jessica

Best Neighborhoods for Runners &Triathletes

May 6, 2012 By jessica

photo via cover your race

Have you ever been out running or cycling on the W&OD trail, passed through a neighborhood and thought, “how cool would it be to live here? I’d be right next to the trail.”

I know it has gone through my mind more than once. If you are a runner or a triathlete, living close to the trail network (and indoor pool) is key in terms of convenience, time management and perhaps even motivation.

If you’re looking for easy access to the trails here are some great neighborhoods

Mt. Vernon Trail

Pools: Mt. Vernon Rec Center, Chinquapin, Alexandria YMCA, Wakefield High School

Alexandria (Fairfax County) Belle Haven, Bellview Condominiums, Waynewood

Mt. Vernon Trail with easy access to Haines Point and W&OD

Alexandria – Old Town, Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Braddock Heights

Arlington – Arlington Ridge, Aurora Hills

W&OD Trail

Pools: Washington-Lee High School, Providence Recreation Center

Arlington – Aurora Hills, Bluemont, Ballston, Clarendon, Cherrydale, Lyon Village, Maywood, Palisades Park, Rosslyn, Shirlington, Falls Church – Falls Park, Winter Hill, Lake Barcroft,

Falls Church – Falls Park, Winter Hill, Smiths Garden,

Open Water Swim Training

Falls Church- Lake Barcroft

If you have questions about these neighborhoods or would like to view the available listings Email me and I’d be glad to help

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Simple Containers Add Color and Style

May 3, 2012 By jessica

Whether you have a quarter-acre lot, a tiny low-maintenance yard or merely a balcony – container gardening can add color and style to your home’s exterior. An hour spent with a few bags of potting soil, a couple of clay pots and some some inexpensive perennials can really make your home’s entrance or outdoor space pop.

Through trial and error, years of reading Better Homes and Gardens and little advice from my mother-in-law here are some tips that I’ve learned.

Height is more dramatic – either incorporate a tall component to one pot or a do a grouping of tall and smaller containers
Smaller containers dry out faster so its best to go with a larger one
When planting leave enough room between plants that the container looks full 2-3 weeks after planting
If one plant starts to take over the planter you can trim it back
Use perennials and annuals with complementing colors.

When preparing your home for sale its important not to overlook the entrance. I advise sellers to create a cheerful and inviting entry to their home with colorful potted plants. Beautiful containers are easy to do yourself and can create a big impact when welcoming potential buyers to your home.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: alexandria homes for sale, alexandria va realtor, arlington va realtor