Are you a New Albany home owner who recently relocated to the area? Are you interested in finding something fun and cheap to do during your free time?

Then you’ve come to the right New Albany real estate website!

Below, we’ve compiled a list of just some of the fun community events that you and your family may enjoy during the month of April.

Hope to see you at one of these community events soon!

Check Out These Upcoming Community Events in Central Ohio

Capitol Steps: This politically-aware group of performs take newspaper headlines from recent weeks and morph them song parodies and outrageous skits. This is sure to be appealing to anyone with a finger on the pulse of what’s going on in Washington!

• When: 8 p.m. on April 13
• Where: Jeanne B. McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Road in New Albany
• Admission: $20 to $30
• More Info: Call 614-6545-0642

Symphony Performance: The New Albany Symphony will share a performance with the public titled “The New World.” Those residents who arrive early to the performance will have a chance to participate in a silent auction!

• When: 7 p.m. on April 15
• Where: Jeanne B. McCoy Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublin-Granville Road in New Albany
• Admission: $12 to $20
• More Info: Call 614-323-1237

Paws in the Plaza: Come bring your best four-legged friend to this outdoor festival, which will feature river walks, pet-friendly shops and visiting pet vendors! Other exhibits that are likely to be there include free nail trimmings, caricature artists, giveaways, rescues, and more!

• When: 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays from April 5 to November 1
• Where: Mill Street and Creekside Plaza, 123 Mill Street in Gahanna
• Admission: FREE
• More Info: Call 614-418-9114

Homemade Crafts: Come learn how to make homemade soap during this Make & Take Craft event at the Ohio Herb Education Center. During the class, participants will mix essential oils and other simple ingredients to create a home cleanser.

• When: April 4 to 28; times vary
• Where: Ohio Herb Education Center, 110 Mill Street in Gahanna
• Admission: $5
• More Info: Call 614-342-4380

Your New Albany, OH Real Estate Experts

We hope you and your family are able to find the time to attend one of these interesting community events going on in Central Ohio in April.

If you do, let us know what you thought of it!

For more ideas on fun events going on in the area, check back in to our New Albany real estate blog.

And if you’re considering buying or selling a New Albany property any time soon, be sure to contact us, Kate & Tony Thomas!

Until next time,

Kate & Tony

Winter is a great time to live in New Albany, Ohio.  That’s because this community oriented community always has a ton of holiday events going on during this time of year.

If you’ve been thinking about relocating to central Ohio, I recommend you check out some of these family-friendly activities.  It will give you a good idea of why so many people consider New Albany such a special place to live.

Enjoy These Family-Friendly Activities This Month in New Albany

Here is just a sampling of some of the holiday-themed events that you and your family could enjoy as New Albany residents this year:

Holiday Spectacular: Enjoy this annual holiday concert featuring the New Albany Symphony Orchestra and the Columbus Children’s Choir. Arrive early for your chance to purchase a Gift Box and to enjoy some pre-concert activities with the kids. You can even bring a canned food item to support the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

•  When:  3 to 5 p.m. on December 18
• Where: Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts
• Admission: $11 to $22
• More Info: Call 614-245-4701

Holiday Lights Show: Enjoy the magic of the holiday season at this holiday light show in Gahanna.  During this annual holiday event, visitors enjoy a holiday parade, the holiday tree lighting and even a visit with Santa Claus!

• When: November 12 to January 2
• Where: Olde Gahanna and Creekside, 123 Mill Street in Gahanna
• Admission: FREE
• More Info: Call 614-418-9114

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas:  On the 45th anniversary of the holiday classic, visitors can view 44 original production cells, animation sketches and even behind-the-scenes photos from this film.

• When: Now through January 4
• Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad Street in Columbus
• Admission: Adults $11. Seniors and students $9. Children $6. Children under 2 free.
• More Info: Call 614-645-8733

The Nutcracker:  Many people connect the holiday season with this classic ballet, which tells the story of young Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.  Now you and your family can enjoy this enchanting ballet in person at the Ohio Theatre, which will have performances of The Nutcracker throughout the month.

• When: Now through December 23; Times vary
• Where: 39 E. State Street in Columbus
• Admission: Prices vary
• More Info:  Call 800-745-3000 or 614-469-0939

 Investing in New Albany, Ohio Real Estate

Stay tuned next week when we’ll tell you about even more holiday activities going on in the New Albany, Ohio area.

If you get a chance to attend one of the events I mentioned above, please let me know what you thought of it!

New Albany is a wonderful place to live – not just during the holiday season, but all year-round.  If you’re ready to take the next step toward making New Albany your permanent home, then contact us, Kate & Tony Thomas, today.

We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and let you know about available listings in the area.

Until next time,

Kate & Tony

Are you a New Albany resident who is entertaining out-of-town family members for the holidays? Are you wondering how you’re going to entertain them throughout their stay?

No worries! We’ve compiled a list of upcoming holiday events in the area that are sure to be fun for the entire family.

Continue reading to learn more!

Enjoy These Holiday Events This Week

Here are just some of the many family-friendly events going on in the New Albany, Ohio area this month:

Holiday Glassblowing Workshop: Bring the entire family and make a colorful, blown glass ornament together!  A professional gaffer will be on site to help out and no experience is necessary.  Ages 16 and up can participate.

• When: Now through December 28
• Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Admission: $54 to $65
• More Info: Call (614) 645-8733

Holidays at the Zoo: Enjoy a holiday light show presented by American Electric Power at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.  Residents can also meander through the zoo to enjoy holiday decorations throughout.

• When: Now through Jan. 1
• Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Rd. in Powell
• Admission: Adults $14. Seniors $10. Children 2-9 $9.
• More Info: Call 614-645-3550

Scrooge Performance: Bring the family to watch this holiday classic, in which a curmudgeon is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.

• When: Now through December 26
• Where: Shadowbox Live, 503 S. Front St, Columbus, 43215
• Admission: Adults $30. Students and seniors $20.
• More Info: Call 614-416-7625

Celebrate Kwanzaa: Teach your children about different cultures by taking them to this Kwanzaa celebration,  which originated in Africa.  This event features authentic African cuisine, dancing and drumming.  Visitors can even purchase authentic African jewelry here.

• When: December 28
• Where: The King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Columbus
• Admission: $5 to $15
• More Info: Call 614-645-0642

Listing Your New Albany Home for Sale

We hope you get a chance to check out one of these holiday events in the New Albany area.  If you do, please let us know what you thought of it!

And we hope you have a wonderful holiday celebration with your friends and loved ones.

If after the New Year you decide that it’s time for a change and you’re ready to sell your New Albany home, contact us, Kate & Tony Thomas. 

We’ll be happy to help you navigate the New Albany  real estate market by offering you our exclusive home marketing plan as well as other home selling tools such as:

• Preparing your home for sale
• Selling your home
• Market snapshot
• And more!

Until next time,

Kate & Tony

Good Eats in New Albany!
It may not be considered “fine dining” by all, but ask any kid at New Albany High School where they prefer to eat and I’ll bet they’ll say “Chipotle”. And the lines I saw there last night confirm that the new Chipotle that opened in the Giant Eagle Shopping Center on New Albany Road West in New Albany is already a hit! I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m sure their burrito bowl will be delicious when I do! Word is that several additional restaurants will open in New Albany before the year is out! Stay tuned.

I’m still smiling 3 days after attending the New Albany High School’s production of Hairspray this weekend at the McCoy Center!  It was so good you totally forgot that you were watching students act, sing and the orchestra play.  It’s no wonder that it was “Sold Out” 3 nights in a row!  There were some real stand-out performances and I suspect we’ll hear more from these talented kids.

The McCoy is just another reason to love where we live!  New Albany, Ohio rocks!  Performances to look forward to in December include the New Albany Children’s Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker December 10th-12th, and the Holiday Spectacular concert presented by the New Albany Symphony 3pm on December 19th.  You can hardly believe this facility and the caliber of the productions is right in our own backyard.  Don’t take the chance of missing out because of a Sold Out performance – contact the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts to buy your tickets today!

Tony & I will be there – hope you will be there too!

Last week, we (New Albany REALTORs) went on a walk-thru of the 8 amazing new homes under construction in Ackerly Park here in New Albany.  We saw some exciting new things like a flat screen fireplace (really!), green (as in grass) roof, lovely master bedroom coffee bar, closet complete with rotating shoe carousel, and a very cool modern fireplace wall insert.  Incredible new garage flooring and outside entertainment patio masterpieces took our breath away!

It’s no surprise that kitchens and bathroom continue to be very important and Parade attendees will not be disappointed.  This year’s Parade kitchens and bathroom will highlight the latest and greatest in appliances, cabinetry, lighting, storage options, and plumbing fixtures.

The Parade of Homes will take place July 24-August 8, hours:

Monday-Thursday: 12pm-9pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: 10am-6pm
No admittance 1 hour prior to closing

Single Ticket admissions are available at the Parade site.  Ticket Price: $12, Parking: $2 per car, Children 12 and under free.  New this year is the Kids Village – a great entertainment venue within the parade for kids only! Bring them along this year to have fun of their own!

Here are just a few pictures to wet your appetite…

The Polar Frontier

Kate joined her friends from the New Albany Women’s Network  (NAWN) for a docent lead visit to the new Polar Frontier exhibit at the Columbus Zoo  .   She said it was just incredible and snapped a few pics for me to include.

The Polar Bears are Back 

This brand new multi-$million  is just opening.  It’s just part of the continuing newness and excitement that helps keep the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium ranked #1 in the country.  It’s another reason why New Albany Ohio is such a great place to live.

The BIA (Building Industry Association) recently announced that New Albany, Ohio will host the 2010 BIA Parade of Homes.  The Parade of Homes is scheduled to take place July 10 – 25, 2010.   This 58th Parade will be located in Ackerly Park, an 18 acre site near the intersection of Market Street and Main Street in the New Albany Village Center District.  This location is believed to be the first ever Parade situated within the center of a community and as such, creates a unique opportunity for builders and buyers alike.

There will be much to look forward to next year.  In addition to the signature Georgian architecture, leisure trails, parks, ponds and pleasant streetscapes that are the essence of each New Albany neighborhood, the homes of Ackerly Park will present a unique opportunity for environmentally friendly living.  Parade homes will be located within walking distance of the majority of New Albany’s amenities and will showcase the latest technology, energy efficiency options, durable products and cost sensitive construction techniques.

Visit www.NewAlbanyOhio.com to see both a rendering of the New Albany Parade site map as well as a plot of the lots available.  If you would like to preview these lots or consider building a home as one of the Parade of Homes, please contact Kate & Tony Thomas at New Albany Realty.

See you soon,

Kate

December 1-6

New Albany Cares Week-New Albany High School Eagle Ambassadors. Food collection to benefit-Mid-Ohio Food Bank ~ Drive thru on Sat. Dec 6th from 8:00- 12:00 at the bus loop between the high school and middle schools. 

December 4 

A Remarkable Evening New Albany Community Foundation, New Albany Signature Series For ticket information call Hinson Ltd 416-7100

December 5

Junior League Kick Off Party, 464-2717, 7-10 p.m., New Albany Ballet Company. Tickets: http://www.jlcolumbus.org/. $75 each, includes admission to tour.

December 6

It’s a Wonderful House Holiday Tour of Homes 464-2717   10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tickets $20 Advance; $25 at door. http://www.jlcolumbus.org/   All proceeds fund Junior League of Columbus Charities. 

December 7

Holiday Celebration at Market Square 855-4400   www.newalbanychamber.com ”Ring in the Season” 1-5 p.m. Train rides, crafts, cookie decorating, Visits with Santa, Jingle Bell Horse & Buggy Rides, Caroling & tree lighting at 4:30 p.m.

December 10

TechStart, New Albany Country Club, Free Networking event 5:30-7:30 p.m. 487-3700. Register http://www.techcolumbus.org/

Dec. 11^th & 13^th

Hayley Gallery – Jewelry trunk show at 45 Second St. NA http://www.hayleygallery.com/ 855-4856

December 12-14

“Nutcracker 2008″ Presented by the New Albany Ballet Company ~ 939-9058 

December 13

Kids Holiday Toy Drive-Kick off Plain Township Fire Department ~ firedept@plaintownship.org. 855-7370

December 18

Chamber’s Annual Holiday Salute at the Hilton at Easton 11:30 a.m. $25 per person. http://www.newalbanychamber.com/

December 21

3 p.m. Holiday Pops Concert at the McCoy Center With the New Albany Symphony http://www.newalbanysymphony.com/ 

Dec. 31

Hayley Gallery Artist Opening Reception & 2^nd Annual New Year’s Eve Party FREE Featuring mixed media artist Kim Thanasiu 9:30 p.m.till ? 45 Second St. NA 855-4856 http://www.hayleygallery.com/