Struck By Cupid’s Arrow!

Love is in the air in Loudoun and Fairfax county! This weekend is Valentine’s Day and couples everywhere are looking forward to celebrating with their significant other. No plans yet? No worries, here is a list of things to do in both counties. 

 

 

Loudoun County 

Valentine’s Weekend at 868 – February 12 – Specialty wine tasting and cupcake pairing. $40 per couple, no reservations required. 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd Purcellville, VA 20132

My Funny Valentine – February 13 – 5th Annual My Funny Valentine at Notaviva Vineyards With NBC Series Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Jason Weems! – 7:00pm – 13274 Sagle Rd Purcellville, VA 20132. 

Tuscarora Mill – February 14 – Special Valentines Day menu, for reservations call 703-771-9300. 203 Harrison Street Leesburg, VA 20175. 

Cookology – February 11 – Join us for an evening of fun, fare, and a flight of wine.
In this class, you will sit and enjoy wine as you assemble your small plates. This is a social class with some fun instruction with the chef and a great time to learn about wine and food pairing. Bring your sweetheart, your girlfriends, or just yourself to this fun and relaxing class! We’ll pair each dish with a delicious wine. 

Fairfax County

Valentine’s Day at the Animal Shelter – The Fairfax County Animal Shelter is spreading the love this Valentine’s Day. Visit the shelter Thursday February 13 through Saturday February 15 during regular hours* to enjoy free sweet treats like candy and ice cream, hands-on fun with kittens and puppies (while they last!) and fee-waived adoptions on 10 of the shelter’s biggest ‘heartbreakers.’ The shelter is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 7 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Chocolate Festival – So many chocolate festivals, so little time! Among the area’s winter chocolate festivals is one hosted by Floris United Methodist Church (UMC) in Herndon. The 25th annual Floris UMC Chocolate Festival takes place this year on Saturday, February 13, 2016 — just in time for Valentine’s Day! 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

 

SUPERBOWL 2016 – BEST PLACES TO GO FOR GAME TIME!

Super Bowl Sunday has become so much bigger than just a football game, it is part of the American culture, and considered a holiday. Some are excited for the game, others for the hilarious commercials and entertaining half time show! And everyone considers it a day when it’s OK to cheat on that diet they started Jan 1!  No Super Bowl Sunday is complete without indulging in some of the ultimate game day foods! A Super Bowl without fried chicken wings and nachos is like Thanksgiving without turkey! No plans for a party this year? No worries, here is a list of the best places to watch the game while also taking advantage of some awesome menu deals!

LOUDOUN COUNTY

Velocity 5 Sterling

20789 Great Falls Plaza, Sterling

Take the party home with you and get 10 percent off your Super Bowl party order if you order by TODAY!

Smokehouse Live 

1602 Village Market Blvd., Leesburg

Great deals offered at Smokehouse Live, such as three different carry-out packages including a dozen Jumbo Pit Wings, a Pulled Pork Tailgate package that feeds 10 and a Pork & Brisket Combo, also for 10. Pre-order and schedule pick-up.

Broadlands Sports Bar & Grill

42882 Truro Parish Drive Suite 105/106, Ashburn

Watch the game on 24 HDTV’s and 6’x9’ HD projection system in front of the bar.

The Zone

43811 Central Station Drive, Suite 100, Ashburn

With multiple screens throughout the bar, including an extra-large projection screen for optimal viewing, you’ll never miss a play!

O’Malley’s Pub

45425 Holiday Road, Sterling

$3 Draft Domestic Beer (16oz) & $5 Mixed Drink SPecials, $3 Tacos, $5 Nachos, $5 Cheese Burger

FAIRFAX COUNTY

Glory Days Grill 

1400 North Point Village Center, Reston 

Burger, wing and drink specials from 6:30pm – 9:00pm

 

Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse

2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington

Very cool! The Super Bowl will be played on the big screens at Arlington Cinema and Drafthouse with free admission, while offering their regular table side service, full menu, and full bar service.

The State Theatre

220 N. Washington St., Falls Church

Watch the Super Bowl on their big screens. Food and drink specials will be available at 5:30, and admission is free.

Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken 

7511 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

Order ahead to take advantage of Astro’s Super Bowl deal: a 24 wings and six football-shaped doughnuts for $45.

Jackson 20 

480 King St., Alexandria

For 12 people, $300 will cover more ribs, brisket and pork than you can eat, plus mac and cheese, coleslaw, biscuits and barbecue sauce. Call and order by Feb. 1 to pick up on game day.

 

 

No One Does Christmas Like Northern Virginia!

Living in Northern Virginia is the BEST at Christmas time! The cities and neighborhoods are beautifully decorated and the festive atmosphere makes you want to smile even on a bad day. Here are few highlights from our favorite places in Northern Virginia.

VIENNA

FAIRFAX

RESTON

ASHBURN

LEESBURG

This Will Be The Best Year Yet!

It was a fantastic 2015, but cheers to 2016 being even better! No plans yet?! Don’t worry, we have you covered! Here is a list of the top events and places to go in Northern VA to ring in the new year. Get out your noise makers and pop the champagne, it’s time to celebrate! I also included options for those that prefer not to start 2016 with a hang over, but looking to indulge in great food and sparkling cider!

BOOZE BASHES

Clydes of Reston –  10 pm to 2 am – 11905 Market St, Reston – Premium open bar, heavy hors d’oevres, DJ and dancing. Party favors and midnight champagne toast. $125 

Neyla – 8 pm  to 1 am with 8pm seating – 11898 Market St, Reston -Mediterranean cuisine, champagne toast, DJ, belly dancer $85 

World of Beer –  10 pm to 1 am – 1888 Explorer St, Reston – Dancing and entertainment by Dale & the ZDubs band. FREE

O’Malley’s Pub – 6 pm to 12:30 am – 45425 Holiday Dr, Sterling – Two complimentary drinks, a champagne toast at midnight, prizes, party favors, and DJ entertainment. $30 

Bar Louie Ashburn – Open until 2 am – 20586 Easthampton Plaza, Ashburn- midnight buffet, champagne toast, live band. $75 

Ned Devine’s– Open until 2 am – 2465 Centreville Rd, Herndon – Live band, and dancing on a brand new dance floor being installed Christmas Eve. $10

Spanky’s Pub – Open until 2 am – 538 E Market St, Leesburg – Live band and dancing. $10 

Clarendon Ballroom – Open until 1 am – 3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington –       2 levels of entertainment, dinner buffet, midnight champagne toast, midnight balloon drop, party favors and four drink tickets good for Redbull, all beer, wine, champagne and liquor (excluding premium) and a late night hoagie station. $115

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SOBER CELEBRATIONS

First Night Alexandria – 2 pm – 12 am – Old Town Alexandria – parking at 101 Callahan Dr, Alexandria – 175 live performances, 28 venues, annual fun hunt, and fireworks show finale. $30 per person, children under 12 and active military are free  

Watch Night New Years Eve – 7 pm – 12 am – 200 Block of East Broad St, Falls Church – live entertainment, magic shows, food vendors, 66-foot dragon obstacle course. Free

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Candles Burning Bright, Each Lit on 8 Special Nights

Sunday was the first  of the 8-day celebration of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah! It is a Festival of Lights! Hanukkah is celebrated by lighting candles on the nine-branched menorah, one for each night of the holiday. There are tons of activities going on in Northern Virginia and DC to commemorate the holiday. Here is a guide of what is planned for the area:

Chanukah on Ice – December 8, 2015, 6-8:30 p.m. Pentagon Row Ice Rink, 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington, Virginia. Ice menorah carving show, menorah lighting and ice skating.(703) 370-2774. $10 per person, includes skate rental. Event is hosted by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria-Arlington.

Village at Leesburg Hanukkah Celebration – December 13, 2015, 4 p.m. 1602 Village Market Blvd, Leesburg, VA. You are encouraged to bring a donation for Toys for Tots.

Matzo Ball – December 24, 2015. 9 p.m. Midtown DC, 1219 Connecticut Ave. NW Washington, DC. $30. Singles Hanukkah party organized by the Society of Young Jewish Professionals.

 Light Up Arlington: Clarendon Menorah Lighting
Arlington, VA – Wed., Dec. 9 –Meet at Clarendon Central Park (at the Clarendon Metro Station) at 6 pm for the lighting of a giant 6-foot menorah. Enjoy lively Hanukkah music, chocolate gelt and dreidels for all, and hot potato latkes. Sponsored by Chabad Lubavitch of Alexandria Arlington.

 Light Up the Night
Fairfax, VA  – Sun., Dec. 13 – The JCC of Northern Virginia hosts this community event at Mosaic District, 4-5 pm, with a menorah lighting, holiday songs, entertainment, sufganiyot (donuts), and dreidel games.

Chanukah on Ice
Reston, VA – Sun., Dec. 13 – Meet at the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion 5-7 pm for an early evening of ice skating to lively Hanukkah music, a Grand Menorah lighting, hot latkes and donuts, and dreidels and chocolate gelt for all. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door; you also can buy a simple box dinner (hot dog, snack, and juice box) for $3.50. Presented by Chabad of Reston-Herndon.

 

 

Oh Christmas Tree!

 

Deck the halls and hang the stockings! It’s Christmas time! The happiest time of the year! Did you get your tree yet? If not, no worries, here is a list of all the places you can chop down your own tree in Loudoun and Fairfax county. And if the real trees aren’t your thing, we also included a list of where to go to purchase a beautiful artificial tree.  

WHERE TO CHOP:

Fairfax

Ticonderoga Farms

Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
26469 Ticonderoga Road, Chantilly
703-327-4424 / ticonderoga.com

 Krops Crops

Weekends, 11 a.m. to dark
11110 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls
571-237-4380 / kropscrops.com

Loudoun

Country Loving Christmas Tree Farm

Open Mon.–Fri. by appointment; Sat. and Sun., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
40824 Red Hill Road, Leesburg
571-241-2829 / countrylovingfarm.com

Day Star Farm
Sat., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun., 1–5 p.m.
41374 Reservoir Road, Leesburg
703-327-6269 / daystarfarm.net

Loudoun Nursery

Weekends, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
16463 Short Hill Road, Purcellville
540-338-4635 / loudounnursery.com

Lowelands Farm
Weekends, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
21344 Steptoe Hill Road, Middleburg
540-687-6923 / lowelandsfarm.com

Middleburg Christmas Tree Farm
Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Christmas Tree Lane, Round Hill
540-554-8625 / middleburgxmastrees.com

Milltown Creek Tree Farms
Mon.–Fri., Noon–5 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
38757 Householder Road, Lovettsville
540-822-5428 / milltowncreektreefarms.com

Pruitt’s Little Farm
Closing Dec. 19; Sat. and Sun., 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
16477 Woodgrove Road, Round Hill
540-338-2852 / pruittslittlefarm.com

Snickers Gap Tree Farm
Closing Dec. 9; Sat. and Sun., 9 a.m.–Dark; Weekdays, Noon–Dark
34350 Williams Gap Road, Round Hill
540-554-8323 / snickersgaptrees.com

WHERE TO SHOP:

Home Depot – $50-$2,000 – homedepot.com 

Target – $60 – $1,300 – target.com

Sears – $200 – $500 – sears.com

 

 

5 Surprising Facts About Halloween!

Tomorrow is the spookiest day of the year! We have been doing a little research on Halloween and learned some interesting facts. Here is a list of what we believe to be the top 5 most surprising facts about the holiday. 

1.) Although the peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children, the   Snickers bar is the most common candy bar handed out during trick-or-treating. 

2.) Jack O’Laterns originated in Ireland. However, they were not made from pumpkins. People believed that by placing a candle in a hollow-out turnip, it would keep away evil spirits.

3.) Trick-or-treating originated in Europe. However, back then, kids had to work a little harder for a treat! In this form of trick-or-treating, referred to as mumming, children would dress in costumes and go door-to-door performing choreographed dances, songs and plays in exchange for treats.

4.) The worlds biggest pumpkin was grown by a man named Norm Craven in 1993. No one has been able to beat his record of the 836lb vegetable yet! 

5.) There is an old legend that says if you put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards on Halloween, you’ll see a witch at midnight. Anyone brave enough to try?

We hope everyone has has a fun and safe holiday! Happy Halloween from our team at Matt Elliott Realty!

The Season of Pumpkins!

Halloween is only a couple of weeks away! One of the most fun and traditional ways to celebrate the holiday is with pumpkins! It just doesn’t feel like Halloween until you have been to the pumpkin patch and picked out the perfect pumpkin. Here is a list of local pumpkin patches, if you haven’t been yet, keep in mind there are only two weekends left until Halloween!

• Alexandria – Great Pumpkin Fun – Sunday, October 04, 2015 – Saturday, October 31, 2015 (10:00 AM-8:00 PM) – 3606 Seminary Road
• Bluemont – Great Country Farms – Sunday, September 27, 2015 – Saturday, October 31, 2015 (9:00 AM-6:00 PM) – 18780 Foggy Bottom Road
• Centreville – Cox Farms – Saturday, September 26, 2015 – Tuesday, November 03, 2015 (10:00 AM – 6:00 PM) – 15621 Braddock Rd
• Chantilly – Ticonderoga Farms – Saturday, September 19, 2015 – Sunday, November 08, 2015 (9:00 AM – 6:00 PM) – 26469 Ticonderoga Road
• Culpepper – Round Hill Farm – Saturday, September 26, 2015 – Saturday, October 31, 2015 (Weekdays 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Weekends 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM) – 6347 Everona Road
• Fredricksburg – Belvedere Plantation – Saturday, September 12, 2015 – Saturday, November 07, 2015 (hours change daily, call 540-373-4478 when planning a visit) – 1410 Belvedere Drive
• Leesburg – Leesburg Animal Park – Saturday, September 19, 2015 – Tuesday, November 03, 2015 – (9:30 AM – 6:00 PM in October and 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM in November) – 19270 James Monroe Hwy

Fresh pumpkin is packed with vitamins and tastes so much better than the canned stuff! Here are some great recipes for every meal:

Breakfast – Pumpkin Pancakes 

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In a bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger and salt in a separate bowl. Stir into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine.
2. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot.

Lunch – Pumpkin Soup

• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 5 whole black peppercorns

1. Heat stock, salt, pumpkin, onion, thyme, garlic, and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes uncovered.
2. Puree the soup in small batches (1 cup at a time) using a food processor or blender.
3. Return to pan, and bring to a boil again. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for another 30 minutes, uncovered. Stir in heavy cream. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.

Dinner – Pumpkin Pasta

• 12 ounces penne rigate (ridged), or other short pasta
• Coarse salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for garnish (optional)

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 2 cups pasta water; drain pasta and set aside.

2. In pasta pot, heat oil over medium. Add rosemary and fry, stirring, until starting to brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer rosemary to a paper towel, leaving oil in pot.

3. Carefully (oil is hot and will spatter) add pumpkin puree, garlic, half-and-half, Parmesan, vinegar, red-pepper flakes, and 1 cup reserved pasta water to pot. Stir sauce until heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Add pasta to sauce, and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Season generously with salt. Serve pasta sprinkled with fried rosemary and, if desired, more red-pepper flakes.

Happy Halloween from the team at Matt Elliott Realty!

Fun for All in the Fall!

The smell of warm apple cider, pumpkins lining the store fronts, and beautiful orange and red colors in the trees is the fall announcing it’s arrival! The best part about living in Northern Virginia in the fall is the festivals! Start marking your calendar because here is a list of celebrations you won’t want to miss!

Oktoberfest Reston – Free admission – 11900 Market St Reston

Oct 10 – Noon – 11pm and Oct 11 – Noon – 8pm

Held in the popular Reston Town Center, Oktoberfest, is the largest outdoor fall festival in Northern Virginia. The streets are lined with vendors offering everything from crafts to authentic German treats. Those 21 and older can choose from a huge variety of seasonal beers. The event also features several performers and live entertainment that is fun for the whole family!

Northern Virginia Brewfest – Adult (21+) $25.00 + fee
Designated Driver $10.00 + fee – Special Events Center – Bull Run Regional Park – 7700 Bull Run Dr Centerville 

Oct 17-18 – 11am – 7pm

The title says it all, this festival is a beer lovers dream! Featuring samples from over 60 breweries, attendees will be well educated on everything beer; from how it’s made to how to pair it with the best food selection. No sitter? No problem, the event offers face painting, moon bounces, and rock climbing to keep the kiddos entertained!

Apple Harvest Festival – 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester

Oct 10 – 9am-5pm – Oct 11 – 10am – 5pm

How bout them apples?! From apple cobbler to apple cider slushees to an orchard to pick your own apples; this festival is everything apples! The kids will have a blast on the wagon ride and the cow train! Family fun for everyone!

PetOberfest – Free Admission – Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge

Oct 17 – 12pm – 4pm

The adults have had their fun at the beer festivals, the little ones have had a ball at the kids festivals, and now it’s the pets turn! After all, they are a member of the family too and want to join in the celebration! The event benefits the Prince William SPCA and will include a pet parade, pet contests, pet-friendly exhibitors, and much more! All pets are welcome!

Looking forward to celebrating the season with everyone in the community! Happy fall from the Matt Elliott Realty team!

WOW! Talk about a fun night!

Party time! It was a beautiful warm night at Bungalow Lake House where guests mingled and enjoyed a nice cold one after their workday. The water-front venue featured a large room overlooking a beautiful lake!

Along with the fantastic drink selection, there was also delicious food appealing to everyone. The huge variety of hors d’oeuvres featured mouthwatering crab cakes, spring rolls, bacon wrapped scallops, and meatballs; just to name a few!  At the party, Matt and his team had a great time socializing with current and future clients.

Even the little ones at the party were able to have some fun. With the kids corner, there were coloring books, stickers, and play dough available. Youngsters at every table were sitting there entertained while their parents were able to talk and enjoy themselves.  Pool tables and dart boards were available to the adults while enjoying a beer or a glass of wine from the open bar.
Each guest was given a raffle ticket for the chance to win one of several awesome prizes!

To end the night, a delicious cake was served, which featured the Matt Elliott Realty company logo! It was a great end to a fantastic evening.

Looking forward to the next client party! Cheers!