This is a great time of year to visit Arlington Farmer’s Market on a Saturday morning. Located in the County Courthouse parking lot, the market is open Saturdays from 8 AM -noon from mid-April to December and from 9 AM to noon the rest of the year. By limiting the distance farmers can travel to 125 miles, this is a great way to support local farmers and buy green. My favorites are the peaches, strawberries and sorbet while my kids love the yogurt and tomatoes. Besides fruits and vegetables you can find fresh baked breads, cut flowers, soaps, eggs and meats, pasta, mushrooms and honey.
Documentary about Arlington’s "Smart Growth"
Having been born and raised in Arlington, I remember the days before Metro, when Ballston was called Parkington and you drove there to visit The Hecht Co., South Pacific Restaurant, the 7 and 9 Shop, Hahn’s Shoe Store, or Danneman’s Fabrics. Clarendon had a free standing Sears store and a JC Penney.
Arlington’s push to get as many Metro stops as possible, when other suburban communities were afraid Metro would bring urban problems along with it, resulted in what Arlington is today – a model for “Smart Growth” and its pedestrian friendly urban villages helped earn the Washington area the title of “the most walkable major metropolitan area” in the country.
Now, a new documentary details the story of “Arlington’s Smart Growth Journey”. You can view it online here.
Arlington County Market Statistics for March 2009
Real estate statistics for Arlington County for March 2009 are now posted at this link.
Earth Day Event Scheduled for National Mall
Earth Day 2009 is April 22nd. This date will mark the beginning of The Green Generation Campaign, a two year initiative that will culminate in next year’s 40th anniversary of Earth Day. The campaign encourages individuals to become members of the Green Generation by agreeing to be an active citizen, transform their immediate environment, stay informed and inform others, and consume wisely.
In recognition of Earth Day 2009, the Earth Day Network is holding a large-scale event on the National Mall in Washington, DC. On April 19th from noon to 6pm. For details go to The Earth Day Network website. The event will have speakers, entertainment and exhibitors.
Historic Garden Week in Virginia
Homes and gardens around the state will be on tour during Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, typically the third week in April. For a schedule of tours go to Virginia Garden Week’s website. In our area, the Fairfax Garden Club hosts a tour of homes and gardens and the Alexandria Garden Club will have many historic homes and gardens available to tour.
Cherry Blossom Festival begins March 20th, 2018
My favorite time of year in this area is when the cherry blossoms come out. The “guests of honor” are not always here in time for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Many activities are planned during the two week period of the festival including the SushiMasters competition which debuted in 2010. The area around the Tidal Basin and East Potomac Park is the most popular place to visit and you can even rent a paddle boat to get out on the water and enjoy them there. But if you don’t want to fight the crowds at the Tidal Basin, try the National Arboretum which offers a self-guided tour or visit the Kenwood neighborhood near River Road and Brookside Drive in Bethesda/Chevy Chase which offers a seasonal walk. Blooms in Kenwood should peak a few days later than the ones in DC because of cooler temperatures.
