My friends accuse me of making some of these little facts about Northern Virginia up.  Nope the stories are all real....well okay the one about the Bunny Man Bridge in Clifton...not so much. However the story of the DC Reformatory located in Lorton VA being the site of the Army's premier showcase for the nationwide Nike program unveiled in 1954 is true.  One of the big issues that the government faced when it was trying to build defenses against the threat of a nuclear attack from the USSR was acquiring the land necessary to develop missile defense sites.  Since the Army was tasked with finding sites that we already government owned the DC Reformatory site in Lorton located on 3200 acres just 25 miles south of DC was a logical choice.  The Army carved out a 30 acre parcel on the prison ... 08/04/2012

Lorton VA neighborhoods have been around a long time. In fact the Lorton area has plenty of history that goes all the way back to our early famous neighbors, George Washington and George Mason. There are older neighborhoods which are just as popular today as they were when they were built in the 50's, 60's and 70's.  Over the last 15 years a "new" Lorton has emerged which has brought a renewal to southern Fairfax County. Most of the "new" Lorton growth came about when the DC Correctional Complex in Lorton was ordered closed in 1998. With just over 3200 acres the prison complex gave Fairfax County developers an opportunity to create an entire new vision for the land and its usage. With a Virginia Rail Express Station already in place in Lorton (1994) the area was poised for growth. On th... 07/12/2012

Lorton, VA short sale top Realtor from Keller Williams Realty talks about how homeowners qualify for a short sale. Not all homeowners qualify for a short sale. Banks or lenders will require quite a number of items in order to evaluate each file. But there are few easy qualifiers that should be present in order to determine right away if a household qualifies. Our short sale team in Lorton, VA and other areas of VA, MD, and DC is both skilled and knowledgeable in the successful negotiation of short sales.     06/27/2012

Today I finally discovered why the trees were cut down in Lorton off of Lorton Rd and Richmond Hwy. A Wal-greens. It’s competition for it’s rivalry company Rite Aid that is in the neighboring shopping center with Papa John’s, Suntrust Bank, U.S. Post Office, Lorton Senior Center, Golds Gym and Dollar Tree to name a few. It’s a prime location that will surely receive a lot of traffic from local renters and homeowners as well as people stuck in traffic on Route 1. Construction has not started yet but should be completed by the end of 2012. Here is a map of the location below: Picture of a previously constructed Wal-greens: My favorite item to buy from Wal-greens are my Kiss nails. Only $6.99 a saving of about $35 compared to area nail salons. The price has actually gone up in 2 years of a... 05/30/2012

Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton VA is a small slice of tranquility just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia.  The park managed by the Northern Virginia Park Authority offers not only wooded walking paths, views of the Occoquan River but also contains significant pieces of Lorton VA history.Walking along the wooded scenic trail you find a marker labeled DC 1910.  The park was originally part of the land owned by the DC Reformatory located in Lorton.  The main buildings of the reformatory are now the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center.  The park contains the only remaining brick kiln used to build the reformatory buildings as well as historic buildings in DC.  The park is also the site of Turning Point Plaza remembering the women who were imprisoned for fighting for th... 05/29/2012

Most of the farms in Northern Virginia are small family operations. The cost of meeting federal requirements to call their produce organic is prohibitive. Many of them have converted their operations to "sustainable" farms meaning they curtail the use of chemicals and fungicides and use as many natural and healthy alternative materials as possible. These are the growers and artisans you will see ready to serve you at area SmartMarkets.Smart Markets LortonThursdays 3:30 PM to 7 PMMay 24 to October 25Workhouse Arts Center9601 Ox RoadLorton VA VA 22079 . ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Kruschkas are long term Northern Virginia residents with 36 years experience as real estate brokers serving Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, Kingstowne, Mou... 05/06/2012

Farmer's Markets are now open throughout Fairfax County, The Lorton Market at 8990 Lorton Station Boulevard (VRE parking lot) offers produce and baked goods from vendors who produce their merchandise within 125 miles of Northern Virginia. For details and directions see Lorton Farmer's Market 8990 Lorton Station BoulevardAlso SeeHomes For Sale In The Lorton VA Area++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Kruschkas are long term Northern Virginia residents with 36 years experience as real estate brokers serving Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, Kingstowne, Mount Vernon, Alexandria and Chantilly. Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS If you plan to buy or sell a Fairfax County home or property contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-4... 05/01/2012

Homes For Sale In The Lorton VA Area ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ The Kruschkas are long term Northern Virginia residents with 36 years experience as real estate brokers serving Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Fairfax, Lorton, Fairfax Station, Kingstowne, Mount Vernon, Alexandria and Chantilly. Experience Isn’t Expensive – It’s PRICELESS If you plan to buy or sell a Fairfax County home or property contact Karen and Art by Email or call us at 703-499-9279. Put our record of customer service, real estate experience and state-of-the-art technology to work for you in Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Stafford County or the entire Northern Virginia Area. Karen Kruschka's Web Site vertical-align: mid 04/29/2012

Cavanaugh Crossing is adjacent to the site of the now "former" Lorton Prison site.  The subdivision is accessed from Hooes Road - just a few seconds north of Route 123 in Lorton.  They are Brookfield built and feature Soutthern Mansion styles as well as traditional colonial style.  The Lorton VRE railway station is approximately 10 minutes away with service to both L'Enfant Plaza and Union Station in Washington, D.C. Once aboard you the train You can transfer to Metrorail at the Franconia-Springfield metro station. Another option is to pull out onto Route 123, cross the Occoquan River and be at the VDOT Commuter Parking Lot at Old Bridge Road in Woodbridge in approximately 10 minutes for Commuter Bus service to The Pentagon and Washington, DC Or join a Carpool. Approximately 5 mimutes ... 04/29/2012

It's that time of year again.  The Fairfax County Farmers spring and summer farmers markets will be opening soon.  This year there will be a new Lorton Farmers Market at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center located on Ox Road.The market is scheduled to be open May 24th through October 25th and will be a Thursday Market from 3:30 PM to 7 PM.  A great place to stop on your way home from work. Run by Smart Markets of Northern Virginia the Lorton Workhouse Farmers market will be producer-only markets for locally grown fruits and vegetables, locally raised meats and poultry, and local foods from breads and cheeses to salsa and sausage. Here is the list of Workhouse Farmer’s Market vendors to-date: Alma Diaz’ Produce and Mexican Specialties Blenheim Organic Gardens Celtic Pasties Chester Hess Far... 03/31/2012

Looking for a way to shake off the winter blues?  Then stop by the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center during the month of March for a variety of events for everyone. Here is a list of some of the upcoming events: Woman MadeMarch 2-25, 2012 "Woman Made, highlights work by local women artists. This exhibition celebrates National Women's History Month and features handpicked artists from around the DC Metro region." Workhouse Theater"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"Shows Starting on March 9, 2012 "A musical comedy telling of six young people overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser." Second Saturday Art WalkMarch 10, 2012"The 2nd Saturday Art Walk at the Workhouse s... 03/04/2012

After my closing today I slipped out for an hour to enjoy a walk through Mason Neck State Park.  In multiple places along the shoreline were signs announcing it was hunting season.  The ducks seemed to be testing their luck by swimming right in front of the duck blind.  Was that a Na Na Na you can't get me I heard? 02/23/2012

Homes for sale in Lorton Virginia.  Located on the VRE and priced right. A very popular town in Fairfax County is Lorton.  Located on the VIRGINIA RAILWAY EXPRESS line with a station right in Lorton, this community offers good value and transportation alternatives. Lorton homes for sale are priced right. HOMES FOR SALE IN LORTON PRICED FROM $500,000 TO $600,000. City Legal Subdivision ListPrice BR FB HB # Gar Lot Acres YrBlt Lorton CRANFORD AT GUNSTON COVE $565,000 3 2 1 2 0.1 2009 Lorton RACEWAY FARMS $587,000 4 2 2 2 0.182 1996 Lorton HUNTER ESTATES $539,500 4 3 0   0.528 1965 Lorton GUNSTON MANOR $525,000 2 1 0   0.225 1925 Lorton LORTON TOWN CTR LANDBAY $529,000 4 3 1 2 0.091 2002 Lorton LAUREL HIGHLANDS $588,000 4 3 1 2 0.122 2004 Lorton LORTON TOWN CNTR LANDBAY $585,000 4 3 1 2 0.... 01/14/2012

Over the last few weeks my local Realtor® association has bombarded me with emails reminding me it's time to apply for the 2011 Awards and Recognition.  Thank you but I'll pass.  It's not because I haven't qualified for the Top Residential Producer Award from the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) but because I don't think the phrase means anything to the average consumer when they see it on a business card.First let's say that "Multi-Million Dollar Producer" and "Residential Top-Producer" in Northern Virgina are different meaning depending on what Realtor® association you belong to. If you belong to NVAR to qualify for the "Multi-Million" award you must have sold at least $3 Million or 24 units and for "Top Producer" at least $6 Million or 48 units.  However drive just a... 01/14/2012

When most Northern Virginia residents think of hiking in Mason Neck they immediately gravitate towards the largest park in the area, Mason Neck State Park.  It's a beautiful area and for anyone who wants to look for Bald Eagles it is the place to go.  However just a few miles before you reach Mason Neck State Park is the Meadowood Recreation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).One of the things that makes walking through the loop trails in Meadowood Recreation Area interesting is who or make that what you will find along the trail.  Like other trails in the area you will find plenty of 4 legged friends out with their owners.  In this case though the 4 legged friends are a bit larger.  Meadowood is a popular place for local equestrians to come out for a ride.With over six... 01/07/2012

But I'll Bet If He Dozed Off Occasionally He Was Nudged By George MasonGeroge Mason IV, a highly respected Virginia patriot, was also a member of Pohick Church. Although not as nationally famous as his fellow vestryman and friend, George Washington, George Mason IV (1725-1792) authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights. It was eventually incorporated into the Virginia Constitution. For example, Article 1 read "That all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety." Why is this of interest? Many o... 01/07/2012

  For more information on Lorton Workhouse Arts Center check out their website.  The Arts Center was built on the grounds of the old DC Reformatory in Lorton which was in operation for over 100 years.  The center has become the jewel in the local community and next year ( 2012) the Children's Theater will open Christmas wreath from iClipArt 12/12/2011

Gunston Corner Homes Market Report -  Gunston Corner Townhouses Condos   Gunston Corner is a planned community of 99 townhouses located in Lorton VA.  The community also offers a nice selection of single and multi-level condos from which to choose.  Gunston Corner is  located just minutes away from Interstate 95 and is less than a 30-minute drive to Washington, DC.  For added convenience, Gunston Corner is located within minutes from preferred schools, restaurants, shops, recreational facilities, and other amenities located in and around the Lorton area.   For ease of commuting, Gunston Corner is located within a 15-minute drive to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station and also provides easy access to the Virginia Railway Express commuter train and the Fairfax County Connector.  For e... 12/10/2011

"The Christmas They Never Had" "In Honor of those who have to spend a holiday away from loved ones" "In Memory of those who never made it Home" Those words are the mission of the Wreaths Across America Project for 2011. This year on December 10, 2011 along with hundreds of volunteers, I will again be placing wreaths on the graves of serviceman in Arlington Cemetery. It is a simple gesture that means so much to the families of the service members who have been laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Across the country the Wreaths Across America Project works to make sure that as many of our fallen heroes as possible can be remembered during the holidays. Unlike other volunteer jobs this one is tough. Standing among the grave sites of our fallen hero's and talking with families who h... 12/07/2011

Lorton VA homes can be found east of Hooes Road to the Potomac River south of Pohick Road and north of the Occoquan River. Although it was a minor part of Lorton, the area wasprimarily known as the home of the Washington, DC prison, long since closed. That land is now home to a public golf course, residential properties, a major art center and senior high school.There are new home developments south of Fort Belvoir along US Route. The area east of Route 1 to the Potomac River has expensive waterfront homes and custom homes as well as the first national refuge for the Bald Eagle, a public golf course and waterfront park with camping, rental cabins and boat launch facilities.Lorton VA Homes For Sale Updated HourlyAs you can see, the number of Lorton VA homes for sale has remained stable,... 12/06/2011