I couldn’t be more thrilled to kick off this 2025 blog series about my new hometown: Locust Grove, Virginia!
You know how life can sometimes throw us curveballs? Well, mine has definitely been a whirlwind these past couple of years, and trust me, things are just getting started!
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A Big Change…
…I am engaged!
So, let’s rewind a bit. The end of 2022 was a total game-changer for me when I left the sunny beaches of Florida for the bustling DMV area. But hold onto your hats now, because the end of 2024 brought even more surprises! Wanno, my boyfriend of two years popped the question (yep, I said yes!), and we dove into homeownership together. Just like that, we became a blended family with our two awesome teenage boys, Khal and Anri. All this excitement happened pretty much within the last month—talk about a busy holiday season!
As someone who spent the first 15 years after moving from Haiti living it up in New York City and then soaking in the vibes of Miami for a decade, relocating to Locust Grove felt like a whole new world. Wanno and I’s inside joke is: “We’re bush people now!” And honestly, I’m embracing and loving every bit of it! The trees, the peacefulness, the scenic drives—it all reminds me of my childhood in a small town where climbing trees, riding horses, and chilling under mango trees were everyday joys.
Discovering Locust Grove
Nestled just outside the historic Fredericksburg, Locust Grove is a hidden gem in Virginia. It’s been fascinating to observe our neighborhood evolving—homes sprouting all around us as if they’re springing to life. We’re literally living on a construction site, which adds an unexpected layer of adventure! With only one other family in our cul-de-sac right now, we’re eagerly looking forward to welcoming more neighbors and building connections in our community.
What I’ve discovered about Locust Grove so far is that it’s a quirky blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. The diversity here is refreshing, and exploring downtown Fredericksburg has already become a favorite pastime of ours. Talk about a food lover’s paradise! Wanno and I have been indulging in some seriously delicious food, already hitting up Brock’s Riverside Grill twice for their laid-back vibe and mouthwatering dishes. Orofino’s authentic Italian meals were an absolute highlight. And I’m still dreaming about dinner at Fahrenheit 132—the service and the flavors left us wanting more!
Looking Ahead…
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With spring just around the corner, I cannot wait to embark on more adventures around Locust Grove, Fredericksburg, and the neighboring areas. There’s so much potential to uncover, and I’ll be sharing all the juicy details along the way! Whether it’s hidden hiking trails, charming coffee spots, wine tasting, or local festivals, I’m eager to dive into everything my new vibrant community has to offer.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey! Who knows, maybe you’ll feel inspired to pop over and experience the magic of Locust Grove for yourself. But in the meantime, here’s to new beginnings, exciting adventures, and living life vibrantly!
Don’t forget to check back in for more updates as we explore this beautiful journey together!
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