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].
Today is National Wine and Cheese Day!
Looking to celebrate? Here are some of my favorite charcuterie options and places to pick your own wine and cheese!
If you’re willing to travel, here are some of my local favorites around Northern Virginia:
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].
There are so many home maintenance checklists out there, compiled of stuff nobody actually does.
I’ve been through more home inspections than I care to remember so I’ve seen the dirty secrets people hide when it comes to taking care of your home. If you’re looking for a list of stuff you should actually do, here’s my list. I do them all on my own home, so this is definitely something I stand behind.
- Wash your windows inside and out, all ledges and screens. I call E&R Services for my own home.
- Check your chimney to make sure you still have a cap. Many times people don’t notice if the wind takes it away, but it keeps the elements and animals out of your chimney. It should look like a metal mushroom at the top.
- Change your filters — HVAC, fridge water filter, microwave or hood vents, etc.
- Power wash any surface that is now green. Consider sealing your deck or any other stripped or rotted paint. Rotting wood attracts termites and other insects and could get worse.
- Clean out your gutters and downspouts if you haven’t from the spring. The fall will bring more rain and more falling leaves, so beat the issue of clogged gutters!
- Clean your dryer vent!
- Get rid of any empty or old propane tanks. They serve no purpose if they’re empty.
- Check for tree roots — if you see cracks in your driveway (raised ones, not just hairline cracks), or similar cracks in your walk way, you’ll want to have them checked out. Tree roots can cause foundation damage and continue to grow.
- If you plan to do any lawn care, consider getting estimates now for the early fall if you want to aerate it.
- Check your sump pump. We get a lot of rain in Northern Virginia during the summer and prevention is the #1 thing you can do when it comes to your foundation. Check your drainage when it rains. If the water is pooling in one spot, you’ll know where your issues are.
Small things like this have big rewards in the long run. You can avoid larger home maintenance repair bills by staying on top of regular routine check ups.
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].
If you’ve been reading my Neighborhood Expert column for a while, you’ll see my passions include real estate, my kids and food.
We just returned from a week at the beach and I thought it would be fun to put together a list of our must-eat places along the east coast beaches. I remember the first time we went to Ocean City, Maryland with a 2 year old, we had Five Guys for dinner because I didn’t know where to go or what to eat and that was the easiest thing to do. But now that I have 8 years under my belt of staying in Ocean City and Rehoboth, my list of recommendations has grown a bit.
Hope there’s something for everyone on this list. As always, feel free to comment or email me to add anything I don’t know about yet!
Breakfast
- Barn 34: Benedict’s galore
- Bad Monkey: Get your sugar fix early — monkey bread, Nutella French toast
- Egg: Good mix of healthy and indulgence
- Blackwall Hitch: This could be brunch or lunch/dinner!
Lunch/Dinner
- Barn 34: The bacon wrapped dates appetizer is awesome
- Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli: Incredible sandwiches, plus Jewish staples
- Barrio Taco: The plantains were amazing, huge tamale, and great empanadas
- On the Bay Seafood: We always do this to go because waiting for a table seems impossible some days, but the steamed shrimp is served with old bay and cocktail sauce, steamed crab, and crab cakes. If you want traditional creamy crab soup, skip their herbaceous version.
- Longboard Café: Wrinkly green beans are my favorite thing! So so good. Also great burgers and salads.
- Hooked: Fresh seafood and tons of delicious appetizers
- Ropewalk: This is great if you have a lot of kids to entertain because there’s a play area in the sand, but wouldn’t go if it’s adults looking for great food
- Grab and Go Taco: This is a great grab and go option as there’s standing room only, so no sit down option, but great food, “green crack sauce” is delicious, and bonus it’s next to Fisher’s Popcorn.
- Our Harvest: Really good food with vegan options!
- Salt Air: Make reservations! The food is amazing and they have a real kids menu (think kids steak or shrimp and grits).
- Nicola Pizza: Amazingly delicious simple salad, nic-o-boli (their version of a calzone), and pizza
- Thrasher’s Fries: If you know, you know
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].
Let’s be honest, where we live things can get expensive really fast. So it’s nice when businesses offer summer discounts for kids. I’ve compiled a list of the things I know about, but please add in the comments if there are other opportunities that you know of!
Movies
- The Boro at Tysons: $6.50 matinees on Tuesdays
- Summer Movie Clubhouse: $1.50 movie tickets on specific movies each Wednesday throughout the summer (Scoob!, Sing 2, Paw Patrol, Tom & Jerry, Peter Rabbit 2, Clifford).
- Regal Fairfax Summer Movie Express: $2 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the summer.
- Mosaic Films in the Park: Free movies every Thursday at 7 p.m. on the big screen through August 25.
- Tysons Outdoor Family Movie Nights: A 7 p.m. start time on the last Friday of each month (Cruella, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, Raya and the Last Dragon).
- Starlight Cinema: Drive-in cinema with free movies on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. in August only (Luca, Encanto, Sing 2, The Mitchells vs. The Machines).
Food
- Cocoa Vienna has $1 days for special treats: Monday Chocolate Dipped Pretzel, Tuesday Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Wednesday “Deal of the Day”, Thursday Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana, Friday Chocolate Dipped Oreo
Sports
- Bowling: Bowlero has a summer pass where kids can bowl 3 games everyday for 1 price (check the locations as they have different pricing, which includes shoe rental).
- Potomac Nationals Game in Fredericksburg has $2 Tuesdays plus other promotions, Fireworks Fridays, and other fun events.
- Free Baseball Games: Follow the Ripken Collegiate Baseball League games at South County High School.
- NVCL College League also has free baseball games at Madison HS, Waters Field, and Westfield HS.
Reading
- Summer Reading programs offered through Fairfax County public libraries. Once the kids collect 10 badges (explore what that means), they can collect prizes for finishing the program!
- Barnes and Noble also has a reading program where kids read 8 books and they can pick a free book on a specific list based on grade.
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].
Sunday marked Juneteenth, but today we observe the holiday also known as Freedom Day.
As you’ve seen from previous posts, I like to celebrate every occasion with food. What better way to support a local Black-Owned Business than by dining at one? Depending on how far you’re looking to travel for food, you can always check out this great website that lists Black-Owned Businesses by state (although it hasn’t been updated since September 2021) or EatOkra.com.
Specific to the Northern Virginia area, here are some of my favorites:
- Pie Gourmet, Vienna
- Blacknerd Coffee
- Uncle Fred’s BBQ Smoke Shack, Reston
- McLean Pizza & Subs, McLean
- Makers Union, Reston
- Also check out the local farmers markets — you’ll often find smaller shops there to support
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 Town of Vienna has a lot to offer throughout the summer in terms of entertainment and events. I want to highlight some if you’re looking for something new to do:
Big Screen on the Green
Each month, the town hosts an outdoor movie screening at 8:30 p.m. There’s free water and popcorn while supplies last. The movie is set up on the town green. Bring your own chairs, blanket, picnic etc.
Chillin’ on Church
Vienna’s version of a block party, held on Church Street and includes food, beer, wine and family friendly activities, which starts at 6:30 p.m.
- June 17: Big Bad JuJu
- July 15: Ocho De Bastos
- Aug 19: Deja Gruv Band
- Sept 16: Texas Chainsaw Horns
Kids on the Green
Free, interactive kids programs that last about 30-45 minutes on the patio behind the Freeman store. The programs are held on Tuesdays at 10 a.m.
Summer on the Green Concert Series
Free summer concerts on select Fridays. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are about 90 minutes long. Bring your own chairs, blankets, etc.
Special Shows:
4th of July Celebrations
Don’t forget: The Town of Vienna has it’s own fireworks show! Held at Yeonas Park (where the little league fields are) on Friday, July 1 at 8 p.m. The event will have live music, games, food and drinks, and the fireworks start at dark. The United States Navy Concert Band will play before the 20 minute fireworks show. Bring blanks and lawn chairs, but remember chairs are not permitted on the baseball fields (there are bleachers and a paved path for chairs).
*Note: this event is loud if you have a sensory sensitive child.
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]
If you’ve lived in Vienna for any length of time, you’ve heard about the long wait times for local pools.
Pro Tip: if you’re selling a home and you have a pool membership make sure you advertise that! It’s a huge selling feature as the buyer can buy your membership. There are 6 main pools in the area, which I’ll list below, but this list is for anyone who is looking for other options to find water: local pools, spraygrounds and splash pads.
My kids are past the splash pad age, so if I’ve missed anything new please share with the readers below!
Local Vienna Pools
Spray grounds, Splash Pads and Waterparks
- The Boro Splash Pad — 15 jet splash pad at the Boro Park. Waiting to hear if they’re on yet for the season.
- Our Special Harbor (6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia) — This Chesapeake Bay themed splash park has a water maze, dumping crab basket, spray fountains, misting flowers and interactive water tables. Aquatic shoes or sandals with a back strap are required for kids under 15. There’s also a carousel.
- The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston) — Here you’ll find a pool, slides, a lazy river, an area for kids with a smaller slide, covered picnic areas and chairs for lounging. This is a great option for day trips to a pool if you’re not a member of any of the local pools. We bought a family pass our first summer in Vienna when we weren’t members of a pool yet, and it was a great way to pass the summer. We have also done birthday parties here — so much fun!
- Ocean Dunes Waterpark (6060 Wilson Blvd, Arlington) — Explore multiple pools for different ages, large slides, a “sprayground” with a dumping bucket and many areas for lounging in the sun. It’s also adjacent to an 18-hole mini-golf course — another great way to pass a lazy day!
- Volcano Island Waterpark (20015 Volcano Drive, Sterling): — This is another great option with a pool, “sprayground,” slides and a dumping bucket.
- Atlantis Waterpark (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville) — Keep the kids busy with waterslides, pools, a play island with smaller slides and a huge 500-gallon dumping bucket.
- Great Waves Waterpark (4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria) — For the adventurous, this park includes speed slides, waterslides, a wave pool and a small kids’ zone for the younger crowd. There’s also a mini-golf course, batting cages, playground and cabanas.
Other Pool Options
Reston Lifetime Fitness — They have an outdoor pool, but you also get access to the rest of the gym
Sport and Health Tysons — Indoor and outdoor pools, in addition to access to the full club.
McLean and Fairfax Pools – many have openings and no wait!
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]
Doesn’t the end of the school year just fly by? Between sports, concerts, recitals, classroom parties, etc. it just FLIES.
While I am scheduling our end of season party for baseball, I wanted to share some ideas with you if you’re looking for some way to celebrate your kids.
If you’re looking for a place to gather:
If you’re looking for an option to come to you:
- Deliver pizza to your location — we used Church Street and they were on time and offered plates/napkins
- Have a food truck on call — Kona Ice, Ben and Jerry’s Truck, Rita’s
Everyone has so much going on, I’m a big fan of outsourcing these types of things — minimal effort, minimal clean up, and everyone is happy. For the parents who love creative things, you might have more creative ideas than me. Please share them in the comments!
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]
ViVA Vienna, the town fair, is my favorite event of the year.
Rides, games, fair food, street vendors and the entire town coming out to have fun. It’s glorious. It’s always hot, but the event takes place rain or shine (lighting is another story). If you’ve never been, please enjoy some of my favorite tips!
ViVa Vienna is made of rides for the kids — some for the smaller crew and some for the older crew who like faster/higher rides, usually games (knock down the clown, pop the balloon, fishing for a duck), vendors (arts, crafts, photos, local businesses), and fair food. Think meat on a stick, turkey legs and fried everything. It’s glorious and fun. They also have shows on the town green in the amphitheater.
You can buy tickets ahead of time (and they’re cheaper through Friday, May 27). This year you can buy an unlimited rider pass for $40 per day or a “mega pass” which is unlimited rides for all 3 days for $100 (if you buy before May 28), but the mega pass isn’t recommended for kids under 36″ tall.
This year they also have a Backstage BrewFest for the 21 and over crowd, held at the Vienna Firehouse. There will be live bands, beer, wine and food on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Here are my tips to make it as fun as possible:
- Bring water! Bring snacks if you don’t want to buy food. The kids (and adults) get hot and hungry and that’ll ruin anyone’s day.
- Saturday is the least crowded day because there are no vendors yet. It’s just food and rides/games. If you’re trying to avoid larger crowds, go on Saturday.
- Sunday/Monday is fun if you want to check out local vendors and companies. Many have fun things to check out, artwork to buy, and freebies to snag.
- Plan to use porta potties — the local businesses on Church Street shouldn’t be inundated by toilet-goers who are not patrons, but they will line the area behind Vienna Inn with bathrooms and likewise over by the Red Caboose.
- Bring cash for the games. Everyone’s going cashless these days, but these fair games still usually take cash and you can avoid the ATM fee.
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]
My husband and I got to sneak in a Sunday morning breakfast date where we got bagels at Call Your Mother and sat by the Georgetown Waterfront with the ducks for a few peaceful moments alone (highly recommend if you are looking for some time by a body of water).
Eating that led me to think about the breakfast options in Vienna. We have quite a few!
I’m on the hunt for the best breakfast sandwich in town. I am making a few nominations, but I’d love to hear where you sneak a good egg, cheese or veggie breakfast sandwich in around town. I’ll post the results on my social media at the end of the week!
Follow me on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or on Facebook at Facebook.com/GuidingYourMove.
Nominate your favorite!
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
