Revitalize your ride and wash away the winter snow, salt and grime with a Free Car Wash from Mr Wash in Tysons Corner!
The brand new Tysons Corner location at 8218 Leesburg Pike is loaded with the latest car wash equipment and technology that gives cars the best possible shine.
Mr Wash has been washing cars since 1958. Mr Wash Car Wash offers monthly plans that include Unlimited Car Washes for one low monthly price and access to all 11 Mr Wash locations in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.
Experience the excellence of Mr Wash for free. Claim your complimentary car wash voucher today!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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’m not sure how many people research the history of where they live. I know I didn’t. So one day, I decided to search Vienna’s history to see what interesting things I could find about the town.
Here are my most interesting facts, in no particular order:
- Founded in 1903, The Vienna Volunteer Fire Department is the oldest in Fairfax County.
- In 1881, Howard Money founded a funeral home. Today, Money and King Funeral Home remains Vienna’s oldest continuous business.
- In 1890, the 300 person Village became an incorporated Town, which we now refer to as the Town of Vienna. The Town of Vienna’s current population is almost 17,000 people.
- Robert Hanssen, a Vienna resident and FBI spy, used Vienna as “dead drop” sites to provide intel to his Russian Handlers. He was arrested in 2001 at Foxstone Park.
- Vienna is also home to more positive famous people including New York Times best selling author David Baldacci. Vienna is also the former home of ESPN sportscenter anchor Randy Scott, who loves to give shoutouts to the Vienna Inn.
And a recent, bonus fun fact:
- The Vienna Inn was featured on a hat worn in Equalizer 3 thanks to former CIA operative and Vienna resident Marc Polymeropoulus who was a technical advisor on the film.
If you have more fun historical facts to share, please drop them in the comments!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column alternating with “Exploring Fairfax” that takes a deeper look around Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris and Aaron Nichols of McEnearney Associates Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479 and Aaron at 703-915-9852.
Hello Fairfax!
I’m Aaron Nichols. As a dad, a husband, a youth sports coach, and local Realtor®, I’m so excited for our journey through the communities of Fairfax County with my new video and neighborhood series!
Living and working in this vibrant community has given me a unique perspective on all the amazing places and activities it has to offer. From family-friendly outings perfect for weekends with your kids to must-see spots for when friends and family visit, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be explored in our area.
Join me monthly for “Exploring Fairfax!” Together, we’ll uncover the best of our county, from special events to fantastic dining experiences and everything in between!
Aaron Nichols | www.nichols.realestate | [email protected] | @itsaaronnichols | 703-915-9852 | 1320 Old Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Cards, comics, vintage memorabilia… and more!
As recently seen on the PBS show, If You Lived Here… Collector’s World, located in Annandale, is the largest specialty collectibles store in the Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia area. With more than 6,000 square feet, this retail store caters to many different types of collectors.
The owners are on a buying spree and looking to purchase your collection!
Cleaning out the attic, garage or basement? Downsizing? Preparing to move or re-model? No collection is too big or too small.
Bring your items to the pros at Collector’s World for a same day appraisal and on the spot offer. Don’t miss your chance to cash in on your treasures, clear out some space and stop overspending on that storage unit!
Appointments are filling up fast. We offer house calls for extensive collections and special circumstances.
Contact Collector’s World at 571-386-7099 or email [email protected] for more information.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
When it comes to sports that you can play for decades, ice hockey is a surprise contender.
“Unlike running, ice skating is very gentle on your knees,” John Dubeck points out. John has been a passionate hockey player for more than 50 years. “It’s a great way to exercise your legs and maintain your balance,” he says. “And it’s an ideal way to get cardio exercise while your focus is on playing well instead of counting the minutes you’ve been running. You’re typically going fast in two-minute bursts, so you’re also improving your anerobic metabolism.”
Since retiring, he plays twice a week at the popular GeriHatricks senior hockey club in West Laurel, Maryland. Currently in Arlington, John and his wife Susan Hotine are planning a move to The Mather, a Life Plan Community for those 62 and better, in Tysons later this year.
“The Mather seems to offer more than other senior living residences we looked at,” says John. “It feels like we’re essentially moving into a place that’s a high-end hotel.” He adds that they are ready to simplify, and like the idea of no longer worrying about leaking roofs and broken water pipes. “Plus, I’m looking forward to moving into a new community with people who are also new there. That appeals to me.”
John began playing hockey at Cornell University in the late 1960s. He says, “That was during the years that Cornell won the NCAA hockey championship, so everyone on campus played intramural hockey — fraternities, clubs, even the student newspaper had a hockey team. The fact that I already knew how to skate gave me a tremendous advantage.” He quickly caught the hockey bug and, after graduating, has played in several different leagues over the years.
“I used to play wing, but as I got older, I moved to defense,” he says. “When I started playing with the GeriHatricks after I retired, I was one of the younger players, so I was immediately told I was a center.” GeriHatricks games are no-check — meaning little or minimal contact — so injuries are few. Their pick-up games last about two hours. “The range of talent there is extraordinary,” says John.
Needless to say, John strongly recommends hockey as a pastime that ages well. A study in the Journal of Sports Science backs him up, showing that physically active men aged 35 and better who regularly play ice hockey are healthier than those who don’t play. They have significantly lower rates of hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.
And there is a mental health benefit to hockey as well: John points out that attention and calculation are needed throughout the game. “It’s a moving geometry game; you’re always figuring angles because you can play off the boards, and all players are in motion,” he says.
John will continue to play hockey and pursue other interests after his move to Tysons. “The Mather is close enough to where we are now that we don’t have to change our lifestyle. We can still jump on the Metro to see the Caps play,” he says.
The Mather, opening in early 2024 in Tysons, VA, 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 and D.C. 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].
Waking up to a winter wonderland is something we haven’t had in a long time.
I know my kids were thrilled to go outside yesterday when we just had barely a dusting, so today’s white everything is the perfect chance for snow balls and sledding.
Here are my favorite places to go sledding in Vienna:
- Thoreau Middle School: there’s a hill in the back
- Marshall Road Elementary: there’s a small hill in the back
- Wolftrap (the theater): The “Bowl” and the “Big Hill” by the main parking lot
- Cunningham Park Elementary: there’s a big hill in the back
- Meadow Lane Park by the softball field: perfect small hill for little kids
Another trick my kids loved when they were little — get a squirt bottle and fill it with water and food coloring. I called it snow paint and it would occupy them for a while.
Enjoy your snow day!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
When Robert E. Simon first founded Reston nearly 60 years ago, he envisioned a community that would stress quality of life and allow its residents to live, work, and play in their own community, with common grounds and scenic beauty shared equally.
Today, Reston has grown to be one of the most well-known and respected communities in the region, and the views of Simon’s guiding principles remain.
The work to keep that valued balance between “live, work and play” falls to Reston Association and its Board of Directors, and more than ever, those Directors play a key role in ensuring Reston maintains its character as a community and its commitment to housing, open space and community amenities. If you’ve ever considered leading the way in Reston’s vision for the future, I urge you to consider running for a seat on the Board of Reston Association.
Reston Association’s Board of Directors help guide the policies and procedures for the Association and help to maintain the 50+ miles of paths and trails, the recreational programs and amenities, the facilities and events that RA oversees each year. The RA Board helps develop the Association’s annual budget and looks at capital projects throughout our community.
What’s more, the RA Board of Directors are the ones who help ensure Reston remains a community that is sustainable, inclusive and resilient.
If you value Reston’s history and want to ensure its place in the future, I urge you to consider running for a seat on the Reston Association Board of Directors.
Candidate and eligibility information, as well as application materials, can be found online at reston.org/board-of-directors-election.
A Candidate Information Session will be held Tuesday, January 16. All candidate submissions are due by Friday, January 26 at 5 p.m. Visit our website to learn more.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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].
When I moved to Vienna from Arlington, there were admittedly a lot of things I didn’t know about living here.
I knew basic concepts but there are lots of nuances that you get to know by being here for years. I meet people at open houses that have no idea what the “Town of Vienna” means or why it matters, or that there’s an extra real estate tax that you pay for living within the town lines.
Most people focus on proximity to things that are important to them, or school ratings, or commute time. But how does one learn everything else?
I try to share as much information as possible with you, and in an effort to extend my knowledge to a wider audience I’ve put together a New Vienna Resident Guide for your convenience!
Please feel free to share this with anyone thinking of moving to the area. I hope you find it helpful!
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.
New Year’s resolutions — they’re a mixed bag, right? Some folks swear by them, others cringe at the thought. Me? Well, I tend to lean towards calling them goals and sneaking them in under that label. But hey, regardless of what you call them, I’ve got some pointers to help make this year a standout.
Staying Fit and Healthy
Fairfax and Arlington Counties are a goldmine for keeping active. Take Sharmane, for instance — she’s the marathon aficionado who knows all the top-notch trails like Four Mile Run, W&OD, Cross County Trail, Fountainhead Regional, and of course Burke Lake Trail. Then there’s Laura, the former college athlete diving into group fitness. Here’s the scoop on those classes: not only do you sweat it out, but you might just meet some cool new pals. Plus, the simple act of meeting a friend there can get you out of bed and committed to your fitness journey. F45, Orange Theory, Boxing, Yoga, Pure Barre, Solid Core — you name it, there’s a class for it. So, experiment until you find your fitness soulmate!
Building Relationships
Let’s face it, we’ve all realized by now how much we need human connections. Put some effort into nurturing those bonds — whether it’s with your partner, friends, family, or even work buddies. Fairfax County is buzzing with things to do.
Mix it up a bit! Skip the usual dinner and catch up with a friend over a coffee while strolling around True Foods or Burke Lake Park. Or gather the gang for a fun round of mini-golf at Perch Putt or Tyson’s Bowlero. And hey, why not lace up those skates and head to Reston Town Centre or Skate N’ Fun Zone for a spin? It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone to create those memorable moments.
Family Adventures
As a mom juggling three kiddos, I get the struggle of breaking the routine. Those after-school activities and playdates can make “date nights” sound like a fairy tale from another lifetime.
But guess what? They don’t have to be! Explore new playgrounds as a family — my bunch absolutely loves the skating park at Van Dyck Park where my twins go wild while the older ones kick a soccer ball around. Trust me, the playgrounds these days are way cooler than what we had growing up! And don’t forget to try out some creative outlets like Muse Paintbar or Board & Brush for a DIY session. Wrap it up with a scrumptious brunch at Ted’s Bulletin or dinner at Hamrocks.
However you decide to roll with this year, here’s wishing you heaps of health, prosperity, and loads of joy. Cheers to an incredible New Year!
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
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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].
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!
Many people will begin the process of moving in 2024 shortly, as our “spring market” usually starts to pick up in mid January. As I do every year, I wanted to give you my predictions for the market in 2024.
First, a quick summary of what happened in 2023. Rates went all the way up to 8% in October, which is the opposite of what most experts thought would happen. Thankfully, we’re headed in the right direction now with rates in the mid 6s. Inventory remained tight, which is fueling an already rough market for buyers. Combining a lack of inventory with higher costs made affordability tough because prices stayed high. We saw some houses sit for a bit on the market, but others got multiple offers.
So what’s in store for us in 2024? Here’s what I hope to see:
- Rates will continue to decline. The more rates go down, the better the market will be. I’m sure you’ve seen all the memes and headlines that people might hate their homes but they love their mortgage, and who wants to give up a 3% interest rate? Not many people. That’s why inventory levels are so low — nobody wants to sell! So the lower rates go down, the more sellers will enter the market and we need that inventory to keep things moving.
- Inventory will get slightly better. We’ve had low inventory in Northern Virginia for over 10 years. This isn’t a new problem, it’s just a problem that’s gotten much, much worse. So going back to point one — if we can make buying a little more attractive, we can shake some inventory free. Especially if we can make the “forever homes” more available, all of the home owners in condos/townhouses/smaller homes could move up, and that opens the door to first-time buyers. It’s all a cycle!
- Competition will stay. For every rate drop, more buyers enter the market who are competing for the same number of homes. Hence, bidding wars. I expect those to be a factor in our market… again/still.
- Prices will stay stable or increase. Your equity is safe in your home. We’ve had this perfect storm of pricing increasing for years. And without more inventory, the demand just outweighs the supply so prices will not go down.
Perhaps not the news you wanted if you’re a buyer, but education is armor, so the more you have the better equipped you will be to make decisions that feel right for you.
If you’re thinking of selling or buying, or need to do both, let’s have a conversation about your unique position. There are individual strategies for everyone to help you get from point A to point B.
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
