Prince William County Real Estate Blog: July 2008

The fair starts August 8, 2008 and  ends Saturday August 16, 2008.  Unless you've been in the western and southwestern parts of the county you may not realize there is still a lot of farmland in Prince William County.  At 59 years of age it is still the largest county fair in Virginia.

Of course, there is more to a county fair than livestock and produce. Competitions include home crafts, baked goods, canned goods, flowers, candy making and, of course, quilts. No repectable county fair would dare open without a tractor pull or demolition derby, midway, funnel cakes, pizza, etc.  There are musical events as well incluing the Bull Run Troubadours

We've been Prince William County residents for 25 years and always look forward to attending.  Over the next few days and during the fair I will be writing posts about specific activities and events.  County fairs are an important part of the American fabric and we are fortunate that ours is alive and well in Prince William County.

Planning to Buy or Sell Real Estate?  Contact Karen or Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our  record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

If you live in Woodbridge your task is easy. There is nothing better for a "Guardian Angel" than to enjoy all that 3 great park systems have to offer them and their charges in the Woodbridge area.  Our national, state and county parks are excellent facilities and provide inexpensive fun and education.

PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK is a real 15,000 acre forest.  Angels can hike, bike, fish, swim, become Junior Rangers, go on Park Ranger guided tours and enjoy family camping.  In our 25 years in Woodbridge and Prince William County the Kruschka family has used the park regularly and, as a Scoutmaster, Arthur has had his BSA troop camp there regularly.

LEESYLVANIA STATE PARK  Virginia state parks are ranked among the best in the nation and this Woodbridge area park is among the most popular in the state.  Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers it provides great opportunities for kids.  Check out the events schedule and you will, like our family, become an enthusiastic supporter.  There are nature study events "galore" in addition to hiking, fishing and picnicking.  A really fun time is at dusk when the deer are feeding alongside the road.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY  Similar to Virginia, our park authority is nationally recognized for both the excellence and variety of offerings in the parks.  In the Woodbridge area the 4 most prominent outdoor parks are Lake Ridge, Veterans Memorial, Water Works, and Locust Shade.  Activities include swimming, boating, fishing, mini-golf, skateboarding, nature studies and a lot of sports fields.  Of course, our 2 indoor facilities are Chinn and Dale City with pools, basketball and a host of other activities.

Take it from a long time resident - your "Guardian Angels" will be glad you moved here.

Homes sales in 2008 are up over 2007 in Cardinal Forest.  In 2007 there were 17 homes sold in Cardinal Forest,  However, 18 homes have sold in the first 7 months of 2008.  It is an attractive and extremely well maintained subdivision.   Much of its' popularity with both military and civilian purchasers is the fact that all 3 grade level schools are less than 10 minutes as well as shopping.  Bus, metro and car pools are very conveniently reached.  My husband and I have always appreciated the opportunity to sell homes to and for people in Cardinal Forest - an excellent Fairfax County location offering both convenience and value.

 WESTRIDGE A premier eastern Prince William County subdivision.  One of the salient features is that there is an elementary school in the community.  The pool, tennis courts and community center are well maintained and conveniently located.  Shopping and commuting options are readily accessible.  There is a strong community association and it is reflected in the neat appearance of the homes and community   

The Fall 2008 Occoquan Craft Show will be on September 27 to 28.  Both Mill and Commerce Streets will be alive with arts and craft vendors as well as food vendors.  Of course, the Occoquan shops and  restaurants will be open as well. 

The craft show draws large crowds each time it is held.

Another important event this year  the OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL .  This is the first river festival and it includes events in the Belmont Bay Community as well as the Occoquan Regional Park located across the river in Fairfax County.

Those of us who live along the Occoquan River recognize how important the craft show and river festival are in promoting all that Prince William County has to offer residents and businesses that locate here.

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Contact Karen or Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our proven real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

If you saw the movie Field of Dreams in 1989 you will never forget what an important role a cornfield on an Iowa farm played.  It reminded me of my paternal grandparents farm in Illinois and my maternal grandparents farm in South Dakota.  The crops were different, but the broad expanses of land will be etched in my memory forever.

Arthur and I moved to Northern Virginia in 1974 and were licensed in 1976.  If we went west to Loudoun County (about an hour from Washington, DC) it was to show rural property.  The center of civilization was the very historic Town of Leesburg.  Both sides of the 2 lane road through the county contained dairy farms - broad expanses of land similar to the Field of Dreams and my grandparent's farms.

I am not opposed to growth and development, but I firmly believe we have "lost our way".  Just look at the picture below - that is a recent photo of Loudoun County on the way to Leesburg.  That photo could be anywhere in every major metropolitan area in the United States. Somewhere along the way we as citizens and realtors have to insist that our elected officials consider the legacy we are leaving our children and grandchildren.  There has to be land use programs that realize "Under all is the land" - it would be to our benefit to leave more of it exposed.

This is the time of year we look forward to outdoor activities and I believe the following two will be well attended.

Saturday July 26,2008 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM 

Jazz lovers will be able to listen to the James River Ramblers, a US Army ensemble perform at the marina at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge.  See MUSIC AT THE MARINA  

 Sunday July 27,2008

See OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL SCHEDULE for a Schedule of Events

You can be certain that both the Occoquan River Festival staff and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will be presenting top musical talent for your enjoyment.  Another important feature is that it is all FREE

If you are planning to buy or sell real estate Contact Karen or Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our proven real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Historic Occoquan has two craft shows each year (Spring and Fall). The next craft show will be held on September 27 and 28, 2008.  Both Mill and Commerce Streets will be alive with arts and craft vendors as well as food vendors.  Of course, the Occoquan shops and  restaurants will be open as well. 

The craft show draws large crowds each time it is held.

Another important event this year  the OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL .  This is the first river festival and it includes events in the Belmont Bay Community as well as the Occoquan Regional Park located across the river in Fairfax County.

Those of us who live along the Occoquan River recognize how important the craft show and river festival are in promoting all that Prince William County has to offer residents and businesses that locate here.

 _____________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Karen or Art by Email or call us at 703-562-1532.  Put our proven real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area.

Dixie Bones, the home of good Southern cooking and Barbeque is taking all that goodeness to the OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL. 

They'll be at the Village Green in Belmont Bay from 11:30 AM until 3:30 PM on Sunday, July 27,2008.  Their delicious barbeque and fixins' will be for sale.  Additionally, while you are enjoying the goodies, you can listen to the musicians that will perform from 1:00 to 5:00 PM the same day.  That has all the ingredients for a relaxing afternoon event - be prepared to enjoy yourself. 

We locals know their food is prepared fresh on a daily basis.  They make real pit barbeque using hickory wood for smoking.  Cooks cut potatoes for the potato salad, slice cabbage for the cole slaw and pick collards for the greens.  Every morning the bakers prepare the pies, cobblers, brownies and bread pudding as well as make the dough for the rolls.

They offer full service catering and have carryout PartyPaks as well as family style carryout.  The restaurant is located at 13440 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge 22191.   Telephone is 703-491-2205.  Except for the Osprey's Landing Restaurant it is the closes restaurant to Belmont Bay.

If you are in Occoquan for the CRAFT SHOW be sure to visit TASTEFULLY YOURS

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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This is a copy of a 17th century map of the Belmont Bay area of Prince William County where a ferry crossed from Belmont Bay to Colchester (Harbor View) in Fairfax County.  Potomac Path was the first north-south route through Virginia.  It started in Boston and terminated in Williamsburg.  After it crossed the Potomac from Fairfax County it went through Belmont Bay and south to Dumfries passing Rippon Lodge on its' way.

The Mason family owned a 534 acre plantation named Belmont.  Colonel Mason (great-grandfather of George Mason) started a ferry service in 1684 to facilitate the river crossing - it operated continually until 1795 until it was replace by a wooden bridge.  Efforts are ongoing to identify sections of the Potomac Path that are undeveloped and to preserve them.

While the ferry no longer exists it is interesting to recognize the role played by Belmont Bay in the development of Prince William County and Virginia.  It is not beyond imagination that one day there may be ferry service from the Belmont Bay area to DC and Maryland (terminating near the Woodrow Wilson Bridge).

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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Yes and it's for the birds!!  There are numerous pilings at marinas, parks, yacht clubs and moorings at homes along the Occoquan River.  We are fortunate to live along the shoreline of both the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers.  While they provide our drinking water and recreational opportunities they also contain wetlands and an excellent supply of food for our feathered friends.  Bald eagles, osprey and sea gulls are regular inhabitants.  We also have a heron population as well.

For the most part the activities at Occoquan Regional Park, Belmont Bay and the Town of Occoquan will not necessitate sitting, but a collapsible chair or stool may come in handy at times.

July 27 is the date of the OCCOQUAN RIVER FESTIVAL.  This is the innaugural year for the river festival - it will undoubtedly draw large crowds to the festival locations in Occoquan, Belmont Bay and at the Occoquan Regional Park across the river in Fairfax County.  We are hopeful it will contribute to the growth and prosperity of Prince William County.

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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Actually, there  are several best ways to get to and from Occoquan and Belmont Bay. 

First is by riding the sleek trains of the VIRGIiNIA RAILWAY EXPRESS.  Just click on the Woodbridge station link for a location map and schedules.  There is a multi-level parking garage.  The station sits at the entrance to Belmont Bay and is about 10 minutes from Occoquan.  The trains stop at stations that have access to METRORAIL Routes

Second is taking the OMNIRIDE COMMUTER BUSES.  The bus stop is extremely well located for residents of both Occoquan and Belmont Bay - it is at the VDOT PARKING LOT at I-95 and Gordon Boulevard with service to the Pentagon and DC.

Third  There are SLUG LINES - a unique National Capital Area system where drivers pick up passengers for a ride to specific locations at the same VDOT PARKING as the bus. It qualifies the car owner to use the HOV lanes.

Fourth If necessary you can drive yourself over the bridge to Northern Virginia or DC.  The good news is that the entrance to I-95 is within minutes of both Belmont Bay and Occoquan.

Going to Fort Belvoir?  Again, both Belmont Bay and Occoquan have quick access to US 1 - the direct route north to Fort Belvoir.

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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The House at 406 Mill Street in Occoquan was built in 1750 - it is the oldest residence in the historic town of Occoquan on the Occoquan River.  At one time it was a residence for prominent local "personages".  Residents relay stories of a gentle ghost who occasionally rearranges the furniture.  Today, "The House is owned by a very proud sister-brother-wife team who have transformed it into "Tastefully Yours".  Their belief is "Life is too short not to eat gourmet"  Their product line includes chocolates, coffees, cheese, teas, jams, jellies, cookies, muffins, brownies, scones, gelato and fine wines..

Two interesting programs are:

One of the three owners, Pat Barney, is a fellow Rotarian and also Vice President of Occoquan River Communities.  In the few short months Occoquan River Communities has been in existence it has been the inspiration behind the Occoquan River Festival 

If you plan to be in Occoquan for the Occoquan Craft Show September 27 and 28 be sure to visit TASTEFULLY YOURS - the link to their website gives you all the particulars about products and hours of operation.

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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This morning I was taking photos of the Occoquan and Belmont Bay areas and decided to drive into the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  I came upon an Osprey's nest (not that unusual along the shoreline of the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers), but this one was different.  There was a chick in the nest which can be seen just peeking out from under the female.  Although the parents were quiet, they kept a watchful eye on me. However, the chick was doing a little bird, "Cheep,Cheep,Cheep".  Since I had not planned on distance photos I did not have my telephoto lens and I kept my distance so as not to disturb them.  Finally, the chick appears to be a size that will become a fledgling very soon, - I consider myself fortunate to have seen the family as close as I did. 

OBNWR is a newly acquired tract of land and is fast becoming very popular with those of us who enjoy the unspoiled beauty of a natural habitat.  The following in formation was copied from the public website. "Occoquan Bay NWR was established in 1998 and is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers. This 644 acre refuge was previously a military research site and is part of the Potomac River NWR Complex. The refuge has a unique mix of wetlands, forest, and native grasslands that provides a diversity of habitats for wide variety of species. Wetland habitats cover about 50% of the refuge and include wet meadows, bottomland hardwoods, open freshwater marsh, and tidally influenced marshes and streams. Upland meadows and mature oak-hickory-beech forest are interspersed among the wetlands. The unusual number and interspersion of habitats provides visitors a unique opportunity to view a wide variety of wildlife species and habitats in a relatively small area. Noted for its grassland nesting birds, neo-tropical migrants and raptors, the refuge also hosts wildlife common to Virginia. Over 220 species of birds, over 600 species of plants, and 65 species of butterflies have been documented on the refuge. Many of the bird species are uncommon or rare in the region. Spring and fall are great times to observe migrating Neotropical and raptors".  Also see, "Y'ALL COME - BALD EAGLES DO"

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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With a 22,000 square showroom Knock on Wood is the largest "Wood Only" furniture retailer in the mid-Atlantic states.  It is located at 14431 Jefferson Davis Highway, Woodbridge, VA 22191.

The firm employs 10 people and is open 7 days a week.  Their telephone number is 703-491-6849.

There are several purchase options available.

The wood working machinery in their local facility is fully computerized from product design to cutting the wooden pieces.  Their North Carolina plant manufactures tables, bookcases plus television tables and stands.  A future product line will enable KOW to design, construct and install custom cabinetry in the customer's home.

The wood working machinery in their local facility is fully computerized from product design to cutting the wooden pieces.  Their North Carolina plant manufactures tables, bookcases plus television tables and stands. A future product line will enable KOW to design, construct and install custom cabinetry in the customer's home.

 If you are considering a move to, within or out of Prince William County or Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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 Yes there is - it is located in the Commuter Parking Lot at the corner of Dale Boulevard and Minnieville Road in Dale City.  It is open Sunday from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 

In addition to fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods there are vendors selling a variety of other foodstuffs  such as honey, buffalo meat, sorbet, kettle corn, herbs plus flowers and plants and more. 

 Interstate 95 is the main North/South route in the eastern US.  Just south of the Nation's Capital you will see the sign shown here.  That's it - you are in Prince William County, Virginia.  Potomac Mills is one of the largest enclosed discount malls on the east coast. 

The two most famous retail outlets at the mall are Saks 5th Avenue Off 5th and Nordstrom's Rack.  All told there are over 200 retail stores, a food court and numerous other restaurants on the perimeter.  See POTOMAC MILLS for a store directory.   

 AMC THEATRES has a 17 theatre facility located in Potomac Mills. It is just a hop, skip and jump to BJ's, COSTCO and Sam'sClub.

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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 It is not at all unusual for a medium size community to have one of the 3 major membership shopping clubs (BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club), but Woodbridge has all three of them.  Interestingly, they are all within less than 10 minutes of each other.

 BJ's is located at 14123 Noblewood Plaza, Woodbridge, VA 22193,  COSTCO is located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, VA 22192.  Sam's Club is located at 14050 Worth Avenue, Woodbridge, VA 22192

There are times when you "have the hankering" to visit an old fashioned hardware store - it is time then to go to PITKIN'S 

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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This store in the Glendale Plaza on Dale Boulevard has survived the arrival of The Home Depot and Lowe's even though they are less than 10 minutes away.

It is a hardware store of the type you remember before the hardware super stores came to town.  When you go into Pitkins and say, "How do I -----?" there is someone there who will tell you and show you exactly what you need.

They also have a rental department with all the equipment Harry and Harriet Homeowner could possibly need for either major or minor projects.  Finally, they have two other stores - one on Route 234 in Woodbine and one in the Westfields sectionof Fairfax County.

When you want to purchase groceries and "stuff" you may want to visit our 3 major club stores, BJ's, Costco and Sam's Club   

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

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At 22,000 square feet it is the largest appliance retail store in the mid-Atlantic states and has been in operation for 20 years.  Owners Mark and Pam Tonnesen continue to improve service to the public with continual emphasis on improving operations and product lines sold

Altjough their primary market area is Prince William County and lower Fairfax County they have and will make deliveries throughout Northern Virginia and Maryland

 The company operates a fleet of 11 delivery and installation trucks that are equipped to install all appliances that the firm sells - they are neat and well maintained.

Manager Mark Romeo oversees a staff of 42 employees.  Interestingly, the sales consultants are salaried employees and do not earn commissions - their emphasis is helping you make the wisest choice to meet your needs.

The store is located along the Prince William Parkway at 13851 Telegraoh Road, Woodbridge, 22192 and can be easily seen from the Parkway.

 Their telephone numbers are  703-492-7283 and 800-670-3306 

 Another interesting locally owned firm is PITKINS HARDWARE IN DALE CITY

If you are considering a move to, within or out of Northern Virginia you should consult a local expert who has

There are not many realtors who can match or come close to the above qualifications to assist you.

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