The Tidewater Builders Associating is encouraging people to “take the scenic route in life” at this year’s spring Homearama.

The 2010 Spring Homearama begins May 8 and continues through May 23 in Isle of Wight’s Founders Pointe community, a neighborhood that incorporates nature and wildlife as part of its resort-style amenities.

The community overlooks marshes, creeks and tributaries flowing to the James River and offers an 844-foot community pier over looking Batten Bay. It is centrally located, about 25 minutes from downtown Norfolk and 10 minutes to Newport News.

Spring Homearama will feature eight fully furnished and landscaped showcase custom homes with distinctive architectural styles, including several designs by Frank Betz Associates Inc. The homes range from 3,000 to 3,800 square feet and are priced from the $500,000s to $675,000.

“The spring Homearama, the first of two [Homearama events] this year, gives us the chance to stimulate interest in new homes and new home products during the traditional selling season,” TBA President Bill Halprin said. “More people tend to be interested in exploring options for a new home or fixing up their current home when they’re heading into the summer than when they’re heading into the holidays.”

The event offers a chance to learn about innovations and trends in new home construction, design and materials, Halprin added. “Today’s homes offer modern floor plans, low-maintenance materials and state-of-the-art products and features. Homearama is the best place to learn all about it and to get ideas for decorating and landscaping while you’re at it. There is also a big emphasis on energy efficiency this year, which is good for the environment and good for your utility bills.”

Founders Pointe, home to 150 families, is being developed by East West Communities, which also has developed The Riverfront in Suffolk and Gatling Pointe in Smithfield. The community hosts a clubhouse, swimming pool, playground, miles of leisure trails and a full social calendar, thanks to an on-site activities director.

This spring’s feature homes include the Charity House, which will be sold to benefit the Boys and Girls Club; the Music House, which was designed for electronics and music; the Garden House which has a “Man Cave;” the Smithfield House, which incorporate features of Smithfield history, hospitality and tourism; Nature Watch, which features landscaping aimed at certification as a wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation and Habitat at Home by Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; and the Artist’s House, which includes a working artist’s studio.

Spring Homearama will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. General admission is $10. Active-duty and retired military guests and seniors (62 or older) get a $3 discount Monday through Thursday, and a $1 discount on weekends. Guests in wheelchairs, and children 12 years old and under get in free.