Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
One week until Halloween! You know that means the 76th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade is this Wednesday at 7pm! Here are my best tips for enjoying the event and the holiday around town:
- Trick or Treating is always the actual night of Halloween, regardless of day of the week. Most of the younger kids start right before it gets dark (around 530/6 p.m.). In my experience, most of the kids are done by 9 p.m., especially because it’s a school night.
- The Halloween parade starts at 7 p.m., however, people put out chairs/blankets to reserve their spots along the route starting around noon the day of the parade (the Town asks that people not do it before then). Also please be mindful not to cover or block the sidewalk and benches.
- If you have a flatbed truck, you can back into parking spaces at the shopping centers and sit high to get a better view.
- Some of the groups in the parade are very loud. If you have someone who is noise sensitive, consider bringing something to help them enjoy the parade without the noise.
- There are no food vendors except for the nearby restaurants so plan to bring food if you need it or support a local restaurant.
- Kids in costumes can walk in the parade with an adult if they want to. Participants meet at 6 p.m. in the parking lot at United Bank (374 Maple Avenue E).
- Depending on what part of town you live in, you should be able to find parking to easily get out. Many people park at Vienna Elementary, the library, the Giant shopping plaza, side streets, Walgreens shopping center, or the Fresh Market parking lot.
The parade route runs on Maple Ave from Branch Road to Center St. Bring extra blankets in case it’s cold. You can grab hot chocolate and food at the Vienna Shopping Center and Caffe Amouri is open until 7 p.m., so grab your hot chocolate on the way.
Here’s a map of the parade route and road closures (the first year we lived in Vienna I had no idea this was a thing and we tried to get take out that night… big mistake!)
ALSO NEW ADDITION:
I started a map of creative Halloween displays around Vienna. I’m sure I’m missing something so please let me know who I’m missing!
And one more thing: The Flagship Car Wash in Vienna is doing a “Tunnel of Terror” from 7-10 p.m. October 27-30. Tickets are $25 pre sale and $30 at the door and include a car wash!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
I love the color changing leaves, sweater weather (in my case it’s hoodie weather), and drinking hot coffee on a cold day.
I’m from Upstate New York so fall really reminds me of home. In addition to the weather and nature of course, comes the traditional Town of Vienna events that everyone loves so much. I want to highlight them for newcomers, but I’m also asking for help!
I always do a map of the best holiday decorations in December, but I also want to do one for Halloween decor! Please email me or DM me on Instagram if you have a neighbor or your own house should be added to the list! I hope to share that list when I also share my tips to enjoy the town Halloween parade.
Events to mark on your calendar:
- Halloween Parade: Wednesday, October 26 at 7 p.m.
- Vienna Turkey Trot (10k, 5k, and 1 Mile Fun Run): Sunday, November 20 at 8 a.m. (Fun Run), 830am 5k/10k
- Church Street Stroll: Monday, November 28 at 6 p.m.
- Cookies with Santa: December 3, registration required on Webtrac (registration begins November 7 for TOV residents, November 14 for non-residents)
- Holiday Decoration Contest: November 1-December 1, with a winner announced on December 9
Santa on the Firetruck: An annual visit from Santa Claus himself usually starts in mid-December (schedule is TBD, but check their website for updates). This was the biggest surprise to me when we moved to Vienna and I had no idea a firetruck would be rolling by blasting music when my anti-sleeping 18 month old was already in bed, but now it’s become one of our favorite nights of the year.
Living in Vienna is really special, it’s such a small town but offers so many opportunities to join your community in celebrating events throughout the year. That’s always on display with all of the events this time of year.
Hope to see you at one of these events!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Whether you engage in a weekly game of bridge with friends, or compete in tournaments to earn masterpoints, playing the game pays off “in spades” when it comes to maintaining and even improving cognitive health.
“It’s a great way to maintain memory processing skills, as well as challenging your basic logic skills. It’s a lot of fun!” says Eleanor Linde, who regularly plays five time a week. Eleanor lives in McLean and is looking forward to moving to The Mather, a Life Plan Community that is coming to Tysons in 2024. “Bridge is a wonderful way to connect with people” says Eleanor. “I’m delighted that a group of future Mather neighbors has already met once.”
Van and Fran Hitch are also avid bridge players who are moving to The Mather. When Fran retired, the couple decided to take bridge lessons together, and got hooked. “I thought this was just a game I was learning,” said Van. “But I quickly found out it involves a great deal of strategy and communication with your partner.”
Research shows that those who play bridge regularly can reap a handful of valuable health benefits, regardless of their skill level.
A Brain Workout
It’s been proven that regularly playing cards and board games helps us retain mental acuity in later life, improves performance on cognitive tests and even protects against the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
Bridge in particular is a rigorous mental workout, requiring concentration, problem solving and multitasking (including, but not limited to, memorizing cards played and continually analyzing mathematical odds while noting verbal and non-verbal clues from other players).
“I’ve read that playing bridge is one of just a handful of pastimes that can increase your brain power — and we definitely are challenged,” says Fran. “We both like to work out and keep our bodies in shape. Bridge does that for our brains.”
A Social Exercise
Of course, regular bridge players reap the benefits of social interaction, which is also good for brain health, as well as mood.
“The social part is just as important to us as playing the game,” says Fran. “Starting with our very first lessons, we’ve met some really nice people. Some have become very close friends.”
A Boost for the Immune System
One study found strong evidence that playing bridge protects physical health, because it stimulates the area in the brain responsible for the immune system.
“Bridge is good for you. We look forward to playing with our future neighbors at The Mather,” says Fran.
The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
I’d like to introduce you to my friend Dr. David Gustitus. David had a long time chiropractic care practice in Wisconsin but recently relocated to Virginia and is opening his new practice in Vienna in November.
He’s a chiropractor, former D1 division athlete (soccer), auto immune disease battler, new to empty nesting dog dad, and a really nice guy. He does some really interesting things if you’re trying to get your health under control, or your kids might need some help.
Here are some highlights:
- Working with student athletes on shoulder pain, nutrition, neck pain, concussion care, and more. He understands first hand, the needs of a student athlete and the demands we place on kids right now.
- Root Cause Functional Medicine — finding out what’s causing your issue by looking at the full picture instead of treating just the symptoms
- Chiropractic care using X-Ray technology to pinpoint where an adjustment would be most beneficial
- Neuropathy
- TMJ
- Vertigo
- Weight loss
David has a very kind bedside manner, so if you’re tired of doctors pushing you in and out of the office quickly and dismissing what you’re feeling, he’s your man. You can follow him on Facebook or Instagram.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Tomorrow is National Taco Day, on Taco Tuesday no less! You know I love talking about food places, so indulge me on this one!
Plus who doesn’t need an excuse to eat tacos?
Here are some local favorites to try:
- Taco Bamba — Who will donate $1 for every taco sold to Smile on the World, up to $1,200/store
- Mama Tigre — They also have great vegetarian options like the Cheese Tikka Tacos
- Anita’s
- Tippy’s Taco House
- District Taco
- Rango’s Tex-Mex
- Bartaco
- La Campesina — Tex-Mex and Salvadorean Food
Some of the larger chains are also running promos tomorrow if you like them:
- California Tortilla — Every purchase on October 4th gets you a coupon for a free taco during a visit from October 5-11
- Taco Bell — If you sign up to be a rewards member, you can get a Taco Lover’s Pass for $10 via their app. The subscription allows you to get 1 of 7 tacos every single day for the next 30 days.
- Chevy’s — $3 per taco for build your own taco bar (this runs every Tuesday!)
- Rosa Mexicano — Will have half price tacos all day for every Tuesday in October
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
Can you believe we’re approaching the last 100 days of 2022?
October 1 marks 100 days to go. Did you have goals for 2022 that you still haven’t achieved? I certainly do. Let’s do this together. Let me help you reach those goals, whether they’re investing in real estate, dropping weight, saving money, or being a better parent.
One of the awesome things about my job is that I know so many people in different industries and I love connecting them together to create mutually beneficial relationships. Here’s an example of some people that you should know… and if you’re looking for someone specific, please don’t hesitate to email me and ask. I don’t mind at ALL. This information sitting in my head doesn’t help anyone.
If you’re looking to get your finances in order
Call ReFrame Wealth. A fee-only, fiduciary financial planning firm in Fairfax, which is Women Owned, Vienna Mom Owned.
If you’re looking to be a better parent (this means so many different things to different people)
Listen to Rachel Bailey’s podcast or join her coaching club.
If you’re looking to make more mom friends
Join Vienna Moms. Playgroups are back! Mom’s night outs, social events, etc.
If you’re looking to figure out that long perplexing health problem
Reach out to Whole Body Health Chiropractic (soon to open in Vienna!). When you’re tired of doctors only treating the symptom, Dr David Gustitus digs deeper.
If you’re looking to invest in real estate
Me, obviously. I can help identify your long term goals with real estate investing and we can talk about what might work best for you.
If you’re looking to lose weight
This is a multi faceted approach. You can join a local gym (F45, Orange Theory, Pure Barre, Equinox, Evolution Health, CrossFit) or you can search medical care with a therapist, nutritionist, or other doctor. Figure out what you think might be your best approach — mental, physical, or internal.
What goals can I help you with this year?
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
The fun only picks up as summer turns to fall in our area. Maybe you are new to the area or just need some fresh ideas of how to fully experience fall in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas!
As a Florida girl, I still marvel at the fall foliage at the numerous parks and trails, and I love running as the weather cools down. (Check out my previous trail video!)
And fall festivals are definitely one-stop opportunities to honestly embrace all things FALL. If you are like me with 3 kids in tow, I am all about efficiency in creating memories. Here are few of our favorites!
- Cox Farm Fall Festival: September 17-November 7
Cox Farms has hayrides, the corny Cornundrum mazes, giant slides, pumpkin smashing and of course yummy apple cider doughnuts — there is something for every age! - 46th Annual Falls Church Fall Festival: September 17
This family-fun event features The Taste of Falls Church, a beer garden, live music, children’s entertainment, and booths from local crafters, businesses and civic organizations. - Oktoberfest at The Boro: September 17
Enjoy a Polka concert, playing games in Boro Park, and crafts there is something fun for all ages. - Reston Farm Garden Festival: September 24-October 30
This Reston tradition will guarantee a day of games, activities, pumpkins and more.
- Mosaic Fall Festival: September 24-25
Live entertainment, FRESHFARM Farmers Market, URBNmarket, Caboose Brewing Beer Garden, Wine Garden and so much more. NOVA Fall Music Festival is September 24. - Vienna Oktoberfest: October 1
A day full of fun with a Beer/Wine Garden, food court, live music (including a German band), free children’s activities, children’s entertainment stage, acoustic stage and a festival marketplace - City of Fairfax Fall Festival: October 8
City of Fairfax Fall Festival will have more than 400 arts, crafts, information, food and gourmet food vendors, children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages. - Clifton Day Festival: October 9
Marketplace with around 150 artisans, antique dealers, vintage sellers and other vendors. Live music, children’s activities, pony rides, a beer and wine garden, and other delicious food and beverage choices add to the fun.
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
This biweekly column is sponsored by The Mather in Tysons, Virginia, a forward-thinking Life Plan Community for those 62 and better.
Swimming laps is a terrific, low-impact exercise option and a pleasant way to work out… But there’s another reason to consider jumping in a pool: a growing body of research is finding that swimming in particular holds multiple, unique benefits for our brain health.
“These recent studies are fascinating, and the findings are increasingly positive,” says William Wesley Myers, Assistant Vice President of Wellness Strategies at Mather. Mather is the owner operator of The Mather, a Life Plan Community that is coming to Tysons in 2024. “We’re learning that science shows that swimming regularly can improve one’s cognitive function as well as short- and long-term memory, and may help repair damage caused by stress.”
Cynthia Sitcov of Arlington is a lifelong swimmer who is looking forward to moving to The Mather and enjoying the on-site indoor pool there. “I swim five days a week — it’s addictive for me,” she says. “If I go a day or two without swimming, my body craves it.”
A Proven Pool of Benefits
One study of older adults found that those who swam had improved attention and mental speed compared to a group that didn’t swim. And swimming can offer a cognitive boost to younger people: a study of younger athletes (including swimmers and land-based athletes) found that 20 minutes of moderate-intensity breaststroke swimming improved cognitive function. Children have been found to learn better after swimming than after anaerobic exercise or a resting activity like coloring.
“It’s exciting to see this scientific data supporting the benefits of such an accessible activity,” says William. “Swimming and aquatics classes are gentle on joints and don’t require great mobility. Anyone can use aquatic exercise to improve muscle endurance as well as core strength and endurance, while burning an estimated 400 to 500 calories in an hour of exercise.”
More specifically, research shows that aquatic exercise can help with the following:
- Strengthen the cardiovascular and respiratory systems
- Improve bone density — particularly in post-menopausal women
- Boost pulmonary function and blood pressure
- Increase muscular strength and stamina
- Improve range of motion
- Increase circulation
- Reduce body fat and tone the body
Japanese researchers found that women age 60 to 75 who participated in regular aquatic exercise for 12 weeks demonstrated more strength, flexibility and agility, and had better total cholesterol levels, than a control group.
Swimming and aquatic exercise can also have a powerful effect on mood. Research has also shown that exercising in water is a natural mood-booster, enhancing self-esteem while reducing stress, anxiety and depression.
“Swimming for me is like meditation in motion; I count my laps and don’t think about anything else,” says Cynthia. “Even when I’m having a bad day, I’ll feel better after I swim. I never get out of the pool feeling lousy; I feel like my body was just plugged into an energy source.”
It can also be a social experience: “I’ve been swimming with the same people for 25 years,” says Cynthia. “We’ve solved the world’s problems, talking 10 minutes at a time in the locker room.”
All of the above seem like great reasons for everyone to give swimming and aquatic exercise a try. In other words, everyone in the pool!
The Mather, projected to open in Tysons, VA, in 2024 for those 62 and better, is a forward-thinking Life Plan Community that defies expectations of what senior living is supposed to be. The community’s comprehensive fitness center will include an indoor swimming pool.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
I would really love for these 85 degree humid days to subside already!
I’m so happy football has started, now I’m ready for sweatshirts, fire pits and more fall things, including apple picking! Make sure you’re checking their social media and/or websites to verify when they’re open.
Some orchards/farms close down if it’s raining, or if they’ve been over picked to allow more fruit to ripen. Many will also have fall festivals if you check websites to make a whole day of it.
- Marker-Miller Orchards: Apple picking plus lots of options to purchase in their farm market.
- Homestead Farm: Apples and pumpkins during the end of September.
- Hartland Farm and Orchard: Apples and pumpkins.
- Crooked Run Orchard: Apples and pears. Check their Facebook page for updates and hours.
- Stribling Orchard: Apples and pumpkins.
- Mackintosh Fruit Farm: Apples, Asian pears, yellow peaches, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, tomatoes and flowers.
- Rock Hill Orchard: Ice Cream, apples (require reservations), peaches and flowers.
- Hollin Farms: Apples, some veggies, dig your own potatoes.
- Valley View Farm: Apples, pears and pumpkins (October), they also have an extensive Locavore Farm Market with a lot of products to try.
- Great Country Farms: Apples, corn maze, farm play area, jumping pillow and more attractions. You can buy tickets to their Apple Fest until September 30. Starting on September 17 you can also pick your own pumpkin. BONUS: This is across from Dirt Farm Breweryand Bluemont Vineyard, so if you’re looking for an adult treat after the kids play, just cross the street!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or [email protected].
This summer I have fallen in love with the peaches at the Vienna Farmers Market from Kuhn Orchards, paired with these low acid yellow/orange tomatoes and burrata with a balsamic drizzle. It’s pure summer heaven on a plate.
With only a few weeks to go in both the Vienna Farmers Market and peach season, I wanted a resource of where to get late fall produce when the season changes.
Below I’ve highlighted some local farmers markets, where they’re located and when they’re open. Go early if you can. As the morning goes on, the lines get longer.
This weekend I tried to get empanadas at the Mosaic market and the line was 30 people deep so I gave up.
