Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
We all know housing prices have gone up a lot over the last few years specifically, but have you ever wondered how much land prices have gone up over the past 50 years?
We have some historic homes in Vienna, but the rest of the town is a mix of new builds, pop ups, and original ramblers. Land is also the one thing we can’t make more of, so what’s left is obviously a rare and precious commodity.
Most of the homes in the Town of Vienna sit on approximately one quarter acre (ranging from .23-.26). There are anomalies that are larger and the rare half acre or larger land, but I’m going to specify what I’m measuring below. Remember, I’m talking about averages here.
Quarter Acre Lots in the Town of Vienna
- 1980s: Around $200,000
- 1990s: Mid $300,000
- 2000s: Upper $400,000 and into $500,000 towards the end of the boom in 2007
- 2010s: Here’s where the explosion of tear downs begins… prices hit $600,000s
- 2020s: With the covid boom, I’ve seen quarter acre lots hit mid $850,000 recently
I wish I could go back to the 1980s and buy 20 of them. Original land owners are sitting on a literal gold mine.
And if this isn’t an example of why you should buy real estate, I don’t know how else to demonstrate the strength of real estate for your financial future.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
I can’t believe we’re within back to school talk!
Thinking about school supplies, clothes, and other necessities the costs start to add up! Virginia recently did away with tax free weekend, so I’m putting together a list for you to explore other options for back to school savings.
Maryland Tax Free Week 2023: August 13 to 19. The first $40 on any backpack purchase will be tax free, plus any qualifying clothing and footwear purchases $100 or less will be exempt.
Check out the Tanger outlets near the National Harbor for favorites like Under Armour, Old Navy, JCrew Factory (check the Tanger website for an additional 15% at JCrew), Nike, Adidas, Levis, Banana Republic, and Carters!
Target is offering 20% off the whole store (not just school supplies!) until August 26 for teachers, home schoolers, daycare teachers, early childhood education centers, and any university or college educator. Must verify an email to qualify. Check out this link for more details.
Also, if you’re doing a lot of online shopping, don’t forget about the website like Rakuten.com where you can get cash back for purchases online.
Enjoy your last 2 weeks of summer if you’re an FCPS family! And if you’re private school — enjoy your last 2.5 weeks of summer!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
The Washingtonian does a Cheap Eats edition every year that I love. With prices high on everything, who doesn’t love to find a good deal?
Enjoy some of these tips for deals and cheap eats around Vienna!
Monday
- Inca Social: Kids aat free
- Lebanese Taverna: Bottomless Mezza menu (small plates) $38 per person
Tuesday
- Matchbox: Free kids cheese pizza with adult entree (which is not a pizza)
- The Icon Movie Theater at the Boro: Tickets are $6.25 instead of regular cost
- Tysons AMC Movie Theater: Tickets for AMC Stub members are $7 (excluding specials — Dolby/IMAX screenings include a surcharge). Concessions also offers a $5 small combo — soda and popcorn.
Wednesday
- Mama Tigre: Kids entrees half off
Weekends
- Founding Farmers: Unlimited brunch free for kids 6 and under
- Liberty BBQ (soon to be renamed): Free brunch for kids 3 and under, $10 for 12 and under
Everyday
- Fogo De Chao: The Churrasco experience (all you can eat) is free for kids 6 and under, for kids 7-12 it’s half priced
- Silver Diner: Join the kids club and get a free kids meal every 5 visits (and free food on their birthday)
- Cocoa Vienna: Dollar deal days all summer (enjoy treats for $1)
- Bruster’s Ice Cream: Free chocolate or vanilla ice cream for kids under a certain height (think 2 or younger)
I think pre-covid there were a lot more of these “kids eat free” options but many that I’ve called to verify are no longer available. So if you see something published, call the restaurant first to make sure it’s still offered.
If I missed anything or a business wants to reach out to be added, please email me at Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
During Covid, when we needed a change of scenery of our four walls, we explored some day trips to see water — which is my happy place. If you need a change of scenery and are looking for (cheap) ways to get yourself some beach time, here are some suggestions for a day trip:
Colonial Beach, Virginia: 90 minutes away from Tyson’s, easy parking, on the Potomac River so very few waves, shallow water, fishing pier. Beware of jellyfish as the water temps get warmer.
Aquia Landing Park, Stafford, Virginia: About an hour from Tyson’s, this 32-acre park is free and is a popular fishing spot and beach for swimming.
Sandy Point, Annapolis, Maryland: An hour drive from Tyson’s, Sandy Point is a popular beach for a day just before the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with lots of space for distancing, sand and water. There is a $4-5 per person fee to use the beach. No pets.
Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, Virginia: This small hidden gem is located under an hour from Tyson’s and offers fishing, canoe and kayak rentals (first come, first served), swimming and walking trails.
Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta, Virginia: 32 square miles with 500 miles of shoreline, SML offers everything from fishing, boat rentals, swimming, etc. A huge community has built here so there’s also shopping, dining, entertainment, etc.
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. There are no boat or equipment rentals provided. There are cabins, lodges, and yurts available for rent.
Calvert Cliffs, Lusby, Maryland: Located about 90 minutes from Tyson’s, Calvert Cliffs is a Maryland state park featuring fishing, swimming and walking trails. $7 per car day use for Virginia state plates — CASH ONLY.
If you have another favorite beach spots, please share in the comments!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
Did Viva Vienna leave you wanting more adrenaline in the form of rides? Games? More junk food? Well today’s post is dedicated to nearby amusement parks close to Northern Virginia.
Six Flags America — Bowie, Maryland
Like many other Six Flags, this one has a water park, entertainment, and experiences in addition to roller coasters and other rides. A mix of big and little rides, tickets are on sale for $38/day and this is under an hour away from Vienna.
Kings Dominion — Doswell, Virginia
A large amusement park with a waterpark (Soak City), Planet Snoopy for the younger crowd, rides, food, and entertainment. Tickets start around $45 and this is just under 1.5 hours away from Vienna.
Busch Gardens — Williamsburg, Virginia
A huge variety of activities, rides, entertainment, and food. They also have a ton of pet exhibits if you have someone who loves furry friends. This is a 2.5 hour drive from Vienna.
Dutch Wonderland — Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Dutch has a ton of shows, rides, and experiences (the Dragon’s Tale is my favorite!) for the younger crowd. Bonus it’s across the street from Tanger Shopping Outlets. This one is about 2.5 hours away from Vienna, but great for the littles.
HersheyPark — Hershey, Pennsylvania
Chocolate lovers, this one is for you. You can do the amusement park but you can also make your own candy bar at Hershey Chocolate World and meet your favorite candy characters. This is great all day fun for the whole family. The ride will take just under 2.5 hours.
Honorable mention:
This is not an amusement park, but if you have a kid who loves Dinosaur’s — did you know there’s a Dinosaur Land in Virginia? Life-size replicas of your favorite prehistoric creatures can be found in White Post, Virginia, which is about an hour from Vienna.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
Summer in Vienna means lots of opportunities for community gatherings and entertainment. Remember lots of this is weather dependent and anything on the Town Green means you should bring your own blanket or lawn chair.
Summer Movie Series: 8:30 p.m. movies on the Town Green with free water and popcorn while supplies last!
- July 13: Finding Nemo
- August 3: Sing 2
- August 10: Luca
Chillin’ on Church: Food trucks, local beer and wine, music, and family friendly activities from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
- July 21, August 18, and September 15
Independence Day Fireworks on July 2nd: (see my previous post for tips on this!)
Kids on the Green: Tuesday morning program lasting 30-45 minutes for kids on the Town Green. The schedule is online but entertainment ranges from a magic show to music and storytelling.
Stories and Sprinklers: Wednesdays on the Town Green at 1 p.m., which includes book reading and sprinklers on the patio behind the Freeman Store. Starts this Wednesday, June 28 and goes until July 26.
Summer on the Green Concert: Free summer concerts Fridays at 6:30 p.m. on the Town Green. Check the website for the band of the week.
Don’t forget about Summer Dollar Days at Cocoa Vienna! Each day they have a $1 treat special:
- Monday: Chocolate Dipped Pretzel
- Tuesday: Chocolate Dipped Strawberry
- Wednesday: Deal of the Day
- Thursday: Chocolate Dipped Banana
- Friday: Chocolate Dipped Oreo
Nottoway Nights: Free Thursday evening concerts at 7:30 p.m. at Nottoway Park. Check the website for bands of the week.
Starr Hill Movie Nights at the Perch: Sundays at 6 p.m. outdoor family-friendly movies, also free!
- July 2: The Sandlot
- July 9: The Goonies
- July 16: Cool Runnings
- July 23: Back to the Future
- July 30: Shrek
Starr Hill also has free live music every day in June at various times. Check their Facebook page for specific dates and times.
Mosaic District: Films in the Park is a free summer movie series on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. through August 17:
- June 29: In and Out
- July 6: Top Gun: Maverick
- July 13: Fast X
- July 20: Puss In Boots
- July 27: Ticket in Paradise
- August 3: Super Mario Bros. Movie
- August 10: Moana
- August 17: E.T.
Cartoons and Coffee: Saturday morning cartoons are back! Saturdays at Strawberry Park in Mosaic from 9-11 a.m.
Mosaic also offers a free concert series on Saturdays at 6 p.m. through August 19. Check their website for band and weather updates.
The Boro also has a stage for live outdoor concerts presented with Arts on the Horizon.
- June 29: 10:30 a.m.
- June 30: 10:30 a.m.
- July 1: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
As well as Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. through August 24.
The Boro also has Sandlot Cars and Coffee which is a car show at 11 a.m. on July 9 and August 13.
If you’re into baseball — make sure you come support the 12’s All Star Teams as they begin their District 4 games. Last year the American team won the Tournament of State Champions and we’re hoping they go far this year too.
Here’s the schedule for the American League team:
- July 1 at Great Falls (Nike Field) 10 a.m.
- July 3 at McLean 7 p.m.
- July 5 at Vienna Little League 7 p.m.
- July 6 at Vienna Little League 7 p.m.
Here’s the schedule for the National League team:
- July 1 at Vienna Little League 10 a.m.
- July 2 at Reston at 2 p.m.
- July 5 at Vienna Little League at 7 p.m.
- July 6 at Reston at 7 p.m.
You can follow along on Instagram at @Vienna_American_BigRedMachine.
Last thing I’ll mention… did you know the Boro has a Pickleball League AND a Cornhole League? Pickleball is full, but keep that on your radar for future opportunities. You can still register for Cornhole!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
I’m not a golfer myself, unless it involves Angry Birds at Top Golf.
That said, my kids seem to enjoy the idea of learning how to play golf so I’m going to put together a list of places that are great for kids learning how to play and open to the public without requiring memberships.
Par 3
- Oak Marr Golf Center — A 9 hole course with online availability to reserve a tee time. They also have a great covered driving range if you’re just looking to hit a bucket.
- Virginia Golf Center — A 9 hole course on a first come, first serve basis. Located in Clifton. Adults are $20, kids under 16 are $15 and they give discounts for military, law enforcement officers and teachers.
- Burke Lake Golf Center — An 18 hole course that’s still par 3. Like Oak Marr and other Fairfax County golf courses, you can reserve a tee time online.
- Sterling Golf Club — An 18 hole course that’s still par 3. You can reserve a tee time online too.
If you’re looking to start with mini golf, here’s a reminder of options for local Mini Golf courses:
- Oak Marr (Oakton) — Open noon to 8 p.m.
- The Magic Putting Place (Manassas) — Which is right next to Nathan’s Dairy Bar for fabulous ice cream. Check their Facebook page for daily updates for weather changes.
- Upton Hill Mini Golf (Arlington) — Which also has batting cages and is near Westover, which has Toby’s Ice Cream and many other lunch options.
- Jefferson Falls (Falls Church) — Located near Mosaic. Check the website for openings as they do close sometimes for private events.
Also, places like Reston National Golf Center have camps this summer and throughout the year for kids to learn how to play.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
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 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 4 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 7-11 p.m.
- You can park at Cedar Lane School, 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.
Westwood Country Club also does Fourth of July Fireworks traditionally on the 4th at dark. You can also watch those fireworks from the Giant Shopping Center or the streets across from the Club. So far I haven’t seen anything advertising the fireworks this year (and it was canceled last year) but when I called today, I was told they would be on the 4th. You can check their social media for updates!
There are more options around NoVA 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!
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
If you’ve lived in Vienna for any length of time, you’ve heard about the long wait times for local pools.
Pro Tip: if you’re selling a home and you have a pool membership make sure you advertise that! It’s a huge selling feature as the buyer can buy your membership. There are 6 main pools in the area, which I’ll list below, but this list is for anyone who is looking for other options to find water — local pools, spraygrounds and splash pads.
My kids are past the splash pad age, so if I’ve missed anything new please share with the readers below!
Local Vienna Pools
- Vienna Woods Swim and Tennis
- Vienna Aquatic Club
- Dunn Loring Swim Club
- Cardinal Hill Health and Racquet
- Hunter Mill Swim and Racquet Club
- Mosby Woods Pool
Spraygrounds, Splash Pads and Waterparks
- The Boro Splash Pad: 15 jet splash pad at the Boro Park located on the Upper Promenade, open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The City of Fairfax Splash Pad (10415 North Street): Open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and don’t skip on the ice cream next door at Woody’s!
- Mosaic Water Fountains (on the green): Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Our Special Harbor (6601 Telegraph Road, Franconia): This Chesapeake Bay themed splash park has a water maze, dumping crab basket, spray fountains, misting flowers and interactive water tables. Aquatic shoes or sandals with a back strap are required for kids under 15. There’s also a carousel.
- The Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole (400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston): Here you’ll find a pool, slides, a lazy river, an area for kids with a smaller slide, covered picnic areas and chairs for lounging. This is a great option for day trips to a pool if you’re not a member of any of the local pools. We bought a family pass our first summer in Vienna when we weren’t members of a pool yet, and it was a great way to pass the summer. We have also done birthday parties here — so much fun!
- Ocean Dunes Waterpark (6060 Wilson Blvd, Arlington): Explore multiple pools for different ages, large slides, a “sprayground” with a dumping bucket and many areas for lounging in the sun. It’s also adjacent to an 18-hole mini-golf course — another great way to pass a lazy day!
- Volcano Island Waterpark (20015 Volcano Drive, Sterling): This is another great option with a pool, “sprayground,” slides and a dumping bucket.
- Atlantis Waterpark (7700 Bull Run Drive, Centreville): Keep the kids busy with waterslides, pools, a play island with smaller slides and a huge 500-gallon dumping bucket.
- Great Waves Waterpark (4001 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria): For the adventurous, this park includes speed slides, waterslides, a wave pool and a small kids’ zone for the younger crowd. There’s also a mini-golf course, batting cages, playground and cabanas.
Other Pool Options
- Reston Lifetime Fitness: They have an outdoor pool, but you also get access to the rest of the gym.
Sport and Health Tysons: Indoor and outdoor pools, in addition to access to the full club.
McLean and Fairfax Pools: Many have openings and no wait! - McLean Hamlet
- McLean Swim and Tennis
- Chesterbrook Swim and Tennis
- Highlands Swim and Tennis Club
- Tuckahoe Swim and Tennis
I want to give a shout to an Instagram account you may want to follow if you have little kids — @Virginia.Adventure.Family. They do a great job of posting videos, photos and details about cool places to visit around Virginia.
Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA, D.C. and MD with McEnearney Associates in Vienna. You can follow Laura on Instagram at @LauraSchwartzRealtor or her Facebook page. Laura can be reached at 703-283-6120 or Laura@GuidingYourMove.com.
A lot has changed since Covid and the exceptions that were made to accommodate outdoor seating around town. Thanks to a suggestion from one of my clients — shout to Christina! — I put together a list of outdoor dining options to enjoy this summer.
Church Street Options
- Sandwich Shop — a few indoor tables and a small patio with tables and umbrellas on Church St.
- Ritas — benches in front to enjoy your cold treat!
- Greenheart Juice — a few tables in the front on Dominion Rd NE
- Caffe Amouri — small tables and some benches with cover
- Kiln and Co — small tables/chairs, some under cover
- Caboose Brewery — patio right off the trail
Maple Ave
- Clarity — fine dining with a dedicated patio space with umbrellas
- Cava/Potbelly — a few tables out front
- Maggio’s and Skorpios Charcoal Grill — several tables out front
- Crepe Amour — a few tables out front
- Pazzo Pomodoro — a few tables out front
- Big Buns — several tables under cover
- Sweet Leaf — a few tables out front
- Bruster’s Ice Cream, Jammin Java, Pizza Vienna — all have a few tables out front
- Noodles and Co, Crumbl, Chipotle, South Block — all share a few tables out front
- Lily’s Chocolate and Coffee — a few small tables out front
- Bear Branch — a large patio that fills up quickly
- Foster’s Grille — a few tables out front and to the side
- Taco Bamba — covered patio out front
- Mod Pizza — a few tables out front
- Frame Roasters — new coffee shop has a few tables
- Hawk and Griffin — has a small front patio
- Coco’s Sodas and Sweets — a few covered tables
The town is pretty strict on outdoor dining options which is why many of these have smaller tables and just a few of them. If you’re looking to dine out, make sure you call ahead and see who takes a reservation for that specific table.
Some Favorites in Oakton
- Santini’s — tables out front
- Mama Tigre — just recently did a renovation to add more outdoor seating
Some Favorites in Tysons
- Lebanese Taverna (Tysons II) — big patio on the lower level
- Patsy’s — covered patio in the back but also picnic tables!
