A wine tasting experience at Vint Hill Winery with a bottle of Covert Vineworks wine, two glasses, and a charcuterie board on an outdoor table.

From Dairy Farm to Spy Station: The Secret History of Vint Hill, VA

If you're driving through Fauquier County on a quiet Sunday afternoon, you might pass by Vint Hill and think it's just another charming Northern Virginia community. Nice houses, rolling hills, maybe a winery for the weekend – what's not to love? But here's the thing: you're actually cruising through one of America's most legendary spy hubs, a place where codebreakers helped win World War II and Cold War operatives spent decades listening in on Soviet secrets.

And the best part? You can now call it home.

It All Started With Cows (Really)

Back in the 1940s, Vint Hill was nothing more than a peaceful dairy farm owned by the Vint family. Picture rolling pastures,…

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Summer's Grand Finale: 7 Must-Visit Fairs and Festivals in Northern Virginia This August header image.

As the summer heat reaches its peak, Northern Virginia transforms into a festival wonderland, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to celebrate community, culture, and the season's bounty. From traditional county fairs with their nostalgic charm to vibrant cultural celebrations, August delivers some of the region's most beloved events. Here are seven outstanding fairs and festivals that should be on every NoVA enthusiast's calendar this month.


Courtesy: www.visitpwc.com

1. Prince William County Fair - Manassas

August 12-20, 2025

The crown jewel of Northern Virginia's summer fair season, the Prince William County Fair has been a cherished tradition since 1949. Located at 10624…

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Tasting Northern Virginia: Seven Restaurants That Turn Dining Into Destination header image.

The Potomac River glints silver in the rearview mirror as you leave D.C.'s urban sprawl behind, trading concrete canyons for the gentle undulations of Northern Virginia's countryside. Here, where horse farms give way to tech corridors and historic estates neighbor modern shopping plazas, a culinary revolution has been quietly brewing. This isn't the Virginia of roadside diners and chain restaurants—this is a region where James Beard Award winners craft menus in converted mills, where Michelin-starred techniques meet local terroir, and where a single meal can transport you from the hills of Provence to the bustling streets of Belgrade.

The drive itself becomes part of the experience. Roll down the windows on Route 50 as you pass through…

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Realtor Chris Colgan smiling and pointing at an aerial shot of a new suburban housing development, with text overlay reading 'Incredible New Homes!'.

Are You Priced Out of Northern Virginia? There’s a Better Way.

As a lifelong Northern Virginia native and a real estate agent with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen the market explode. Fighting over million-dollar properties in Loudoun and Fairfax County has become the norm. But what if I told you there’s a place where you can still buy a brand-new, four-bedroom single-family home with luxury finishes and a finished basement, all for a price in the high $500s?

I’m not kidding. This isn’t a dream; it’s Culpeper, Virginia.

While many buyers are stretching their budgets to the breaking point, Culpeper’s newest community, Kite Acres by Ryan Homes, is offering incredible value on homes that…

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An aerial view of the Fauquier Fair in Fauquier County, Virginia, showing the fairgrounds with carnival rides, a Ferris wheel, and event tents, with the official Fauquier Fair logo in the corner.

The 75th anniversary Fauquier County Fair returns July 16-19 to Warrenton, bringing four days of agricultural heritage, family entertainment, and community tradition to Northern Virginia. This milestone celebration marks three-quarters of a century of local agricultural tradition while providing one of the region's most authentic county fair experiences.

The essentials

When: July 16-19, 2025

  • Wednesday-Friday: 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM
  • Saturday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Where: Fauquier County Fair Grounds, Old Auburn Road, Warrenton

  • Important: Enter through Central Fauquier Sports Complex off Meetze Road
  • Free parking available

Cost:

  • Adults: $10
  • Children 2-11 & Seniors 65 : $5

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Reston Virginia Homes

NEED TO KNOW

  • The Bottom Line: Waiting for lower interest rates could cost you more than buying now with today's rates, according to Northern Virginia real estate expert Chris Colgan
  • Market Reality: Northern Virginia home prices hit $650,000 median in June 2025, up 1.6% year-over-year, even with high rates
  • Strategic Opportunity: Active listings increased 41.2% compared to last year, giving buyers more choices and negotiating power
  • Expert Strategy: "Marry the House, Date the Rate" – secure your dream home now and refinance later when rates drop
  • Creative Solutions: Rate buydowns can reduce your interest rate to 4% in year one, 5% in year two, before settling at market rates
  • Current Market: Homes taking 12 days to sell…

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The Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Home Fast in Northern Virginia header image.

A comprehensive guide to quick home sales in today's competitive market

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, especially when you need to move quickly. Whether you're relocating for work, downsizing, or simply ready for a fresh start, Northern Virginia homeowners face unique challenges in today's dynamic real estate market. The good news? With the right strategy and expert guidance, you can sell your house fast without sacrificing your bottom line.

As a Northern Virginia homeowner, you're sitting on some of the most desirable real estate in the country. The proximity to Washington D.C., excellent schools, and thriving job market make Northern Virginia homes for sale highly sought after.…

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Game On: A Cutting-Edge Immersive Sports Venue May Be Coming to D.C. header image.

Game On: A Cutting-Edge Immersive Sports Venue May Be Coming to D.C.

By Chris Colgan | Real Nova Network

Imagine watching the Nationals or Commanders play—not from the stands, but from inside a futuristic dome where 12K visuals, surround sound, and stadium lighting make it feel like you’re right there. That’s the vision of Cosm Inc., a Los Angeles-based immersive tech company that’s now setting its sights on Washington, D.C.

According to a recent report by Daniel J. Sernovitz of the Washington Business Journal, Cosm is actively scouting locations in the District for its next “shared reality” venue, a state-of-the-art entertainment concept that blends high-fidelity visuals with the…

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Wide artist rendering of the expansive interior of Therme DC, featuring multiple thermal pools, lush tropical botanical gardens, and lounge areas under a large glass roof.

Therme DC: Transforming Washington D.C. with a Premier Wellness Resort & Indoor Waterpark

Washington, D.C., is on the cusp of a monumental transformation with the highly anticipated arrival of **Therme DC**. This isn't just another attraction; it's a groundbreaking **$500 million wellness resort and indoor waterpark** developed by Therme Group, a renowned European pioneer in thermal bath and spa destinations. Set to anchor a vibrant new future for Southeast D.C., this ambitious project will rise on **Poplar Point**, a strategic 15-acre plot along the Anacostia River, offering unparalleled views of the Capitol and seamless access via the Anacostia Metro Station.

Upon its completion,…

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Prince William County Real Estate Update: Summer Market Cools While Inventory Heats Up header image.

By Real Nova Network – July 2025

After a bustling spring season, Prince William County’s real estate market is showing signs of cooling down as we move into the heart of summer. While prices remain stable, transaction volume continues its year-over-year slide — creating a more balanced landscape for both buyers and sellers in this historically fast-paced Northern Virginia market.

Sales Activity Softens, But Not Alarmingly

In June 2025, the county recorded 509 closed home sales, a slight decline from 522 in May and down nearly 6% from June 2024. New pending contracts also dipped, with 503 homes going under contract, signaling a potential slowdown ahead. For context, that’s about 21% below the county’s five-year June average.

This…

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