Mouthwatering, Sense-Heightening Loudoun County Farmers Markets

The Loudoun County Farmer's Market season is in full bloom. There is something so exciting about the idea of walking to your local Loudoun County park or village square to pick out produce at the peak of its flavor. Not only is its nutritional content preserved, but the distance that peach or pepper traveled to get to you was minimal, saving resources and fossil fuels.

Loudoun County is full of some of the best Farmer's Markets around. The markets offer every produce imaginable all in peak season - fresh Arugula and Basil, hormone and antibiotic-free lamb, pasture raised chicken and pork, grass fed angus beef, decadent and rich cheeses like Everona Dairy's signature sheep's milk cheese, fresh cut flowers, homemade jams & jellies, mouthwatering pastries & pies like Lola's award winning goodies, homemade soaps, wine such as Fabbioli Cellars earth friendly quality red wine, and much more. If that list doesn't make your mouth water and your senses heighten, I don't know what will. Here are the variety of Farmers Market options that Loudoun County offers...

Purcellville Market
Location: 751 E Main St in front of the Re-Store, Loudoun Valley Shopping Center
Opening Day: Saturday, May 1st
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Re-occurring every Saturday until December 18th

Ashburn Farmers Market
Location: 44036 Pipeline Plaza, Ashburn Crossroads Restaurant Park
Opening Day: Saturday May 1st
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Re-occurring every Saturday until October 30th

Brambleton Market
Location: 22875 Brambleton Plaza, Town Center parking lot behind Fox Cinema
Opening Day: Sunday, May 2nd
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Re-occurring every Sunday until October 31st

Cascades Farmers Market
Location: Market is located at The Senior Center, 21060 Whitfield Place (behind Home Depot)
Opening Day: Sunday, May 2nd
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Re-occurring every Sunday until November 21st

Leesburg Market
Location: Virginia Village Shopping Center on Catoctin Circle, SE
Opening Day: Saturday, May 1st
Time: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Re-occurring every Saturday until October 30th

Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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The problem with problems is that if you try to run away from them, they'll always be there when you get back. (courtesy of notes to inspire) Anyone ready to run?

Weekly MRIS Market Activity Report: Accelerating Up Until the Tax Credit Deadline

The seller's side of the market is where the action was at for the week ending April 10th. A whopping 63.3% increase from a year ago for new listings posted during the week could mean that sellers are beginning to have a little faith in the market.

Pending sales also saw an increase of 21.2% from a year ago. Over the last three months alone, there have been almost 23% more signed purchase agreements than during the same period in 2009.

In other trends...
Active listings for sale were down 20.1% compared to last year.
The average number of days that the listings were on the market until sale was 114, down 18.6% from last year.
2009 and 2010 sit at even percentage on the housing affordability index.

So what's to come after the tax credit expires? Most likely the market will accelerate to the very end of the deadline, leading into a slower summer selling season.

For the full MRIS Market Report, click here.

Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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Find Your Weekend Retreat at Loudoun County's Bed & Breakfast Favorites!

We all know of the peace, charm and utter tranquility Loudoun County has to offer. From rolling hills to quaint shops and restaurants, Loudoun County has drawn in residents and visitors alike for many years. But what if you simply need a change of scene from your gorgeous Loudon County home and a weekend getaway seems like just the thing? Chances are you will not have to venture far as Loudoun County is home to a handful of charming Bed and Breakfast options!

Below are a few of these unique get-aways each of which provide their own sense of style and charm, and all you have to do is find the one that best suits you!

Briar Patch B&B Inn
23130 Briar Patch Lane
Middleburg, VA 20117
(703) 327-5911 | (866) 327-5911
Visit Website

Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn is a historic farm (c. 1805) on 47 rolling acres with majestic mountain views. We are located in Loudoun County, the heart of Virginia horse and wine country on Route 50 West, 4 miles east of Middleburg. Just 20 minutes from Dulles Airport and about an hour from Washington, DC -- when you enter our world, you leave the stress behind.

Creek Crossing Farm
37768 Chappelle Hill Road, P.O. Box 18
Lincoln, VA 20160-0018
(540) 338-7550 | (540) 338-4548
Visit Website

Creek Crossing was built ca 1790 by the Quaker Edmund Thompson and has been maintined as a working farm ever since. Summer Wheat was grown here just after the Civil War, followed by a Dairy Farm and now there are 700 Organic Blueberries Bushes in production. A large Civil War Library, a restored Tractor Barn for meetings and extensive period antiques throughout are the features of this lovely old farmhouse.

Stone Manor Vineyard & Orchard Bed and Breakfast
13193 Mountain Road
Lovettsville, VA 20180
540-822-5409
Visit Website

Stone Manor is included in a select list of the most romantic bed and breakfasts. Enjoy romantic suites, delightful breakfasts, enchanted gardens, and world class events.

Raspberry Plain
16500 Agapé Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176-9707
(703) 777-1888
Visit Website

Raspberry Plain, known since 1731, sits on 50 rolling acres overlooking the Catoctin Mountains. Each room has historical and architectural detail and character, which is enhanced by period furnishings and paintings. One of the many highlights of Raspberry Plain is the Grand Conservatory which features a vaulted cathedral ceiling with walls of windows arching at the gables. The estate boasts spectacular formal gardens that are graced by arched boxwoods and breathtaking views of the mountains, pastures and pond.

Whether you are looking for a weekend retreat or a new place to call home; I’d love to help you in your search! Loudoun County is one of my most favorite places and I enjoy the opportunity to share my excitement with others. There are many stunning homes on the market from which to choose! Contact me today for a private showing! I look forward to helping you find the perfect fit!


Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
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There is a difference between losing & failing. Losing reflects the score. Failing reflects your attitude. (notes to inspire)

Focus on where you're going and you'll know what steps to take. Focus on the steps you're taking and you won't know where you're going. (from notes to inspire action)

Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival - A Vibrant Community in Action

Over 120 vendors and thousands of people will fill the streets of Leesburg this April 17th and 18th. There will be landscape designs, gardening supplies, outdoor living items, plants, flowers and herbs galore! That's right - it's time for the Annual Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival!

A long running tradition in Leesburg, this will be their 20th year celebrating this event. Because the Flower and Garden Festival is the long running winner of Best of Loudoun's "Best Community Event," every year, the town works to make it even bigger and better. There has now been an entire block added to the event layout - adding 20 new vendors. That means more street food, more entertainment and more flowers!

If you're not a natural green thumb, but strive to be one, the Demonstration Stage is where you'll want to spend most of your time. They will take you through topics covering everything from rain barrel making to composting, and even Monarch Butterfly way stations.

This next new addition will definitely have a lot of people excited - the newly added Wine and Beer Garden, located behind the Town Hall. Besides, what's Loudoun County without a taste of the best wineries and breweries?

The festivities are not just for shopping and gardening, but also to bring entertainment and put the "Spring" back in Leesburg. For the children, there will be hourly entertainment, much of it interactive, on the Children's stage. If that's not enough, there will also be crafts, face painting and other fun activities to keep the kids busy.

Don't think they forgot about the adults! Local and regional bands will grace the the main stage of Leesburg, located at the Loudoun County Courthouse. Music will vary across the board from Reggae to classic rock, as well as performances by local star Gary Smallwood and country sensation Jay Henly the Stone Broke Band.

To see a little sneak preview of what to expect from this year's show, go to Leesburg Today's Video Preview.

I can guarantee you'll have a good time at this festival - it's a great time to get outside and spend time with family and friends - and of course your fellow Leesburg neighbors. If you are thinking about moving to Leesburg, I highly suggest coming to this event to get a taste of this vibrant community.

Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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If you think of everything you have to do, you feel overwhelmed. If you do the one thing you have to do, you make progress. (from notes to inspire).

Weekly Market Activity Report: Federal Tax Deadline Creates Burst of MRIS Region Activity

It's getting closer and closer and buyers and sellers are definitely reacting. I'm talking about the federal tax credit deadline. With the final day only 25 days away, the MRIS region saw even more resurgence after the week ending March 27th and an eruption of market activity.

There were 3,382 signed purchase agreements for the week, which is an increase of 44.7%. On top of that, at 5,315 new listings in the MRIS region, there was a new listing increase of 26.9% from the year before.

A few other interesting trends:
Pending sales were also up compared to last year at 30,103.
The length of time that homes stayed on the market until sale went down 16.2% from last year.
The house affordability index is down 8.8% compared to last year, but up compared to 2003.

For the full MRIS activity report, click here.

Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
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Loudoun County Cherry Blossoms - Simply Breathtaking

If you aren't from Loudoun County, you may not know one of the best benefits to living here during the Spring time. The answer is Cherry Blossoms.

For about 14 days, the trees bloom up, covering Loudoun County from various parks around the Tidal Basin to other areas off the beaten track. There is simply no better experience than being surrounded by the sights and smells of these delicate yet breathtaking trees.

Contrary to what many may think, the cherry blossom tree is not indigenous to Washington. They were in fact a gift of friendship from the people of Japan. The first two cherry trees were planted on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin and still stand there today.

Here are the best ways this spring to embrace this beautiful gift bestowed upon Loudoun County...

The Cherry Blossom Syrah Rose Release
Saturday, April 10th
11 AM to 6 PM
Breaux Vineyards celebrates the season by revealing the release of their award winning Syrah Rose. Surround yourself with sunshine, fresh air, live music and friends and family, all while enjoying a refreshing Syrah.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival
March 27th to April 11th
An annual 2 week event that celebrates springtime in Washington DC. There are too many events to mention - A fireworks show, a parade, daily cultural performances - truly something for everybody. Over 700,000 tourists flock to Washington D.C. to enjoy the sights and sounds of this fantastic celebration.

The Gardens of Loudoun County
Loudoun County boasts some of the best gardens around - from Purellville, to Waterford, Middlburg to Leesburg. Witness the cherry blossoms bloom in pastel pink and white puffs, or any of the other variety of fresh bouquets - which you can often pick and take home with you.


In it's native Japanese culture, the cherry blossom is an omen of good fortune, an emblem of love and a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. I can't think of any better way to bring in the Spring to Loudoun. Much like the cherry blossom, the community of Loudoun County is not common, but once you stumble upon it, you are taken by its beauty and don't want to see it go.



Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
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Weekly Market Activity Report: Tax Credit Deadline Fast Approaching

We are mere weeks from the tax credit deadline and the spring market is feeling the heat. For the week ending March 20th, the MRIS region saw a huge jump in various metrics. The winner, however, is pending sales. There were 3,236 signed purchase agreements for that week alone - a 36.4% jump!

New listings also beat out last years numbers by a good amount at 22.6%. The one number that still remains far below last year's figures is the number of active listings. Last year there were 22.5% more active listings on the market.

For the full MRIS Market Activity Report, click here.

Helena Talbot
Broker/Owner
Exit Realty Talbot and Company
Phone: 703-574-3800
Email: Helena@mris.com
www.helenatalbot.net
www.loudouncountyonline.com
My Featured Listings
Become a Facebook Fan
Follow Me on Twitter