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Where are we now, and where are we going?
With restaurants and most activities closed, many businesses shuttered or the employees sent to work at home, and governors’ stay-at-home orders, you may have a lot of extra time on your hands. Many people are taking stock of their own personal situations during this crisis.
Now is a good time to consider whether you need a new home, or perhaps it’s time to downsize from the ol’ family homestead. The real estate market was very strong heading into the COVID-19 pandemic and there is good reason to believe it will regain its strength when the crisis passes. It isn’t dormant, however. Real estate transactions can, and do, still take place today.
Let’s discuss some of the facts and a key measure of real estate success. Days on Market (or DOM) is a term that you are likely to see thrown around in real estate, but what does it mean? DOM refers to the number of days a house has been listed on the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS. Real Estate Brokers, Agents, and third-party websites all utilize the MLS to showcase their clients’ properties, research homes available on the market, and keep track of pending and completed transactions.
Every day that a home stays on the market or “active” in the MLS, a new day is added to the DOM counter. To stop the counter, homes need to be taken off the market – meaning that a house goes under contract, and someone has committed in writing to buying that home. In a HOT real estate market such as Northern Virginia has been, the inventory of available homes is low, so the number of days a home spends on the market should be relatively short. The median days on market during the week of March 15-21 was five, down from six DOM the week before.
Despite physical distancing measures enacted because of COVID-19, there seems to be a steady stream of people. Some people may be hesitant to see houses right now, but it is possible to follow social distancing rules while viewing homes with a responsible agent.
The real estate market has begun to cool off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term impact on the real estate market is uncertain. We may have seen a short-term peak in home prices, but in the long-term real estate prices typically rebound in due time.
Fortunately, we are not in the same position that we were 13 years ago during the previous housing “bubble” burst. These days, it is harder to qualify for a mortgage, homes have more equity, and steadily low-interest rates allow for a new batch of qualified buyers to be able to afford to enter the real estate market. Because of the low-interest rates, prices are at their highest, and I believe that we are headed into a plateau in that regard, as homes can only go so far up in value. But in the DC area, there is still pent-up demand for housing. Your best play in a precarious market is to make your move now, especially if you have built-up equity in your home.
Buying or selling in the real estate market is still possible during these uncertain times. Unlike in 2007, we now live in a digital age, and ingenuity has blossomed because of it. What once had to be trod physically to be known, can now be done virtually. Looking to buy? Tour a home without ever leaving your couch, sign all your documents electronically, and visit a prospective neighborhood without stepping foot outside of your car.
But what if you want to sell? Listing appointments can be done via Zoom, drone videos can be taken to showcase the topography of your property, and the plethora of social media options means more avenues are available to showcase your home to prospective buyers.
A great real estate agent can navigate the murky waters ahead. By utilizing all the available tools, we can get through these tough times together.
Jean Beatty is a licensed real estate agent in VA, MD, and DC with McEnearney Associates, Inc in McLean, VA. If you would like more information on selling or buying in today’s complex market, contact Jean at 301-641-4149 or visit her website JeanBeatty.com.
Virtually Tour Museums from Around the World
Our monthly events post usually focuses on getting out and around Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Since we are all social distancing this spring, we have expanded our reach to highlight some of the best virtual exhibits from local, national, and international museums.
April is one of the best times of year in the D-M-V! In between those spring showers, we suggest working outdoors so you can make the most out of your outdoor living spaces. Patrick Moran, owner of TLC Design helped us lay out all the steps to planning your own backyard garden. On those rainy days, use our curated list below for a little art inspiration.
LOCAL MUSEUMS
Photo Courtesy National Gallery of Art
National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
In addition to great online teaching resources on their main website, the National Gallery features two online exhibits through Google Arts & Culture. Fashioning a Nation features watercolor renderings of clothing from 1740 to 1895, including many from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second, Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting, is a collection of works from the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century.
The National Women’s History Museum, Alexandria, VA
While this museum is headquartered locally, for the last 20 years it has actually been the largest online cultural institution dedicated to US women’s history. Online exhibits include political movements, women’s roles during time of war, education, sports and leisure activities, and biographical stories.
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington, DC
One of the most popular museums in the area, the National Museum of Natural History has a dynamic self-guided tour through the permanent collection and temporary exhibits. Along the way, check out dinosaur skeletons, animals from around the globe, the Hope Diamond, and even past exhibits. It’s a great way to keep your kids learning about the world around them even when they can’t be in school, and there are plenty of follow-up activities or readings you can do after the tour. While you’re there, stop by the Smithsonian Castle and the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden, both of which have adjoining virtual tours.
Smithsonian Museum of American History
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History bills itself as the greatest single collection of U.S. history in the world, home to more than 1.8 million objects that each, in some fundamental way, defines the American experience. The museum offers about 100 online exhibits from its encyclopedic collections, each with a mix of photos, video, graphics and text on topics ranging from the life of Abe Lincoln (yep, they’ve got the stovepipe hat) to the development of the first artificial heart valve to the 1950s Paint By Number craze.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
While there are plenty of current and past exhibits to explore online here, the real draw is the collections. In the site’s Collections Stories area, museum staff members share objects that resonate for them historically or culturally. And with lots of time to explore, be sure to browse the museum’s vast open-source collections, brimming with letters, documents, photos and artifacts. They convey the wide-ranging African American experience—from a slave ship manifest to a poster of Sidney Poitier’s film To Sir, With Love.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC presents powerful online exhibits featuring videos, timelines, glossaries and image galleries. Themes include Americans and the Holocaust, The Power of Nazi Propaganda, The Art and Politics of Arthur Szyk, and more. Elsewhere on the museum’s site: a deep archive of survivor interviews, moving artifacts like a gallery of 600 ID cards of Holocaust victims and a place to browse the museum’s huge, sobering collections.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Although it’s closed to the public, Mount Vernon is still hosting some incredible digital experiences. Go on a virtual tour of the estate, review your history with the life and experiences of George Washington, or join one of the daily livestreams. Working from home? Change up your lunch and tune in to their Facebook or YouTube at 12 PM ET Monday – Friday!
Smithsonian National Zoo and National Aquarium
If you’re in need of some animal friends, stop by the National Zoo’s live webcam page to take a look at what these animals are up to: Naked Mole Rats, Lions, Giant Pandas, and Elephants. In addition, the National Aquarium also features live webcams as well as virtual tours of both the DC and Baltimore locations, filled with fun facts along the way!
MUSEUMS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Detroit Institute of Arts
Considered one of the top six collections in the United States, and recognized for the diversity of its holdings, DIA should not be missed. Their main website offers excellent resources to explore the museum from home.
The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Also known for Richard Meier’s striking architecture, lovely gardens, and amazing views of Los Angeles, the Getty Center showcases works of art from as far back as the 8th century. Take a virtual tour to discover their huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY
Thousands visit the Gugg every day just to explore its epic Frank Lloyd Wright-designed building, and thanks to this Google Arts & Culture tour you can still wander its halls from your couch. Peruse the museum’s most significant offerings of postmodern, conceptual and installation art, then head to the homepage for a bumper database of its entire collection.
Museum of Modern Art, New York
You can view 129 artworks from MoMA’s collection on Google Arts & Culture, including big-hitters like van Gogh’s The Starry Night, Paul Cézanne’s Still Life with Apples and Rousseau’s The Sleeping Gypsy. What’s more, they’re grouped into categories such as contemporary art, Modernist art and Cubism – making for fun, easy and informative browsing. And, if the collection inspires your creative spirit, MoMA offers free online courses.
NASA, Goddard Space Flight Center & Glenn Research Center
Maybe we should count these next tours as off planet! Take a virtual tour of the NASA Glenn Research Center or the Space Telescope Operations Control Center, which houses the Hubble Telescope. At NASA Glenn, explore the ballistics impact lab or the supersonic wind tunnel, which could, of course, lead to a discussion about physics that inspires future careers or summer space camp. Don’t worry if it’s been a while since you took a science class, NASA has a lot of information online, making it a great resource during this time at home.
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUMS
Guggenheim, Bilbao
Frank Gehry’s sculptured titanium and steel building, on the banks of the Nervión River, is one of the world’s most distinctive art spaces. This interactive tour takes viewers around its collection of postwar American and European painting and sculpture – Rothko, Holzer, Koons, Kapoor – and even down between the weathered curves of Serra’s Matter of Time (turn left at the entrance).
Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) through a Google virtual tour or the museum’s YouTube channel – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.
Pergamon Museum, Berlin
As one of Germany’s most visited museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer even if you can’t physically be there. It is home to ancient artifacts excavated in the late 1800s, including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and the Pergamon Altar. This is the perfect museum to explore in virtual reality.
Vatican Museums, Rome
With soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate murals, and tapestries, the Vatican’s museums are creatively rich sites. Be sure to look up when exploring the seven spaces in the museum’s 360-degree virtual tour, or you might miss the Sistine Chapel. Wander around the rest of Vatican City with a You Visit tour that takes in Saint Peter’s Basilica and Square, complete with a tour guide narrating each interactive space.
British Museum, London
There are 3,212 panes of glass in the domed ceiling of the British Museum’s Great Court, and no two are the same – and the 360-degree view in this virtual tour lets viewers examine each and every one. Beyond this magnificent space, viewers can find the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and other ancient wonders. The museum’s interactive infographic platform, History Connected, goes into further depth of various objects with curators, along a timeline.
Natural History Museum, London
The Natural History Museum’s vast collection of flora and fauna both great and small has long been a favourite of Londoners and tourists alike. Get lost in the corridors and gallery spaces online. One treat is Dippy the dino, who despite recently going on tour still makes an appearance in the entrance hall in this interactive online guide.
Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, Great Missenden
Start your day off with a virtual tour of the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre, which is located outside London, then spend the afternoon reading The Witches or The BFG to your kids. While it can be easy to feel like you’re missing out by only seeing something online, this museum is a great opportunity to delve into the fantastical world of an author who can really help with escapism right now.
National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, South Korea
Established in 1969 in Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has become one of Korea’s popular museums with four locations. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.
Museu de Arte De Sao Paulo, Brazil
This private museum was founded in 1947 by Assis Chateaubriand. Early on it was one of the most important European collections in the southern hemisphere. Today it has expanded to more than 8,000 works from around the world and a wide range of time periods. Take your own private virtual tour.
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I Need to Get a Mortgage — When, Where and How?
Question: The ads are everywhere for online financing sources such as R—et Mortgage and Q—en Loans, what is your experience with these kinds of companies?
Answer: Out of State, Out of Our Minds
Todd,* my delightful buyer, was a sharp, tech-savvy businessman determined to get a great rate mortgage over the Internet. He logged on to a well-advertised website and sent along the details of our Sales Contract. Appropriately proud of his sterling credit, Todd pledged 20% down and started to plan his move to Old Town Alexandria. End of story?
NO SUCH LUCK! Enter Chaz* from the California-based mortgage brokerage which had received the loan form. “I’ve made loans for 30 years, little lady,” he boasted to me, “Don’t worry. Where are you calling from? West Virginia?”
Chaz:
1. Didn’t know any local appraisers and chose one from Baltimore.
2. Had heartburn about any home over 60 years old, let alone this 192-year old classic.
3. Promised 3.25% interest rate and didn’t lock it in as rates drifted higher.
4. Blamed Todd for not telling him the building could also be used commercially.
After bragging about his California successes, “I’ve closed every loan I’ve gotten my hands on, missy,” Chaz demanded another 10% down, raised the interest rate to 5.25%, emailed a lame apology note and left early for a long weekend, three days before our settlement!
Epilogue: A local lender saved the day, jumped in, took the file and settled in four days! There are excellent area banks and mortgage brokers who know our Northern Virginia/D.C./Maryland homes, offer very competitive rates and give hands-on service. Start locally, save your sanity.
Not convinced, read on…
Can You Look Them in the Eye?
Another out-of-state lender played “yo-yo” with a buyer’s emotions early last week. “We’re just so swamped,” whined Jimmy from his XYZ Co.* office in Plano, Texas, “with interest rates at a 40-year low, everyone wants to refinance. I don’t know why our regional office hasn’t returned your phone calls this week; maybe they’re busy, too.”
For the next five minutes I heard a string of unbelievable admissions. “I know we’re supposed to settle next week, but I have to tell you that I don’t have the appraisal in yet, somebody here forgot to send the condo management office an important declaration form and, oopsie, the figures I used for Mollie’s* Good Faith Estimate were based on California closing costs,” he said.
“And, by the way,” Jimmy rattled on, “would you tell her we might have to slip settlement a couple of days.” I could not let him continue. “Stop right there,” I insisted, “I will not tell her it’s slipping, because it’s not going to!”
“Mollie has a moving van coming from New York on Saturday. She had your full loan approval three weeks ago, wanted to use your company because her family used it years ago and she is a real buyer, not just a re-fi, so we have to make this work! What can you do right now?” I pleaded.
The stress Mollie went through over the next 48 hours was so avoidable. If she hadn’t been wed to using XYZ company, she’d have had a far more comfortable and personal transaction. Look them in the eye. Talk to the local competitive lenders who are working in the D.C. area day in and day out, who answer their emails and cell phones, who meet you at your office or mine, who know the closing costs for the jurisdiction and who meet your deadline, not theirs.
Oh, Jimmy you ask? He pulled it out in the end and we settled, but not without getting branch office supervisors involved, spending hours on the phone and guessing at the final closing costs. Even then, the instructions from XYZ Co. overcharged for the appraisal and had an available line-of-credit showing as a fully-funded $30,000 second trust which threw the closing docs way out of whack.
If Mollie could have looked Jimmy in the eye, she might have punched him in the eye. Stay local, stay happy.
Ann Duff — your positive advantage for Residential and Commercial properties throughout the area. Experience and Energy, Negotiations and Knowledge — all with a splash of fun! Let’s Get Busy!
*Note: Names have been changed.
This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Ann Duff of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Ann at 703-965-8700 or email aduff@mcenearney.com. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Steps to Planning Your Own Backyard Garden
Remember that gardening project you always wanted to get done when you have downtime… As a local real estate leader, McEnearney Associates is invested in more than just helping our clients buy and sell houses. We want our clients to really love and enjoy their homes. We are always happy to refer home-related businesses and contractors who help make your house a home. We are excited to have Patrick Moran, Owner of TLC Design, contributing to our blog this week with some guidance for planning your own backyard garden.
Hello Backyard Junkies!
Today, we are going to be talking about the joys of creating your backyard paradise and bringing the farm to you. Gardening is a fundamental need in our fast-paced modern life. It creates a sense of balance, and tranquility found nowhere else. Trees grow forever upward and outward, cradling nature’s creatures within. Flowers bloom and fade. Leaves turn green, fall and turn to mulch. Certain times of the year bring our favorite fruits and vegetables to the table. It is this recurring cycle that breathes depth and contentment into us. Building your own slice of backyard paradise allows you to bring your own sense of flair and individuality to your personal space. Home gardening, at its essence, is to bring calmness and satisfaction to your life.
At TLC, we are committed to offering our insight, creative design, and love of nature to making your space unique to you.
Having a home vegetable garden is such an empowering tool in times of hardship. Humans have been relying on sustainable agriculture since the earliest notions of civilization. Bringing this ancient, time-honored tradition into your backyard is so incredibly gratifying. It is the ability to provide food for you and your family at such a primal level that no other pastime activity can compete. This past summer, Nickolas Barylski of TLC had the opportunity to manage a 5-acre organic farm and shared this about the experience, “Farming, at its core, brings you back to nature in such a humbling way. Relying on my own hands to bring food to my table made me feel as if I could take whatever the world threw at me.” Statements such as this remind us how strong we all can be in the face of adversity.
At-home gardening may seem like a daunting task initially, but with the right guidance, anyone can do it. Depending on what you’d like to plant in your garden, there are three main factors that you must take into consideration: location, water, and soil.
1) Location
The location of your planter or garden bed(s) relies heavily upon the sun. Misjudging the amount of sunlight your garden receives is a common pitfall with new gardeners. Before installing your garden, watch the sun. Where does it rise, where does it fall? Most edible plants, including vegetables, herbs, and fruits, need at least 6 hours of sunlight to thrive. A helpful tip, whether you are doing your gardening in a raised planter bed or a greenhouse, is to orient long-ways facing south with any obstructions, such as fences or trees, directly to the north. This will ensure your garden gets the sun it needs!
2) Soil
Soil is the growing medium of choice for most home gardeners. The ideal growing medium is rich in organic material, and the most popular way of constantly replenishing this organic material is by composting. Leftover plant-based table scraps are your best option because of the speed at which they decompose and release carbon, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus into the soil. Popular compost items include banana peels, apple cores, potato skins, etc. For those who aren’t ready to maintain a compost pile, there are many great organic potting mix options that have compost already mixed into the topsoil. By mixing in a layer of organic soil conditioner seasonally, you can feel confident that your patch will have he nutrients it needs to thrive.
3) Water
Plant your garden near a water source. How frustrating would it be to realize only after you’ve installed this beautiful garden that it isn’t convenient to water? Lugging a heavy bucket of water to and from your garden isn’t optimal for you or the plants. If you’re unable to plant near a water source, ensure that you have access to a hose that can extend to the garden. Many of our clients will ask us to install a drip line irrigation system connected directly to your backyard hose, or a rain barrel that collects water from your downspout. Regular watering is critical, especially when your fruits and vegetables are young.
Other topics of interest for gardeners include pollinators, optimal fruits and vegetables for our region, and the right maintenance schedule.
We at TLC are here to help! When you buy your new home with McEnearney Associates, think: where’s my garden going to go?!
Sincerely,
Tactical Land Care
Tactical Land Care is net-zero to help protect our world and environment for all of us. We specialize in sustainable construction, conservation landscaping, and stormwater management solutions, including permeable hardscape and rain gardens. By working together, we can maximize the ecological benefit of your property.
Please give us a call at 703-879-7091, or email us at info@tacticallandcare.com, where someone from our TLC team will develop a plan with you to help enhance your yard or property for many years to come.
Patrick Moran, PMP, LSC, HIC, LEED | CEO Tactical Land Care
Patrick utilizes his passion for the outdoors along with his professional skills as a licensed Landscape and Home Improvement contractor in Virginia and Maryland, as well as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and LEED Green Associate. Patrick has a BA from Yale University, where he studied climate change and its impact on society.
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Coronavirus Resources for Students, Seniors, Restaurant Workers, and Healthcare
With the world still under quarantine for COVID-19, many restaurants and community programs have taken steps to make sure those in need are taken care of. These individuals include students, seniors, hospitality industry workers, and first responders who are working tirelessly during this time of uncertainty. It’s heartwarming to see so many companies, small and large, banding together to make sure people are getting the essentials they need to get through these next couple of weeks. We’ve put together a list of local businesses and programs that are providing a variety of services in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia. If you know of additional resources please leave us a comment and we’ll be sure to keep this list as current as possible.
Washington, D.C. | Maryland | Virginia
Washington, D.C.
Image Courtesy of MGM Roast Beef
Hook Hall
3400 Georgia Ave NW.
Offering care kits and family meals daily from 6-8 pm for furloughed industry workers in the DMV. Also distributing meals for E.L. Haynes families daily from 8-10 am and 3-5 pm
MGM Roast Beef
905 Brentwood Rd., NE
Offering free sandwiches or salads for kids 12 and under, and free meals for hospital workers.
Milk & Honey
1245 H St. NE | 10280 Baltimore Ave, College Park, MD | 12500 Fairwood Pkwy, Bowie, MD
Offering free breakfast to homebound students at its Bowie, College Park, and H Street NE locations, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Po Boy Jim
709 H St. NE
Providing free kids meals from the kids menu daily while DC schools are closed at their H Street location.
Rasa
1247 First Street SE | 485 K Street NW | 2200 Crystal Drive, Arlington, VA, 22202
Offering free take-out meals for all school children under the age of 18, hospital workers who can provide a valid ID, and its own staffers and their families.
Santa Rosa Taqueria
315 Pennsylvania Ave., SE
Offering students chicken and veggie tacos with chips and salsa.
Succotash
915 F St NW
Offering free dinner for those in the hospitality industry who have been laid off or has had a significant reduction in hours or pay. Available between 5 and 8 p.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis, at the Penn Quarter location
Meal locations for DC students
Meals will be available for all students every weekday at locations throughout the city.
Maryland
Image Courtesy of Little Miner Taco
Gusto Farm to Street
4733 Elm St, Bethesda, MD | 8512 Fenton St, Silver Spring, MD | 14385 Newbrook Dr, Chantilly, VA
Offering 50% off to restaurant and bar employees who have had their paychecks impacted (just show proof of employment). Providing free meals to the families of their team members. Free kids meals on Mondays with the purchase of an adult meal.
Kuya Ja’s Lechon Belly
5268-H, Nicholson Ln, Rockville
Serving brown bag takeout meals to school kids (up to 18 years old), Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 1 PM.
Little Miner Taco
3809 Rhode Island Ave, Brentwood, MD 20722
Providing free kids meals from the kids menu daily while DC & MD schools are closed.
Prima
7280 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda
Serving free meals to kids for long as Montgomery County schools are closed.
Virginia
Image Courtesy of Del Ray Pizzeria
Bayou Bakery
1515 N Courthouse Rd
Offering free lunches for kids between 10 – 12 pm on weekdays.
Gaijin Ramen Shop
3800 Lee Highway
Offering delivery of free vegetable ramen soup to seniors
Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe
672 N. Glebe Road
Offering free meals to school-aged kids and free delivery for seniors
Good Stuff Eatery
2110 Crystal Drive | 3291 M St. NW, Washington, DC | 303 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Offering free meals to students between 5 and 17
Jaleo Crystal City
2250-A Crystal Drive | 480 7th Street NW, Washington, DC | 7271 Woodmont Avenue, Bethesda, MD
Offering free meals to students. Also offering 20% off Gift Cards in which 100% of the proceeds go to the employees.
Joe’s Place Pizza & Pasta
5555 Lee Highway
Offering free cheese pizzas and fresh salads to those most affected by the school closings and job cutbacks from 5-7 pm on weekdays.
Medium Rare
3601 N. Fairfax Dr
Delivering free meals to quarantined seniors over 70 in the D.C. area.
Meridian Pint
6035 Wilson Blvd
Offering a free kids meal with every adult entree purchased from 5-8 pm.
We the Pizza
4201 Wilson Blvd | 2100 Crystal Drive | 305 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC
Offering free slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza or four wings and a side salad to kids under 15 as long as schools are closed.
Del Ray Pizzeria
2218 Mount Vernon Avenue
Offering 25% off all carryout orders for restaurant workers with a recent pay stub. Also acting as a dropoff and distribution location for nonperishable food and home goods for affected restaurant workers.
Alexandria Restaurant Partners
Mia’s Italian Kitchen | Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap | The Majestic | Vola’s Dockside Grill | Palette 22 | Theismann’s
50% of all gift card sales will go into a dedicated employee relief fund. As a special thank you, you will also receive a 20% bonus gift card for use at any of the ARP restaurants.
Senior Services of Alexandria
206 N. Washington Street, Suite 301
LCPS Meal Delivery Stops | Mon-Fri | 8 AM – 1 PM
Each student will be allowed breakfast and lunch and they can choose to take both meals simultaneously.
Mobile Hope
The bus provides food, hygiene products, and diapers. Additional stops have been added for every day of the week.
Leesburg Food Pantry
They offer a Meals on Wheels service for seniors. Other programs include free baby formula, canned soup, groceries, and more.
Expanded the number of sites and added several pop-locations and bus routes where students can grab meals.
If you know of other restaurants giving in this time of need, please email blog@mcenearney.com and will get them added to the post.
Other Resources:
Costco hiring temp help at stores across the region as they can’t keep up with demand. They reached out looking for hospitality industry people first and purposefully. Go to Costco.com and on the bottom of the page, look for ’employment opportunities’. Applicants should put the word “Restaurant” as their middle name on the application so they know it came through RAMW and Costco will prioritize.
Many national brands are doing their part as well. Restaurants are giving away free and reduced meals to medical professionals, waiving delivery fees, and more.
The Best Breweries in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia
Beer lovers rejoice! September 8-15 is the District’s celebration of the region’s craft beer brewmasters and enthusiasts. Kickoff DC Beer Week with Bluejacket Brewery and the official release of the annual Solidarity brew, a German Kellerbier for 2019. With more than a dozen different events, there’s sure to be something for every beer lover. You can walk off the calories in the DC Beer Week Fun Run try your homebrew skills in this competition, or check out a panel discussion on women in the craft beer industry. The full calendar of events is here. Join on social media with #DCBW2019.
Additionally, Virginia devotes the entire month of August to craft brews in respect to its growing industry. That’s dedication! Join on social media with #VAcraftbeer and #LOVEVA for a chance to win prizes.
With so many excellent regional craft breweries in the Washington, D.C. area, it’s easy to celebrate with good friends at a favorite or new brewery, brewpub or bar. Check out our list of great local breweries—and then hop to it!
Note: Please check each website for individual hours as they may vary.
Choose Your Location
WASHINGTON, D.C.
RIGHT PROPER BREWING COMPANY
Brookland, NE Production House and Tasting Room | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Shaw BrewPub and Kitchen
Tours Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Reservations not required). Offers flights, glasses, or growlers fills. Does not serve food–outside food allowed. Food trucks/vendors on Saturdays.
DC BRAU
East of Brookland, NE | Facebook | Instagram
“Washington DC’s First Packaging Brewery Since 1956.” Trivia Thursdays and Half Priced Pints Fridays. Tours offered Saturdays between 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m. Kid-friendly. Does not serve food–outside food allowed. Food trucks/vendors on Saturdays.
ATLAS BREW WORKS
Ivy City, NE | Facebook | Instagram
Take a tour on Saturdays at 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., or 6 p.m. Kid- and dog-friendly. No reservations on Saturdays after 2 p.m. Does not serve food–outside food allowed. Food trucks/vendors on most days.
BLUEJACKET BREWERY / ARSENAL RESTAURANT
Navy Yard, SE | Facebook | Instagram
Brewery on site. Restaurant has dinner time hours, lunch during weekdays, and brunch on Sundays. Growler fills not available.
HELLBENDER BREWING COMPANY
North Fort Totten, NE | Facebook | Instagram
Brewery tours on Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Does not serve food–outside food allowed. Food trucks/vendors on most Saturdays.
3 STARS BREWING COMPANY
Takoma, NE | Facebook | Instagram
Tours Saturdays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Offers tastings, growler fills, and a homebrew shop.
MARYLAND
FLYING DOG BREWERY
Frederick | Facebook | Instagram
Tours offered Thursday through Sunday by reservation only. Offers growler and crowler fills. No one under the age of 21 is permitted. A state driver’s license is required.
MONOCACY BREWING
Frederick | Facebook | Instagram
Sells pints, select bottled beer, and growler and crowler fills. Tours offered Saturdays at 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., and 3:15 p.m.
STREETCAR 82 BREWING
Hyattsville | Facebook | Instagram
New with limited hours – check Facebook for weekly hours.
FRANKLIN’S RESTAURANT, BREWERY AND GENERAL STORE
Hyattsville | Facebook
Tastings, pints, and select bottles sold on site. Effort will be made to accommodate tours scheduled in advance. Keg rentals also available.
7 LOCKS BREWING
Rockville | Facebook | Instagram
Flights, pints, or growler fills. Happy hour all day Wednesday, trivia Thursday, live music some Saturdays. Dog-friendly on Sundays only. Outside food not allowed, but see food truck schedule on website.
DENIZENS BREWING COMPANY
Silver Spring | Facebook | Instagram
Dog-friendly beer garden. Happy hour Tuesdays through Friday, and all day Mondays. Sells food on site. Does not take reservations, but seating space for 400 guests. Children allowed, with exception that the outside seating is 21+ only Fridays and Saturday nights after 8 pm.
VIRGINIA
PORT CITY BREWING COMPANY
Alexandria | Facebook | Instagram
Tasters, flights, pints, growlers, six-packs, cases and kegs sold on site. Tours Thursdays and Fridays at 6:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (private bookings available). Check the website for robust event lineup.
CHUBBY SQUIRREL
Fairfax | Facebook | Instagram
In addition to tasters, pints and food, Chubby Squirrel also serves beers, wines, ciders, and meads from around the region.
CABOOSE BREWING COMPANY | Facebook | Instagram
Caboose Tavern – Vienna | Facebook | Instagram
Caboose Commons – Mosaic | Facebook | Instagram
Tours available, keg available for purchase. Also a full-service restaurant serving locally sourced and humanely raised food. Reservations highly recommended for dining. Limited brewery seating. Outdoor patio available, dog-friendly. Check out the newly opened Caboose Commons, located in the Mosaic District!
AUDACIOUS ALEWORKS
Falls Church | Facebook | Instagram
Tasting and pints. Games in taproom.
ASLIN BEER CO.
Herndon | Facebook | Instagram
Not available for on-site consumption: take away only. Releases 2-4 beers per week and rotating favorites every 6-8 weeks. Can releases begin at Thursdays starting at 3 p.m. and Saturdays starting at 11 a.m. Growler/crowler fills Friday through Sunday during posted hours only.
2 SILOS BREWING COMPANY
Manassas | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Opened in 2017 and located on 8-acres, 2 Silos offers food trucks, live music, yard games, and of course, blissful brews. Dog and family-friendly. Open Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
HERITAGE BREWING COMPANY
Manassas HQ Tasting Room Facebook | Instagram
Taste beer and coffee roasted on-site. During the warmer months, you’ll find a BBQ truck on-site on Saturdays.
Arlington Brewpub and Roastery (Clarendon) | Menus
Serving select beers, coffee, and locally sourced food in a “casual rustic American setting.”
VANISH FARMWOODS BREWERY
Leesburg | Facebook | Instagram
Ingredients are locally sourced and you will also find wine, cider, fresh sangria and wine slushies. Children welcome (there’s a playground!). Dogs allowed in some areas. BBQ smoked on-site Saturday and Sunday. Wood-fired pizza available Thursday through Sunday. Burger and Mexican food trucks. Take a river tubing trip down the stunning Shenandoah and Potomac rivers and end the day over at Vanish!
CROOKED RUN BREWERY
Leesburg location releases at least one can every Friday at 11:30 a.m. Small amount of food offered, outside food allowed. Dogs allowed on patio. |
Sterling location: Taqueria on site. Dogs allowed on patio. Weekend live music.
DRAGON HOPS
Purcellville | Facebook | Instagram
Local sourced hops in Loudoun County. Find happy hour specials on food, drink and growler fills. Some in-house and local food truck food available.
OCELOT BREWING COMPANY
Sterling | Facebook | Instagram
Tastings, pints, growler fills, some bottles, and kegs. Reservations accepted Sunday through Thursday (not Friday and Saturday). Informal tours are available upon request. Outside food allowed and occasional food trucks. Children welcome. Dogs allowed outside.
BREW REPUBLIC BIERWORKS
Woodbridge | Facebook | Instagram
Get in some tastings, pints, and some bottled varieties, growler fills, and kegs. Tours Saturdays at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Small plate food selection. Happy hour specials and robust event calendar: trivia, tacos, bingo, karaoke, open mic, yoga, game day television viewing, and more to come.
If one week dedicated to beer in D.C. is not enough, check out these websites for local Virginia and Maryland beer festivals. Also consider making a special trip to explore Loudoun County’s LoCo Ale Trail, featuring more than 23 craft breweries. In addition, at the rate summer is slipping by, Oktoberfests will be here before you know it!
Photos (in order of appearance) courtesy of Adobe Stock, Right Proper Brewing Company Facebook, Denizens Brewing Company Facebook, and Port City Brewing Company Facebook.
In-Home Urban Jungles and How to Create Your Own
More and more people have been putting plants into their homes during this modern urban jungles craze that has sparked the internet. Whether you just enjoy the sight of plants or you understand the benefit of having them in your homes, people are starting to love the idea of having lush greenery throughout their home. Everyone has a green thumb, you just need to learn how to use it!
Little Leaf Shop, Washington D.C. Photo credit: Rachel Maucieri
Locally Owned Places to Purchase Plants
Little Leaf | Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
1401 S St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Instagram
Very chic shop that as all the necessities to start planting.
Ginkgo Gardens | Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
911 11th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Facebook | Instagram
Serves as a lush oasis in the heart of bustling capitol hill.
Greenstreet Gardens of Virginia | Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
1721 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22302
Instagram
Family run business that offers a large variety of plants and flowers galore .
Nature by Design | Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
300 Calvert Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
If you are looking for a plant that you can’t seem to find anywhere, chances are that you will find exactly what you are looking for at Nature by Design.
American Plant | Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
5258 River Rd, Bethesda, MD 20816
Facebook | Instagram
American Plant is a great nursery to go to if you are looking for a custom arrangement.
Photo Courtesy Little Leaf Shop Instagram
Benefits of Having Plants in the House:
Urban Jungles bring many benefits besides the sheer beauty of the decor plants add to our homes. Plant care and self-care go hand in hand. Houseplants provide many positives to our daily lives in various, scientifically proven, ways. These benefits include air quality improvements, as plants bring in more oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, increasing humidity (even the Mid-Atlantic sometimes needs a little extra moisture in the air), assist in regulating air temperatures, and even boosting your immune system. There are even job benefits: productivity tends to improve as plants are present and sick leave has been found to be reduced up to 60%!
Below are some additional health advantages plants:
- Fatigue on average goes down 30%
- Perceptions of pain are lowered, on average 25%
- Coughing is reduced by approximately 35%
- Allergy symptoms such as itchy eyes, runny noses, and dry throat are reduced by about 20%
(from The Perks of Being a Plant Lover)
If you wish to learn more about the health benefits that plants bring into our lives everyday then please click HERE for more details!
How to Create Terrariums, Kokedama Balls, and Macrame
Putting plants in your house is not only beautiful looking but it can be fun too! More and more people are getting incredibly creative with how they decorate their plants. You no longer have to have your plant just sitting in that little orange pot holder standing out in the center of your room. Instead, make a statement with your urban jungles! What most don’t realize is that you can hang your plants like a macrame, have a kokedama ball as a table centerpiece, or create a terrarium for your shelves.
No matter what your stlye is, go on youtube or type into google how to make a macrame for my plants, and there are so many options for everyone to chose and become a professional gardener. Below is an example of how to make a Terrarium.
How to make a Terrarium:
The best plants for a terrarium: Moon valley, Starfish plant, Neve plant, and Assorted cacti
Pro Tips to Keep Your Urban Jungles Flourishing:
- Avoid putting your plants in places next to heat sources (radiator or vent) or in a spot where there are likely cold drafts. Try to find a place where the temperature is always the same. Stability is key.
- When watering your plant ensure you are not over watering or providing too little. Balance is important.
- Before you purchase your new plant, make sure you do a little bit of research on it so you can find the best spot in the house for that plant to grow. Plants are alive, and one might require different care from another.
- Get to know your plant! Studies have shown that talking to your plants actually increases a plants life cycle.
- There are two types of houseplants: the dry kind and the moist kind. For example, a sago palm plant is very low maintenance because it thrives in dry, poor soil and will suffer if you give it too much water, whereas an iris needs to watered thoroughly and regularly or else they will not bloom.
- Renting? No problem! Just be sure to double check with your property management or landlord to be sure of any rules or restrictions. Read our tips for renters wanting to add a little green to their space.
Happy Planting Everyone!
Rethink Thanksgiving Leftovers
For most people, Thanksgiving doesn’t just signify a season of giving; it also signifies a season of leftovers! Fortunately for you, folks are getting creative with leftovers nowadays and developing delicious leftovers from next-day nourishment. From snacks to sandwiches and even brand-new dinners, there are plenty of ways to create something new from leftover holiday vittles.
Dude. Three words: Mashed Potato Pizza. It may sound strange, but we are definitely intrigued. Plus, it could certainly be a change from the heavy meal you ate the day before. You’ll need ingredients such as pizza dough (makes sense), garlic, basil, leeks, cheese and, of course, the leftover mashed potatoes. Like we said, intrigued. You can find the recipe here.
If it’s snacks that you’re searching for, and you really love stuffing, there’s a recipe for Second-Day Fried Stuffing Bites with a Cranberry Sauce Pesto. Breadcrumbs, leftover stuffing, walnuts, and a couple other basic ingredients make up this treat that helps you get rid of a part of the Thanksgiving dinner that sometimes goes to waste. A food processor will be your BFF with this recipe, which you can find here (the recipe, not the processor…sorry).
If you haven’t gotten your fill of dinners that look (keyword: look) impressive, try out these Pocket Pies that are chock-full of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffing, vegetables and anything else your heart desires. It seems to be fairly simple and kid-friendly (give little ones something to do while they’re home from school on holiday break). And you can even put some aside and freeze for later on! Click here for the full recipe.
And if you need a recipe that works well for a cold day, try a turkey soup. This Chunky Turkey-Vegetable Soup uses up cooked turkey breast and sweet potato, as well as some other yummy things, which will warm you up when cold weather has you down. It looks super easy and quick, which should be a nice change of pace from the holiday frenzy. Find the details here.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Just imagine: Wouldn’t it be great to burn off your Thanksgiving calories before you even sit down for the meal? We know this isn’t actually possible, but just bear with us. While you can’t burn calories that don’t exist yet, you can feel better about the calories you consume after taking part in one of the many Turkey Trots around the Washington, D.C. area. Among the many ways to enjoy November around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, Thanksgiving Day runs are one of the most popular events. Some trots are for charity, while others are just for personal satisfaction, but all are another great reason for gathering family and friends for good fun and a little workout. Take part in these Turkey Trots and kick-off the holiday season!
Maryland
In Maryland, the 36th Annual Turkey Chase Charity Run at the YMCA Bethesda-Chevy Chase (9401 Old Georgetown Rd.) includes a 10K race and a 2-mile fun run/walk, plus shorter challenges for kids. The run supports the YMCA’s Youth and Family Services and the BCC Rotary Club and Foundation, and it takes place at 8:30 on Thanksgiving morning.
Washington, D.C.
In D.C the 17th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger is at 8:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. It starts at Freedom Plaza, at the corner of 13th Street, NW and Pennsylvania Avenue, NW). This popular 5K fun run and family walk benefits programs for the homeless, and helps SOME (So Others Might Eat) to provide much-needed food, clothing, healthcare, and more to the over 10,000 people in need each year.
Virginia
Virginia seems to be hosting the majority of the area’s Turkey Trots and Races, and they all benefit different causes. The 13th Annual Arlington Turkey Trot (8 a.m., Thanksgiving morning, at Christ Church of Arlington) actually benefits six local organizations: Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), A-SPAN, Arlington Thrive, Bridges to Independence (formerly AACH), OAR, and Young Life. The 6th Annual Fairfax Turkey Trot (9 a.m., Thanksgiving morning, at Mantua Swimming Pool) will benefit Britepaths, an organization dedicated to developing sustainable solutions to meet the challenges of low-income working families through emergency assistance, financial literacy and one-on-one mentoring. The 30th Annual Virginia Run Turkey Trot (8 a.m., Thanksgiving morning, at Pleasant Valley Road) has raised more than $1 Million for Life with Cancer since it began.
The Alexandria Turkey Trot is celebrating 43 years and is expected to draw 5,000 runners. Starting at 9 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning at George Washington Middle School, it boasts a Metro-accessible start and finish line, a dog and stroller friendly course, and a flat fast and scenic course through the heart of Del Ray. We are proud that our very own McEnearney Associates, The Jen Walker Team, is the Title Sponsor for this premier area event.
Whether you take part in a Turkey Trot or not, there is nothing like a breezy walk or run on Thanksgiving with your friends and family to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
Best Places to Celebrate Oktoberfest in the DC Area
For a lot of revelers and families alike, Oktoberfest is a popular yearly occurrence, imported from Munich, Germany. While we recently rounded up the best local breweries for those interested in sipping, this particular autumn tradition is not to be missed. Celebrate in style with multiple events throughout the Washington D.C., Virginia and Maryland area. What better way to ring in the new season than with a traditional lager or a more modern, local craft brew?
The D.C. area has a vibrant history of German-American immigration, dating to even earlier than the beginning of Oktoberfest as an agricultural fair in 1811 in Bavaria. Since colonial times, Germans made settlements across Maryland—most notably at Frederick (then Fredericktown) and around Baltimore. Towards the turn of the twentieth century, the Foggy Bottom area in Washington, D.C. grew to be a bustling industrial center where many workers were of German descent.
Official Oktoberfest in Munich runs from September 22 through October 7, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy closer to home. In particular, keep your eye on the ever-popular Busch Gardens Bier Fest, which is only running for a few more days, and the Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, for which McEnearney Associates’ Your At Home Team is Fort Belvoir’s 2018 Title Sponsor. While it’s not an Oktoberfest, you can also taste a little bit of local beer with D.C. brewing history at the Heurich House Museum in Dupont Circle, which offers Brewmaster Tours on September 14th and September 28th.
See below our full lineup of Oktoberfest events and fall beer festivals across the DMV area, arranged by date. Prost!
Busch Gardens Bier Fest
August 15 – September 3 | Williamsburg, VA
Celebrate with fireworks, enjoy brewery talks, or go on a brews cruise. They are especially proud to feature local Virginia brews! The Bier Fest is included with park admission, but sampler packs and cruises are an extra cost. Ongoing daily, including Labor Day.
Rams Head Shorehouse – Oktoberfest Release Party
September 6 | Stevensville, MD
Free! $4 for commemorative glass with one pour of Oktoberfest, and $2 additional pours. 21+ only.
Fair Winds Nautifest 2018
September 14 | Lorton, VA
Their seasonal Oktoberfest variety, Nautifest will be tapped. Drafts and six-packs will be available.
Strasburg Oktoberfest
September 15 | Strasburg, VA
$3 at the door. Family-friendly events include
Amps & Ales @ Arundel Mills Mall
September 15 | Hanover, MD
Ticketing options include General Admission (no sampling) and unlimited tasting options. Prominent breweries plus wine and spirit options. Multiple live performances. Kids welcome.
Biergarten Haus Oktoberfest
Thursdays September 21 – October 12 | Capitol Hill, D.C.
Selected German draft list. A popular Capitol Hill spot since 2010. 8 p.m. on Thursdays, competitions and prizes available.
Oktoberfest @ The Republic
September 22 | Woodbridge, VA
Hosted by Brew Republic Bierworks at Stonebridge at the Potomac Town Center. Marzenbiers competition, food, entertainment. Fun for all ages.
Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest
September 27 – 30 | Fort Belvoir, VA
22nd Annual, making it one of the longest-running Oktoberfests in the area. A fair-like feel, with fun and entertainment for the whole family! McEnearney Associates’ Your At Home Team is Fort Belvoir’s 2018 Title Sponsor.
Port City Oktoberfest Parties
Multiple Events | Waterfront at King Street, Old Town Alexandria, VA
September 29: Outdoor Oktoberfest Party
October 12 – 14: Waterfront Beer Garden Oktoberfest Weekend (Waterfront at King Street)
This waterside event series also features IPAs October 19 – 20 and dark beers October 26 – 27.
Frederick Oktoberfest
September 28 – 29 | Frederick, MD
Friday is 21+ only, Saturday is all ages. Sponsored by Flying Dog Brewery. New this year are team competitions!
Lovettsville Oktoberfest
September 29 | Lovettsville, VA
Over a half-mile of food booths and entertainment, including a main stage. Free! Includes admission, parking, shuttles, music, kinderfest. Beer is for purchase only.
District Oktoberfest
September 29 | Dupont, D.C.
Purchase of admission ticket required. Includes a 12-oz serving of Oktoberfest edition beer at each venue.
Crystal City Oktoberfest
September 29 | Crystal City, Arlington
“Northern Virginia’s Largest Oktoberfest.” 50+ breweries (lots of local from DC, VA and MD!) with 100+ craft beers to sample. Ticket price includes 10 samples.
Crooked Run Brewing Oktoberfest dinner @ Art and Soul
September 28 | Penn Quarter, D.C.
For a fancier take on this tradition, check out a meat-centric five-course meal, with beer pairings complementing each course, for $75 in Art and Soul’s private dining room. Menu in the link.
7 Locks Brewing 3rd Annual Oktoberfest
September 29 | North Bethesda, MD
Free admission, or option for $35 package to include stein, t-shirt, and two pours, or option for $15 for a t-shirt and beer.
Oktoberfest @ Provision No. 14
September 29 | U Street, D.C.
Celebration will include German food, competition, and seasonal Oktoberfest brews.
Arlington ValleyFest
September 30 | Shirlington, Arlington
Hosted by New District Brewing Company. Musicians, Performing Artists, Local Artists, Kid-Friendly Zone.
Senior Services of Alexandria Oktoberfest @ Port City
October 3 | West Alexandria, VA
A fundraiser to support Senior Services of Alexandria. Tickets include beer tastings and brewery tours.
Oktoberfest Reston / “Flavors of Fall”
Nightly, October 5 – 7 | Reston, VA
General admission is free, food and drinks are for purchase. Carnival tickets also available for purchase. Wide selection of Oktoberfest beers and food vendors.
Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Oktoberfest @ Hard Bargain Farm
October 6 | Accokeek, MD
Family-friendly. Features performances from a Bavarian dance group, German food and beer, hay wagon rides, crafts, and an opportunity to meet barn animals. All proceeds benefit environmental education programs.
Snallygaster D.C.
October 13 | Downtown, D.C. (Pennsylvania Ave NW between 3rd & 6th Streets)
Selections from 120+ breweries with over 350 brews. This signature event is also the annual fundraiser for Arcadia, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable local food systems. Tickets support their demonstration farm in Alexandria, mobile farmers markets, a veteran’s program, and more.
Das Best Oktoberfest
October 13 | Baltimore, MD
Regular and VIP session options. All you care to taste (unlimited samples) of over 150 international, domestic, and local Maryland beers (also wine and schnapps). Entertainment provided, food for a la carte purchase. Also kicks off Baltimore Beer Week, which runs October 12th through 21st!
Oktoberfest at the Kentlands
October 14 | Gaithersburg, MD
27th Annual Celebration held on the grounds of the Kentlands Mansion, Main Street, and Market Square. Admission and parking are free.
Annapolis Harvest Beer Festival @ Chesapeake Brew Pub
October 14 | Annapolis, MD
Beer from eight local breweries. Witness a homebrewing competition with celebrity judges. Entertainment, pumpkin carving, demos and food. General admission ticket purchase required.
DC Beer Festival @ Nats Park
November 3 | Navy Yard, D.C.
Offerings from around 50 breweries. Ticket required: general admission or VIP options available. Entertainment includes DJ, lawn games and more. Food trucks on site. 21+ only.
Photos (in order of appearance) courtesy of Adobe Stock (main photo), Busch Gardens Bier Fest, Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest, Lovettsville Oktoberfest, Oktoberfest Reston (c) Chip McCrea Photography 2016, and DC Beer Festival.
