Northern Woodbridge Deserted Shopping Center

What is happening in Northern Woodbridge?

What is happening in Northern Woodbridge?

Have you ever seen an old western where the cowboy comes sauntering into a lonely deserted ghost town. If so, then you know what the Northern Woodbridge U.S. 1 corridor started to look like. . .minus the tumbleweeds.

For the past few years, Northern Woodbridge along U.S.1 has been the epitome of the word blight. Even the ghosts were moving out. Many of the businesses have gone out of business.

However, recently, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting Frank Principi, the county supervisor for the Woodbridge Magisterial District, unveiled the improvements to come as well as those already started. One of the plans is to not only improve the transportation in the area, but, to develop mixed use neighborhoods where people can live, work and play.

Woodbridge has long been a place where people lived in order to get somewhere else; to commute to DC, the Pentagon, Ft Belvoir etc. One of the goals of mixed-use planned neighborhoods is to create local employment so that people don’t have long commutes.

One of these communities in development right now is Stonebridge at Potomac Towne Center featuring Wegman’s, Uncle Julio’s, Zoe’s Kitchen, as well as other businesses. Office buildings are being constructed across from Sentara Potomac Hospital with the goal of attracting medical offices. Already in place is a newer townhouse condo development with new units being added.

Besides Stonebridge, Marumsco Plaza is getting a facelift; as well as plans to develop a new waterfront community near Belmont Bay. Supervisor Principi has a website to outline the long range plan at www.NewWoodbridge.org.

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Uncle Kenny Bolicks NC style BBQ sauce (Tomato based)

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You never know what pleasant surprise you may run into whenever you decide to pop by Occoquan, Virginia to see what’s happening. Occoquan is a quaint and very historical community, nestled on the Occoquan river, that seems to have a surprise around every corner, nook and cranny.

Yesterday, on a whim, I decided I would swing by the farmer’s market there to see what varieties of delectable home grown organic treats awaited. To my grand surprise, I found myself smack-dab in the middle of the town of Occoquan’s annual “Riverfest” which is one of the activities held by the Occoquan River Communities. There were costumed re-enactors, a trolley ride, petting zoo, pony rides, live music throughout the town as well as sidewalk sales from the local merchants. There was even a lemonade stand with fresh squeezed lemonade owned by two little boys.

Some of the places that stood out for me were the following:

The atmosphere of the merchants in the town of Occoquan is always folksy, warm and friendly. Joanne Barney from Tastefully Yours, a wonderful gourmet shop on Mill Street, was going back and forth between watching over the petting zoo, pony rides, and managing her wonderful shop. I always have a great experience in her shop. Besides having superb gelato, and other delectable food, Joanne has put together very attractive gift baskets for me, showcasing foods made in Virginia.

Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe Kimberly Wigode, who owns this shop with her husband Emil, are very knowledgeable about Virginia wines and are readily available with samples to taste. They have excellent customer service and are also available for events.

My favorite place, however, was Quinn’s Goldsmith, Inc. Originally, I went in and inquired about re-sizing my wedding band which has gotten too small (or was it that my finger got too big! LOL!) I also mentioned that I used to be manager of a jewelry store in New York City (Christian Bernard)—many years ago. Valerie Francis, who I believe is a graduate of GIA (Gemological Institute of America), has superb customer service. She not only cleaned my diamond ring, but gave me a tour of the store. I just loved seeing all of the beautiful designs that they display. Quinn’s is definitely the place to go for not only beautiful jewelry but also jewelry repair. The staff is extremely friendly, and knowledgeable.

There are activities throughout the year in Occoquan besides the River Festival. Every Saturday morning has a farmer’s market. There’s a craft fair twice a year, a Harvest Fair and Fun Festival among others. Maybe, I will see you there. Don’t hesitate to come up and say hello!

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I want one of these in my house!

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This house has been renovated from top to bottom! The new roof and windows (2009), completed updated bathrooms and kitchen, new carpet and paint. Single family house for the price of a townhouse. Don’t miss this. 3509 Forestdale Avenue Woodbridge, VA 22193 Virtual tour:

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From my personal experience, all I can say is that from April until December this market has seemed to me like the Wild West! Because of the First Time Home Buyer’s $8,000 tax credit, combined with historically low interest rates and home prices way down, there have been many more new people becoming first time home buyers. However, dealing with the different situations of buying bank owned homes or short sales, changing rules for appraisers for Conventional loans(HVCC), have brought quite a few interesting and at times, very stressful (but exciting!) situations Continue reading »

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RISMEDIA, December 21, 2009—It’s easy pickings out there for many potential homebuyers. Housing prices are at their lowest in more than a decade, inventories are high, analysts are predicting a new wave of foreclosures and the government is offering two substantial tax credits for which many homebuyers qualify.

But bargain buyers beware, warns Vince Mastronardi, whose property preservation business has been busy preparing foreclosed homes for sale. Continue reading »

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One very important piece of equipment for home owners are Step ladders. Various tasks at home require one to use step stools and step ladders. If you need to dust the top of the fridge, or reach up to a normal height, then a step stool will do. For various tasks at home that involve heights, a folding step ladder is often better. The platform ladder uses a high platform where you can, for example, set down tools or paint cans. Combination ladders are more versatile – it can be used as a step ladder, an extension ladder, and a stairway ladder.

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Everyone who visits this property is so surprised to see this type of property on minutes from Dulles airport. Usually one has to go to Front Royal to find such a farm like location.

Here are over 7 acres of secluded heaven, with private pond, forest, Cub Run Stream-endless possibilities-no HOA convenant restrictions. This property now has a new price and new virtual tour. This is not the “upgraded granite counter tops McMansion” but a lot of house and land waiting for a large family that loves country living. Currently the owner has peacocks and emus but has owned horses in the past.

Plantation Style Living

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