Northern Virginia is more than just a suburb of D.C.—it's one of America's most powerful and dynamic economic engines. In our latest video, we pull back the curtain on the incredible forces shaping this region. From the world's most important digital infrastructure to massive investments from tech giants, we break down why Northern Virginia isn't just growing; it's setting the pace for the future.


Woodbridge: America's Fastest-Growing Suburb


Our journey starts in Woodbridge, a community experiencing an unprecedented surge in growth. Its strategic location, relative affordability, and continuous development have made it a hotspot for families and professionals looking to plant roots in a thriving area. The expansion here is a clear…

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Front Royal Yurts Airbnb Review | Chris Colgan

My Stay at the Front Royal Yurts: The Getaway I Didn’t Know I Needed

Sometimes, the best escapes aren’t across the country or in some five-star hotel — they’re right in your backyard. For me, that escape was the Front Royal Yurts, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Shenandoah National Park.

I live and work out of Marshall, Virginia, so it was only about a 30-minute drive from my office. That alone made it feel like a perfect little reset button — close enough to be convenient, but far enough away to feel like I’d stepped into another world.

Pulling Up the Drive

The drive alone set the tone. Winding through backroads, climbing up to 1,300 feet, you feel like you’re leaving…

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JW Marriott Reston Station Brings Mindful Luxury to Northern Virginia

News provided by Marriott International, Inc. | September 16, 2025

Reston has officially arrived on the global stage of luxury hospitality. The brand-new JW Marriott Reston Station has opened its doors, marking the iconic hotel bra nd’s debut in Virginia — and reshaping the future of luxury accommodations, fine dining, and events in the Washington, D.C. region.

A Landmark for Reston and Northern Virginia

Perched above the Silver Line’s Wiehle-Reston East Station, this 247-room hotel is more than just a place to stay. It anchors Reston Station, a 90-acre master-planned community that has quickly become home to major employers like Google, Rolls-Royce, Spotify, and ICF…

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Fairfax County's Pickleball Boom: Why Everyone's Talking About Those Popping Sounds

Walk through any Fairfax County park these days, and you'll hear it—that distinctive pop-pop-pop of paddles meeting plastic balls. Pickleball has absolutely exploded in our area, and the numbers prove it: since 2020, the Park Authority has invested about $2.4 million in pickleball facilities, adding 60 new courts — an increase of more than 300 percent to meet growing demand.

The latest milestone? Construction begins in late August at Greenbriar Park, transforming part of a parking lot into five dedicated courts — up from the original three planned. These aren't just temporary lines painted over tennis courts—we're talking permanent infrastructure with perimeter…

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By Chris Colgan – Real Nova Network
Credit: Michael Neibauer, Washington Business Journal

Ikea may be cooking up something much bigger than Swedish meatballs in Chantilly — a potential new store.

What We Know So Far

Back in July, paperwork filed with Fairfax County revealed plans for an Ikea-branded 142-seat restaurant at 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, the same site as the Dulles Expo Center. While that application was withdrawn shortly after, the story didn’t end there.

According to an official Ikea U.S. document, “Ikea Chantilly” is listed as a store location, following future stores already announced in Pharr, Texas, and Syracuse, New York. Meanwhile, freelance designers across the globe — from the U.K. to Portugal to Helsinki — have…

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Fall Magic at Great Country Farms: Your NoVA Pumpkin Paradise

Northern Virginia families, Chris Colgan here with one of my absolute favorite fall traditions happening right now through October 31st at Great Country Farms.

This 400-acre working farm in Bluemont hosts their popular fall festival daily from September 19-October 31, 2025. Nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this place is pure autumn gold, folks.

What Makes This Special

 

What sets this place apart? You'll find wagon rides, a 2,800 sq. foot Jumping Pillow, challenging mazes, giant slides, friendly farm animals, catch and release fishing, and rope swings. The kids go absolutely crazy for the classic corn bin and antique tractors, while parents can actually relax…

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Fall is coming up fast in Northern Virginia, and with it, a lot of fun festivities and places to see. There are events all over the region, making it difficult to decide what’s really worth checking out. It’s still early in September, so many of these events start now and continue into the true spooky season of October, or begin then and are events worth keeping in the back of your mind. This is a list of autumn must-visits that tackle everything from festivals, haunted houses, to natural beauties and everything in between. 

 

 

Attend the Cox Farms Fall Festival 

"Cox Farm Bridge" by rittyrats is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Hayrides, waterslides, petting zoos— this festival is perfect for family weekend outings. There’s a variety of…

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Why Alexandria's Restaurant Boom Has Me Bullish on Old Town Real Estate

I've been selling homes in Alexandria for over a decade, and I can tell you this: the restaurant scene here isn't just evolving—it's exploding. Last week alone, I had three different clients ask me about dining options before we even talked square footage. Smart buyers know that great restaurants don't just feed you—they feed property values.

Here's what's got me excited right now:

Ada's on the River

Ada's isn't just another waterfront spot—it's a game-changer. Chef Roberto Donna's Mediterranean magic combined with those Potomac views? I've literally had clients put in offers after dinner here. When a restaurant can make King Street feel like the French Riviera, that's…

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Welcome back to another episode of Real Nova Network. Hard to believe we’re already on episode seven, and this week we’ve got a lot to cover—sports, local entertainment, schools, luxury real estate, and of course the latest housing numbers in Northern Virginia. Let’s get into it.

Santana Moss Gets His Due

This past Saturday, I had the chance to celebrate my friend Santana Moss. On Sunday, during the Commanders vs. Giants game, he was officially inducted into the Commanders Ring of Fame. His name, number, and the years he played are now up inside the stadium.

If you don’t know Santana’s story, he played 14 seasons in the NFL, with 10 of those right here in Washington after being traded from the Jets in 2005. He’s third in franchise…

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Manassas, VA – One of Northern Virginia’s favorite food trucks is about to become a full-time local fixture. Flavor Hive Truck announced on Instagram that they have secured a permanent home at 10831 Promenade Lane, Manassas, VA — the former Arby’s location near the Promenade shopping center.

The announcement, which quickly racked up more than 3,000 likes, outlined their first official hours:

  • September 13–14: 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

  • Following Week:

    • Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

    • Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

    • Sunday: 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Construction Confirmation

Beyond the Instagram post, one of the owners personally confirmed via text to local real estate broker Chris Colgan that…

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