Three Hidden Fall Gems: Your Northern Virginia Escape Routes

There's something magical about October mornings when the mist rises from the Potomac and every maple seems to be showing off. You know that feeling—when you're scrolling through social media, seeing those perfect fall photos, and thinking "I need to get out there before all the leaves are gone"?

Here's the secret I've learned after two decades of exploring every back road from Fairfax to Frederick: the most enchanting fall destinations aren't always the ones everyone talks about. Sometimes the best escapes are the ones hiding right under our noses.

Leesburg: Wine Country Meets Colonial Charm

I'll be honest—most people drive right through Leesburg on their way to Harpers Ferry…

70 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Sky's the Limit: Leesburg Airshow Takes Flight!

Hey NoVA neighbors!

Can you hear that? It's not just the distant rumble of traffic on Route 7 – that's the sound of anticipation building for one of our area's most spectacular events. The Leesburg Airshow is roaring back on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 11 AM to 4 PM at Leesburg Executive Airport, and trust me, you don't want to miss this sky-high celebration.

Picture this: You're standing on the tarmac, the Virginia sun warming your face, when suddenly a sleek aerobatic aircraft screams overhead in a death-defying maneuver that makes your heart skip a beat. Kids are pointing skyward with ice cream-sticky fingers, parents are snapping photos faster than their phones can handle, and somewhere…

152 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post



The Real Story Behind Northern Virginia's Real Estate Market


You see the headlines, you hear the chatter, but what’s really happening in the Northern Virginia real estate market? It's more than just interest rates and inventory. The true story is written in the local business moves, the cultural shifts, and the economic currents that most people miss.

This week, we’re pulling back the curtain. We’ll explore why a popular D.C. deli expanding to Gainesville is a massive real estate signal, how OpenAI’s new downtown D.C. office will impact high-end housing, and why a three-Michelin-star chef’s appearance at a local festival is a bigger deal than you think. Plus, we have to revisit the Winchester numbers that had everyone talking.

Let’s get…

121 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post


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…

68 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

38 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

327 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

62 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

286 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

100 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

43 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post
Previous Next
View All Results