top of page


New Grocery Stores Coming to Northern Virginia in 2026
If you're looking for new places to shop for groceries in Northern Virginia, there are several exciting additions to keep an eye on. From budget-friendly supermarkets to specialty markets and international food destinations, these new and upcoming stores offer more options for everyday shopping. Aldi Expands with Two Planned Locations Aldi continues to grow its presence in Virginia with two additional Northern Virginia locations currently in the works. One store is planned fo
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
3 days ago2 min read


Mistakes to Avoid When Listing a Property (From your TC’s perspective)
Selling a home involves much more than simply putting a "For Sale" sign in the yard or publishing a listing online. Every step leading up to your listing—and every detail that follows—can influence how buyers respond to your property. A well-prepared listing creates a stronger first impression, encourages more interest, and helps the selling process move forward with fewer obstacles. While every home and every market are different, there are several common mistakes that can m
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jul 173 min read


8 Northern Virginia Splash Pads to Keep Kids Cool This Summer
When the weather gets warmer, splash pads are one of the easiest ways for kids to cool off, play, and enjoy time outdoors. Northern Virginia has several family-friendly water play spots, from simple spraygrounds to larger splash parks with fountains, slides, and nearby playgrounds. Here are 8 splash pads and water play destinations in NoVA worth visiting this summer. 1. The Boro Splash Pad Located on the upper promenade of Boro Park in Tysons, The Boro Splash Pad is a conveni
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jul 103 min read


Where to Celebrate the Fourth of July at DC Restaurants and Rooftop Bars
Courtesy PRNewsFoto/ Capital Concerts Whether you want to enjoy a seafood feast before the fireworks or watch the show from a rooftop with a cocktail in hand, several DC-area restaurants, bars, and hotels are planning special Fourth of July celebrations. This year’s fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:30 PM. While popular viewing destinations such as Moonraker, the Salamander, the Graham, and CUT Above are already sold out, there are still several options available for din
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jul 33 min read


Summer Home Maintenance Checklist: Simple Ways to Protect Your Home
Summer is the perfect season to enjoy more time outdoors, host family gatherings, and complete projects around the house. However, warmer temperatures, increased humidity, heavy rain, and frequent use of cooling systems can place extra stress on your property. A little preventive maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your home comfortable and avoiding unexpected repairs. You do not need to tackle everything at once. Start with a few simple checks, create a manageable s
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jun 265 min read


Northern Virginia’s Fourth of July Fireworks Guide: 22 Ways to Light Up Your Summer Nights
Fourth of July in Northern Virginia isn’t just a single night—it’s a full stretch of summer celebrations that build from late June through mid-July. Across towns, parks, vineyards, and historic landmarks, communities are planning fireworks shows that range from relaxed neighborhood gatherings to large-scale Independence Day festivals. Whether you’re after a casual evening under the stars or a big holiday crowd with full programming, there’s no shortage of places to celebrate.
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jun 193 min read


10 Northern Virginia Restaurants for Father’s Day
Father’s Day is a great reason to slow down, gather the family, and treat Dad to a meal that feels a little more memorable than the usual weekend plans. Across Northern Virginia, restaurants are offering special brunches, hearty dinner features, cookout-style menus, and limited-time dishes made for every kind of celebration. Whether Dad is happiest with a perfectly cooked steak, fresh sushi, barbecue ribs, seafood, or tacos with a drink on the side, these Northern Virginia re
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jun 124 min read


Why Burke Was Named the Best Place to Live in Virginia
Courtesy Fun in Fairfax, VA If you’ve spent any time in Fairfax County, Burke’s latest recognition probably won’t come as a surprise. U.S. News & World Report officially ranked Burke as the #1 Best Place to Live in Virginia for 2026–2027, placing it ahead of Northern Virginia communities like Arlington, Reston, Leesburg, and Centreville. Nationally, Burke ranked No. 108 among 250 cities across the United States. For buyers looking at Northern Virginia real estate, the ranking
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Jun 53 min read


What’s New in Virginia Beach This Summer 2026
Virginia Beach is kicking off Summer 2026 with a mix of new restaurants, cultural events, waterfront experiences, and community celebrations. From rooftop seafood spots and drive-thru sushi to major festivals and museum expansions, there’s plenty to explore this season. Courtesy Virginia Beach CVB New Food & Drink Spots Courtesy The Bee & The Biscuit One of the most unique additions this summer is Chic’s Laundry, a former laundromat in northern Virginia Beach that has been tr
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
May 293 min read


10 Easy Getaways From DC Worth Planning Around
Sometimes the best trip is the one that doesn’t require a flight, a complicated itinerary, or a week away from real life. Around DC, there are plenty of places that feel special without being hard to reach—wooded cabins, waterfront inns, vineyard retreats, historic hotels, wellness escapes, and resorts built for doing absolutely everything or almost nothing. Here are 10 standout getaways within driving distance of DC, each offering its own kind of escape. 1. Postcard Cabins S
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
May 225 min read


May Real Estate Tips: A Realtor’s Checklist for a Successful Busy Season
May is one of the busiest seasons in real estate. Buyers are actively searching for homes, sellers want to move before summer, and transactions start piling up quickly. While this can be exciting, it can also become stressful without the right systems in place. For many realtors, May is the perfect time to get organized, improve communication, and make sure every transaction runs smoothly. A little preparation can help you stay ahead, avoid delays, and give your clients a bet
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
May 153 min read


The Best Things to Do in Northern Virginia and Washington, DC This May
Courtesy Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival Spring is finally settling in across Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, and May brings the perfect excuse to spend more time outdoors. From food festivals and live concerts to cultural celebrations and Broadway performances, the month is packed with events worth adding to your calendar. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly festivals, big-name music acts, or weekend activities around the DMV, these standout May events offer someth
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
May 103 min read


Best Poolside Decor Ideas for Summer: Stylish Outdoor Essentials
Summer is closer than it feels—and if you’ve got a pool, this is your moment to turn it into a space people gravitate toward. The right décor doesn’t just make things look good—it shapes the entire experience. With a few intentional pieces, your poolside can feel more vibrant, more comfortable, and far more inviting. Here’s how to elevate your setup with essentials that bring both style and function: Wix Media 1. Portable Speaker (Summer Sounds) A compact speaker in a bright,
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
May 12 min read


11 Must-See Concerts and Music Festivals in the DC Area This Spring
Spring in the DC area is stacked with live music. Whether you want a full festival weekend, an outdoor dance party, or a big-name concert, this season’s lineup offers a little bit of everything. From electronic music and bluegrass to rock, pop, and R&B, these 11 events bring major artists and distinct live experiences to venues across the region. 1. Project Glow Fest and Block Party RFK Festival Grounds April 18, May 30–31 Project Glow returns this spring with another high-en
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Apr 244 min read


5 Northern Virginia Spring Food Festivals to Add to Your Calendar
Spring is one of the best times to get outside in Northern Virginia, and food festivals make the season even better. Whether you are in the mood for barbecue, wine, Thai street food, or a little bit of everything, these spring events offer plenty of ways to eat well and enjoy the warmer weather. Foodees Fest April 17 to 19 Hours: 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday Where: Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield C
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Apr 173 min read


Best April Events Still Happening in Northern Virginia, DC, and the DMV
If April always seems to speed by, you are not alone. One minute it is all Easter weekend plans and cherry blossoms, and the next the month is already in full swing. The good news is that even by April 10, there is still a lot worth putting on your calendar. The rest of the month is packed with the kind of spring events that make this time of year so fun around the DMV: comedy shows, live music, garden tours, food festivals, family-friendly outings, and a few great free event
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Apr 103 min read


Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms Outside DC
Cherry blossom season in the DMV always brings excitement, but it also brings heavy crowds, especially around the Tidal Basin in Washington, DC. For anyone who wants to enjoy the blooms without dealing with packed walkways, there are several other places in Northern Virginia and Maryland where cherry trees make just as lovely a spring appearance. From gardens and parks to neighborhoods and waterfront trails, these spots offer a chance to take in the season a little closer to
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Apr 33 min read


7 Unique Easter Egg Hunts in Virginia You Can’t Miss
Easter egg hunts are a cherished tradition of spring, but this year, several events across Virginia are taking the classic hunt up a notch. These creative spins on the usual egg hunt promise an exciting and fresh experience for everyone involved. Here are seven special hunts that will bring a new level of fun to your holiday. Easter Egg Hunt in the Trees | March 18–April 5 Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Ready for an egg hunt that’s literally a step abov
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Mar 272 min read


Easy & Affordable Ways to Refresh Your Home This Spring
Affordable Spring Home Refresh Tips for Busy Real Estate Pros & Homeowners Spring is a season of renewal—and that goes for your home, too! After months of winter, warmer days and longer light make this the perfect time to rejuvenate your living spaces. But we know how overwhelming life can be, especially for solo agents and small teams juggling closings, clients, and endless to‑dos. That’s why we’re sharing practical, affordable ways to refresh your home for spring perfect f
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Mar 203 min read


Celebrate Women’s History Month: 5 Events in Northern Virginia You Should Know About
March is recognized across the United States as Women’s History Month , a time dedicated to recognizing the impact women have made in shaping society, culture, and leadership. In Northern Virginia, this month is marked by a variety of events that highlight women’s stories, achievements, and ongoing contributions to their communities. From historical performances to storytelling festivals and networking gatherings, the region offers several meaningful ways to participate in th
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
Gunther and Holly Hemmer
Mar 133 min read
bottom of page
