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10 Cities With the Worst Traffic Congestion

May 10, 2013May 10, 2013myles

The average American spent a total of 28 hours sitting in traffic last year, according to INRIX, a traffic information group. But residents in some of the nation’s most congested cities spent nearly double that—an average of 42 hours a year—sitting in traffic. In its 2012 Traffic Scorecard, INRIX compared the average of the drivers’ actual speed on the road during peak hours with the average speed of drivers when there was no congestion. Here are the 10 cities with the worst traffic, according to the study: 1. Los Angeles Congestion score: 28.8 Average commute time: 28.6 minutes (15th highest) 2. Honolulu Congestion score: 26 Average commute time: 27 minutes (the 27th highest) 3. San Francisco Congestion score: 23.5 Average commute time: 29.2 minutes (tied for 10th highest) 4. Austin Congestion score: 20.7 Average commute time: 25.8 minutes (45th highest) 5. New York Congestion score: 19.9 Average commute time: 34.9 minutes (the highest) 6. Bridgeport, Conn. Congestion score: 19.1 Average commute time: 28.3 minutes (18th highest) 7. San Jose, Calif. Congestion score: 17.6 Average commute time: 24.8 minutes (65th highest) 8. Seattle Congestion score: 17.6 Average commute time: 27.6 minutes (22nd highest) 9. Washington, D.C. Congestion score: 16.4 Average commute time: 34.5 minutes (2nd highest) 10. Boston Congestion score: 14.7 Average commute time: 29.2 minutes (tied for 10th highest) Source: “10 Cities With the Worst Traffic,” USA Today (May 4, 2013)

We specialize in finding homes with easy access to the Orange, Yellow and Blue Lines in Virginia. Our specialized searches feature homes that are very close to metro stations. Our site also allows users to search by Walk Score. Walk Score rates a property's "walkability". [More about Walk Score]

Buying your first condo?

May 9, 2013April 19, 2015Will Nesbitt

Buying a condo is a great way to start your independence in the world. Buying a condo is a great option for empty-nesters looking to downsize and enjoy life. Buying a condo is a great way to live in an unbeatable location. No matter what your age is, do you really want the hassles of yard work and gutter cleaning? A condo provides the freedom of maintaining the lawn and house so the focus is on your life--- in and outside your home and not on working on your home. All the information provided will aid and guide your search through tips and steps to follow making sure your new condo life will start out in the best way possible. Any major purpose such as a new home can be a difficult one to say the least, but it doesn't have to be. In Northern Virginia, you can rely on experts such as Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria and Julie Nesbitt of Condominium Mortgage. Check our links for experts from across the country! Reblogged with permission from CondoBenefits.com

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George Washington’s Grist Mill

May 9, 2013April 20, 2015Will Nesbitt

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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Old Town Alexandria’s Waterfront

May 8, 2013January 5, 2016Stuart Nesbitt

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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Northern Virginia Fine Arts Association — Old Town’s Atheanaeum

May 8, 2013June 19, 2015Julie Nesbitt

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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Beauregard Heights Condominium Association information

May 8, 2013May 8, 2013Julie Nesbitt

For information on condo documents, maintenance or insurance call:

Beauregard Heights Condominiums

4600 Duke St., No. 331 c/o C.S.I. Management Alexandria, VA, 22304 703-370-1600

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

May 8, 2013April 20, 2015Aubrey Nesbitt

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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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.

Foxy’s Big Adventure

May 6, 2013June 3, 2015Will Nesbitt

Fetch is a pet store in Old Town Alexandria that sells gourmet doggy-treats and other high quality gourmet goodies. I thought it would be fun to take my dog Foxy on a field trip to Fetch and the bakery that makes these gourmet doggie biscuits.

Foxy was eager to leave River Towers on her big adventure, even if she didn't know where she was going.

So we jumped in the car and took her around the corner to Old Town Alexandria VA.

Once we were in Old Town, Foxy decided to read the doggie-newspaper. One can learn a lot from a green patch on a brick-sidewalk.

Then it was off to Fetch and to see Marion.

Foxy is Marion's adopted grandbaby. Marion always greets Foxy with a big hug and lots of kisses.Foxy loves the cookies at Fetch, but she was soon distracted ... she saw trouble coming.

Yep. Trouble at least that's what Foxy calls that adorable Jack Russell Terrier named Magnum. Magnum wanted to play, but Foxy didn't like sharing Marion's attention. Foxy's not on the man-hunt and had no interest in Magnum.

So we left town and headed to Beltsville, where they bake the Zanadu cookies sold in Fetch and Chateau Animaux.

The art work at the bakery was wonderful, but Foxy wanted to see where the action took place.

She toured the bakery and found that everything is human grade, made with great loving care. Here's the cookie cutter.

She grabbed a green tea and cookie and they put her to work, bagging and labelling cookies.

Over the years, Doolittle's Chateau-Animaux has been featured in numerous articles, radio and television broadcasts, both national and international, including: USA Today, Pet Product News, Pet Business, Dog World (Japan), Washingtonian, Washington Business Journal, WASHINGTON spaces, Sam Donaldson's "Live in America" (ABC radio), Washington, D.C. Style, The Vicki Gabereau Show (Canadian Television Network), The Hill Rag, Voice of the Hill, Roll Call, The Hill, The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Washington Post Magazine, NBC Style: A Show for You (WBIR-TV 10, NBC, Knoxville, TN), It's Christopher Lowell (Discovery Channel), The Delta Shuttle Sheet, Pleasure-Scene, Budget Living, WTTR radio, CHAMPS' Capitol Hill Business Quarterly, CHAMPSdc.org, Barracks Row Bulletin, WFAA-TV, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; KHOU-TV, Houston, TX; KING-TV, Seattle-Tacoma, WA; KTVK-TV, Phoenix, AZ; KMOV-TV, St. Louis, MO; KGW-TV, Portland, OR; WCNC-TV, Charlotte, NC; KENS-TV, San Antonio, TX; WVEC-TV, Hampton-Norfolk, VA; WWL-TV, New Orleans, LA; KASA-TV, Albuquerque,-Santa Fe, NM; WHAS-TV, Louisville, KY; KOTV, Tulsa, OK; KVUE-TV, Austin, TX; KREM-TV, Spokane, WA; KMSB-TV, Tucson, AZ; KTVB-TV, Boise, ID; NorthWest Cable News, Seattle-Tacoma, WA; TXCN, Texas Cable News Network; Newswatch on CH 15, New Orleans, LA; Local News on Cable, Norfolk, VA, and others.

Click here to view Chateau-Animaux Press Coverage

Chateau-Animaux regularly sponsors community events in Washington, DC, including weekly dog and cat adoptions with Capitol Cats, Homeward Trails, K-9 Lifesavers and the Washington Humane Society, "Pride of Pets" fundraiser for PETS-DC, the Washington Humane Society's "Bark Ball", and the annual Halloween dog costume contest -- "Howl-O-Ween!" Dennis Bourgault has served as President of the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals, and the Boards of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District and Barracks Row Main Street.

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A little about Belle Haven Marina

May 2, 2013June 4, 2015Stuart Nesbitt

Belle Haven Marina is found on the George Washington Parkway just south of historic Old Town Alexandria. Belle Haven Marina is owned by the National Park Service and operated by Belle Haven Marina Inc. The Belle Haven Marina is a short walk from River Towers, Belle View and New Alexandria. Rowboats, canoes, kayaks and sail boats are available for rent. Sign-up for sailing lessons and your package will include a limited number of free hours of sailing. The Marina has a short pier and the George Washington Parkway has many points to fish the Potomac River. Many anglers rent or own boats which ply more serene and secluded spots nearby.

From the marina, one can see the Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

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What is a condo?

May 2, 2013April 20, 2015Will Nesbitt

A condominium is real estate with certain specific properties. Although there are various types of condominiums, the most common legal arrangements involve individual ownership of each unit, with joint ownership of the communal or common areas by all of the residents in the building. Condominium developments can be commercial or residential. In the case of residential property, a condo can be composed of one or more a high-rise buildings, garden-style buildings, townhouses and---in special causes--even consist of individual houses. While some condominiums are located in large multi-unit buildings, others may be detached form each other and be located in a gated or planned community. Some condominiums may be located in resort or vacation destinations. Most usually, a condominium is a housing unit or apartment in a multi-unit building in which each unit is individually owned, with common areas and the property in general jointly owned by the residents and the owners of the building, or all of the residents together. So the structures that make up a condominium complex are divided into living units, which are each owned by individuals. Jointly, these unit owners all have an interest in the rights and duties of the common areas, such as the parking lot, lobby, roof, etc.