The Mount Vernon Trail is a Northern Virginia amenity

Along the Mount Vernon Trail a jogger and dog exercise
Along the Mount Vernon Trail a jogger and dog exercise
The Mount Vernon trail is a paved passage with some different parts, including wooded overlooks, up and down hills, and above water straight shot path. This amenity has various activity spots abound, throughout the extensive spread of landscapes. In the colder season there may be less fishing done and less retention of fitness participating humans and dogs. For example, in the featured image, there are a dog and woman jogging along the Mount Vernon Trail amenity. With the busy busy busy way of life in Alexandria, Virginia (though Old Town's City of Alexandria is separate from Fairfax County's  Alexandria), the Mount Vernon Trail is a nice place to take a break from it all. However that does not mean the rest of the world stops. For example, along a 30 minute hiatus walk, you might see a helicopter over head, or one of the regular from or going to Ronald Reagan planes on their way. There are many homes available near this amenity, ranging from different features including water oriented, street accessible, with a shopping center in the subdivision, with a view, etc. The Mount Vernon Trail runs parallel to the George Washington Parkway which runs parallel to the Potomac River.  

Fort Hunt

homes and condos for sale in Fort Hunt area of Fairfax County VA
Contact Nesbitt Realty for Alexandria Real Estate
Contact Nesbitt Realty for Alexandria Real Estate

Aubrey NesbittAbout the Author --- Aubrey Nesbitt is a native of Northern Virginia who attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a veteran of the US Army and helps his family business by providing informational articles like this one. In addition to photography and blogging, Aubrey provides administrative support for the office.

Throwback Thursday: Gristmill in the summer

Gristmill is a historic location with a body of water. This water orientation makes for a useful conduit to placid waters to fish. Wide mouthed bass can be found here. Search for water-oriented homes in Northern VAAre you seeking a water-view or waterfront home? Try our map search below.

Water-view homes for sale in Northern VA

Waterfront homes for sale in Northern VA

For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.

Sailing on the Potomac

Sailing Club of Washington One of the great things about life in Alexandria VA is the proximity to two public marinas: one at Belle Haven and the other at Potowmack Landing north of Old Town. I have always wanted to sail, and yesterday Julie surprised me by signing us up for a social sail with the Sailing Club of Washington. sailing The Sailing Club of Washington is a group of over 400 people that includes a mixture of folks who have never sailed but want to learn and old salts who've been sailing for years along with those who simply enjoy socializing with other sailing enthusiasts. The Sailing Club of Washington (SCOW) is a 501(c)(7) organization (a social club) that was originally chartered on July 12, 1966 "to provide the membership thereof with the opportunity and instrumentalities to become expert in the art of sailing for their individual and mutual education, benefit and enjoyment." Tango II on the water This boat used to be a club boat, but it's owned by a member who still shares it with the club. The Sailing Club has six boats:
  • four 19' Flying Scots;
  • two 25' Catalinas
The boats are kept at the Washington Sailing Marina just south of National Airport. SCOW offers classes, individual use of our boats, club sponsored activities and a place for sailors in the D.C. area to come together and enjoy the sport and recreation of sailing. Jules on the way to the boat. We were excited as we prepared to board the vessel. It was a short walk along the dock and then we boarded. at the dock at Sailing Club National Airport is visible behind us. The winds were light and steady, perfect for beginners. sailing on the Potomac There were several other vessels nearby, most were sailors but there were a few flat-bottom fishermen out as well. Will Nesbitt After we were underway, the skipper let me man the tiller! What fun! I had to make sure that we caught the right wind, without hitting posts or other boats. I'm at the tiller on the Potomac Julie snapped a couple of pictures of me having a blast. Preparing to tack Eventually the sun started to set and it was time to head back to port. dock What a great club! I can't endorse this activity enough. The fees are reasonable, the company was pleasant. And I really like sailing. Sunset on the Potomac We'll be back another day. If you're looking for a home near the marina, you might consider some of the following communities:

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Will Nesbitt About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Nesbitt Realty and maintains Condo Alexandria. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Oronoco Bay Park

Oronoco Bay Park is a 4.5 acre Alexandria City park is located on the Potomac River at 701 North Lee Street. It has many entry points, the most obvious of which are at either the Madison or Pendleton Street entries or from the Wythe Street Plaza. The plaza entry is approximately in the center of the park, and there is also a sidewalk entry with trees and turf area between the Sheet Metal Workers of America building and the United Way building.

Oronoco Bay Park
Oronoco Bay Park
The park was once known as "Texaco Bay" and before that it was owned by Standard Oil Company which was owned by John D. Rockefeller; however, the City acquired the property (and changed it to Oronoco Bay Park) in the early 1980's. Historically, the Alexandria area was inhabited by Indians when Captain John Smith sailed up the Potomac in the mid 17th Century. The park hosts several festivals and events including the annual "Red Cross Waterfront Festival"---the largest Red Cross fund raiser in the United States. Private concerns may reserve and rent the park for their events as well.
Oronoco Bay Park
walking path along the Potomac Oronoco Bay
This park is part of the linear park system along the Potomac. People can walk, jog or bike along the river path and enjoy the many sitting and picnic areas. There are wooden sun decks out into the river and a wooden boardwalk path that connects the path to the point where the bay and river meet near the Rowing Facility building.
Old Town Alexandria waterfront
Old Town Alexandria waterfront at Oronoco Bay
For more information or to set up an appointment call Stuart at (703)765-0300.  

The Potomac River

Washington Monument
Creative Commons License photo credit: CrimsonMage
The Potomac River is located on the east coast of the United States, and runs through Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. before it empties into the Chesapeake Bay. It is over 380 miles long and wider than 11 miles at its widest point. As it passes through Washington DC, the nation's capital, the Potomac passes the Washington Monument and the memorials of Jefferson, and Lincoln. Many consider the Potomac to be one of the most beautiful and bountiful rivers on the East Coast. The river is also widely regard its historic, scenic and recreational significance. Among the many who loved the Potomac was George Washington, who worked as a surveyor at many points along the banks of the river. George Washington's mansion at Mount Vernon is on the Potomac.
Mount Vernon, George Washington's estate on the Potomac
The Potomac's source is a small spring at the Fairfax Stone in West Virginia. From there, the river gathers many tributaries, winding through the mountains and valleys of Appalachia. One of its most dramatic turns occurs at Harper's Ferry where the Shenandoah meets the Potomac.

Harpers Ferry

At Great Falls, the Potomac tumbles down from the Appalachian Highlands to the sandy soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain.  Visitors from the colonial era to the modern era relish the views here. Today visitors at Great Falls will not only marvel at the cataracts, but also the engineering efforts of those who sought to fulfill George Washington's dream of connecting the Chesapeake Bay to the Ohio River. The C & O Canal was only operational for a few short years, but remnants of the system are still functional at Great Falls Park.

Great Falls

Finally, the river flows almost 400 miles widening to over 11 miles as it reaches the Chesapeake Bay on the long, low, and barren peninsula named Point Lookout, Maryland.  Before the US Civil War, Point Lookout was home to a few hotels and boarding houses, but during the war it was converted into one of the largest and worst of the Union prisoner-of-war camps.

Point Lookout Postcard

Fishers, anglers, boaters, sailors and kayakers all enjoy the Potomac.

The Potomac River has a watershed of 14,670 square miles including tributaries in Maryland (the Monocacy, Savage, and St. Mary's Rivers); in Virginia (the Shenandoah and Occoquan Rivers); in West Virginia (the South Branch and Cacapon Rivers); in Pennsylvania (Conococheague and Antietam Creeks); and in Washington DC (the Anacostia River). The Potomac cradles forests, battlefields, farmlands, mountains, parks, and cities. It is known to many as our Nation's River.Potomac at Arlington

If you're searching for a home or condo in Northern Virginia with a view of the Potomac, contact Will Nesbitt with Condo Alexandria.

Views of the Potomac

Search for water-oriented homes in Northern VAAre you seeking a water-view or waterfront home? Try our map search below.

Water-view homes for sale in Northern VA

Waterfront homes for sale in Northern VA

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Waterfront Street Performance Entertainment

The waterfront is a host to a variety of street performances. Within walking distance of this entertainment are several condo's and neighborhoods. The waterfront near the Torpedo Factory is a great place for the family. The entertainment ranges from magic, music, portraits, balloons, etc.

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Surprising homes near Occoquan Regional Park

The Occoqan Regional Park is located in Lorton, Virginia, in Fairfax County, right across from the Town of Occoquan. It's located on the Occoquan River. It opened in 2008 making it 1 of 29 parks in the Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority. It has around 400 acres of recreational space. There are many different things to do there such as, hit the batting cage, have a picnic, get a snack at the snack bar in the marina, play your favorite sport on one of their athletic fields, etc. They also have a boat ramp and boat storage. Their hiking trail is 1.1 miles round trip and forms a loop. The trail is well maintained. Most say that the blue trail is a great running trail and is very well marked. Dogs are of course welcome in the park. Historic black kilns from the early 1900's can be found on the property, reminding us of the women suffragists who demonstrated in front of the White House and were then imprisoned on the prison farm where these are found. If you're shopping for a home you might be surprised to learn just how affordable and pleasant some homes in Occoquan and near the park might be.

Golfing And More At Lake Ridge Park

Lake Ridge Park Golf & Marina is located at 12350 Cotton Mill Drive in Woodbridge VA 22192 featuring the beauty of golf. The park was opened in 1992 designed by Lindsay Irvin offering reasonable fees for beginners and young ones inviting all for a good play of golf. Amenities:
  • Golf Course
  • 9 Hole Par 3 Length Course
  • Mini Golf Course
  • Driving Range
  • Pro Shop
  • Snack Bar
  • Putting Green
  • Club Rental
  • Practice Area
  • Golfing Programs
  • Marine Supplies
  • Launch Ramps
  • Transportation
  • Transient Docks
  • Rentals
  • Fuel
  • Showers
  • Overnight Parking
  • Playground
  • Picnic Area
  • Public Phones
  • Fishing
  • Hiking Trails
  • Wooded Nature Filled Spaces