Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia - Mariner's Landing - Summer Concert Series

Mariner's Landing Resort and Conference Center continues to host great events at Smith Mountain Lake and their Summer Concert Series will bring in some excellent talent next month. Scheduled to perform are:

Sara Evans                                               August 8

STYX                                                          August 15

Lonestar                                                   August 16

Grand Funk Railroad                              August 22

Blake Shelton                                          August 23

TobyMac                                                   August 28

Diamond Rio                                           August 29

All concerts start at 7pm, and include special guests. Ticket prices range from $25-35 if purchased in advance. For tickets and information, go to: www.smlconcerts.com, www.tickets.com or call (888) 397-3100

New Listing on Six Acres - 97 Cooks Branch Rd - Great Campbell County Location

Just Listed- Beautiful 1900sf contemporary home on six acres in a convenient Campbell County location. Lots of natural light in this bright and airy home. Three bedrooms, two baths, charming front entry opens to large foyer with 20 foot ceiling. With a recently painted interior, this home is move in ready. Storage shed and play set convey.

• Cozy fireplace in Dining Room
• Main Level with Hardwood Flooring & Ceramic Tile
• Great Room with large deck
• Main Level bedroom
• Main Level laundry room
• Walk in attic storage
• Horses are allowed

This home is listed at just $259,900. Road maintenance shared by neighbors at cost of $50 per year, plat on file. For more information or to schedule a showing, contact:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)  RE/MAX 1st Olympic  20395 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502

malone1981@aol.com     (434) 546-0369

Hollywood in the Hills - FREE Movie Nights in Bedford, Virginia

Looking for a fun family activity this summer? When was the last time you watched a movie outdoors?  Hollywood in the Hills in Bedford, Virginia is a free outdoor movie program that is in its fourth season. Held on Saturdays throughout the summer at the Bedford Elementary School, the gates open at 7:00 pm. Movies are shown on the atletic field at dusk (7:30pm). In case of rain or windy conditions, the movies will be held in the Bedford Elementary gym.  To get a great spot, come early. You can enjoy the sunset over the D-Day Memorial located on the hill above the school. Movies scheduled are:

July 19 -- Surf's Up
August 16 -- Happy Feet
September 20 -- We Are Marshall

Bedford Elementary School is located just off of Rte 460, follow signs for the D-Day Memorial

Posted by:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)  RE/MAX 1st Olympic 20395 Timberlake Rd   Lynchburg, VA 24502

(434) 546-0369   malone1981@aol.com

The Duchess Of Bedford Bakery & Cafe' 405 Crenshaw Street Bedford, VA

Anna Maria Stanhope,   The Duchess of Bedford, is credited with the creation of afternoon tea to tide her over during the long gap between meals. It seems fitting that the city of Bedford, Virginia has an establishment creating delightful treats fit for a queen including biscotti, croissants, muffins, pastries, coffee cakes, breads, cheesecakes and even sheet cakes. They offer a special holiday bakery menu too.

The Duchess of Bedford Bakery & Cafe' offers breakfast, brunch, lunch and Afternoon Tea by reservation.

My daughter and I had a terrific lunch complete with homemade soup, salad, delicious sandwiches and a mini dessert muffin. The menu features Boar's Head meats and cheeses and lunch specials with quiche, homemade soups, sandwiches and subs.  A pot of tea and cafe mocha and we were happy girls! 

You don't have to go home empty handed; along with baked goods, Duchess of Bedford has a lovely assortment of crystal teapot charms, stationery, Willow Tree and other gifts. If you're out and about, on your way to the Peaks of Otter or one of the many wineries in Bedford County, take a detour and visit the Duchess of Bedford.

Duchess of Bedford Bakery and Cafe' is located just off Main Street at 405 Crenshaw Street in Bedford, Virginia.  

Open Monday - Friday 8 am- 5 pm   Saturday 9am - 3pm    For more information, call (540) 587-8777

Posted by: Debbie Malone, Realtor (R) RE/MAX 1st Olympic  20395 Timberlake Rd  Lynchburg, VA 24502

(434) 546-0369  malone1981@aol.com

My Earliest Musical Memory- It was a Beatles Song

Since Jay Allen started the Beatles Group, I've been watching all of The Beatles movies with my teenage daughter who JUST LOVES them and is amazed by the scope of their music. We sit and watch the movies together and one night I was telling her about the times I would stay with my grandparents as a little girl.

My earliest memory of a song was The Beatles I Want To Hold Your Hand. The song came out in October of 1963 so I was just three. Being the favorite grandchild and totally spoiled, I would get to spend the night at my grandparents who I worshiped. (Who wouldn't, I always got a new dress, I would get to sleep on a cot in their room and when I woke up in the morning there was always coins under my pillow, no tooth fairy needed). My grandfather would hold my hand until I drifted off to sleep.  I remember going to sleep one night and the song was playing on the radio.

Funny how those things stay with you. I've loved The Beatles since the beginning, I've  kept all of my albums and now have to pry my cd's from my daughter. The Beatles music is timeless and I'm glad to have another connection with her. Now, I'm still a bit upset, my cousin Cheryl got the bendy Beatles figures and I got The Mama' and The Papa's when we were in the third grade, but that's another story.

What is your favorite Beatles song and why?

How Posting About My Dog Got Me A Client- Thank You Activerain!

I'm not just a Realtor®, I'm a real person with a hectic life, kids and many other interests besides real estate. I absolutely love the area of the country in which I choose to live and want to promote it as an affordable and wonderful place to raise a family. When I have the chance to blog I write about my life, my interests and my family too. Now I know that some may feel the private side of real estate agents lives are best left for facebook, but I'm just too transparent to keep my lives separate. 

Since I've been posting on Activerain, and focusing on Localism especially, I've received countless calls from people who've found me online. In fact, I've had several calls from people wanting information on festivals, schedules, how to contact a POA, thinking I work with the business I've profiled on Localism! If they'll hold on a sec, I'll get the info for them.

So I wasn't surprised to receive a call from an agent in Iowa who had a client moving to Lynchburg. Would I want a buyer referral? Yes sir, I sure would! Apparently, the client, who's Scottish, saw my Activerain profile. (Or my website, or a localism post, seriously, I've had so many contacts, I've stopped asking, I've got such a high google ranking thanks to Activerain).  I mention my family which includes my dog, Duncan. (I figure if my good friend Danny Thornton can blog about his five dogs, I'm good with my one)! Duncan is a West Highland White Terrier who runs my family. The breed is of Scottish decent.

There are 800 realtors in Lynchburg and the buyer chose me because of my dog! And I'm okay with that!!!

I contacted the buyer and he was just charming, though with my Boston accent and my Virginia ear, I have to listen really hard to understand what he's saying. Since their home in Iowa had just been listed, the couple wanted to rent prior to buying. What luck, we happen to own rental property. I was able to work something out with a tenant who was going to move out at the end of July. The Iowa referral will be able to move in Monday and stay until their home sells!

They arrived yesterday and will only need to spend a few nights in a hotel. Our current tenant didn't have a problem with letting the new tenant unload their U-Haul into the garage. That's just how people are in my neck of the woods. The new tenants are like us and had way MORE furniture than would fit into the rental garage so one of my garage stalls is filled to the ceiling with their furniture too! (I am a multi-service Realtor ®! LOL)!

Does Activerain work? Is blogging worth your time? Here it is in a nutshell: I had my website for a year before I joined Activerain and I wasn't getting hits like I am now. If it weren't for Activerain, I wouldn't be showing up on google. If it wasn't for Duncan, the client may have gone with another agent.

By the way, Duncan got a referral fee; a treat and a new toy.

If you know of anyone relocating to the Lynchburg, Virginia area, have him or her give me a call. I will do all that I can to help make the transition as smooth as possible.

 Posted by:

Debbie Malone, Realtor ®  RE/MAX 1^st Olympic  20395 Timberlake Rd

Malone1981@aol.com    www.debmalone.com   (434)546-0369

Boating Mis-Adventures on Smith Mountain Lake

Two weeks ago, "Bob The Boat Guy" did some work on our 18' Sea Doo so we decided to take it out for a late afternoon run and have dinner at one of the restaurants where you can dock and eat overlooking the lake. What a way to spend an afternoon. We thought.

Unfortunately, Bob neglected to put the boat in the water to TEST his work before he called to say that will be $405.00, thank you very much. The engines still didn't want to catch and we had trouble getting one to turn over but eventually we were on our way. We didn't get too far before we realized something wasn't right so we headed over to Parkway Marina to buy new spark plugs. Surely, new spark plugs will solve the problem. A quick change out and we were on our way again. However, ten minutes in, something really didn't sound right so we stopped and opened the compartment to the engines. There was water everywhere, hoses were leaking and one engine wasn't working at all. Oh darn, that can't be good. Now what?

We were too far from the house to make it back before dark on one engine, we were too far from Parkway Marina. It was starting to get dark and all we had was one wimpy paddle and our little beacon light. With no options, we decided to head for Belview Bay and the marina below the Sportsman Restaurant.

We remembered that the owner had a limo she used to transport people from the dock to the restaurant and figured we could get a ride to our truck to come back and get the boat. We limped in to the cove and went to the marina only to find the lady didn't run the marina anymore; instead there was a store, Ultimate Watersports renting boats, jet ski's, sea doos. And now you could buy tropical slushies. Smith Mountain Lake doesn't have taxi service and it's eight pm. Oh darn, now what are we going to do?

As we were talking to the young lady who was closing up the store, we pleaded for an answer to our dilemma. She calmly said, my brother can take you to your truck, no problem. We have a jet ski.  Are you serious? You'll take us all the way back to our house? Who does stuff like that anymore?

Thankfully, these two kids did. Twenty minutes on a jet ski at dusk wasn't too appealing to me so I decided to babysit the boat and wait for my husband to come back with the truck. As I waited I had the chance to talk to the young lady and found out that her brother and parents operated the Ultimate Watersports store. Check them out; they have the cheapest price for gas at the lake and are offer rentals of: Sea Doo's, a 24' Palm Beach Pontoon, Hobie-Cat Wave Sailing Catamaran (2 and 4 person), Wakeboard, Kneeboards, and Viper Airhead towables.

Soon, the brother was back, my husband was pulling into the drive and we were on our way. We cannot thank these two kids enough for bailing us out and going beyond what most people would do. How refreshing! If you're looking to rent equipment at the lake, check them out. And have a slushie.

Ultimate Watersports is located on the water behind The Sportsman Restaurant, 2.5 miles past the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Take a right at Belview Bay Condominiums. To contact Ultimate Watersports, call (540) 297-2020.

Posted by

Debbie Malone, Realtor(R)   RE/MAX 1st Olympic   20395 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502

malone1981@aol.com         www.debmalone.com

Habitat For Humanity - ReStore - The Best Kept Secret In Lynchburg

I hope it won't be a secret anymore- if you're in the Lynchburg area and have the need for building supplies including cabinetry, flooring of all types including carpeting, laminate and tile, you must check out the Habitat For Humanity ReStore. The store is stocked with new (up to 90% off retail) and used home improvement products. They have beautiful cabinetry on display. Now located on the corner of Allegheny Ave and Lakeside Drive, you'd be surprised at the quality and quantity of items for sale:

Appliances, Electrical, Plumbing, ALL WOOD Cabinetry, Hardware, Paint, Wallpaper, Flooring, Paneling, Landscaping Materials, Whirlpool Tubs & Shower Surrounds, Windows, Doors, Moulding, Area Rugs, and on and on.

• Euro style vanities with porcelain sink in Oak, White or Cherry finish: 

                     24"    $189.99        32"     $253.99     40"    $317.99

• New Whirlpool tubs starting at $599.00
• Full set of custom cabinetry $3299.00

The store is open to the general public and when you buy from ReStore, you are helping the local community. Hours are:

Tuesday- Friday  9am - 6pm

Saturday            9am - 4pm

Do you have good, usable items you no longer need? Business and private donations are welcome. Visit the website and see what the store has to offer. If you have questions or would like to make a donation, contact: Greater Lynchburg Habitat For Humanity ReStore at (434) 528-5155 or email ReStoreVA@aol.com

Posted by:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)  RE/MAX 1st Olympic  20395 Timberlake Rd  Lynchburg, VA 24502

malone1981@aol.com              (434) 546-0369

She's Active in the Rain: Please Stop By and Welcome Heidi Krone!

Who would have thunk it: I've known Heidi Krone since my oldest daughter was in the ninth grade and played the flute in her band class at LCA and I was a stay at home mom. Heidi has been an agent for several years and recently joined us at RE/MAX 1st Olympic in Lynchburg. She's a lot of fun and someone you'll like to know. Heidi just posted her first blog, so please go on over to welcome and encourage her. And ask her about those leather pants. (I'm looking for the photo's Heidi!)

Posted by:

Debbie Malone, Realtor  (R)   RE/MAX 1st Olympic  20395 Timberlake Rd,  Lynchburg, VA 24502

Goodwill Stores- You Never Know What You'll Find!

Since we're trying to furnish our lake house on a budget, I'm all about saving money. I love bargain hunting, especially yard-sailing on the weekend. The rest of the week, I'll pop into our local Goodwill Stores when I'm in the area. I've found some great nautical lamps and a brand new comforter set in the last few weeks. There are five stores that I frequent; one in Lynchburg, Forest, Madison Heights, Bedford at Smith Mountain Lake.

You just never know what you'll find and today I came upon a happy surprise. I walked in to the Forest store and look what I found- for a whole lot less than craigslist!

Check out your local Goodwill Stores, you'll find merchandise for less and will be supporting a great cause. From the Goodwill website: 

Goodwill Industries is all about people working.

We are North America's leading nonprofit provider of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Last year, local Goodwills collectively provided employment and training services to more than 1.1 million individuals.

We believe that work has the power to transform lives by building self-confidence, independence, creativity, trust and friendships. Everyone deserves a chance to have these.

Goodwill provides that chance.

 "Friends of Goodwill, be dissatisfied with your work until every handicapped and unfortunate person in your community has an opportunity to develop to his fullest usefulness and enjoy a maximum of abundant living."    
- Dr. Edgar J. Helms, 1941

Goodwill Industries International enhances the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities by eliminating barriers to opportunity and helping people in need reach their fullest potential through the power of work.

Every person has the opportunity to achieve his/her fullest potential and participate in and contribute to all aspects of life.

Respect - We treat all people with dignity and respect.

Stewardship - We honor our heritage by being socially, financially, and environmentally responsible.

Ethics - We Strive to meet the highest ethical standards

Learning - We challenge each other to strive for excellence and to continually learn.

Innovation - We embrace continuous improvement, bold creativity and change.

Posted by:

Debbie Malone, Realtor (R)

RE/MAX 1st Olympic   20395 Timberlake Rd, Lynchburg, Va 24502   (434) 832-1100 Office

malone1981@aol.com    (434) 546-0369  Cell