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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. If you have a flatbed truck, you can back into parking spaces at the shopping centers and sit high to get a better view.
4. 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.
5. There are no food vendors except for the nearby restaurants so plan to bring food if you need it or support a local restaurant.
6. 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).
7. 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

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

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.

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].

If you’re trying to hold onto the last few days of summer and make the most of your 4 day weekend, here are some great weekend trips to look at if you’re looking for an escape.

Outdoor Getaways:

• Aquia Landing Park, Stafford, Virginia: About an hour from Tysons, this is a popular fishing spot and beach for swimming. Note there’s a fee for parking.
• Colonial Beach, Virginia: Colonial Beach is about 90 minutes away from Tysons. It has easy parking, is on the Potomac River (so very few waves), has shallow water and there’s a fishing pier. You’ll find a cute snow cone and ice cream spot, too. (Try the chocolate éclair ice cream!)
• Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia: This small hidden gem is located under an hour from Tysons and offers fishing plus canoe and kayak rentals. Be sure to call ahead for a reservation. You’ll also find spots for swimming and walking trails.
• Lake Anna State Park, Spotsylvania, Virginia: About two hours away, you’ll find lots of sand and water for swimming and playing, camping grounds for overnight stays and walking trails. Tents are not allowed on the beach.
• Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis, Maryland: An hour from Tysons, Sandy Point is a popular beach before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with lots of space for distancing. This is a great spot if you just want to escape for a day.
• Calvert Cliffs State Park, Lusby, Maryland: Located about 90 minutes from Tysons, Calvert Cliffs is a Maryland state park featuring fishing, swimming and walking trails. It’s $7 per car for day use if you’ve got Virginia state plates.

Noteworthy Stays:

• Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Virginia: Here you’ll find a spa, restaurants, wineries, an infinity pool, hiking trails, zip lining and, for golf fans, access to the club at Creighton Farms.
• The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia: Find a top-rated restaurant at The Inn and the quaint town of Washington is perfect for exploring.
• Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels, Maryland: On the beautiful Chesapeake, Inn at Perry Cabin has a spa, restaurants, pool, fitness center, golf and tennis.
• The Inn at Vaucluse Spring, Stephens City, Virginia: This is a romantic bed and breakfast perched along the Shenandoah Valley.
• Nemacolin Resort, Farmington, Pennsylvania: Nemacolin has many types of lodging, a spa, golf, ax throwing, zip lining and tons of restaurant choices.
• The Omni Homestead, Hot Springs, Virginia: Filled with historic charm, this huge spa features hot springs, a water park, golf and lots of other family-friendly activities.
• The Tides Inn, Irvington, Virginia: Find a spa, wine trail, sailing school, golf and newly redesigned rooms!
• The Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia: This resort contains a spa, a casino, pool, arcade, bowling and so many other activities to keep you busy!
• Lansdowne Resort, Leesburg, Virginia: Located in historic Leesburg, Lansdowne Resort has a spa, golf course and more.
• Tidewater Inn, Easton, Maryland: Explore the spa, luxury accommodations, historic Easton and Hunters’ Tavern.

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].

The summer went by so fast! I am thrilled to get my kids off to the first day of school and they were both thrilled to be going back.

I’m a creature of habit and routine and I’m taking the day to clear out, clean up and get everyone into a new routine. If you’re anything like me and can’t wait to dig into their stuff while they’re gone, please consider some of these places to donate your items.

Of course there’s always the option to sell items as well, but if you want to just drop it all off, here’s a list of places:

Women Giving Back — Sterling, Virginia
They’re accepting women and children’s casual, professional and formal attire, shoes (like new), maternity apparel and winter gear. They don’t accept books, toys or car seats. Check their calendar for drop off times as the days and times can vary.

Second Story — Vienna, Virginia
Donations of items like food, clothing, personal hygiene supplies, and household items help teen mothers and homeless teens.

CHO – Vienna, Virginia
Accepting donations of food (PBJ, small canned hams, oil, canned fruit), boys and men’s clothing, bath towels, and furniture.

Children’s Hospital — Washington, D.C.
Don’t forget about Dr. Bear’s Closet. It’s looking for brand new, in-original packing, non-toxic and no latex items with tags. For infection reasons, they do not accept anything used.

Buy Nothing (3 different Vienna Facebook groups based on location) — You can give away items to people in your community

Hope everyone has a great first day!

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].

With the start of the school year quickly approaching, there are many ways people are starting to help teachers and schools set up their rooms for a successful year.

As some of you may know, my husband is a high school teacher, so I love supporting educators. They work so hard. So, so hard. Many of them spend a lot of their own money on their classrooms, especially elementary school teachers.

Here’s a list of ways you can directly support teachers as well as schools:

• Complete a Teacher’s Amazon Wish List: A recent Facebook group was started for FCPS educators to post their Amazon Wish Lists for people to purchase items off of. You can do so anonymously or with your name, either way, they’re getting many items for their classroom that will directly benefit the kids.
• If your school doesn’t have a Blessings in a Backpack program, consider adding one. The organization quietly provides food for kids over the weekend who need assistance.
• There’s also a website called DonorsChoose.org where teachers can post projects they want to do with a funding request. You can see which teacher, which school and how much they need. I did a quick search for Vienna, Virginia and found multiple opportunities!

Whether you decide to donate or not, consider sending a simple thank you to your favorite educator just to give them a little boost as they head into their final days of summer. Many are already in planning mode for the upcoming school year.

The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com