My kids absolutely love mini golfing when we are at the beach. It’s a daily ritual we do after breakfast. So why not explore that activity at home?
We have some great local options to try for mini golfing:
Perch Putt, Tysons — 18 holes, 11 stories up (rooftop golfing!) Kids under 6 are free. Book a tee time online.
Pixar Putt, The Wharf— Pixar themed golf course, tee times after 7 p.m. are for people 18 and over.
Oakmont, Oakton — 18 holes (not very difficult holes) close by to Vienna if you’re going for proximity. Can also head over to the driving range after if you’re looking for more golf.
Upton Hill, Arlington — A fun 18 hole course that’s part of a larger complex that has batting cages, a climbing structure, and a pool.
The Magic Putting Place, Manassas — The home to 2 individual 18 hole courses, so do both for the full experience! And then head to Nathan’s Dairy Bar next door for ice cream (just voted best ice cream by Northern Virginia Magazine).
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Angie Stiens of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Angie at 703-721-8539.
When it’s mid-summer in Fairfax County, it’s likely to be hot and humid and have us all looking for an escape from the weather.
One of my favorite places to bring younger kids for summer water fun is Our Special Harbor Splash Park in Alexandria near Franconia Rec Center.
The splash park has a Chesapeake Bay theme, so if you’re paying close attention, you’ll find the park includes an osprey nest, a lighthouse, and a crabbing boat! There are misters, sprayers, and even a water maze — lots of options for even the youngest children to enjoy! Coming here is a great way to escape the Virginia heat and have some fun with your family.
Our Special Harbor is fully accessible, so children of all abilities can join the action! And the best part is that admission is FREE for families, whether you’re a Fairfax County resident or not. Who doesn’t love some affordable water relief from these steamy summer days!
Our Special Harbor is open every day during the summer season, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. It opens early on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, and closes early on Wednesdays. No street shoes, so bring your water shoes (with a closed back) and get ready to cool off while having a great time!
And if you’re looking to extend your family time, you can also check out the other neat things nearby, like Chessie’s Big Backyard — a fabulous playground. There’s also a carousel and a walking trail complete with a treehouse view of the woods!
If you’re looking for something other than a splash park to cool off, there are several waterparks located in Fairfax County. Great Waves waterpark is located on Eisenhower Avenue, also in Alexandria. That’s a great spot for older kids looking to burn some energy on the waterslides or in the wave pool.
Other options include Pirate’s Cove waterpark in Lorton, Ocean Dunes waterpark in Arlington, the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston, or Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville. The waterparks do charge admissions fees, so check out their websites for details and hours.
Regardless of your family’s preferences, there are lots of local options for cooling off in the water this summer. I hope you enjoyed hearing about just a few of them!
With America’s birthday approaching, it’s really important to remind you that not all of the fireworks actually happen on July 4th, so before you post in one of the Facebook groups asking about the noises, make sure you take note of the days and times so you can plan ahead to attend if that’s your thing!
One other mom tip — the fireworks are really loud. If you have a noise-sensitive kid, either bring headphones, or use one of my other tips to watch but not hear the noise.
The Town of Vienna Fireworks are traditionally held at Yeonas Park (the Vienna Little League Fields). This year, they’ll take place on Tuesday,July 2 at 9:30 p.m. (approx. when it gets dark).
However, there’s a lot of things leading up to the actual fireworks that you can attend: live music, kids entertainment, games, food trucks, etc. starting at 6 p.m. This event is BYOC (bring your own chairs, blankets, etc.). Chairs are not permitted on the actual field, but there is a paved path and sidewalks where you can put the chairs for folks who can’t easily get up and down from the ground. There’s also bleachers but they get filled up. Streets around Yeonas will get closed from 4-11 p.m.
You can park at Cedar Lane Shopping Center, Thoreau Middle School, Southside Park, etc. and walk to the field if you want to be in the action
Please remember if you’re actually AT Yeonas, it WILL be really loud
You can also see the fireworks (on a clear night) from the top of the Vienna Metro parking garage and avoid the loudness of the fireworks (plus it’s easy to get out if your kid get bored or agitated)
You should also be able to see the fireworks from neighboring streets if you can get close to Yeonas
Pack snacks. Although the concession stand and food trucks will be available, I suspect the lines will be long.
No alcohol is allowed
Do not bring pets
Independence Day fireworks at Yeonas Park in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
There are more options around Northern Virginia like July 1st at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston, Langley High School in McLean, etc. Lots of opportunities around town if you’re a fireworks enthusiast!
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This week’s column is sponsored and written by JaneEllen Saumsof McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach JaneEllen at 703-861-3523.
Mason Neck State Park is an absolute treasure, and it’s located only 25 miles from Washington, D.C. near Lorton. It has over 1,800 acres, 9 miles of trails, a Visitor’s Center, playground, and a large shaded picnic area. It’s also possible to rent kayaks and canoes there or you can bring your own.
The Visitor’s Center overlooks Belmont Bay, and it has great exhibits, restrooms, and sells convenience items. Park rangers work the welcome desk, and if you have any questions or need assistance they’re a wonderful resource.
The Park was established in 1985 with the help of a local activist, Elizabeth Hartwell. She heard of the many plans to develop this land for a range of projects such as a planned community (like Reston), an outer Beltway, an airport, a natural gas pipeline, a landfill and a sewer line. She was ultimately able to get the land protected because of the Bald Eagle, and as the story goes, it was the Bald Eagle that saved Mason Neck and not necessarily the other way around!
The bald eagle population had been declining rapidly in the 1960s due to the use of the pesticide, DDT, and there were only 417 nesting pairs in the lower 48 states. That’s less than 9 nesting pairs per state!.
Luckily, there were Bald Eagles at Mason Neck, and that was the main way Elizabeth Hartwell was able to keep the land from being developed — by protecting their habitat she was not only able to help save the Bald Eagle, but also this beautiful peninsula!
Luckily, the eagles have made a comeback, and it’s not uncommon to see at least one when hiking or kayaking here.
I recommend going up Kane’s Creek where there’s an abundance of wildlife. On the tours I’ve helped lead, we often see ospreys, great blue herons, tree swallows, bluebirds, and red wing black birds — and if we’re lucky — bald eagles, as well.
Several large special events are held at the Park such as the annual Eagle Festival in the spring and the Park After Dark event in the fall, as well as short programs with topics as varied as snakes, wildflowers, birds, turtles, and dragonflies. There’s a Junior Ranger summer camp program for children, and guided kayak tours after-hours in the early morning and late in the evening.
Thanks to Elizabeth Hartwell, and many other local activists, we have this beautiful park which allows you to easily get away from the hustle and bustle of the DMV.
Mason Neck is open from 6 a.m. to dusk during the summer and from 7 a.m. to dusk in the winter. I hope you’re able to come and explore it and see the wildlife, experience a paddle on the water, or participate in a guided walk while you’re there.
For information about Riverbend Park, which is another wonderful park in the DMV, click here.
Did you know the way you design your home can have an impact on your well-being?
In 2024, health and wellness are top of mind in home design trends. We’re seeing this with the soaring popularity of saunas, indoor cold plunge pools, home gyms, electric stoves, steam ovens — the list goes on!
Join us as we explore how homeowners can transform their spaces to prioritize health and wellness.
The Evolution
In the past, design trends mainly focused on aesthetics and creating the perfect interior look and feel. However, there has been a shift towards a more holistic and wellness-focused approach, aiming to promote overall well-being through design.
Various factors have contributed to this shift, including a heightened awareness of health issues, advancements in technology, and changing lifestyles.
Creating Spaces That Prioritize Health and Wellness
The time we spend at home should be a win for our mental, physical, and emotional health. With mindful adjustments, you can turn any space into a nurturing haven without a full home renovation.
From sunny sitting areas to proper ventilation and sustainable materials, it’s all about the little changes that make a big impact on our health and the planet. Check out this sun-soaked living room in our Lake Newport main level remodel!
Synergy Design and Construction
Perhaps that means creating a Zen meditation room, an indoor garden to connect with nature, or an ergonomic workstation that’s got your back (literally) while you tackle computer work!
Health-Conscious Home Upgrades in 2024
If you’re ready to take your health-driven lifestyle to the next level, it’s time to consider some next-level upgrades. Think saunas, indoor cold plunge pools, and expanded home gyms!
The benefits of these upgrades are immense as they significantly boost circulation, cardiovascular health, and immune system response. Plus, it’s a ticket to stress-free living.
Synergy Design and Construction
The appliances you choose for your home also have health impacts. Think about swapping out traditional appliances for healthier alternatives, such as induction ranges instead of gas stoves and steam ovens in place of microwaves.
Synergy Design and Construction
As you make these upgrades, it’s equally important to consider sustainability. Wellness-centric design that utilizes eco-friendly materials ensures your actions have a positive impact on the environment and a minimal carbon footprint.
The Impact on Homeowners
And it’s not just physical benefits homeowners can expect. Incorporating design elements that promote healthy living and foster a sense of harmony and balance can lead to several psychological advantages.
There is long-term potential for better sleep, reduced stress, and increased productivity. It’s like a passive income; once the upgrades or setups are made, you’ll benefit for the rest of your life!
Transform Your Health and Wellness
We’re passionate about creating living spaces that prioritize well-being. Ready to transform your home and health?
I love a quick day trip to change things up for everyone.
A day at the beach is good for my soul, along with my family, but some of you may prefer an amusement park or other activity, so trying to pull together a list of quick day trips for you we have:
Beaches
Colonial Beach, Virginia: 90 minutes away from Tysons, easy parking, on the Potomac River so very few waves, shallow water, fishing pier. Cute snow cone and ice cream spot (try the chocolate éclair ice cream!).
Aquia Landing Park — Stafford, Virginia: About an hour from Tysons, there’s a fee for access, popular fishing spot and beach for swimming.
Sandy Point — Annapolis, Maryland: An hour drive from Tysons, Sandy Point is a popular beach for a day just before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with lots of space for distancing, sand and water.
Mason Neck State Park — Lorton, Virginia: This small hidden gem is located under an hour from Tysons and offers fishing, canoe and kayak rentals (call ahead for a reservation), swimming and walking trails. There’s also a golf course.
Lake Anna State Park — Spotsylvania, Virginia: About 2 hours away, sand and water for swimming and playing, camping grounds for overnight stays, no tents allowed on the beach, lots of walking trails.
Calvert Cliffs — Lusby, Maryland: Located about 90 minutes from Tysons, Calvert Cliffs is a Maryland state park featuring fishing, swimming and walking trails. $7 per car day use for Virginia state plates.
Matapeake Clubhouse & Beach: Just over an hour to Kent Island, Maryland, this is a public beach for swimming. This is also a dog friendly beach.
Amusement Parks
Hershey Park: About 2-2.5 hours
Dutch Wonderland: About 2.5 hours, great for the elementary school or younger kids
This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Northern Virginia that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq
Our Virginia employment lawyers represent Virginia employees in severance agreement negotiations. Severance agreements are contracts that govern an employee’s departure from an employer. It is important to have counsel when an employee is faced with leaving an employer and needs to negotiate a resolution. We provide legal advice and representation to employees seeking the best possible severance agreement terms.
Severance Negotiations in Virginia
Severance is not required under Virginia law. However, severance agreements may be offered by an employer in any number of situations. The employee may be facing termination and the employer may want to resolve all outstanding issues before they leave. Severance agreements are also sometimes offered to employees who are laid off or facing retirement. If an employee is let go but not offered a severance agreement, hiring counsel can often prod the employer to offer a severance agreement. In some cases, the severance agreement process can be resolved through simple talks between your lawyer and the employer’s lawyer.
Common Severance Agreement Terms
While severance agreements typically involve the payment of a monetary sum to a departing employee, there are many other terms to consider. Some of the possible terms to consider in a Virginia severance agreement may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Financial payments, tax consequences, and timing of severance payments
Continuation of employment benefits (e.g. health, life, disability)
Rights to unemployment compensation
Claims to be waived (wrongful termination, discrimination, whistleblowing)
Confidentiality clauses
Non-Disparagement clauses
Re-employment possibilities
Non-Compete clauses
Stock provisions
Preservation of trade secrets
How references will be handled
Recommendation letters
How disputes are handled
When signing a severance agreement, an employee is required to give up important rights. Before signing such an agreement, the employee should consult with an attorney to discuss the rights that he or she may be waiving and the terms included. Hiring counsel can help negotiate the best severance resolution possible.
Contact Us
We offer a full set of legal services to protect your rights in the severance agreement negotiations process in Virginia. To schedule an initial consultation with one of our Virginia severance agreement lawyers, please contact us at (703) 668-0070 or by visiting our website.
I looked at the 93 degrees headed our way next week and am already thinking ahead of what to do with the kids this summer. I’ve compiled a list of cheap things to do this summer to keep the kids entertained!
Movies
The Boro at Tysons: $6.50 matinees on Tuesdays
Summer Movie Clubhouse: $1.75 movie tickets on specific movies each Wednesday throughout the summer (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Sonic 2, Shrek, Paw Patrol, Lego Movie, Trolls, How To Train Your Dagon, Migration, Hotel Transylvania, and Paddington 2)
Regal Fairfax Summer Movie Express: $1 movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through the summer. Movies include: Peter Rabbit 2, Puss in Boots, TMNT, Angry Birds 2, Despicable Me 3, Migration, Spiderman, Paw Patrol, Clifford and many more!
Mosaic Films in the Park: Free movies every Thursday at 7 p.m. on the big screen through August 25. Movies include: Barbie, Top Gun Maverick, Wish, The Marvels, and more.
Starlight Cinema: Drive-in cinema at the Sully Historic Site with free movies on Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. in August only (Aug. 3 Migration, Aug. 10 Paw Patrol, Aug. 17 Wish, Aug. 24 Elemental)
Cocoa Vienna has $1 days for special treats: Chocolate Dipped Pretzel, Choc Strawberries, Deal of the Day, Choc Dipped Frozen Bananas, Choc Dipped Oreo through September
Sports
Bowling: Bowlero has a summer pass where kids can bowl 3 games everyday for one price (check the locations as they have different pricing, which includes shoe rental)
Potomac Nationals Game in Fredericksburg: Has $2 Tuesdays plus other promotions, Fireworks Fridays, and other fun events
The Fairfax County library offers a Summer Reading Adventure where kids earn prizes (usually coupons for free or discounted things) for reading. You can go into the library to collect their reading log or create an account online.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Get ready for an epic summer adventure with your family in Fairfax County!
We’ve compiled the ultimate summer family bucket list to ensure an unforgettable season filled with thrilling outdoor activities, cultural discoveries, and delectable delights. Put on your sunscreen, grab your shades, and join us as we explore the best activities and hidden gems Fairfax County has to offer. Create memories that will have your family reminiscing for years to come.
This summer, Fairfax County is the perfect place for families seeking excitement, laughter, and quality time together. Let the summer adventures begin!
Visit Great Falls Park: Explore the stunning Great Falls Park along the Potomac River. Enjoy scenic views, hiking trails, and picnic areas perfect for a family day out.
Enjoy a Day at the Water Park: Cool off at one of Fairfax County’s water parks, such as Atlantis Waterpark in Centreville or the Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole in Reston. These parks offer slides, pools, and water play areas ideal for summer fun.
Summer Concert Series: Enjoy live music at Wolf Trap, Rock the Block, and Mosaic Live. These venues offer a range of musical performances perfect for family entertainment.
Camping at Burke Lake Park: Spend a night under the stars at Burke Lake Park. Enjoy camping, fishing, and boating, along with the park’s scenic trails.
Outdoor Movies: Watch a movie under the stars at City of Fairfax’s Movies Under the Moon or Mosaic Films in the Park. These events provide a fun and relaxing evening for families.
Nature Hikes: Fairfax County offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. Check out parks like Burke Lake Park, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, and Hemlock Overlook Regional Park for beautiful family-friendly trails.
Classic Family Games: Slow down and embrace classic family games like Tag, Red Light Green Light, or a game of Uno on the deck. Take time to relax and enjoy being present with your family.
Whatever activities you choose, enjoy the moments and embrace making lasting memories!
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
Fairfax County is a treasure of incredible neighborhoods, each boasting its own distinct charm and amenities. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly haven, access to outdoor adventures, a thriving foodie scene, or a delightful combination of all these, Fairfax County has got you covered.
As a Realtor, Mom, and Fairfax Neighbor deeply rooted in the local community, I’m thrilled to share my top neighborhood picks based on my experiences and observations. Get ready to embark and discover Fairfax County neighborhoods that perfectly align with your preferences, turning your dream of finding the ideal home into a wonderful reality. So, don’t wait another moment – dive into the video and unlock the best neighborhoods Fairfax County has to offer.
