Laura Schwartz is a licensed Realtor in VA and D.C. 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 end of April, early May means that strawberries are ready for picking.
The weather this week looks amazing and I’ll take any excuse to get outside and enjoy it before we get the heat and humidity coming. This is my annual PSA that there are so many great places to go berry picking around Northern Virginia.
Don’t forget: they’ll shut down for a day or two if they get over picked so make sure you’re checking their websites/social media for current updates.
- Messick’s Farm in Bealton, Virginia: Check their Facebook page for updates on the availability of U-pick. While Messick’s has their own custard and availability of treats and food, we drove about three miles down the road to the famous Moo Thru — an ice cream drive-thru, which was so good. (Coffee ice cream was delicious!) Their Strawberry Festival starts on Saturday, April 20th and includes Barrel Train Rides, hayrides, bounce pillow, zipline, goats, candy cannon and kids tattoos. Weekends from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Other dates include April 21, 27, 28 and May 4, 5, 11 and 12th.
- Wegmeyer Farms has three locations in Hamilton, Aldie and Leesburg, Virginia. Make sure you follow them on Facebook for the most up-to-date information (as of this writing on April 15th, the berries are almost ready). Don’t miss their donuts!
- Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland: Strawberries should be ready for picking in May.
- Shlagel Farms in Waldorf, Maryland: Shlagel Farms will be open in May. They update availability on their Facebook page.
- Swann Farms in Owings, Maryland: Check their website for updates, as they too should be ready for picking in May, with blueberries and blackberries.
Fairfax police academy bars Herndon officers over Chinese signature dispute — “The town police chief objected to a Chinese signature on county training academy certificates. Now her officers will be excluded from future classes.” [Washington Post]
Fairfax ordinance proposal aims to protect pedestrians — “Fairfax County supervisors on April 16 are expected to set a public hearing for May 7 at 4 p.m. to discuss proposed county-code amendments aimed at protecting pedestrians from vehicles.” [Gazette Leader]
It’s Monday — Expect a predominantly sunny day with highs around 80°F and northwest winds at 6-11 mph featuring gusts up to 18 mph. The night will be mostly clear with lows near 53°F and a mild north wind at approximately 6 mph. [NWS]
Two children in critical condition after Clifton fire — “A Clifton, Virginia, father said doctors told him his two youngest sons were experiencing symptoms of brain death after being rescued from fire at the family’s home on Wednesday. Now, parents Jamey and Reina Brice are ‘praying for a miracle.'” [WTOP]
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.
Spring is a magical time in the D.C. Metro area, where cherry blossoms bloom, temperatures warm up, and outdoor activities abound.
Whether you’re a local Fairfax resident aspiring to become a D.C. tourist or just ready for some spring fun around the area, there are plenty of exciting things to do and explore during this vibrant season.
Become an Outdoor Explorer
Take advantage of the mild weather to explore the region’s parks and outdoor spaces. Visit Great Falls Park for breathtaking views of the Potomac River and hiking trails, or head to Shenandoah National Park for a day of scenic drives and wildlife spotting. Additionally, local parks like Burke Lake Park, Rock Creek Park, and Theodore Roosevelt Island offer serene settings for picnics and outdoor recreation near Fairfax County.
Become the Historian of the Family or a Museum Junkie
Spring is an ideal time to explore the area’s wealth of museums and historic landmarks. In Fairfax County check out the Fairfax Museum and Visitor Center, Reston Museum, Lucy Burns Museum, Gunston Hall, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.
Of course, you can also wander through world-class museums in D.C. that are free, such as the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art, to immerse yourself in art, culture, and history. Don’t forget to visit iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol Hill for a glimpse into the nation’s past and present.
Outdoor Dining and Farmer’s Market Guru
Indulge in the diverse culinary scene of Northern Virginia and D.C. by dining al fresco at local restaurants and cafes. Many establishments offer outdoor seating options, allowing you to savor delicious meals while soaking up the sunshine. Additionally, explore the vibrant farmers’ markets in the area, such as Mosaic, Fairfax City, Reston, Eastern Market and Dupont Circle, to sample fresh produce, artisanal goods, and gourmet treats.
Outdoor Festivals and Events
Spring brings a flurry of festivals and events to the region, celebrating everything from music and art to food and culture. Attend the Virginia Gold Cup, a beloved horse racing event held in May, or explore neighborhood festivals like the Manassas Spring Carnival, Earth Day Fairfax, Shipgarten’s Sour & Gummies Festival, and Reston StreetFest. Check local event calendars for the latest happenings and plan your spring itinerary accordingly.
With its array of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and culinary delights, spring in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re admiring flowers blooming, exploring historic landmarks, or indulging in local cuisine, make the most of this season in our area!
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | Sharmane@mcenearney.com | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
Symmetry Salon Studios, a local salon chain with locations around Maryland, has opened a new location at the edge of Vienna, near Dunn Loring.
The new salon is in the Cedar Park Shopping Center at 262 Cedar Lane in Vienna. It’s the first Symmetry Salon Studios location in Virginia.
Staff at the salon told FFXnow the location had a soft opening last month, but the official grand opening is on Tuesday, April 23.
“The Symmetry team is thrilled to provide a premium salon rental experience to solo-preneur stylists seeking to elevate their businesses in one of the most prestigious counties in the nation,” Founder and CEO Tom Ruder said in a release.
The new salon features 23 studios in a 4,000-square-foot space. The salon also boasts “high-end salon furniture such as LED mirrors.”
Photo via Cedar Park Shopping Center/Facebook
County Sues Owners of Burned Annandale Buildings — “Fairfax County has filed suit against the owners of the buildings on Columbia Pike in Annandale that had been destroyed by a fire more than a year ago. Meanwhile, the property owner has lined up a demolition contractor, but the work can’t proceed until the gas is cut off, according to a county official. The Department of Code Compliance (DCC) has reached out to Washington Gas and arranged for Long Fence to put up new fencing.” [Annandale Today]
Park Authority to Join Earth Day Celebrations — “Combining efforts with the reusables experts at r.World, the Park Authority will distribute reusable cups and food containers to food and beverage vendors around the site to fill with their respective food items when orders are made.” [Fairfax County Government]
Survey of McLean Citizens Association Released — “Respondents to a recent McLean Citizens Association (MCA) membership survey urged the group continue advocating for responsible development, limited county spending, school accountability, transportation improvements, more parks and recreational opportunities and tree preservation.” [Gazette Leader]
McLean Basketball Court to Get Facelift — “The Fairfax County Park Authority is pleased to announce renovations to McLean Central Park Basketball Court beginning this week. Work crews with contractor ATC will be mobilizing on-site to prepare for work.” [Fairfax County Government]
Venture Capital Firm Relocates HQ to Tysons — “Veteran Ventures Capital, a veteran-led and -owned capital firm, will be moving its headquarters from Knoxville, Tennessee to the Boro Tower on Broad Street, according to news reports. The new HQ is steps away from the Greensboro Metro Station and Tysons Galleria.” [Reston Patch]
It’s Friday — Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected early in the day, followed by a chance of showers between 8am and 11am, and the possibility of showers and thunderstorms returning after 11am. The weather will be partly sunny with a high near 68, accompanied by a west wind of 14 to 16 mph and gusts up to 30 mph. There is a 40% chance of precipitation. Friday night’s forecast includes a chance of showers before 2am, with mostly cloudy skies and a low around 49. The west wind will be around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph and a 30% chance of precipitation. [NWS]
Anyone traveling overnight around I-66 in Vienna may have to take some substantial detours.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) said overnight closures are planned on Nutley Street S and the I-66 ramps connected to it.
The closures are planned starting tonight (Thursday) and will occur again tomorrow (Friday) and Monday (April 15). The closures will start at 10 p.m. and continue until 5 a.m.
The closure means drivers on Nutley Street will need to take a detour around Virginia Venter Blvd to get around the interchange.
VDOT said the work is part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. The work is weather-dependent and could be rescheduled if inclement conditions occur.
🚧Traffic Alert – #Fairfax #Vienna: Overnight closure of Nutley St S and ramps from I-66 W to Nutley Street S and Nutley St S to I-66 E on 4/11, 4/12, and 4/15. #VaTraffic
More: https://t.co/m8q68udQ9t pic.twitter.com/c08IHV7bI1
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) April 8, 2024
McLean-based Golden Boot Soccer has been a leader in youth soccer skill development and fun for nearly 30 years, and this summer features even more of their popular camps.
These morning, half-day and full-day programs for ages 3 to 13 combine positive, professional trainers with engaging activities and challenges, often featuring their signature cogno-technical approach.
“Cognitive training is a fancy way of saying we train the body and brain together,” says Golden Boot president and founder Tamir Linhart.
“Our specialized curriculum improves soccer intelligence, reaction time, decision-making, situational awareness, and memory, while also developing technical skills such as passing, receiving, dribbling and finishing. The result is players who are always thinking ahead and are able to make positive and intelligent decisions on the field.”
Cognitive training is folded into each Golden Boot session, using innovative and creative activities appropriate to each level.
This summer, Golden Boot offers a variety of options for all ages and levels, including special camps for travel players, a VIP week featuring college and professional coaches, and an international week focused on Italian pro clubs. Most weeks feature morning Lil’ Boots camps for ages 3-4 and 5-6, plus half-day or full-day options such as Ball Mastery (ages 7-8), Positive Touch Footskills (ages 9-13), Art of Scoring Goals (ages 9-13) and Goalkeeper Training (ages 8-13). All full-day camps include indoor access, giving players air-conditioned breaks throughout the day.
“We plan our schedules with kids’ needs in mind,” explains Linhart.
In addition to Fairfax, Golden Boot has more camps planned in McLean, Vienna, Burke and Arlington, plus weekly skills classes on Saturday mornings.
If there’s one thing that’s constant at Golden Boot, it’s their commitment to innovation and growth.
In Fairfax County, sheep mow lawns, beekeepers remove misplaced swarms and gardeners teach the community.
The Town of Vienna will feature organizations that do all that and more at its annual Green Expo at the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry Street SE). Sponsored by the town’s Conservation and Sustainability Commission, the expo is set for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 18 — four days before Earth Day.
Local company LambMowers, which provides “professional grazing services,” is sponsoring an outdoor exhibit of ewes and lambs, per a press release. Live birds of prey will also be on the scene, courtesy of volunteer organization Secret Garden Birds and Bees.
Other exhibitors at this year’s expo include Fairfax Master Naturalists, Fairfax County’s chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby, multiple garden clubs and an individual who raises chickens at home.
“More than 30 local exhibitors will be on hand with information about green landscaping ideas, composting, recycling, energy efficiency, solar power, water conservation and more,” the town said in its press release.
One expo attendee will walk away with a free home energy audit valued at $595. Home energy audits find cost-effective ways to boost energy efficiency, according to the Energy Star program from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Attendees can also talk to local experts about sustainability, with scheduled “Ask Me Anything” sessions that will cover topics such as recycling infrastructure and native plants.
For example, horticulturist Barbara Ryan will review how residents with yards can incorporate native plants and sustainable practices. Ryan owns the local landscaping company, Chain Bridge Native Landscapes.
After the Green Expo, Fairfax County residents can mark Earth Day on Saturday, April 20 at Earth Day Fairfax, a festival featuring volunteer opportunities, live music, farm animals and more. That event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sully Historic Site in Chantilly (3650 Historic Sully Way).
Chantilly Man Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material — “Detectives from our Child Abuse Squad began investigating William Riddell, 40, of Chantilly after it was reported he may have had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor in Fairfax County.” [Fairfax County Police Department]
House Fire Injures Two Children — “A community is clinging to hope after a horrific house fire in Clifton, Virginia, badly injured two young children Wednesday, neighbors say. Two people were rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries after being pulled from a burning home in the 13900 block of Whetstone Manor Court, Fairfax County Fire & EMS said. Three others have lesser injuries.” [NBC Washington]
Reston Hospital Expansion Continues — “Reston Hospital Center’s ongoing expansion won’t slow down. That’s the message from CEO Nathan Vooys, who took over the top role on March 4. The hospital, owned by HCA Healthcare, plans to build a freestanding ER in Leesburg, Vooys told me in an interview. It is targeting an opening by the end of 2025 or into 2026.” [Washington Business Journal]
Reston Startup Lands Big Funds from Arlington Firm — “Reston software engineering firm Raft LLC has received more than $60 million in new funding to build out its product line and hire more senior executives to bring in business. Arlington private equity firm Washington Harbour Partners LP announced the strategic investment in the 6-year-old government contractor Wednesday.” [Washington Business Journal]
It’s Thursday — Expect showers mainly after noon, with patchy fog developing after 3pm and a high near 69. The southeast wind will blow at 9-13 mph, gusting up to 22 mph, and a 70% chance of precipitation. New precipitation amounts up to a quarter of an inch possible. Thursday night, showers and a potential thunderstorm are expected before 2am, followed by scattered showers and thunderstorms until 5am, with chances of more showers and thunderstorm after 5am. Patchy fog may occur before 2am, the low will be around 57, and southeast wind at 11-16 mph, gusting up to 25 mph. Precipitation chances are 100%, with rainfall amounts between a quarter and half an inch possible. [NWS]
Vienna restaurants Bazin’s on Church and Bazin’s Next Door (111 Church Street) will close later this month after the restaurant space was sold to new owners.
After 18 years, owner Julie Bazin said she and her husband were looking forward to traveling and spending time with family and friends, while new ownership takes over the location.
“Patrick and I have sold Bazin’s and Bazin’s Next Door and our last day will be Saturday, April 27th,” Julie Bazin said told FFXnow. “We will be forever grateful to this wonderful community and our team for an amazing 18 years!”
Julie Bazin said she’s excited for the new owners to come in and she’ll continue to support whatever restaurant comes next. No new restaurant concept has been officially announced.
The restaurant was known, in part, for its extensive gluten-free menu after Chef Patrick Bazin was diagnosed with Celiac disease, Patch wrote.
Julie Bazin said new ownership will take over on May 1.
Photo via Bazins on Church/Facebook
