Top Ten reasons to Visit/Reside in Mathews County.

Top Ten Reasons why you should move/visit Mathews County, VA

1. Very little traffic. The only traffic light Mathews has is the one on the Gwynn’s Island Bridge. Enjoy stress free driving and no traffic jams. Spend your time living, not sitting in your car.
2. Historic attractions: Mathews, established in the late 1700’s, is home to such rich history as the Battle of Cricket Hill and is home to Capt. Sally Tompkins, the first female officer in the Confederate army.
3. Fishing: Mathews sits ride on the Chesapeake Bay. Within minutes you could be casting your line for Bluefish, Flounder, Croaker, or Rockfish. Soak up the sun out on the Bay or on one of our peaceful rivers. If you enjoy blue crabs, then drop a pot off the end of your dock! You’ll have a crab feast in no time.
4. Safety: Enjoy the safety and peace of mind only a small town can bring. Take comfort in knowing that your children or grandchildren can walk to school safely as this family like community watches after its own.
5. Unique attractions: Visit New Point Lighthouse, the 3rd oldest lighthouse on the Bay, stroll through the Gwynn’s Island museum, or take in a show at Donk’s Theater where such performers as Dolly Parton played in their early careers.
6. Fantastic Lodging: Mathews provides a number of country style Bed and Breakfasts to stay at in addition to a number of estates which you can rent for the week.
7. Good schools: Mathews’ elementary, intermediate and High School have all been fully accredited. Mathews High Schools’ 700 seat auditorium regularly hosts shows and events such as the Virginia Symphony orchestra.
8. Outdoor activities: Host wonderful cookouts, draw vegetables from your bountiful garden, or kayak around the lighthouse. You’ll always find something interesting to do on warm summer days.
9. Beautiful Property: Mathews boasts a number of great waterfront homes and lots. Can’t afford to live on the water? Mathews naturally has a host of new and richly historic homes off the water.
10. Dining: From seafood, to sandwiches, to pizza, there is a little something for everyone both young and old.

Small Town Blog

When Janice Vogel, author of the Life in Mathews blog, began posting pictures of sunsets and shorelines, she probably didn't anticipate women from all over the country would read and comment. Whether she expected it or not, that is exactly what happened.

In July two dozen women from all over the US and Canada traveled to Mathews, VA to meet for the first time and experience everything Mathews has to offer. The women, who ranged from teenager to grandmother, enjoyed the local beaches , ate at local restaurants, and most importantly enjoyed each others company.

Country Life vs. City Life in the age of Technology

I have read a few articles and essays lately here http://freedom30.blogspot.com/2008/09/city-life-vs-country-life-unbiased.html and there http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24975526-421,00.html analyzing the benefits of living in either the city or the country. Recent studies show that folks living in rural communities have a greater sense of well-being and contentment than those living in the city. As younger people we sought employment opportunities in the city but couldn't wait to break out to the country when time allowed. The country offers peace, fresh air, starry skies, fishing, hiking, kayaking, etc. all the things we couldn't enjoy in the city. Before though we were tied to the opportunities and conveniences of city life despite the stress with which it labored us. Now with today's advances in technology such as email, Blackberries, free video conferencing, personal websites, consumer websites, Twitter and Facebook, living in the country and staying connected with work is much easier. Why not have your cake and eat it too?

Many companies looking to cuts costs are also open to allowing their employees to establish virtual offices at home freeing their employees from the grind of a daily commute. With the increasing advancement in technology as mentioned above, employees now have more opportunities to live where they please.

I have lived in the country on the water for over 35 years and have run my own business for over twenty. I can tell you that there is nothing better than walking out of my home office and onto my dock for a few hours of evening fishing. If I need to sign a contract I can fax it. If I need a contract signed I email it. I can get email while at lunch or on my boat using my Blackberry. I can stay connected with friends and family around the world using social networking sites such as Facebook. The bottom line: technology has allowed me to stay connected with the world of business and yet enjoy all the comforts of the country. Property in the country, even waterfront, is much cheaper than that in urban areas and carries a smaller tax burden. Why not enjoy all the benefits country living can provide and yet still remain close to work and your loved ones?

Introduction

My wife and I have lived in Mathews County, VA for over 30 years. We raised our kids here and have started successful businesses. The Middle Peninsula/Northern Neck is like nowhere else I have ever visited. The beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and it's connecting rivers, the clean air, and the relaxed small town atmosphere make this a perfect place to raise a family or spend your retirement.

I want you to be able to experience the people and places I have loved over the years so I am going to be posting information and pictures relating to the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck areas of Virginia, especially my home of Mathews, VA the "Pearl of the Chesapeake".