NoVa’s Haunted Houses & Trails Are Perfect for the Upcoming Spooky Season


 

Markoff’s Haunted Forest 

 

I have to start with the most obvious and well-loved haunted attraction near the DMV area. Markoff’s is by far the best ‘haunted’ location but word of warning, it’s about an hour out of the Northern Virginia area and is located on the Maryland side of the border. The drive is inarguably worth it. The haunted forest is really a nighttime walk on a trail  with gnarled tree roots and in-the-way branches littering the path. The whole experience feels very much like Tolkien’s Mirkwood forest.

 

Markoff’s has incredible production value and puts their whole heart into the set and costume design for ultimate realism. As a side bonus,…

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Here's something that makes me proud to work in this region.

With the government shutdown affecting thousands of our neighbors, Alexandria isn't just sitting back—they're rolling out the welcome mat. Visit Alexandria is offering free "Keys to the City" passes (normally $60) to federal workers and hotel guests hit by the shutdown.

What's included? Head to the Alexandria Visitor Center at 221 King Street with your government ID or hotel reservation, and you'll get access to nine historic sites plus 40% off admission to George Washington's Mount Vernon, rides on the Potomac Water Taxi, and tours of the Tall Ship Providence. That's real value when budgets are tight.

For federal employees, just show a valid government ID. Hotel guests need to present…

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Hey NoVA!

Mark your calendars—October 9–13, Reston Town Center transforms into Northern Virginia's premier film destination for the 14th Annual Washington West Film Festival. And folks, this year's lineup is incredible.

We're talking 38 films across LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, Reston Town Center Pavilion, and Reston Community Center. Documentaries. Shorts. Features. Anniversary screenings. Something for everyone.

The Can't-Miss Highlights:

Olympic legend Edwin Moses presenting Moses 13 – Steps on October 11th. The gripping documentary In Waves and War that same night. Then buckle up for the 30th anniversary screening of Apollo 13 on October 12th with a panel featuring Senator Bill Nelson—yes, the astronaut himself!

Bringing the family? There's a…

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Leesburg, Virginia just made a major splash on the national stage. WalletHub has ranked Leesburg #11 on its 2025 list of the Best Small Cities in America. Out of more than 1,300 cities nationwide with populations between 25,000 and 100,000, Leesburg stood out for quality of life, strong schools, and overall livability.

As someone who covers Northern Virginia real estate every day, I can tell you this recognition is well-deserved.

Why Leesburg Ranked So High

WalletHub compared small cities across 45 different indicators ranging from housing costs and school quality to restaurants per capita and crime rates. Leesburg checked the boxes in multiple categories:

  • Quality of life: From its walkable historic downtown to nearby parks and…

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Alexandria Takes the Hardest Hit: What Federal Downsizing Means for Our Real Estate Market

Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this — Alexandria is feeling the federal downsizing more than any other Northern Virginia suburb right now. A new Brookings Institution report dropped this week, and the numbers tell a story we've been watching unfold in real time.

Here's what's happening: Since January, the Trump administration has cut roughly 300,000 federal jobs nationwide. But here's the thing — while those jobs are concentrated in D.C., the people who hold them? They live here. In our neighborhoods. Over 13,000 federal workers call Alexandria home, and more than 76,000 live in Virginia's 8th Congressional District alone.

The result? Alexandria's…

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You're Not Really in the Real Estate Business

Here's the first thing they won't tell you at the real estate exam: 80% of your time should be generating business. Only 20% is actually selling houses.

I'm Chris Colgan, and I've been doing this for 18 years in Northern Virginia. Lost most of my hair to it. But I've also built a team that closed over 100 transactions this year, and I've helped dozens of brand-new agents go from zero to six figures faster than they thought possible.

This guide covers everything: how to get your Virginia real estate license, what it actually costs to work at a brokerage, and the exact math behind making $150K–$200K your first few years. No fluff. Just the system that works.

Getting Your Virginia Real Estate…

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If you’re searching for new construction condos in Ashburn, VA, few communities offer the same blend of modern design, unbeatable location, and commuter convenience as Metro Walk at Moorefield Station Lofts by Toll Brothers.

With 2–3 bedroom luxury condos starting in the mid-$500,000s and direct access to the Silver Line Metro, Metro Walk is quickly becoming one of the most desirable places to live in Loudoun County.

Why Buyers Choose Metro Walk

  • Steps to the Ashburn Metro on the Silver Line

  • Spacious, townhome-style condos with private garages and elevators

  • Resort-style clubhouse, pool, and fitness center

  • Low-maintenance lifestyle (landscaping and snow removal included)

  • Access to top-rated Loudoun…

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Why More Northern Virginia Sellers Are Pulling Their Homes Off the Market

A practical look at why delistings are up, what’s shifting with mortgage-rate lock, and how buyers and sellers should adjust in today’s slower market.

The housing market across the Mid-Atlantic—and especially here in Northern Virginia—is in transition. Lately, more sellers are taking homes off the market rather than adjust to what buyers are willing to pay. I’m in the trenches daily with my team, and we’re seeing it first-hand.

A Quiet Rise in Delistings

In August 2025, nearly 3,000 listings were withdrawn across the Bright MLS region—about a 25% increase year over year. For every 100 new listings, roughly 13 were pulled from the market, up from about 10…

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IKEA Is Coming to Chantilly: Dulles Expo Center to Transform into New Store

Big retail news just hit Northern Virginia: IKEA is officially moving into Chantilly. According to reporting by theburn.com, the Swedish home furnishings giant has confirmed plans to take over a large section of the Dulles Expo Center and convert it into a brand-new store.

What We Know So Far

  • Location: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Drive, at the current Dulles Expo Center site.

  • Size: 109,000 square feet. That makes it a mid-sized IKEA — larger than the 5,000 sq. ft. “plan-and-order” showrooms, but smaller than the massive 325,000 sq. ft. Woodbridge location.

  • Building: The South Hall of the Expo Center will be refurbished and repurposed into the…

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Middleburg’s Oktoberfest is One of Northern Virginia’s Best Fall Attractions

Here’s What You Need to Know

Autumn is near, and with it comes orange hues, chilly weather, and best of all, fall festivities. If you don’t have plans yet to celebrate the change in season, come to Middleburg’s Oktoberfest for unique activities, lively music, and warming food. This is the fifth year of the event, and it takes place on September 20th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. it’s completely free to attend. Below is a rundown of what you can find at the celebration. 

 

 

Food and Drink 

 

Food can be found at vendor stands, which are local to the area. There will be fourteen vendors selling a variety of cuisine, from authentic German eats and street food…

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