things to do in va: Springfield (VA)-Enjoying Lake Accotink Through the Years - 05/01/09 12:17 PM

Growing up my friends and I could ride our bikes from our homes in Springfield to Lake Accotink Park to spend a few hours exploring the paths throughout the park. Our family would enjoy a Sunday picnic on the grounds in the summer, my dad fished during trout season and we ice skated on the stream below the dam in the winter.When my children were growing up the tradition continued with bike rides around the 3.75 mile path that loops around the lake and through the woods. From our homes in Kings Park or later Charlestown we could enter the park … (0 comments)

things to do in va: Earth Day-A Focus on the Three “R’s” - 04/19/09 09:57 AM
This week with Earth Day falling on Wednesday provides everyone the opportunity to take a closer look at the three "R's"; Recycle, Reuse and Reduce in their homes and communities.  To help celebrate the week I've decided to highlight places, homes or projects in my area where I've seen some great examples of the three "R's and share them with you.  Some may be "recycled" posts, which seems appropriate given the theme of the week.
My first highlight of the week is the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.  For over 100 years Lorton was an area that most residents of Northern Virginia … (2 comments)

things to do in va: Touring Fairfax County without Driving Your Car - 04/08/09 09:28 AM
Ever wonder how you could take in the sites of Fairfax County without having to put up with stoplights and honking horns?   If you are ready to shake off the winter time blues and enjoy green shaded paths then dust of your bike or your comfortable shoes and head out to the Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT).Starting at the Occoquan River at the Occoquan Regional Park and heading north to Great Falls National Park the trial winds through some of the prettiest parts of Fairfax County.  Covering 40 miles of paths that cross streams and includes paths in a number of … (2 comments)

things to do in va: Away From the Cherry Blossom Crowds-Theodore Roosevelt Island - 03/31/09 12:44 AM
Spring in Washington DC is beautiful.  After a weekend of mist and rain the sun is shining and the crowds are descending on the Tidal Basin to view the Cherry Blossoms.Just a few miles down the road from the hustle and bustle of all of the activities is a small piece of history and a memorial often overlooked by anyone visiting (or living) in the area.  Theodore Roosevelt Island was original purchased by the TR Memorial Association in 1931, however it was 35 years before the memorial was completed and the island dedicated in 1967.
With 88 acres the island is … (7 comments)

things to do in va: Fort Belvoir-Stop By and Say Hi to Your Oldest Neighbors - 03/28/09 02:59 AM
Just a few miles outside the gates of Fort Belvoir visitors and residents of Fairfax County can find some of Virginia’s finest historic homes and our nation’s treasures.  For their time these homes were the envy of the neighborhood and the owners most certainly among the richest families in Fairfax County.
 
Sitting on the best piece of property that any colonist could have imagined is Mount Vernon the home of George Washington. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to picture the prominent colonist in the 1770’s sitting on the back porch watching the large mast ships headed into the … (6 comments)

things to do in va: Take an Afternoon Walk in the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge - 03/27/09 08:49 AM
This afternoon to take advantage of a break from the rain and real estate we grabbed our camera to take a walk in the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge next to our house.  Though the trees and grassy areas are mostly still bare from the winter, the Osprey nests in the refugee were everywhere.  The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is made up of 644 acres of land that was reclaimed from the government after an Army research site closed down in 1994 directly on the Occoquan River.  About 50% of the land has been reclaimed as a natural wetland and … (6 comments)

things to do in va: Historic Occoquan (VA)-Mom's Apple Pie Company and General Store - 02/09/09 08:22 AM
The smell of pies baking is not coming from my house. That is the good news for my friends and family The even better news is that we only have to go a few miles away from our home in Belmont Bay to the historic town of Occoquan to find Mom's Apple Pie Company and General Store.
All of the pies at Mom's are made fresh with local ingredients. You can actually find someone peeling apples in the kitchen and you have your choice of the traditional two crust apple pie or the brown sugar crumb topping. Even though the store … (8 comments)

things to do in va: Lorton Workhouse Arts Center-Have You checked it Out Yet? - 01/26/09 08:21 AM
If not then you are missing your chance to be impressed by the transformation of the former prison site in Lorton VA.   For over 100 years Lorton was an area that most residents of Northern Virginia went out of their way to avoid, especially at night.  The prison site was eerie and the two lane road past the prison was dark.    Now on Friday nights you can stop in for a flame working demonstration by renowned artist, dance a little cha-cha-cha with a Latin band or enjoy an art show while sipping a glass of wine.  Want to learn how to … (10 comments)

things to do in va: Putting The Holidays In Perspective-Arlington National Cemetery - 12/18/08 12:13 PM
During the holiday season it is easy to become overwhelmed. With the music, decorations, shopping, crowds and business it can make us cranky and short tempered.  You can see it everywhere with pushing, shoving in stores and fighting for parking spaces. Yet just across the interstate from one of the largest shopping malls in Northern Virginia you find hundreds of volunteers gathered at Arlington National Cemetery to honor a serviceman or woman.  For the last 16 years Worcester Wreath Company has donated 5000 wreaths to be placed on the headstones of our fallen hero's at Arlington National Cemetery.  This past weekend was … (10 comments)

things to do in va: Prince William Marina-Annual Lighting of the Boats - 12/09/08 10:19 AM
For the last ten years the Prince William Marina in Woodbridge has celebrated the holiday season with a Christmas boat decorating contest.  On Saturday December 13th the judging of the boats will take place between 5-7 pm.  Along with seeing all of the boats decked out for the holidays you can also enjoy refreshments along the docks and end the evening with a firework display over the Occoquan River.In conjunction with the annual lighting of the boats the Prince William Marina also conducts a "boat load of hope" collection of toys and non-perishable food items to benefit local families in need.  … (6 comments)

things to do in va: All Aboard-Santa Express Trains Getting Ready to Roll - 11/30/08 06:14 AM
Mark your calendars now for the annual Operation Lifesaver Santa Trains pulling out of Fredericksburg, Woodbridge, Manassas and Burke Centre on December 13th.
With the appropriate names of Santa's reindeer these special VRE trains head out of stations for a one hour ride with plenty of surprises for the little ones.  Tickets for the train cost $5.00 and MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE starting on December 1st at the following locations:

FredericksburgVisitors Center 706 Caroline Street Monday-Sunday: 9:00am-5:00pm (540) 373-1776
Woodbridge VRE Station Coffee Club Cafe Monday-Friday: 5:15am - 12:00noon and 3:00p - 8:00pSaturday: 8:00a - 2:00pSunday: 8:30a - 12:00noon
(2 comments)

things to do in va: A Step Back in Time-Riding the Rails from Virginia to Florida - 11/16/08 07:33 PM
When my parents discovered having two fidigty children in the backseat of a car, one prone to car sickness, made travel to visit grandparents in Florida more of a chore than fun they turned to the train for a better way to go.  As we grew older and a car trip or even an airplane would have made more sense we insisted that a train ride would be more fun.  And they were.  Looking out the windows as the countryside passed by, falling asleep to the clack of the rails and listening to the whistle blow as we passed through small towns … (2 comments)

things to do in va: Fall is in the Air-Enjoy a Day Visiting Local Attractions - 11/04/08 11:25 PM

One of the great things about living in the DC Metro area is all of the things you can find to do on a weekend.  You don't have to spend a fortunate in gas or days traveling to enjoy a few hours or a day out with friends or family.
You can never go wrong with a day at the National Zoo.  Everyone wants to see the Panda Bears.  With the fall weather the crowds have thinned and the animals are out enjoying the cooler weather.  Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.

Wander the grounds Arlington National Cemetery. … (2 comments)

things to do in va: Fort Belvoir-Sorry You Can't Borrow a Cup of Sugar From These Neighbors - 10/29/08 09:13 AM
Just a few miles outside the gates of Fort Belvoir visitors and residents of Fairfax County can find some of Virginia’s finest historic homes and our nation’s treasures. For their time these homes were the envy of the neighborhood and the owners most certainly among the richest families in Fairfax County.
 
Sitting on the best piece of property that any colonist could have imagined is Mount Vernon the home of George Washington. It doesn’t take a lot of imagination to picture the prominent colonist in the 1770’s sitting on the back porch watching the large mast ships headed into the … (8 comments)

things to do in va: Hidden in Plain Sight-Hidden Pond Nature Center - 10/18/08 07:23 AM
Perhaps it is a stretch to say that Hidden Pond Nature Center in West Springfield is in plain sight.  It wouldn't have been named "hidden pond" if it was.  In fact you could drive by the small sign on Keene Mill Road that points to the nature center for years and not realize what was down the road.
Tucked at the end of a residential street Hidden Pond Nature Center offers the type of small park that makes it easy for anyone to take a leisurely stroll around the perimeter of the pond and through the woods.  At twenty five acres … (5 comments)

things to do in va: U.S. Army Blues Ensemble in Belmont Bay This Weekend - 10/10/08 02:18 AM
Pack up a picnic, bring your blanket or lawn chairs and join us by the waterfront in Belmont Bay on Sunday October 12th for the US Army Blues Ensemble. This annual event in Belmont Bay is just one of the reasons that residents love the neighborhood.  If you don't live in Belmont Bay that's okay, everyone is welcome to the concert!The 18 piece US Army Blues Ensemble keeps the tradition of big band music alive following the artistry and style of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other memorable names of jazz. The band members are all accomplished musicians and together the group … (4 comments)

things to do in va: Shhhh! Don’t Tell Anyone Else About this Great Little Place to Grab a Treat to Eat - 10/07/08 05:20 AM
In a way you hate to give up the "secret" of your favorite little places to sneak off for lunch or a sweet treat.  On the other hand you want others to realize that you don't have to spend a fortunate at one of the mega chain coffee stores or settle for fast food when in the same area is a great little deli and pastry shop that will satisfy your hunger with real food.
In this case the little secret spot is the Alexandria Pasty Shop and Deli in the Bradley Shopping Center on King Street.  Since I own a … (5 comments)

things to do in va: The Northern Neck a Great Getaway for Northern Virginia Residents - 09/02/08 01:56 PM
Despite rumors to the contrary occasionally Realtors® do take a break from their busy schedules to enjoy a holiday weekend with family and friends.  For those of us in Northern Virginia we have a lot of choices.  We can stay close to home and take in the history right outside our door or we can go a little bit further and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle and yes even more history.
This weekend our family joined a big group of friends in the Northern Neck area of Virginia to celebrate "A No Labor-Labor Day."  The Northern Neck area which covers four … (2 comments)

things to do in va: Putting the Pedals in Motion in Northern Virginia - 08/07/08 12:02 AM
For those of you who like to get from Point A to Point B faster than your feet can take you then you might be ready to get your bike out of storage and pedal your way around Northern Virginia. Though not as bike friendly for commuters as other cities, the recreational rider can cover a lot of territory with a variety of trials and places to stop along the way.
 
 

Back in the mid 90's my son and I cycled 300 miles through the Loire Valley in France for 6 days and you can get a bit … (12 comments)

things to do in va: Got Butter? If Not You Can Make it At Mason Neck State Park - 08/06/08 12:32 PM
Yes Virginian's you can make butter on a hot summer day.  Just come to the picnic area on any Sunday afternoon in August between 4-5 PM at Mason Neck State Park and you can churn yourself a little sweet creamy butter.Mason Neck Park is one the popular parks for residents of Fairfax County iand is located on the Mason Neck Peninsula just off of Route 1 and Gunston Road.  The peninsula is formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. 
The Mason Neck area traces its history back to 1608 when it was recorded by … (12 comments)

 
Cindy Jones, Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News (Integrity Real Estate Group)

Cindy Jones

Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Woodbridge, VA

More about me…

Integrity Real Estate Group

Address: 12804 Marblestone Drive, Woodbridge, VA, 22192

Mobile: (703) 346-2213



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