There’s Nothing Small about the Coolest Small Town in America

It’s easy to see why Lititz was voted America’s Coolest Small Town in a 2013 survey. Nestled between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, it’s a vibrant community full of life and activity, even after more than 250 years.

Less than 10,000 people live in this Pennsylvania town, but it’s far from being a dull place to live. Unique shops, gorgeous parks and historic buildings are on nearly every corner. Visit the first pretzel bakery in the country and get a hands-on lesson at Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery. The bakery opened in 1861, and more than 150 years later it is still baking the best pretzels around.

For the chocoholics, the Wilbur Chocolate Museum and Factory Store is a must-see. Willy Wonka has nothing on this five-story chocolate factory that was built in 1913. Chocolate is still made by hand in the modern kitchen located in the museum.

One-of-a-kind merchandise sits on shelves next to name-brand items in the shops of Lititz. Shoppers are almost guaranteed to go with something they didn’t expect to buy when visiting.

Eateries in Lititz range from four-star restaurants and tea shops to breweries and bakeries. Bring a big appetite, because the restaurants in Lititz are known for being some of the best in the area.

With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise Lancaster new home builder Keystone Custom Homes is excited to be building in the Stonehenge Reserve community in Lititz. Homes are priced from the $300,000s. Bay windows, full front porches and side load garages are just a few of the options available at Stonehenge Reserve.

The community is near the Bent Creek Country Club, known for its great golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool and fitness center. Homeowners looking to head into Philadelphia will find state routes just minutes away. Students in Stonehenge Reserve attend schools in the prestigious Manheim Township.

Visit the model home today. From Route 30, take the Oregon Pike North and turn left into Stonehenge Reserve on Royer Drive. Turn left on Prescot Street, and the home is the last one on the right. It is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 1p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Shop ‘til you drop in Woodstock

Grab your walking shoes and get ready to shop, because Woodstock has a great mix of national chains and local stores just a short drive north of Atlanta.

The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta

With 370,000 square feet featuring more than 80 retail stores, don’t expect to shop for just an hour at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Nike, Brooks Brothers, Under Armour, Michael Kors and Saks Off 5^th are just a few of the many stores that can be found at The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for updates on sales and activities for the entire family.

More Shops in Woodstock

Just a few miles from the outlet center is an eclectic mix of shops in the revitalized downtown Woodstock. Buy unique art and see works in progress at Ann Litrel Art, or see the best in Native American Jewelry at Seven Arrows. Nothing says the South quite like college football, and LKT Sports Art is your destination for unique memorabilia, either for yourself or that special fan in your life. Pro sports are also well represented at this favorite store for sports nuts.

If it’s a lot to take in, don’t worry. An app for iPhones and Android phones is available for free in the respective app stores to show you around the city.

Shop then Dine in Woodstock

All that shopping can cause a big appetite and Woodstock has a nice selection of eateries. Wood-fired pizza, southern cooking, cupcakes and sushi are just some of the many delicious offerings available.

Close out your day of shopping by sitting back and enjoying one of the many theater productions put on in the city throughout the year, or enjoying the beautiful outdoors in one of the local parks.

When you purchase a new home from Smith Douglas in Woodstock, the opportunities for an active and social lifestyle are endless. For more information on available homes, visit the Smith Douglas website today! 

Model Home Opens with Award-Winning Floor Plan

Smith Douglas is proud to open its newest model home at Cherokee Reserve in Canton. Featuring the builder’s OBIE award-winning floor plan, the Chestnut, the model is sure to be a buyer favorite!

The Chestnut has 3,377 square feet, five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths with an option for a sixth bedroom and fourth bath. With an open layout, the main level has tons of space and is perfect for entertaining guests. The foyer is adjacent to a living room with a kitchen and dining room just down the hall. A large family room is great for watching the big game with plenty of room to cheer on that favorite team.  There is also a half bath that can be upgraded and a study that can be converted into another bedroom.

Upstairs, enjoy a luxurious master suite with his and hers walk-in closets and a large master bathroom. There is also a loft and three bedrooms.

Additionally, the home has a two-car garage and a gorgeous outdoor living space. Outside, a patio is ready and waiting just off the kitchen. Grab a coffee and sit outside to watch the sunrise. It’s the perfect way to start the morning.

These Cherokee County homes for sale are also surrounded by great amenities. The Cherokee County School System is one of the best in the state, with strong test scores at every level. Restaurants, both chain and local, are just a few minutes away. Catch a football game on one of the many TVs at locally-owned Bedoe’s Bar & Grille, or enjoy breakfast at Sugar Pike Junction.

Prices for homes at Cherokee Reserve start in the $190,000s and are available for pre-sale now. Find more information at www.smithdouglas.com, or call agent Kelley Boatwright at 678-316-3776 to see how you can reserve your lot today.

Meet the People of Hope

When Jeff Rutt made the transition from a dairy farmer in Lancaster, Pa. to a businessman, he never envisioned what a significant impact he would one day make on the world. Today, just a little more than 20 years later, Jeff Rutt has successfully founded Keystone Custom Homes, HOPE International and Homes for Hope.

While Homes for Hope is a nonprofit designed to raise money for HOPE International by building homes on a mostly pro bono basis, Jeff Rutt's third company, Keystone Custom Homes is also involved in supporting both nonprofits. Keystone Custom Homes not only donates a percentage of each home sale to Homes for Hope, but it also runs annual social media campaigns designed to raise money for these  organizations.

This year's campaign, "People of Hope," takes an inside look into some of the dedicated men and women whose businesses are involved in the Homes for Hope mission. These subcontractors, builders and suppliers include:

•       AAA Painting Group who has participated in three projects by donating time and materials to paint the new homes.
•        Storm Master who has installed gutters on homes free of charge for the past four years.
•         Living Stones Masonry who has provided labor and material for three homes.

Information from an interview with the above trade partners and several more is being published on the Keystone Custom Homes blog throughout the months of November, December and January. These posts and organizations are also recognized on Keystone Custom Homes' social media outlets. The goal of all of this is to raise awareness and money for Homes for Hope.

If you're ready to meet the People of Hope, visit www.KeystoneCustomHome.com/blog.

New Cherokee County Homes For the New Year

What would be a better start to 2014 than ringing in the new year in a new home? Starting off the New Year in a Smith Douglas home! Luckily, the Atlanta home builder has several move-in ready or almost complete Cherokee County homes at River Brooke in Canton.

• Home site 77: This move-in ready McPherson plan offers families four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms for $177,500. Features of this home include hardwood floors, custom trim, a breakfast bar large enough for four, built-in desk in the kitchen, large pantry, wood burning fireplace, master suite with sitting room and much more.
• Home site 60: This Greenbriar plan home priced at $159,000 will be complete in January. In addition to four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, this home offers a large open living area including a kitchen with breakfast bar and breakfast nook, a master suite with deep trey ceiling and spacious secondary bedrooms.
• Home site 78: Priced at $154,000, this three bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom Benson plan will also be ready in January. The Benson is one of the builder's most popular plans, and this particular home features a second floor loft, large laundry room, oversized vanity in the master bathroom and more.

In addition to these affordable Atlanta new homes, the builder will soon start construction on phase two of the community. When buying a home in phase two, you'll have the luxury of picking your floor plan, features and lot. Plus, the builder is offering special low pricing on these pre-sale opportunities.

In addition to beautiful new homes, River Brooke has a family-friendly amenities package including a swimming pool with cabana and a playground.

River Brooke is ideally located off of I-575 at exit 20. Residents will never have to travel far to enjoy all of the local shops, restaurants, parks and entertainment venues, and children will attend William G. Hasty Sr. Elementary, Teasley Middle and Cherokee High schools.

Visit the model home at 250 Renford Road in Ball Ground to secure your new home for the New Year today! Interested buyers may also call 678-880-8795 to learn more.

Lower Interest Rates Make Metro Atlanta Homes Even More Affordable

With the holiday season here again, shoppers are busy buying gifts for everyone on their list and looking to save money in the process. Make this holiday season one to remember with one of Smith Douglas Communities' new homes and special interest rate pricing; through December 20, 2013, the Atlanta home builder is offering 3.99 percent interest rates on all standing inventory homes with use of their preferred lender.

With more than 15 metro Atlanta new home communities, buyers have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to location. Smith Douglas Communities currently has homes for sale in Cherokee, Forsyth, Gwinnett and Paulding Counties.

A majority of the builders' homes are already affordably priced under $200,000, and with special interest rate pricing, you won't find a better deal on an new home in Atlanta  this holiday season. Whether you're downsizing, are a first-time buyer or a growing family, Smith Douglas' quality homes are built to fit your lifestyle needs. The builder offers more than 30 unique, flexible floor plans with energy efficient features and beautiful exteriors all backed by a 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty.

To learn more about all of Smith Douglas' inventory homes in metro Atlanta or for details on this limited time offer, visit www.SmithDouglas.com or call 770-485-7086.

Must use preferred lender and close by Dec 20, 2013. Call for Details. Program guidelines and rates are subject to change without notice. Cannot be used with any other offer, Smith Douglas Communities is not a lender, call for preferred lender contact info. All information is believed to be accurate but is not guaranteed and subject to change without notice. 

Richmond Home Builder to Open Second Wyndham Community

Boone Homes, an award-winning builder of Virginia new homes, is pleased to announce that it will introduce a second community of Richmond luxury homes at Wyndham, Ellington Woods. Only the second community to be introduced to Wyndham in the past 10 years, Ellington Woods will feature 29 new homes priced from $725,000.

These Richmond new homes will feature spacious home designs with open layouts and upscale design selections. Each plan will include an optional basement or optional finished third floor, and 12 of the 29 new homes will be located on private home sites backing up to protected areas.

Construction on these new homes is scheduled to begin in January 2014 with the first residents moving in by the end of August. Boone Homes will also begin construction on the community's model home in February.

The master-planned community of Wyndham offers a state-of-the-art amenities package, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, soccer field, basketball court, tot lots, gazebo and an amphitheater overlooking Otter Pond and Wyndham Lake. Community residents may also join the Dominion Club, which offers a 28,000 square foot clubhouse, fitness center, tennis center, swimming pool, driving range and 18-hole golf course in the heart of the community.

Residents of Ellington Woods at Wyndham will enjoy a prime location convenient to local shops, restaurants, parks and interstates, and the community's youngest residents will attend excellent schools within the Henrico County School District, including Shady Grove Elementary, Short Pump Middle and Deep Run High.

Interested buyers may register for the community's VIP list by visiting www.BooneHomes.net. For more information on this new community, please call 804-708-5127.