NoVa's Fall Highlights

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

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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Real Nova Network: Santana Moss, Mansions in DC, Level99 at Tysons & Market Update

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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Flavor Hive Truck Secures Permanent Manassas Location at Old Arby’s Site

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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Soar Into Adventure: The Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival 2025

Experience the magic of flight at Virginia's most spectacular aerial celebration

There's something truly magical about watching dozens of colorful hot air balloons drift gracefully across the morning sky, their vibrant fabric catching the golden rays of dawn. This September, the Flying Circus Hot Air Balloon Festival promises to deliver exactly that enchanting experience – and so much more.

When Dreams Take Flight

Mark your calendars for September 20-21, 2025, when the Flying Circus Aerodrome transforms into a wonderland of aviation excitement. This isn't just any balloon festival – it's the biggest event of the year at this historic Virginia airfield, combining the serenity of hot air…

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Beyond the Headlines: Real Locals Rank the Best Places to Live in Northern Virginia (Unfiltered Opinions)

Choosing where to live is a huge decision, especially when you're considering a move to a vibrant and diverse region like Northern Virginia. You've probably seen the "best places to live" lists, filled with statistics and generic praise. But what do the people who actually live here think?

That's exactly what we set out to discover in our latest video. We hit the streets and asked real Northern Virginia residents for their honest, unfiltered opinions on the best places to call home in 2025. The results were eye-opening and offered a refreshing perspective beyond the usual rankings.

Forget the Stats, Hear from the Street

Our video captures genuine conversations with locals from various corners of the DMV. We didn't provide a script or…

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Fairfax County's 75th Fair Returns This Weekend

Why it matters: The Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival is celebrating 75 years of community, agriculture, and family fun. Hosted at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, this event blends classic fair nostalgia with youth leadership, hands-on exhibits, and big entertainment.

Driving the news: From Thursday, July 31 through Sunday, August 3, the fairgrounds will come alive with rides, live animals, exhibits, and carnival eats.

The Big Picture

This year’s fair marks a milestone: three-quarters of a century of 4-H in Fairfax County. Youth from across the region will showcase their work in agriculture, civic engagement, and science while the public gets to enjoy everything from sheep shearing to…

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7 Things to Know About Living in Haymarket, VA | ColganTeam.com

Nestled in the heart of Northern Virginia, Haymarket is a charming town that perfectly blends small-town charm with modern convenience. Originally known as "Crossroads" in the 1700s, this historic community has evolved into one of the region's most desirable places to live. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about this growing area, here are seven essential things you need to know about living in Haymarket, Virginia.

1. Prime Location with Excellent Connectivity

Nestled on the outer edge of Northern Virginia, Haymarket offers an ideal location. You have direct access to Interstate 66, which can take you east to Washington D.C. (about 27 miles away) or west towards the beautiful wineries and breweries of Front Royal. This…

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IKEA Eyes Stand-Alone Restaurant in Chantilly: What This Means for Northern Virginia Dining and Real Estate

Breaking news from the Washington Business Journal is creating buzz across Northern Virginia, and as someone who's lived here my entire life, I'm excited to share what this could mean for our community.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA is reportedly exploring plans for a stand-alone restaurant in Chantilly, marking a potentially game-changing addition to the Dulles corridor's dining and entertainment landscape. This isn't just about meatballs—this development could signal broader changes coming to one of Northern Virginia's most dynamic growth areas.

What We Know About the IKEA Chantilly Restaurant

According to reporting by Daniel J. Sernovitz from the Washington Business Journal on July 18, 2025, IKEA has filed a food application permit…

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Dulles Airport Master Plan: What Northern Virginia Property Owners Need to Know

I just got my hands on the latest Dulles International Airport Master Plan that was approved by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority this July, and it's a game-changer for anyone living, working, or investing in Northern Virginia. As someone who's been watching this region evolve for decades—and has helped over $1 billion in real estate transactions in the area—I can tell you this plan will fundamentally reshape our local market.

The Numbers That Matter for NoVa Real Estate

Let me start with the headline figures. Dulles is planning for 90 million passengers annually at ultimate build-out, more than doubling from the current 27 million. By 2040, they're projecting 38 million…

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