Archive for the 'Out and About' Category
It’s New, It’s Huge and It’s Extraordinary
June 18th, 2008 Categories: Focus on Prince William, Out and About
Our stomachs were rumbling and when we opened the refrigerator door all we found was a bottle of ketchup and a can of tuna fish. We were desperate and knew that the time had come; we had to make a trip to the grocery store. Our mailbox had been filling with coupons and store specials from some new comer to the area and we decided oh what the heck lets check them out.
So off we went for what we thought would be a simple run to the grocery store. As soon as we pulled into the parking lot I was ready to run the other way. But I was outvoted and in we went. It was HUGE. I’m talking MEGA. And it was crowded. I can’t remember the last time I saw that many people at the grocery store at one time. Especially on at noon in the middle of the week. Don’t these folks have jobs somewhere?
Could I find goat cheese? Yes about 10 varieties. Could I find seafood? Absolutely and some of it was not anything I had ever seen in this part of the world before. Vegetables including the “dreaded” tomatoes, with “it’s okay to eat these signs”, were front and center. The list of what you could find or not because the store is so big is incredible.
Despite my protests we managed to spent time checking out what we might want to eat should we want to get a bit more exotic than our easy and light summer cooking. The thought did cross our minds to pull up a chair at the seafood bar and have some oysters but we grew up with the mindset that you don’t eat oysters in a month without an “r” in it so we passed. Plenty of other folks were filling up the chairs both at the seafood bar and at the outside patio with prepared sandwiches.
So what is this new and extraordinary addition to Prince William County? It is Wegmans. Part of the new and upscale stores planned for the Shops at Stonewall situated between Route 1 and I-95 off of Nebesco Road. If the crowds at Wegmans are any indication of how long the residents of Prince William County have waited for the store to open, then the county planners have made the right decision.
It might take me a little while to get up the courage to fight the crowds again. In the meantime we have enough food to keep us happy for awhile.
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Historic Churches in Northern Virginia-Fairfax Station
December 15th, 2007 Categories: Communites to Visit, Out and About
One of the nice things about living in Northern Virginia is all of the history that you can find throughout the area. There are the well known sites such as Mount Vernon and Gunston Hall and then some smaller sites that if you didn’t know the history of our area you might just pass them by. Today we are going to take a look at two historic churches in Fairfax Station just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Burke Center and downtown Fairfax.
The first church, St Mary of Sorrows was started in 1858 and dedicated in 1860 by the Bishop of Richmond. Built primarily by the Irish railroad workers who were working nearby, the church is built from lumber from the forests that surround the area and the only item that was purchased for the building was the church bell.
During the civil war the church was used as a field hospital for casualties awaiting transportation out of the area on the railroad and it is here that Clara Barton is said to have started the plan that would later become the Red Cross. After the war St. Mary’s continued to be a drawing place for the growing Fairfax Station and Clifton communities and today the church is a popular place for weddings and masses because of its location and history.
The second historic church in Fairfax Station is Jerusalem Baptist Church originally formed in 1840. The congregation first met in what was then known as Paynes Church which had been constructed in the mid 1700’s as an Episcopal Church.
After the civil war when all Church of England structures were forfeited to the states the congregation of Jerusalem Baptist Church was able to buy the building for their own use.
The original church had been the first brick church built in Fairfax County but during the Civil War the building was torn down to use the bricks to build fireplaces in homes used by the for Union Soldiers over the winter. After the war the congregation began to rebuild and in 1866 built the white clapboard church that stands today.
What is interesting about both of these churches is their contribution to Fairfax Station during the civil war and beyond. Changing from places of worship to hospitals, their cemeteries being used by both Union and Confederate soldiers (later most of these graves were moved to Arlington National Cemetery) and the fact that the buildings remain today as places of worship and celebration despite the development of the area.
So if you are out driving around and you see these two small white churches on Route 123 (Ox Road), take a moment to stop and check them out. They are a big part of the local history and something you might just pass by without a second thought.
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Taking in a Breath of Fresh Air in Fairfax County
November 14th, 2007 Categories: Focus on Fairfax County, Out and About
A lot is written about the traffic congestion in Fairfax County and it is true we do have our share of jammed roads during rush hour but we also have a huge amount of green space to enjoy when we aren’t fretting about getting to work.
One of the best known parks in our area is Burke Lake Park right off of Route 123 and a few miles from the City of Fairfax. With over 850 acres including a 220 acre lake there is plenty for everyone to enjoy. For the walkers, joggers and bikers the 5 mile dirt loop around the lake is a great way to take in all of the vistas. 
For the youngsters the miniature train ride chugging along at 10 MPH is a hoot.
Want to get in a round of golf? You can do that too at the 18 hole Par 3 course.
My son and his friends are big fans of the Frisbee golf course, though for the life of me the fun of trying to throw a Frisbee through a hoop eludes me! For the young and young at heart stop by and give the Carousel a whirl.
For the guys who like to fish you can rent a small electric powered boat or canoe and cast your line. Make sure you have a valid fishing license. It’s the law!
One of the best things about the park is that no matter what season you go you will find the park well maintained and friendly park staff around to help.
Burke Lake Park is just one example of the benefits of living in Fairfax County. With over 25,000 acres of parkland maintained by the Fairfax County Park Authority you can find a park just around the corner from almost any neighborhood in the county. If you didn’t wear yourself out from playing in the park or over indulge with your picnic then you can head just a few miles down the winding road to Clifton or south to Historic Occoquan to finish off the day.
Enjoy yourself and see you around the park.
Map of Park Activities
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Star Trek Meets Dewey Decimal
October 22nd, 2007 Categories: Focus on Arlington, Green Living, Out and About
A few years ago a leaking hot water heater took a chunk out of my coveted book collection. Then another move made me realize that hauling around boxes of books was not very practical and added a lot to the moving bill. So after years of avoiding the public library it seemed like a good idea to check out how they might have changed. In the Northern Virginia area we are lucky to have a huge selection of libraries to choose from including a new state of the art library that opened recently in Shirlington.
As soon as you walk in the door you realize this is not a place were you are going to find rows of those pesky card catalogs but instead a sleek state of the art computerized facility. Offering 26 PC stations, total wireless access if you bring your own laptop, a 75 person meeting room with Smart Board and check out with a library card with built in RFD chip. There are comfortable chairs scattered throughout the library and you are allowed to bring in a cup of java!
This $225 million dollar facility replaces the old “temporary” library which was flooded in 2006. The building was built following “green” building principles including recycled-content carpeting, low VOC paints, a reflective roof and energy efficient systems. Arlington County is in the process of applying for LEED certification from the Green Building Council. Originally conceived as a one story building the project grew when the Signature Theater learned that it would need a new home as well. Known for taking risks with adaptations of overlooked theater products, the Signature Theater has won acclaim with 54 Helen Hayes Awards over the last 20 years.
With community art on display, an LED architectural light show which can you can see as soon as you enter Shirlington Village and a mosaic fountain designed by Martha Jackson-Jarvis a local sculpter you will see how this library is one step above ordinary.
So if you have been avoiding the library because of the fear of the dreaded SHHHHH then you need to take another look at what is happening in your local library. The new one in Shirlington gives you a great opportunity to avoid heavy lifting the next time you need to move.
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Tucked in the trees just off of Old Bridge Road in Prince William County is the quiet community of Westridge. Coming down the main tree lined drive you come upon the large community center, pond and fountain and you know you are in a neighborhood that makes you feel welcome.
Many times the community of Westridge is lumped together with its neighbor Lake Ridge but you will find difference between the two. Westridge has its own community center, its home owners association and is on the “other side” of Old Bridge Road Road. Westridge has a number of different home styles from condo townhouses, townhouses and detached homes. Are you looking for a Georgian colonial, a wrap around porch or perhaps something a bit more modern? Then you will be able to find it in Westridge.
Want to get some exercise? Numerous walking paths meander through the trees, over the bridges at the lake and pass by the community center which offers a huge swimming pool for summer fun and a big play ground for families with children.
Home prices vary based on size and style. Currently there are 6 detached home for sale ranging in price from $474,950 for one of the smaller contemporary models to $859,000 for a 7000 square foot house on just over an acre.
Westridge townhouse prices range from 279,000 to $415,000. Currently there are 22 listed and for first time home buyers or investors there are a few foreclosure properties available which are priced very nicely for this area.
Somerset of Westridge Condo Townhouses range in price $244,900 to 327,000 and have a condo fee of $275 per month.
Community Collage
View Listings in Westridge
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Virginia’s Oldest Chartered City
September 14th, 2007 Categories: Focus on Prince William, Morning Coffee, Out and About
Morning coffee -quick tidbits for you to think about as you start your day
Most people think Old Town Alexandria is Virginia’s oldest charted town but they would be wrong. As you drive down Route 1 between Woodbridge and Quantico you pass through an area known as Dumfries. For many local folks it is an unforgettable area that often is referred to as “dumb-fries”.
However chartered one day before Old Town on May 11, 1749, Dumfries was a thriving cultural and commerce center in its time. Founded by Scottish merchants, the town had large tobacco warehouses and was the second largest port in the colonies only surpassed by Boston. Dumfries was also known as a cultural center with theaters, race tracks and artisans.
When historians talk about thriving port cities of the 1700’s they mention Boston, Charleston and Alexandria but not Dumfries. Perhaps part of the reason is because today there is no port. Try as hard as you would like but you won’t find any remnants of the port and in fact as you are driving on Route 1 you are actually driving where the port used to be. For reasons that are still unclear in the early nineteenth century silt began filling the port making it unusable.
There are plenty of new waterfront developments being built close to the Dumfries area in eastern Prince William County so perhaps in a 21st century way the town will regain some of the glory of the past.
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I’ve written before about “What is Behind the Gates in Northern Virginia” and on the top 10 price detached homes in the area so today I thought I would let you in on the most expensive townhouses in Prince William County. The townhouses stand side by side in the Belmont Bay Community on the Occoquan River.
As you walk down the brick walkway to the front of the townhouses you get a glimpse of what you are about to find. Situated at the end of the row both of these properties command direct water front placement on Belmont Bay, a perk usually reserved for more expensive detached homes. Each of the brick town homes feature over 4000 square feet of living space spread over 4 levels. With two large Charleston style columned porches and covered patios you can’t miss the water views from almost any room in the house. Each house has all the bells and whistles you would expect from houses in this price bracket, hardwood floors, luxury master baths, granite and stainless steel in the kitchen.
The homes both feature the only private deeded piers in the Belmont Bay Community; everyone else has the option to lease space at the marina. Built in 2006 the docks with electricity can each accommodate multiple boats and are located at the “NO WAKE” zone and have deep water access to the Potomac River. Current the properties are listed for $1,500,000 and $1,650,000 respectively.
To keep those prices in perspective, in Old Town Alexandria there are two waterfront townhouses without private docks with similar living space for over $3,000,000. Obviously I won’t say that Belmont Bay is the same as living in Old Town Alexandria but if you are thinking you would like to walk out your door to your boat or invite your friends down for a dock party then these two townhouses are a bargain!
So if you are thinking that waterfront without the hassle of the yard is right for you then these townhouses may be just what you are looking for.
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Great Exhibits Coming to the Corcoran Gallery of Art
September 2nd, 2007 Categories: Morning Coffee, Out and About
Morning coffee -quick tidbits for you to think about as you start your day
I’m excited to see a couple of new exhibits coming to the Corcoran Gallery of Art this fall. As a member I get to take advantage of special previews of the events which are hosted by the curator of the gallery.
The first exhibit is Ansel Adams whose works have not had a solo exhibit in our area for 10 years. I’m a huge fan of his work and look forward to seeing this collection.
The second exhibit is Annie Leibovitz. I had a chance to see some of her works a few years ago when they were in DC and this collection of over 200 photographs is a much larger collection than was previously shown.
If you enjoy great photography then make sure you get your tickets for both of these shows. You can purchase them on-line through the Corcoran.
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People Who Live in Glass Houses
August 29th, 2007 Categories: Communites to Visit, Focus on Fairfax County, Out and About
Hidden among all of the three level colonials in Fairfax County you will find a few pockets of Mid Century Modern homes (MCM). One of those neighborhoods is Hollin Hills in Alexandria. Designed over 50 years ago by architect Charles Goodwin the neighborhood was considered avant-garde at the time as it broke the traditional bounds of building in the area. With clean lines and walls of windows the homes were designed to obscure the lines between the inside and the outside. Originally the area was popular with Washington urbanite and now the second generation of fans of MCM are buying the homes almost as soon as they come on the market.
Talk about being in the right place at the right time. The developer of the Hollin Hills property, Robert Davenport purchased the land at an auction for $550 and worked in conjunction with Goodwin to lay out the plan for the community. The 457 homes are spread out on the 225 acre wooded site and they were placed on the lots at various angles instead of lining them all facing the streets. The simple homes are designed based on four-foot modular units so the plans could be expanded easily and with relatively little cost. The community has maintained its original feel due in larger part to an active civic association which has applied for Historic Designation to continue to protect the area from over zealous development.
One of the homes was recently featured on a segment of HGTV and no sooner than the program aired was the home on the market and under contract. Even though the homes were designed over 50 years ago the concept of living in harmony with nature is even more important today. Currently there are 3 homes on the market today ranging in price from $579,000 to $749,900. If you are a fan of mid-century modern then this is a neighborhood that you don’t want to miss.
Search for you new Hollin Hills home.
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The Charm of a Small Town-Clifton VA
August 22nd, 2007 Categories: Communites to Visit, Focus on Fairfax County, Out and About
When you think of Northern Virginia you most often think of traffic and suburban shopping malls not older neighborhoods that retain a small town charm. I happen to be a fan of our local “small” towns and explore them whenever I can. Located down a winding two lane road past horse farms and a few McMansions you will find the town of Clifton one of the oldest in Fairfax County. Originally a hunting ground for George Washington and Lord Fairfax the town came into prominence during the Civil War.
When the Union Army commandeered the Orange & Alexandria railway in 1861, Clifton was the southern most station located on the track. Then called Deveraux Station the Union Army set up camp and fought a number of skirmishes to hold the Confederate soldiers for moving further south. When the war ended one of citizens of the town purchased the railway station and opened a hotel which is now the Hermitage Restaurant. Over the years the town was known for its saloons and later it’s hot springs. A little known fact about the town is that Clifton was the first location in Fairfax County to get electricity in 1925.
A number of the original homes that were built in the town are still there today:
The “Homestead” -1771
Mayhugh Tavern -1870
Clifton Baptist Church -1876
Hetzel House- 1908
Harris House-1850
Lucy Virginia Davis Virginia House-1913
Clifton was added to National Historic Register in 1984. The Heart and Hand Restaurant is a great place to enjoy Sunday Brunch or hold a wedding reception, the Hermitage Inn is always booked during the holiday season and a stop by the general store will make you realize you have stepped back in time. Enjoy an hour or two in Clifton and you will see why it is another secret we like to keep in Fairfax County.
For those who like Urban Legends Clifton is also home of the famous or is that infamous Bunny Man Bridge. I’ll leave you to read the tale and if you are brave enough I’ll see you in Clifton on Halloween.
Search for homes for sale in the Clifton area.
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