pm | 📍The Canal Club 📅 April 18th & 19th 2026 Richmond Ren Faire | 10 am to 6 pm | 📍Dorey Park 📅 Saturday, April 18th Spring Artisan Market | 12 pm to 5 pm | 📍Bingo Beer Co Ukrop's Monument 10k | 8 am to 1 pm | 📍Broad St + Harrison St Richmond Book Festival | 11 am to 3 pm | 📍Rueger Park/Lois Harrison-Jones Elementary 📅 Sunday, April 19th Best Buddies Richmond Friendship Walk | 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm | 📍Richmond Kickers 2026 Spring Artisan Market | 12 pm to 5 pm | 📍Hardywood - Richmond 📅 April 21st - 26th The Wiz | Showtimes Vary |📍Altria Theater 📅 Thursday, April 23rd 2026 Dominion Energy Richmond History Makers | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm |📍The Valentine Museum 📅 Saturday, April 25th Ashland Train Day | 10 am - 4 pm |📍Ashland Farmer's Market Herbs Galore | 8 am - 3 pm |📍Maymont

Now that we're settled into 2026, it's a great time to remind you that now is the time to reach out if you're thinking of buying or selling in 2026, but especially if you're thinking spring! It's a great time to take a look at your house, assess the things that need fixing, and tackle them before the market starts to really get busy and you run out of time. I have someone who can do just about anything, so don't hesitate to call (or just respond to this email!) if you need a recommendation on what to do or who to call! Happy Wintering! 🧠 Market Recap 2021 isn’t coming back — and that’s not bad news. As we start 2026, the market in the Richmond area feels more “normal." Inventory is still tight, inspections are back, and smart strategy matters again. Click below for the full breakdown, but If you want the “what does this mean for my neighborhood and price point?” version, I’m happy to pull it. Just reply to this email! GET THE WHOLE BREAKDOWN HERE ❤️ What I'm Loving Right Now… A New Year reset that actually sticks- My annual “Bingo Card” tradition. Instead of “that was NOT on my bingo card” energy (we’ve all had enough of that), creating your own card is a simple way to take a little control of how your 2026 goes. Trips you’re planning, goals you want to hit, and yes… annoying home projects (hello, attic cleanup 😩). The best part? Checking things off and getting that instant gratification that you’re making real progress. READ THE WHOLE POST AND GET YOUR BINGO CARD HERE Did you know…Sharp's Island Sharp’s Island in Richmond, Virginia, is a rare urban oasis—just one acre of granite and sand nestled in the James River, yet it packs history, recreation, and natural wonder into its compact footprint. Historically, it was home to the Sharp family residence from the late 1850s to 1970. While the home is no longer there, the granite foundation is still visible and home to the only permanent resident of the island, Edwards the Fisherman. Edwards is a sculpture made of old tool parts that artist Keith Ramsey welded together. In 2018, a group of local outdoor enthusiasts and families bought the property and transformed it into Richmond’s only legal campsite—complete with an A‑frame cabin (just added in Spring 2024), tent platform, fire pit, Little Free Library, and an outdoor kitchen. Accessible only by boat—canoe, kayak, or motor vessel—it offers a wild “glamping” experience just minutes from downtown skyscrapers. This blend of geology, ecology, history, art, and urban adventure makes Sharp’s Island uniquely charming—a slice of serene wilderness wrapped around Richmond’s vibrant riverfront. WANT TO STAY? CLICK HERE Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know) thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help.

💬 FROM ME TO YOU… January always feels like a real fresh start- quiet mornings, clean calendar pages, and for me, that little itch to make life simpler and more organized. This month I’m leaning into a “soft reset”: a few cozy, low-effort ways to enjoy Richmond in winter, a practical home checklist that’ll save future-you both money and headaches, and one recipe that tastes like you tried… without actually trying. If you want to start 2026 with less chaos and more purpose, these are some good starts! The January Soft Reset If you're like me, January makes you want to hibernate and reinvent your whole life at the same time. Thankfully, there is a middle ground, though: a “soft reset.” I rounded up 12 cozy, low-key ways to enjoy Richmond in winter—bookstores, museums, river walks, warm drinks, and small analog-ish moments that don’t require a whole new personality or aggressive goals that overwhelm in the first two weeks. GET THE FULL LIST HERE The January Home Reset (Future You Will Appreciate It) Once you've “reset” yourself, it's time to check on your home! This is the unsexy side of homeownership that can save you real money later. (As a realtor, this is also one of my pet peeves that people too often overlook until it's time to sell!) January is a perfect time for a quick home reset—small checks and fixes that prevent expensive surprises (and protect resale value if selling is on your radar this year or next). I promise, I've made it simple, realistic, and very doable. Need referrals for any of these? Just hit reply and let me know what you need! GET THE CHECKLIST HERE 🍴 One-Pan Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Winter Vegetables January dinners need to be warm, easy, and flexible. This one-pan lemon-garlic chicken with winter veg is bright + cozy at the same time, requires minimal effort, and the cleanup won’t ruin your night. Try it and let me know what you think! GET THE RECIPE HERE Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know) thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help.  👉 SEARCH RICHMOND HOMES FOR SALE 👉 GET YOUR HOMES VALUE 👉 START YOUR SEARCH 👉 BOOK A CONSULT

💬 FROM ME TO YOU… I don’t know about you, but this stretch of winter has felt extra… frozen (weather and in the general vibe), so I’m leaning hard into little bright spots and moments that make the month feel lighter. In this edition, I’m sharing a handful of things to do in February—and yes, my favorite is absolutely National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on 2/7, because we deserve that kind of joy right now. I’m also sharing about the Venerable Monks’ Walk for Peace, which came through Richmond and was so lovely and peaceful, I've thought about it nonstop. I’d love to know—did you go see them too? And because February basically requires some chocolate therapy, I’m including my flourless chocolate cake recipe. It's simple, rich, and the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug. Hope this note finds you cozy, and I definitely hope something in here gives you a little reset if you need it. 📆 What's Happening in RVA Out of the holiday hustle and (finally!) past the January slump, February is starting to heat up with some great things to do. From Valentine's to Galentine's, art, history, or pets, there is truly something for everyone this month, despite our current frozen situation (I'm not Elsa, and I cannot, “let it go!” I'm ready for winter to move on!) One of my favorites this month? Did you know February 7 is “National Ice Cream for Breakfast” Day? I might not be able to get behind the cold weather, but I can definitely get behind that! We have so many great options for shops and flavors in the area, but honestly, if I'm eating ice cream for breakfast, it's got to be Croissants and Jam at Scoop on Strawberry Street. What is your pick? GET THE FULL LIST HERE 🕊️ THE WALK FOR PEACE If you know RVA, you know we love a reason to get out and get together, but this week, Richmond showed up for something even better than a festival: peace. I went out to witness a part of the Venerable Monks’ Walk for Peace, and it genuinely reset my nervous system. Did you go, too? Tell me where you saw them (and what you felt afterward). READ THE FULL BLOG POST HERE 🍫 My Flourless Chocolate Cake It's nearly Valentine's Day, and that (to me at least) always means chocolate. A little more decadent, and a little more “out of the ordinary” from the norm, this is really a pretty simple recipe for an absolutely magnificent Flourless Chocolate Cake. Only 6 ingredients (and that includes the powdered sugar for dusting!), and even with cooling time, shouldn't take you much more than an hour. TOTALLY worth it. GET THE RECIPE HERE Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know) thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help.  👉 SEARCH RICHMOND HOMES FOR SALE 👉 GET YOUR HOMES VALUE 👉 START YOUR SEARCH 👉 BOOK A CONSULT

Well, here we are — mid-February, somehow. Valentine's Day is behind us, the days are getting just a little bit longer (hallelujah), and if you squint, you can almost convince yourself that spring is actually coming. (The real estate market has already decided it is, by the way — more on that below.) But first: how are you doing with the new year? We're about six weeks in, which means the shiny optimism of January has been thoroughly road-tested by now. The gym either stuck or it didn't. The book is either being read or it's judging you from the nightstand. The bingo card, if you made one, has either had some squares checked off, or it's been quietly filed under "good intentions." No judgment here either way. I started pottery classes, finally. The wheel humbled me immediately. (We're all just out here trying.) So tell me — what's one thing you've said yes to this year that has surprised you? Hit reply. I genuinely want to know. 🧠 Market Recap Something is quietly happening out there — and if you blinked, you might have missed it. We are not yet through February, and I'm already seeing multiple offers on well-priced homes across Richmond and the surrounding counties. That means spring has essentially decided to show up early, with or without the calendar's (or the weather's) permission. The national headlines are doing the usual — lots of "cautious optimism" and rate chatter — but as always, Richmond is its own thing. I've got the full, non-panicky breakdown: where we actually are right now, what it means for buyers and sellers, and what I think this spring is going to look like on the ground. Have questions? Call, text, email, or reach out on social. If it's easier — just reply to this email with your neighborhood (or target area), your price range, and your timeline, and I'll send you a quick, no-pressure snapshot of what's realistic, what's working, and what I'd tell you if you were my favorite client. (You all are. Don't fight about it.) GET THE WHOLE BREAKDOWN HERE ❤️ What I'm Loving Right Now… One of the things on my 2026 bingo card was making more art — actually doing the thing, not just saving it on Instagram. So in January, I finally signed up for pottery at Hand / Thrown on Brookland Park Boulevard, and last Friday I had my first class on the wheel. My friend Meghan warned me it would humble me. She was not wrong. (Trust me. A little super chunky cup was not what I envisioned making.) I've also been drawing every day, and I just hosted a little "crafternoon" at my house — a group of fantastic women, tables full of supplies, and zero agenda beyond making things. Honestly? It's been one of the best decisions I've made this year so far. I wrote a little more about it on the blog, including some ideas for how you might carve out a little creative time for yourself — even if it's just an hour a month. You deserve it. MORE HERE Did you know…Agecroft Hall and Gardens One thing about Richmond? We'll just casually have a 16th-century Tudor manor house sitting on a bluff above the James River, and most people drive right past it. Agecroft Hall — tucked into the Windsor Farms neighborhood off Sulgrave Road — was built in Lancashire, England in the late 1400s. It survived Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and several centuries of distinguished English families before falling into disrepair in the early 1900s, surrounded by coal mines and general industrial chaos. In 1925, a wealthy Richmond businessman named T.C. Williams Jr. bought it at auction, had it completely dismantled piece by piece, shipped across the Atlantic, and rebuilt on its current site overlooking the James. The whole thing — stone foundation, roof, original windows, carved oak interiors — arrived in crates and was reassembled like the world's most ambitious (and most expensive) jigsaw puzzle. It took two years and cost a quarter of a million dollars. (In 1920s dollars. Just let that sink in. Yikes.) Williams died just a year after moving in, his widow Bessie lived there until 1967, and per his wishes, it opened as a museum in 1969. Today it sits at 4305 Sulgrave Road, is open Tuesday through Sunday, and it will make you feel like you accidentally stepped into another century — which, in the best possible way, you kind of did. If you've never been, spring is the time to go. The Elizabethan gardens are stunning when everything starts to bloom, and the Richmond Shakespeare Festival performs on the grounds over the summer. It's one of those places that makes you proud to live here — because honestly, not just every city has one of these! WANT TO KNOW MORE? Do you have home questions, need contractor referrals, or are you (or someone you know) thinking of buying or selling a home in the Richmond area? Reach out! I'd love to help.