It’s a new year, and you’ve probably made some personal New Year’s resolutions, like losing weight or getting organized, but what about for your home? Like you, your home could benefit from a fresh start to the year. Here are some ideas and tips for breathing new life into your living space. Continue reading
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You’re settled into your new home and you’re ready to add another member to your family. However, there are many places to look to find your new family member. Whether you’re looking for a dog, a cat, a rabbit or a gerbil, consider adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder or a pet store. A great place is The Prince William County Animal Shelter, which houses many homeless animals in need of loving homes. Continue reading
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year once again! But let’s be honest, it can also be the most stressful time of the year. If your goal is to make the holidays merry and bright for everyone you love, take a little time this season to give yourself some care, too. Here are a few ideas to bring peace, happiness and a little sparkle to your holiday season. Continue reading
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Finally, the heat wave is over, and we are ready for crisp weather and all things fall. We are fortunate in the Northern Virginia area to have many great local places to pick apples. Enjoy the fall colors on a quick day trip to any of these local apple orchards. Here are some of our favorites.
This Markham orchard has been around since 1812 in nearby Markham, Virginia just off Route 66W. They have 35 acres of orchards where you can pick your own apples through November and a bakery that’s open on weekends. You can choose from many varieties including Jonathan, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Stayman, Fuji, Grimes Golden, Rome, Granny Smith, Braeburn, York and Pink Lady.
Each of these orchards offers their own twist on the pick-your-own-apple experience. You really can’t go wrong with any, or all, of these. Start filling up your fall calendar now!
Take a day trip to the country at this Winchester orchard. They have 325 acres of apples including many varieties that you can pick. They offer Granny Smith, Fuji, Ida Red, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Stayman, Cameo, Rome and Nittany apples. You can also buy delicious baked goods, ice cream and fudge from their sweet shop. They offer Peaks of Otter fruit wines, which are fermented in apple juice and have a distinct flavor. Pack a picnic, or purchase food and enjoy at one of their picnic tables. This orchard is dog friendly.
This family-owned and operated orchard is in Charlottesville next to Monticello and Michie Tavern. They are located on top of a mountain, so while you’re picking your own apples you can enjoy views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Piedmont and Charlottesville. You can buy prepicked or pick-your-own apples through November.
Enjoy lunch at the Mountain Grille or taste wines on site. You can shop for local crafts, pumpkins, gourmet food products, jams, jellies, apple butter and apple cider at their country store. Satisfy your sweet tooth with goodies from their bakery including fresh-baked pies, cookies, hand-dipped ice cream and apple cider donuts.
This North Garden orchard offers a variety of apples. They categorize their apples by cider, dessert or culinary apples. Albemarle CiderWorks offers several varieties of apple cider including Brut D’Albemarle, Ragged Mountain and Old Virginia Winesap. The orchard hosts workshops for people who may want to start growing apples for a hobby or a business.
Located in Crozet, Virginia, this orchard has apples until the end of October. Late-season apples are kept in cold storage and available until April. Pay a visit to The Packing Shed during growing season, where they offer homemade preserves, ice cream, apple cider donuts and apples. The Packing Shed is located on Route 810/White Hall Road between the towns of Crozet and White Hall.
Looking for real estate services in Gainesville, Haymarket or Bristow? Contact your local real estate expert Belinda Jacobson-Loehle of Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today. Also be sure to sign up now for a FREE copy of my eBook, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know!”
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Several tech giants have chosen northern Virginia as their new home and this means home values in our area are on the rise. Micron Technology and Amazon are both adding many jobs to the local economy over the next few years. Continue reading
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It’s hard to believe we are more than halfway through 2019. It’s been a steady year for the housing market. Let’s check in on where the housing market stands in Prince William County, so you can make your next move strategically. Continue reading
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We may be in the habit of throwing items in the recycling bin, but with changing demands for recycled materials come changing rules. Everything we throw into the recycling bin may not actually be recycled. Prince William County has changed their rules for what can be recycled at their centers. If your recycling pickup service uses their facilities or if you directly drop them off at the collection centers, here is what you need to know. Continue reading
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If you’ve spent any time driving — or parked on the highway — in the Northern Virginia area, you know there is a massive need for transportation improvements. To improve congestion in the area, legislators need to raise funds. One way they do this is by the Regional Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Capital Fee. Formerly known as the Congestion Relief Tax, this fee helps provide the funds to improve our roads. Continue reading
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Don’t let the Virginia humidity and heat get you down. Taking a dip in the pool is one way to cool off, but we have plenty of places in and around Prince William County where you can stay cool without changing into your bathing suit. Here are some places you can go to cool off this summer while you enjoy nature! Continue reading
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Downsizing your home is a big decision and one that requires some consideration. We are often emotionally, as well as financially, invested in our homes. While it may be beneficial to move out, it is not always an easy choice. On the bright side, there are many benefits of downsizing to a condo that might make it worthwhile. Here are some of the top benefits to help you decide if moving into a smaller home is the right choice for you. Continue reading
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