Found 19 blog entries tagged as Northern Virginia.

It’s that incredible time of year in Northern Virginia. The air is crisp, Halloween decorations are up, and the entire landscape is exploding into a masterpiece of red, orange, and yellow. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world to see autumn foliage. In fact, I have a friend from Los Angeles who flies out here almost every year—twice now—just to see it.

For many, "fall foliage" means one thing: heading to Skyline Drive. And look, you can't go wrong with the views up there. But let's be honest about the reality of a weekend trip: sitting in a traffic jam just to get into the park at Front Royal while people direct traffic like it's a Taylor Swift concert.

You don't have to do that.

We are surrounded by amazing, less-crowded…

178 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

The fog rolls off the Potomac just before dawn. Brick-lined streets glisten under wrought-iron lanterns. Somewhere between the historic cobblestones of Old Town Alexandria and the sterile hum of federal offices in Arlington, a serial killer waits in the shadows. This isn't a Netflix trailer — it's the opening pulse of Patricia Cornwell's Sharp Force, the 29th installment in her iconic Kay Scarpetta series. And this time, the crime scene isn't Richmond or New York. It's right here. Northern Virginia.

For those of us who've spent our lives navigating the I-66 corridor, dodging Beltway traffic, and grabbing coffee along King Street, this thriller hits different. Because Cornwell didn't just set a book in Northern Virginia — she made our home the backdrop…

407 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

Okay, real talk — if you're not taking advantage of Virginia wine country this fall, you're missing out on one of the best perks of living in Northern Virginia.

This weekend, October 18 and 19, The Winery at Bull Run is hosting their annual wine festival, and honestly? It's one of my favorite ways to spend an autumn Saturday or Sunday. I'm talking over 20 Virginia wineries all in one spot, pouring their absolute best. No need to drive all over Loudoun County (though I love those weekend vineyard tours too) — it's all right here in Centreville.

Here's what I love about this event: it's not stuffy. You're not standing around pretending to detect "notes of oak and leather" while someone judges your palate. It's Virginia wine at its finest —…

291 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

 

Discovering Fairfax: From It's Historic Past to It's Current Day Happenings

 

What makes Fairfax particularly unique is the fact that it’s both part of the Northern Virginia  suburb area, but also considered incremental to D.C. Its history stretches back to the very first settlers (arguably, and sadly, before that too), like much of Northern Virginia. In 1649, King Charles II allowed Thomas Fairfax’s request for Fairfax County to become official.   In 1732, life in Fairfax could be described as tranquil, quaint, and community-focused. Although the former and latter descriptions are still true today, much has changed in Fairfax, and I don’t think the word ‘quaint’ quite suits it anymore. Let me tell you the town’s journey…

324 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

447 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

242 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

190 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…

172 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post

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…

127 Views, 0 Comments

Read Full Post
Previous
View All Results