Visit Virginia Parks

Besides boasting loads of nightlife entertainment, this beautiful state, Virginia has a bounty of parks waiting for you to visit.  These treasures offer views and scenery which will surely leave you with the thought, We have to come back here.State Park Sign Even this late in the year, the parks still have operating hours which offer opportunity for you to enjoy all that they boast.  Want to take a hike, head on over to Great Falls Park.  Take the whole family.  Hide the PS57 (or whatever the latest model is) remotes from the kids and enjoy a walk in the woods. Are you looking for something that would drive the impact home without leaving the car?  Jump in the car and take a jaunt over to Shenandoah National Park to experience Skyline Drive. These are just a couple of the many wonderful parks here in Virginia that are sure to amaze.  Investigate the possibilities, use the links provided and get the family off the couch and into the wondrous world that awaits. If you're still looking for your next chateau to come home to after the day in the park, use the guide below and check out the listings that I've attached.  Talk to you soon.
Alexandria also has many condos for sale. We've taken the time to sort these by price as well. Check Alexandria condos for sale to find condos sorted by price.

Key Bridge Marriott, in 1968

4 Ways to Winterize Your Home

  • Installing storm doors and windows can increase energy efficiency by up to 45%. Sealing drafts and reducing air flow will save money on heat needed thru out your home. Storm windows can make a huge difference when cold drafts come in.
  • Insulating your pipes will save money on the energy needed to heat your hot water. This can also reduce the chances of pipes freezing and causing a big headache. Most hardware stores sell pre-slit pipe foam and is easy to install.
  • Replacing your filters will increase efficiency of your furnace. Typically filters are replaced every 3 to 4 months, but I recommend in the winter to replace every 4-6 weeks. 5-15% on your heating bill can be saved with clean filters and will ad up to a considerable amount over time.
  • Cleaning your gutters is vital when snow and hail come into town. Ice and snow will pool on your roof and in your gutters if not cleaned prior to winter, . Pooling snow and ice can cause potential water damage to the roof. Heating your home will cost more if your roof is covered in snow and ice.
A Christmas tree shines in the night in Old Town Alexandria
A Christmas tree shines in the night in Old Town Alexandria

Motivation for the Holiday Season

If you're looking into your crystal ball and see waddlesome sloth in your future, fear not.  The Thanksgiving meal may have added some pounds, but the Christmas feasting doesn't have to. A way to avoid the depressing feeling of holiday over eating is to beat it to the punch.  I suggest heading over to Gold's Gym and becoming a member.  Use the link provided here and investigate for yourself.  The rewards will be apparent immediately when you walk in for your first work out.  Simply arriving and walking through the door is the first step, as the sign on their front door will prove, to a better you. Since joining, I've seen many changes in myself.  I feel better and look better.  I've also been going through a recovery period from injuries, so if this has held you back, no need.  The hot tub and sauna will provide assistance in this area. The people I have seen from day one have kept me going as well.  I see the same grouping of people on a daily basis.  When the doors open at 4:25 ish in the morning, we scoot in and get to work.  As you can see from the link, my gym here in Alexandria  likes to open earlier than the schedule suggests.  They're also open late enough to get in that work out any time of day.  For a real happy new year, get to the gym and feel better.  Good luck and go for it! Looking for the next abode to rest your head after that workout?  Look into the listings below.

  • Northern Virginia — Overview of Northern VA neighborhoods
  • City — Inside the Beltway, near the Metro, close to shops and culture.
  • Suburbs — Close to town, but plenty of green grass.
  • Exburbs — For those who prefer a little longer commute to get a larger home.