Category: Fun Stuff

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May 21, 2013June 17, 2015Aubrey Nesbitt

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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.

Reston Town Center Hosted Northern VA Fine Arts Festival

Reston Town Center hosted the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival from May 17-19, 2013. The Reston Town Center is located at 11900 Market St Reston, VA 20190. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival hosted over 200 artisans in 16 different categories including ceramics, digital and multi-media art, drawing, fiber/textiles, furniture, glass, jewelry, leather, metal, mixed media 2D, mixed media 3D, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. The festival brought artists and art lovers together on the temporarily closed off streets. There were several blocks to walk and view displayed artwork; several people brought their dogs with them. Admission was free. The festival had live music and a children's arts and crafts tent.

The Reston Town Center hosted the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival

People walk past the art at the Reston Town Center

Another piece of artwork from the festival

People view the artwork at the Reston Town Center

The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival was held outside at the Reston Town Center

Outside a tent for children's arts and crafts at the festival — Outside a tent for children’s arts and crafts at the festival

The weather was warm at the Reston Town Center

A selection of art at the Reston Town Center

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About 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.

Cameron Run Regional Park — Great Waves, Batting Cages, Golf and more!

May 14, 2013April 20, 2015Stuart Nesbitt

Lake Cook is a small body of water near Cameron Run.

Cameron Run Regional Park is an asset for area families and residents and a destination for those who don't live in the area. The park has several recreational components including a waterpark, batting cages, picnic area, fishing, and miniature golf. Bring the family to enjoy any part or all of the fun.

Great Waves Waterpark

Great Waves Waterpark is the star attraction at Cameron Run Regional Park. The waterpark opens this year on May 23rd and closes operations down on September 7th. The ocean might be hours from Northern Virgina, but you can catch a wave right here in Alexandria. The wave pool generates gentle waves that splash into the shallower part of the pool. The park has several twisting and turning four-story water slides. The play pool has shallow waters perfect for relaxing or for the younger members of the family. There is even a "tad pool" for toddlers and tykes.

Great Waves has a snackbar at the ready with a selection of snacks as well as pizza, hot dogs, and hamburgers.With an ice cream or a cold beverage you can spend your entire day right here in the water park.

Cameron Run water-slides — The water-slides at Cameron Run are great fun!

Cameron Run Regional Park waterfalls — The waterfalls tumble into one of the wading pools.

Batting Cages

The batting cages at Cameron Run serve up softballs for beginners to whiff and experts to slug. If you're ready for a challenge, they can crank the speed up and you can take on fast pitch softballs or hardballs that will challenge the best hitters. It's a fun way to work on your game, or to just spend time with the family. In early spring and late fall the batting cages are open in the afternoons from around 4 pm to around 9 or 10 pm. Through the summer months, the cages are generally open from about 10 am until 9 or 10 pm.The batting cages are closed in December, January and February.

Fishing

Cameron Run Regional Park is located on Cameron Run, a tributary of the Potomac River. Here at the park, a dam has created Lake Cook. Lake Cook is a part of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' Urban Fishing Program. The two acres of water in Lake Cook serve as a nice fishing hole for young anglers. The lake is stocked with trout, bluegill, bass and catfish. Fishing licenses are required for all fishers age 16 and older. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires an additional stamp for trout fishing and trout may only be fished in the winter. Boats are not allowed on Lake Cook.

Miniature Golf

Enjoy a round of putt putt at Cameron Run Park

How about a little putt-putt? Cameron Run has a tournament ready 18 hole miniature golf course at the ready. The course offers landscaped challenges and unique twists and turns.

Events

Cameron Run's shelters and pavilions can be reserved and/or rented. Cameron Run also offers birthday packages for large parties. They now have catering available. For more information about pricing, reservations or hours, check the Regional Park Authority site.

Directions and Map

Map of Cameron Run Regional Park with nearby home prices The park is located at: 4001 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA 22304

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May 13, 2013May 13, 2013Stuart Nesbitt

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

Hidden Oaks Nature Center

Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located at 7701 Royce St. in Annandale VA. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center is found within the 52 acre Annandale Community Park in Fairfax County. The nature center features a gently winding trail just one third of a mile long. The trail is perfect for an easy stroll because it works through the woods and then ends where it started. The County of Fairfax maintains this park and provides seasonal brochures that highlight the season. The Nature Center is open to students and the public providing reference materials about local fauna and flora. Bird watchers and photographers love to visit Hidden Oaks. The Park has an antebellum railroad embankment that is part of the Virginia National Historic Landmark Manassas Gap Railroad. The Urban Woodlands exhibit reveals the secrets of an urban woodland forest. This exhibit features interactive stations in where children and parents alike can discover and learn through hands-on learning activities such as the indoor turtle pond. Set within the 52 acre Annandale Community Park, Hidden Oaks Nature Center is located in the heart of Fairfax County, a few minutes inside the Capital Beltway. The woods surrounding the center feature an easy loop trail 1/3 mile long. Seasonal brochures enable visitors to discover the changing nature of the woodland at points along the trail. For further exploration, additional trails lead through the woods to two streams. Bird watching and photography are special pleasures in these quiet surroundings. In December the Nature Center is open 9am to 5pm Monday, Wednesday-Friday; noon-5pm Saturday, Sunday; closed Tuesday. In January and February, the nature center is open 11am-4pm each day, closed on Tuesdays except for scheduled programs. The nature center is open 9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; noon-5pm Saturday, Sunday. Closed Tuesdays except for scheduled programs. Grounds open dawn to dusk. Call the nature center at 703-941-1065 for more information. Annandale --- For a map of Annandale or to shop and compare homes for sale in Annandale.

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

A walk at the Belle Haven Marina

May 13, 2013April 20, 2015Will Nesbitt

Last weekend Julie and I decided to take a walk on the trails near the Belle Haven Marina. The weather was warm, one of the first nice days of Spring, so we had a nice little walk to the water's edge.

The trail follows the edge of the Potomac and is relatively quiet even though it's just off the George Washington Parkway.

The day was not so gloomy as these pictures turned out and it was very pleasant just off the trail.

There was a bird here and I tried hard to get him on camera, but he was much too quick. He would dive and then surface with a fish in his beak. We saw him eat at least six fish. I was amazed by how much one little bird could eat.

Foxy came with us and she trotted into the water to bark at ducks but didn't have the courage to take a swim.

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May 9, 2013April 20, 2015Will Nesbitt

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About the Author: Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria / Nesbitt Realty in Alexandria VA. He specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne.

George Washington’s Grist Mill

A gristmill is a mill for the grinding of grain, specifically a customer's own grain. Grist mills were a common site in colonial America, but there are few such mills still in operation today. Pierce Mill a Rock Creek Park in DC is open to the public but is non-operational. The mill needs repairs. But George Washington's Gristmill in Mount Vernon Virginia is fully operational and is a sight to see! The mill operates every day from April until the end of October. The gristmill is three miles south of Mount Vernon on the site of Washington's original mill and distillery. Combination tickets which include a visit to the Gristmill are sold at Mount Vernon's Main Gate. George Washington inherited Mount Vernon in 1754 and the mill was part of the estate. At that time, the gristmill was a "custom mill", meaning that grain was ground here for private usage. Grain was not ground for sale. Rather, neighbors and residents of Mount Vernon used the mill almost exclusively. Washington decided to convert the custom mill into a "merchant mill". A merchant mill ground flour and cornmeal as a service for profit. In 1771, Washington added a second pair of grinding stones. Washington's Gristmill served Mount Vernon but it also ground grain for sale up and down the East Coast of America and as far away as Portugal and the West Indies. The current reconstruction depicts the operation of the mill during this period. As in Washington's day, the mill was powered by a stream of water from Dogue Run. In those days, a wharf at the point where Dogue Run enters the Potomac served to bring grain to and from the mill. Mount Vernon is a wonderful community about 5 miles from Washington DC. From Fort Hunt to Fort Belvoir there are manor homes, houses, townhouses and condos to fit any budget or style. Check out Fort Hunt Info for a little more information about this area. Contact Will Nesbitt for a local expert who cares about your goals and real estate needs.

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May 8, 2013January 5, 2016Stuart Nesbitt

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

Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront

waterfront in Old Town — Old Town waterfront

Alexandria's history as a colonial seaport is well-known in the area, and is one of the reasons that this city to calls to visitors from around the country and around the world. Alexandria's seaport was once a bustling place of industry and commerce, but the cargo ships and packets from foreign seas are long gone now. Today, Alexandria's waterfront is geared more toward the pleasant than the practical.

Where the Water Meets the the Road

At the end of King St. where the road meets the water, there are brick walkways and wooden decks. Plenty of benches and gazebos are there and in the evenings this is a place to find street musicians and other performers practicing their craft before wandering walkers . In the left side of this picture is the Torpedo Factory, an Alexandria landmark. The Torpedo Factory was what the name implies: an edifice dedicated to the construction of naval weapons of war. But as the industry's needs grew beyond the space here on the Alexandria waterfront, the building was repurposed as an art and crafts center. The building now houses a good many artists is is a wonderful place for tourists and residents alike to visit.

The Torpedo Factory

The Torpedo Factory and the waterfront are very close to the Torpedo Factory condos---high end condos in Old Town. For a list of prices and to check the availability of condos click the Torpedo Factory Condos. If you're interested in searching condos, townhouses and houses around Old Town you might find this post useful.

trolley at King Street — King Street Trolley

Metro Access

Among other things, the waterfront at Alexandria is nice because it's metro accessible. Simply take the Metro to King St. Station and then ride the free trolley to the Waterfront. The trolley is a service of the City of Alexandria for visitors and residents. It's a fun and easy way to make your way across Old Town.

Nearby Parks and Trails

Waterfront Park in Old Town — Waterfront Park on the Potomac in Old Town

Parks and paths line the waterfront these days. It's the perfect place for a walk on a Spring day.

park on Potomac River — Park along the Potomac in Alexandria VA

Benches are found at just the right places. These photos were taking on a weekday morning, but in the afternoons and evenings the waterfront wakes up. Tourists, joggers and walkers share this open public space.

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May 8, 2013June 19, 2015Julie Nesbitt

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

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association — Old Town’s Atheanaeum

Located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, The Athenaeum is home to the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association (NVFAA). Constructed between 1851-52, the Athenaeum is a Greek revival building with a rich history. The building is named after the Greek Goddess of wisdom, Athena. Over the years The Athenaeum has taken many names and was used for many functions. Together with the Lyceum, the Athenaeum is a foundation of Alexandria's Greek neo-classic buildings. The building has a long history of use in Alexandria. Before the Civil War, Robert E. Lee banked here, when the building was known as the Bank of the Old Dominion. During the Civil War it was occupied by Federals and home to the Union Army Commissary Headquarters. In 1905, the bank was converted from commercial to industrial purposes. The building was used by the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop as a place to grind talcum into powder. In 1925, the talcum factory became the Free Methodist Church. NVFAA purchased the Athenaeum in 1964. Since then, restorations have taken place using the funds from the members of the NVFAA and the National Park Service Save America's Treasure Grant. Recent art exhibits include Song For Europe by Mark Cameron Boyd is participatory installation using his signature "text bisection" process on a series of chalkboards to address four different languages from European origin such as Greek, Latin, French, and English. This exhibit is on display from August 16th - September 21st. Music is another art form featured at The Athenaeum. Yoga classes are available at The Athenaeum. Instructor Betsy Huffman welcomes drop-ins. Class fees are only $18 per class. Classes are Mondays 11:30am The Athenaeum is available for rentals for weddings, receptions, parties, business meetings and seminars.

Gallery Hours: Thursday, Friday, & Sunday: Noon-4pm Saturday 1pm-4pm

The Athenaeum 201 Prince St. Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548-0035

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May 8, 2013April 20, 2015Aubrey Nesbitt

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

Potomac Riverboat Company has Cruises, Water Taxis, and Private Charters

Potomac Riverboat Company was established in 1974. Potomac Riverboat Company is located at 5 Cameron St Alexandria, VA 22314. The phone number for Potomac Riverboat Company is (703) 836-2558. Potomac Riverboat Company offers the following: Washington Monuments Cruise, Alexandria Georgetown Water Taxi, Mount Vernon Cruise, Alexandria Seaport Cruise, Pirate Cruise, Baseball Water Taxi, Alexandria National Harbor Water Taxi, and private charters.

Old Town Alexandria real estate — Nesbitt Realty serves buyers and sellers in Old Town Alexandria VA

boat on the Potomac River — All aboard Potomac Riverboat

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May 7, 2013April 20, 2015National Association of Realtors

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Homes Near Open Spaces Command Big Bucks

A Colorado State University (CSU) study looked into home prices in conservation developments, where residential real estate is limited and usually 50 percent to 70 percent of the land is set aside as open space.

ducks — Ducks walk on the land off the George Washington Parkway next to the Potomac RIver

The research shows that home buyers are willing to pay a premium to live near such open, undeveloped tracts. Sarah Reed, co-author of the study, and her colleagues compared 2,222 home sales in five counties throughout Colorado between 1998 to 2011. The conservation developments designated an average 64 percent of land as open space, while traditional rural subdivisions allocated just 4.9 percent. The study found that homes in conservation developments sold for 29 percent more than properties located in conventional residential projects. Furthermore, increasing lot size in an undesignated conservation development hiked the market price by 38 cents per square foot, the report found. In nonconservation developments, a larger lot size translated to just 9 cents per square foot. The study was funded by the National Association of REALTORS® and CSU's School of Global Environmental Sustainability. Source: “Why Homes With Open Space Command Big Bucks,” The Wall Street Journal (May 3, 2013)

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