GW Slept Here | Alexandria & Northern Virginia Real Estate Blog

July’s First Thursday Celebrates “Main Street” in Del Ray

July 2nd, 2009 Categories: Del Ray

Tonight’s First Thursday (July) was all about celebrating “Main Street” in Del Ray. Visit Del Ray has adopted the theme “Where Main Street Still Exists” to promote Del Ray and we think it’s the perfect slogan for the neighborhood we call home.

Of course for us, “Main Street” is actually Mt. Vernon Avenue. Local businesses - restaurants, ice cream shops, a UPS store, coffee shops, art galleries, clothing stores, a pharmacy, dry cleaner, post office, hardware store, hair salon, yoga studio, plant nursery, and more, lots more - are all contained within about a 10 block radius.

It’s the perfect neighborhood for walking and First Thursday is a great way to explore.

“Winchester” makes his first appearance at “First Thursday” with Anne and Zac from Nelson Avenue.

The Avenue was full as couples, families, dog walkers, runners, bikers, etc., took advantage of cool temperatures and low humidity to get the holiday weekend off to just the right start.

I’d love to help you find a house in Del Ray - give me a call at 703.927.4554 and let’s see what’s available.

Michael

P.S. - the Del Ray Farmers Market is open on July 4th, check it out!

The 2009 Best Ranger Competition Makes This Northern Virginia Realtor Proud

June 29th, 2009 Categories: Alexandria

Having a video about an Army Ranger competition on a real estate blog may not make much sense - at first. But for those who know me and know how much pride I take in having served as a Ranger and a Ranger instructor it makes all the sense in the world.

Ranger training is tough, it’s competitive and it gives new meaning to the word challenging. According to the National Ranger Association, the mission of Ranger training is to “develop leadership skills, confidence and competence . . . to perform effectively . . . in tactically realistic environments. The course is designed to further develop leaders who are physically and mentally tough and self-disciplined and challenges them to think, act and react effectively in stress approaching that found in combat.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRFpLNvH6NA

I would never compare buying or selling real estate to combat - but it is a challenging environment that demands confidence and competence. I am proud to have served my country, proud to have been a Ranger - and now I have the opportunity to put all that experience to work - for YOU.

So, if you are interested in buying or selling, or if you are relocating to Northern Virginia, just remember RLTW - RANGERS LEAD THE WAY and give me a call at 703.927.4554.

Michael

3rd Annual Del Ray Music Festival is a Mid-Summer’s Dream

June 28th, 2009 Categories: Del Ray

Saturday, June 27, 2009

With temperatures in the mid-80’s and low, low humidity, the 3rd Annual Del Ray Music Festival could rightly qualify as a Mid-Summer’s Dream. Here “Blue” takes an obligatory rest.

A brief spat of rain showers in the early afternoon was the only deterrent to an otherwise perfect day.

Sandy and Aaron Faulkner of Mt. Ida Avenue (with Henry)

Folks took advantage of strategically placed hay bales, dry ground for picnic blankets and generous space as they scattered the grounds of the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center.

Jen & Jeff Mueller live on Uhler Terrace

Toddlers had plenty of room to run, stroller babies were appropriately admired, and dogs submitted to endless pats of affection.

Friends Rob and Dayna Blumel with Owen. Rob is president of the Board of Directors for our favorite Alexandria Olympia Boys and Girls Club.

And in case you are wondering, there were plenty of single adults and older adults (much like myself) too. In fact, it was great representation of Del Ray’s appealing diversity. The Washington Post noted that ” . . . the festival looks as quaint as the neighborhood itself. It promises to be cozy and friendly, just like . . . Del Ray.“

Local food vendors did a landslide business as did all the restaurants on Mt. Vernon Avenue. Dining al fresco was particularly appealing since the music could be heard for blocks.