1) Indulge in Fall Flavors 

As soon as fall comes around restaurants and coffee shops alike begin serving seasonal foods and beverages. Pumpkin spice lattes have become as synonymous with fall as the leaves changing colors. But that’s because it’s just that good! People love the taste of pumpkin spice, but what many crave is the aroma of a warm fall drink. This is why apple cider is another popular choice among fall drink enthusiasts. Apple cider is a classic fall drink that can be served hot or cold depending on your personal preference. Not to be confused with the bitter tasting health drink, apple cider vinegar, apple cider has a sweet and crisp taste perfect for autumn days.  

2) Enjoy Nature 

While the summer months bring their share of amazing weather. The early fall months are one of the most beautiful times to get outdoors. Even though it might be too chilly for shorts and a t-shirt, there’s nothing wrong with putting on your favorite pair of sweats and enjoying the crisp fall air. Also be sure to take in the breathtaking views of changing seasons such as the leaves falling and changing colors. A brisk walk outside can also pair wonderfully with your favorite warm fall drink in hand!  

3) Fall Decorations 

Christmas decorations are something that have been present inside and outside of homes for years, but fall decorations can be just as fun to set up and just as eye-catching as well. From autumn wreaths, pumpkins, leaves, and spooky Halloween decorations, the possibilities are endless. Entryway decorations are also becoming extremely popular and trendy as they are the first thing people see when entering your home and serve to give your space tons of personality.  

4) Fall Recipes  

Every season can be associated with a common set of flavors. However, no season has set itself apart in that area quite like fall. Apples, pumpkin, squash, corn, cinnamon, maple, sage; these foods and flavors paired together or separately represent what fall is all about. A popular method of cooking fall recipes is in a crockpot or slow cooker. Simply combine your ingredients and leave it to cook while you go about your day. You can make delicious stews, soups, chilis and more with ease. If cooking isn’t your thing, fall farmers markets are a great place to go to for the freshest foods in your area.  

5) Apple Picking  

Apple picking is a great fall activity for families, couples, and friends. Whether you’re in it just for fun or your goal is to pick apples to eat and cook with, you can definitely find what you're looking for at your local apple orchard. Unfortunately, most orchards aren’t free, but you can surely get more than your dollars' worth for the price of admission. Apple picking season begins around July and extends into early November so don’t worry; you still have plenty of time left to try it for yourself.  

6) Carve Pumpkins 

Carving pumpkins used to be something reserved for Halloween or entertaining children, but the fall practice has become trendier and more suitable for all age groups. Scary faces on pumpkins are becoming outdated as pumpkin carvings have become much more fun and sophisticated. You could carve your favorite team's logo, a special design, or practically anything you want. Don’t forget to make the most of every part of the pumpkin as the seeds can be roasted and eaten and the pulp can be used in a variety of recipes.  

7) Dress to Impress 

Fall is a great excuse to break out those comfy sweats, and there’s nothing with that! However, fall is also a great season for many other different kinds of fashion and attire. Flannel is a great option for fall as it can be dressed up or down depending on your mood and preference. If you haven’t already, fall is also a great time to invest in a solid pair of boots. Be sure to pick a pair that are warm enough for the colder weather, but not too warm so that they will feel uncomfortable. 

The post How to Make the Most of Fall appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

DATE: April 30

TIME: 8:30 am

LOCATION: Broadlands Marketplace

                   43170 Southern Walk Plaza

                   Broadlands, VA 20148



REGISTRATION FEES:

5K Adult: $25

5K Youth (12 & Under): $15

3-Person Corporate Team: $100

4-Person Corporate Team: $115

1 Mile Adult: $20

1 Mile Youth (12 & Under): $10



For those who prefer to participate virtually, the registration fee is $30 for the 5K and $25 for the 1 mile, which includes the shipping fee. Virtual participants must be registered by Wednesday, April 27 at midnight. 



REGISTRANTS will receive a commemorative race shirt and custom bib 

 

PACKET PICK UP will be Friday, April 29, time and location to be announced. 

The post Register for 2022 Van Metre 5K Run appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

https://pentagonrowskating.com/  

Pentagon Row is home to the largest outdoor ice rink in northern Virginia. Still not convinced? What about the outdoor dual-sided fireplaces for guests to lounge and warm-up while taking a break from skating? Pentagon Row has all the luxuries and amenities you could ever ask for. If you’re a beginner, they also have lessons for children, adults, as well as private lessons.  

(Photo rights fxva.com) 

Old Town Manassas  

https://visitmanassas.org/shop-dine/291/the-city-of-manassas-ice-rink-at-the-loy-e-harris-pavilion/  

Old Town Manassas is one of the most historic cities in Virginia, if not the entire country. On top of their history, they also have a charming ice-skating rink at the Loy E. Harris Pavilion. A night or day spent ice skating at this location is sure to create joyful memories with friends and family alike. For a special fee, you can even rent out the entire rink to have it all to yourself!  

Reston Town Center Ice Skating  

https://restontowncentericeskatingpavilion.showare.com/ 

Reston Town Center is a terrific place to celebrate holiday traditions and create magical memories. Ice-skating at Reston Town Center allows you to experience so many great festivities all at once such as the annual Reston Holiday Parade, the arrival of Mr. And Mrs. Claus, mini-train rides, and a horse-drawn carriage. Limited tickets are available so be sure to book in advance.  

(Photo rights fxva.com) 

Ashburn Ice House  

https://www.ashburnice.com/  

The Ashburn Ice House is so much more than your average ice-skating rink. It’s home to tons of activities such as camps and hockey leagues. If you’re not an avid skater, no need to worry. Ashburn Ice House also has public skate sessions as well as group activities. Pretty much anything you would want to do on ice can be done at Ashburn Ice House.  

The post Where to Go Ice Skating in Northern Virginia appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

The holiday season is upon us, and we reflect on the past year and those who have helped to shape our business – our residents. We value each and every one of you and would like to express our tremendous gratitude for your ongoing support. We know that selecting where you live is a choice and we are humbled that you chose to make a Van Metre community the place you call home.

In 2021, the pandemic has, yet again, dominated our day to day life. We’ve all had to adapt to a “new normal,” although what that looks like is different for every person. We know 2021 has been difficult, but we are looking forward to a brighter new year – 2022. A year filled with hope and possibilities!

Thank you for your continued loyalty and trust in us. Kick back and relax in your Van Metre home, have a well-deserved rest, and let every day of the holiday season be filled with joy.

From our family at Van Metre to yours, Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Mike Barrett

Group President, Investment Properties

The post A Message From Mike Barrett appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

As the temperatures start to dip and the leaves begin to change colors to fiery reds and vibrant yellow and oranges, we begin to snuggle into welcoming and cozy spaces. But before you start swiping your card and loading up on expensive fall décor, check out these DIY fall decorations to help you celebrate the season without breaking the bank – in the snuggliest, comfiest way possible.

1. Make a wreath.

If you’re feeling crafty, whip out the glue gun and some plastic leaves and pumpkins to create a beautiful fall wreath. If arts and crafts aren’t up your alley, scour some local stores to see if you can find a wreath within your budget.

2. Get local pumpkins.

Make a day of visiting a local pumpkin patch. It’s a fun family day and also helps the local economy!  

3. Collect from nature.

Gathering pinecones is a family-friendly activity that can double as an easy, free way to stock up on fall decorations for your home. If pinecones aren’t an option, you can also collect leaves, tree limbs or acorns.

4. Buy faux decorations.

Local hobby stores—and most thrift stores—often carry faux leaf garlands, plastic pumpkins and ceramic gourds.

5. Display blankets.

Fall brings cooler weather, which means it’s time to break out the blankets. Having them displayed in main living areas can make your home instantly feel more festive.

6. Buy cinnamon brooms.

If you want to make your house smell more like autumn without purchasing expensive fancy scented candles, decorate the prominent areas of your home with cinnamon brooms. Your local Trader Joes often has a ton!

7. Decorate with baskets.

Nothing says fall like a basket full of crisp red apples or small gourds from your local grocery store. It makes your space look warm and inviting—and should only cost you a few dollars!

The post How to make your apartment extra cozy for the new season appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

August is National Golf Month! It’s the perfect time to get out to the golf course and introduce a new friend or two to the wonderful game. 

We may be past August 1^st, but National Golf Month is designed for us to celebrate all month long. You can celebrate National Golf Month by heading to the driving range, practice greens, and of course the golf course. 

Van Metre is the name behind some award-winning golf courses and clubhouses, including Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, Old Hickory Golf Club, Bull Run Golf Club and Augustine Golf Club. 

Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club

Located in Leesburg, Virginia, you will find Raspberry Falls Golf & Hunt Club, a spectacular course with all the marks of what makes for an exceptional round of golf. As you encounter our rambling streams, bunkers, stone walls and spectacular rolling terrain, you're almost going to feel that you've traveled across the Atlantic to play golf in the British Isles. And yet you are in Virginia's horse country, with vistas of the Catoctin Mountains in the background. The course was built in 1996, laid out by Gary Player Design, opening that same year to quickly become one of the most popular daily-fee courses in the Washington DC Area.

Old Hickory Golf Club

Located in Woodbridge, VA, Old Hickory Golf Club is the premier upscale golf course, wedding and banquet facility in the area. Our course at Old Hickory Golf Club was designed to fit its' site with great precision. The par-72, 7,190-yard championship layout is the work of architect Tim Freeland of Jacksonville, FL, who previously worked for the design firm of golf legend Gary Player and also worked on the design of Raspberry Falls Golf and Hunt Club, sister course to Old Hickory. Old Hickory Golf Club is a challenging course with lots of creeks to cross and sights to see, but it is also a course that all levels of golfers will enjoy playing. The beautiful scenery and layout is sure to impress your guests and also provide them with many memorable moments.

Bull Run Golf Club

Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country just minutes away from historic Civil War sites, you will find Bull Run Golf Club. Our Championship Golf Course is one of the Washington, D.C. area’s most outstanding public golf courses. We have several awards to our credit: Golf Magazine named Bull Run Golf Club as "The Best New Public Course in 1999; the Washington Times called us "The Best Public Course in the D.C. Area” in 2000; and Washington Golf Monthly named Bull Run one of "The Mid-Atlantic’s 100 Must-Play Courses”. The expansive course layout is very secluded, meandering through acres and acres of undeveloped scenic meadows, ponds, and woodlands. This is truly a must-play gem along the "Raspberry Golf Trail".

Augustine Golf Club

Located just 30 miles from the Washington Beltway, golfers will find a country club atmosphere awaits them from the bag drop to the impeccable course conditions. This may be the most beautiful and natural golf course you will ever play. The accolades for this truly remarkable golf course keep coming. Augustine Golf Club has a highly coveted "4.5 Star Rating" from Golf Digest, as is among the "Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play" ranked by Golf Magazine. There are a handful of golf courses across the country that are rated higher. Here at Augustine, we pride ourselves on the high quality of magnificent golf, superb amenities, and outstanding service. We are extremely proud to have earned recognition as one of the region's premier golf experiences.

How do you plan to celebrate National Golf Month? We suggest booking a tee time with us!

Photo: Bull Run Golf Course

The post Celebrate National Golf Month on the Raspberry Golf Trail appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

This summer enjoy the spirit and joy of vacation but at home with #VanMetreStaycation and take advantage of the amenities your community has to offer as well as neighborhood events and businesses to ramp up your summer fun!

Is there a newly opened museum or attraction you’ve wanted to visit? Is there a district you’ve never explored? Rediscover the best parts of your hometown and explore the unknown: this may lead to unique experiences and encounters.

2. Go on a Local Hike

You don’t have to live up in the hills or the mountains to go for a hike: a park can do it, and basically, every place where nature is everything can do it.

3. Book a Spa Day

Put in some time at your local spa for a massage or a full package: you can go alone or book a spa day with your partner or also with your family.

4. Visit Your Favorite or New Local Restaurants

With restrictions being removed, now more than ever is the time to support your local restaurants.

 5. Go to a Hotel in your Town for the Night

Why not scouting for the best offers on hotels in town and booking a night? It may sound weird, but this is one of the best things to do during your staycation: hotels tend to reduce their rates for the day if they don’t sell out, and who can avail of these if not the people who already live in the city and want to do something different? Imagine having access to a hotel breakfast the morning after.

6. Visit an Amusement Park

Amusement Parks may not be for everyone, but if you are into them, visit the closest one and enjoy it. Lots of parks offer admission discounts if you buy online or if you are local, so make sure you check what’s going on and plan accordingly.

7. Hit the Pool or Beach!

Summers were meant for being in the water so hit the closest pool or beach. Grab a magazine, a towel, a cocktail, and you’re all set for the day!

8. Sleep

Yes, just like you would do if you’re were on holiday somewhere else. Sleeping is a fundamental activity of every holiday, and it has to be considered in the same way even when you’re staycationing. Deactivate your alarm clock, sleep in for as long as you like, and don’t feel guilty at all: sleeping is a respectable and well-deserved activity!

We want to see your summer fun in and around the community! POST A PHOTO OR A VIDEO TO YOUR INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT use the hashtag #VanMetreStaycation and tag your apartment community in your post.

The post #VanMetreStaycation – Be a tourist in your hometown! appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

Spring is in the air and it’s time for a little refresh. Along with a good spring clean, adding new bright decor or simply moving furniture around can feel like a breath of fresh air. Here are some great ways to brighten up your apartment for spring.

Bring the outdoors in with house plants

Plants can always help to bring some life and fresh air to your apartment. Indoor plants not only make your living space more inviting and luxurious; they also make your home’s air healthier. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, there are plant options that are low maintenance and don’t need a lot of care. Choose your plants based on your lifestyle. Bringing in fresh flowers in a beautiful vase can also add a fantastic accent and a fresh fragrance to any room.

Include New Details

The tiniest changes can have a huge impact in a room, creating an area you’re excited to return to after a busy day. For example, a new duvet cover and fluffy pillows can change the whole atmosphere of the oasis that is your bedroom. Or we can always rely on mirrors. A full-length mirror is a beautiful accent to add to any area to trick the eye and make the room seem larger than it actually is. This can be perfect for a cozier apartment setting.

For the bathroom, a new shower curtain and bathroom accessories can really switch it up. An expensive set of towels is another excellent investment, since you use them every day, and they offer a luxurious feel for a small price.

As for the living room, a warm-light lamp will add a homey feel to it. New candles can spread an amazing fragrance while adding an extra level of coziness to a room. When you’re relaxing at the end of a long day, lighting some candles, cuddling up on the couch with a soft blanket and a good book can help you unwind completely.

Give Rugs Some Thought

Does it feel like your floors need some attention? Whether your apartment has carpeting or hardwood floors, a new area rug can give the room flair and add a whole new vibe to the atmosphere. There's a reason they say area rugs can bring a living space together – with this piece, you can make an incomplete room feel more composed almost seamlessly. Use the existing decor in your apartment to choose a color that would look best but be sure to keep popular spring pastels in mind to follow seasonal trends.

Pops of Color

Bring color to your bedroom by mixing in new throw pillows, blankets, and vases in a spring-appropriate hue. Whether you’re switching up the neutral shade on all the walls or adding a bold accent on just one of them, a fresh coat of paint can bring a room from 10 to 100. The colors we surround ourselves with can impact our moods and evoke emotion, so choose your color palette based on how you want to feel.

Treat Yourself

Have you been eyeing that mini Keurig machine for a while? How about a stand mixer? After all, you deserve it for all the spring-cleaning work you’ve done. This is the perfect time to splurge on something for yourself and your home, especially after decluttering and creating free space for new stuff.

Spring is all about incorporating decor that makes you feel comforted and happy when you see it.

Be creative as you infuse spring into your apartment. A joyful apartment will give anyone who enters an instant mood boost.

The post Spring is here. Time to discover your spring look. appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

Many times throughout life a fresh start is just what we need to get back some joy in our lives. As bad as this year may have been, 2021 can be your chance for a new beginning.
 

1. Commit to becoming more physically fit.

You don’t have to become a world-class athlete to get up and move more. Maybe you’ll set a goal of completing a 5K race. Perhaps more realistic is deciding to walk around the community or nearby park twice a week – or leaving the car at home when running nearby errands and riding a bike instead. What’s important is finding a routine that works for you – and then sticking to it.

2. Plan new activities

While 2020 may have taught us that life can be unpredictable, it shouldn’t stop you from planning new things to do in life. Life is full of experiences just waiting for you to take a chance on.

3. Look for ways to brighten someone else’s life.

We asked nearly 2 million people across the globe what one thing makes them feel most fulfilled, and GIVING has consistently been among their top answers. No matter where we live, there’s no shortage of people, causes, or organizations that can benefit from our time, expertise, or resources. Not only are we as humans biologically wired to share with others, but research from National Institutes of Health neuroscientist Jorge Moll found we get an actual “helper’s high” – thanks to the release of addictive feel-good neurotransmitters – when we do.

Kick off 2021 with a home free from clutter and mess:

4. Clean out your closet

According to one estimate, on average, consumers buy 68 garments a year. That means there’s a lot you might have to remove from your closet.

Cleaning out your closet space will give you a chance to have a simple wardrobe entering the new year. Most likely a closet all about comfort as Americans are leaning towards athletic wear and casual attire.

5. Declutter your home

Along with clothes, you probably filled up your home with other items that you don’t use as much as you thought you would.

Look through all of the rooms in your home for any items you bought this year. If you haven’t been using them in the last few months, consider getting rid of it. If the item is seasonal, and you can recall using it a lot during the specific season, it may be worth keeping.

Getting rid of items you didn’t use much will free you of clutter in your space, and make more room for things that will bring you more joy.

6. Tap into 2021's biggest interior trends to reinvent and refresh your home for the year ahead

Earthy color palettes, multipurpose rooms, and more. Home decor trends for 2021 are all about creating a home that's comfortable, functional, and most importantly, a reflection of you. We'll cheers to that!

Every year, we look at Jan. 1 as a symbol of a fresh start and a chance to have our “best year yet.” This mindset feels more urgent than ever this year.

This doesn’t mean you can’t look at the new year as a clean slate, though. In fact, experts say it’s important to look at the new year as a new start and shake off as many of those 2020 vibes as you can.

Are you ready for a fresh start?

The post Make the Most of the Fresh Start of a New Year! appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.

At Van Metre, we believe the strength of a community is determined by the people who call it home. So for 65 years, we have been building new homes, offices, apartments and retail centers in the greater Washington region. Our portfolio of companies combines and connects to support each other’s success and enrich the lives of those who live, work, play and shop in the communities we serve.

Thank you for helping us get to 65 years!
 

The post Cheers to 65 Years! appeared first on Fairfax Square Blog.