Septic Systems and Percing a Lot

If you own land outside the Front Royal town limits in Warren County, VA, it will almost certainly require a septic system before you can build, and in most cases a well. I find that there is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about septic systems and "percing" lots, and I spend a lot of time explaining it all to prospective buyers, or owners who want to sell their land.

So I have created a new Q & A page on my website covering the most common questions, including an overview of the process, percing costs, and the difference between conventional and alternative systems.

Check it out at Septic Systems and Percing Lots Q & A

If you are looking to sell land, whether or not it is perced, please don't hesitate to contact me to talk it through.

I have several very nice parcels of land on the market, priced from $65,000 to $199,900 to suit all budgets and tastes, check them all out, including pictures, plats etc, at: Land & Building Lots

Transport for Commuters

I am often asked what transportation help is available for commuters from the Front Royal & Warren County area to northern Virginia and Washington, DC.

The Valley Commuter Assistance Program (VCAP) provides help in a number of ways, including free ride-matching for commuters looking to pool cars through their Rideshare program. This program covers the Counties of Warren, Page, Shenandoah, Clarke and Fredrick, along with the City of Winchester. Funding is provided by the State, with some contribution from the individual jurisdictions that it serves.

There are also commercial bus pooling and van pooling arrangements, and Park & Ride lots near exit 6 (Front Royal) and exit 13 (Linden) of I-66, to provide more secure parking for those sharing rides.

Further details on all the above, along with contact points, can be found on the Valley Commuter Assistance Program web site.

New Shopping Centers for Front Royal

Anyone who last traveled route 522 north of exit 6 of I-66 a couple of years ago, will be astonished at the changes now taking shape. It started with the creation of the Blue Ridge Shadows championship golf course, now with a Holiday Inn & conference center being constructed alongside the highway. But more significantly, we are now seeing the development of two out of town retail parks, a first for Warren County.


Crooked Run Shopping Center (on the west side of 522) and Riverton Commons (on the east) have been in the development stage for some time, but will come to life with the opening of the new Target store this coming July on Crooked Run, followed closely by PetCo, Staples, Fashion Bug, Famous Footwear and TGI Fridays. By early 2008, Riverton Commons will be welcoming Wal-Mart, Lowes and others, which so far apparently include several eating places like Crackerbarrel, Chic Fil-A, Checkers and Starbucks. Yes, Front Royal, Virginia will have arrived - we will have a Starbucks

What's more, a third retail park - bigger than these two combined - is in the pipeline off Rockland Rd, a mile or so further north. I understand it will be a couple of years before we see major developments there, but you can probably begin to think of some of the major retail names who will no doubt be looking for a share of the spoils.

Virginia Wine & Craft Festival

Don't miss the 21st Annual Virginia Wine & Craft Festival, to be held Saturday May 19, 2007 in historic downtown Front Royal, in Warren County, Virginia.

The main downtown area of Front Royal - The Commons, Chester St, & East Main St - is cordoned off to leave a delightful area for visitors to roam and mingle. Wine producers and skilled crafters come from all over Virginia, and in addition there are many local Warren County businesses and organizations represented, and lots of fun, games and rides for the kids.

Musical entertainment is at the gazebo in The Commons, and on the Court House lawn. At the gazebo will be popular local Beatles cover band Glass Onion (from 10 am to 1 pm), and Texas Chainsaw Horns (2 pm to 5.30 pm), a band blending soul, funk, rock and country. In front of the Court House will be Bill Dykes & The Beatnik Night Players (bluegrass/jazz variety) from 12 pm to 2 pm.

Admission is $12 in advance, $18 at the gate - for that, you get all the wine tasting you want. If you don't want to join in the wine tasting, admission is just $2, with kids aged under 6 free.

Advance tickets may be purchased from the Warren County Chamber of Commerce, call (540) 635-3185.

This is a great event with a fantastic buzz - if you are new to Warren County or haven't been to the event before, make it a priority!