Area Museums and Historical Sites
Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens is the oldest national historic preservation organization in the country, and it has always been in the forefront of the restoration field. Mount Vernon is the most popular historic estate in America and is open 365 days a year. Mount Vernon was the home of our first President George Washington. The grounds are well-preserved as is the home itself.
Alexandria Lyceum is a grand hall built in the late 1800's to provide a place for lectures, scientific experiments and quiet reading. Since that time, it has been a Civil War hospital, a private home, an office building and the nation's first Bicentennial Center. In 1985, The Lyceum became Alexandria's History Museum, providing exhibitions, school programs, lectures and concerts, volunteer opportunities and space for rental functions for the community. The Lyceum Museum Shop carries a wide variety of maps, books, note cards and special items related to Alexandria's history. The present-day Lyceum Company serves the museum as a membership and fund-raising organization.
Walk to Old Towne! Old Towne is filled with
historic landmarks, carriage rides and walking history tours.
Just a few miles down George Washington Parkway is the nationally renown collection of museums called the Smithsonian Institution. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is a wonderful zoo.
Civil War enthusiasts might want to inspect Fort Willard just as President Lincoln did. Fort Willard has long since abandoned its military use and is now a quiet park like Fort Hunt.
If you are interested in architecture and local history visit Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House or the Woodlawn Plantation. The Collingwood Library and musuem is dedicated to providing information about our national heritage to the American Public. Collingwood is available to anyone who cares to learn of the heroic efforts made by American Patriots, particularly members of the Masonic Fraternity, in founding and developing this, the greatest nation on earth.
Collingwood is a resource as a local library but also interesting place to visit in it's own right.
For more information or to set up an appointment call Nesbitt Realty at (703)765-0300.
I like experts who speak in plain English that's easy for a layman to understand. That's why Bob Murphy of Camelot Inspections is one of my favorite home inspectors and I've recommended him to many home buyers.
Recently, Alana H. was referred to me by a prior client and frankly she was one of the nicest clients I've ever had the honor of serving. After her purchase was negotiated she requested a home inspector so I recommended Bob's services. Alana was a first-time home buyer, so she wanted Bob to give her new home the once-over.
Bob told her, "Food for thought....You cannot buy a car and register it without an inspection. That is a matter of public safety.
"So why then is the public permitted to make the biggest purchase of their lives without an inspection?"
Bob has seen many immediate safety issues in all types of houses. Bob met Alana and I at her new townhouse in Reston VA. He immediately unpacked his gear and began to go to work. Like any good home inspector, Bob started with the exterior and checked out the house from the foundation to the roof. He checks downspouts, guttering and any potential problem or maintenance issues.
After getting inspecting the home's interior Bob goes to work on the interior. He pulls out the flashlight and pokes around in dark corners, in the attic and in the crawl space. As he works Bob shows the homeowner what he's doing and where potential problems can hide.
As part of his general practice Bob pulls the electrical box, checks the plumbing and applicances. He checks out major systems like the heating and air conditioning.
Bob is especially helpful with the first-time home buyer. As a first-time buyer, you'll find out what systems need attention. If you have and questions, ask Bob, he's there to help.
When all is said and done, Bob will prepare a report tailored to your home, so you'll know exactly where you stand. He supplies a helpful book with tips and answers to some of the questions you might not even remember to ask.
It's always good to learn that the home is in good shape! Bob is available to inspect houses, townhouses or single family homes in Maryland or Northern Virginia.
The Capital Beltway is interstate I-495. It circles Washington DC by way of Virginia and Maryland. The Beltway crosses the Potomac at two points. South of DC the Beltway crosses the Potomac via the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. North of DC, I-495 crosses the Potomac just south of Great Falls on the American Legion Bridge. The bridges are area choke-points and often snarl traffic at the bridge approach. The sign above is 5.5 miles south of the drawbridge at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
When construction or problems narrow the flow of cars, traffic starts to back up.
But often the Beltway is like any other interstate in America---any other interstate that is 10 lanes wide and circles the capital that is. To search for a home near the Beltway or to find a residence that will fit your commute check with 
