October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

Press Room - October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

Here is a link to events all over the state: http://www.virginia.org/winemonth/

Here is the Full Press Release from the Virginia Tourism Office:

October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

-Discover Your Local Crush theme invites travelers to Virginia for wine harvest season-

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RICHMOND, Va. (September 20, 2011) - The Virginia Tourism Corporation invites wine lovers to start planning a trip for October Virginia Wine Month, one of the best times of the year to visit the state's numerous wine regions. "Discover Your Local Crush" is the Wine Month theme, tempting travelers to visit and taste the best of Virginia wines at wineries and festivals statewide.

Since October Virginia Wine Month began in 1988, the Virginia wine industry has grown tremendously, encompassing nearly 200 wineries and 16 wine trails. Now ranking fifth in the nation for the number of wineries and sixth nationally for wine grape production, Virginia serves as a perfect destination for oenophiles and travel enthusiasts.

October Virginia Wine Month is an ideal time to visit Virginia. The state's 15 million acres of foliage are bursting with color and wineries are celebrating the harvest. From the coastal serenity of the Eastern Shore to the majestic splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, each wine region provides travelers with a one-of-a-kind wine experience. Visitors are encouraged to start planning a wine month getaway today and discover their local Virginia crush. Visitwww.Virginia.org/wine for information on celebrations taking place throughout the state in October including events such as:

11th Annual Norton Wine & Bluegrass Festival
Chrysalis Vineyards - Middleburg, VA (October 1-2, 2011)

Wine travelers can visit Chrysalis Vineyards, home to the world's largest grower of Norton, The Real American Grape!®, and experience one of Northern Virginia's top wineries during the harvest season. The area's best bluegrass, food from the local "BBQ King," cheese, chocolates and chutneys from Virginia's premier producers, jewelry and art from top-notch artisans and designers, hayrides and vineyard tours and a special nine-wine tasting, are just some of the weekend's highlights. Admission is $15 in advance and day-of is $20.

Wine, Moon & Stars at Virginia Mountain Vineyards
Virginia Mountain Vineyards - Fincastle, VA (October 7, 2011)
Set in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Mountain Vineyards will offer clear skies and an unobstructed view of the constellations, weather permitting, on the evening of October 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. A member of the Roanoke Astronomy Club will be on hand for a brief astronomical presentation, and telescopes will be set up in the vineyard for stargazing. Participants will also enjoy a bowl of chili and bottle of Virginia Mountain Vineyards wine as music plays under the tent. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free.

Blackdog Wine & Classic Rock Festival
Chateau Morrisette - Floyd, VA (October 8, 2011)
Located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette Winery will host the 2011 Black Dog Wine & Music festival this October. The rock event will feature amazing bands, great food, the winery's famous sangria and the best of their wines. Travelers can dance the day away or sit back and take in the show from one of the private gazebos. A variety of local food, arts and crafts and wine sales areas are located in the courtyard and festival field. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gates.

Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival
Rebec Vineyards, Inc. - Amherst, VA (October 9-10, 2011)

The Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival embrace food, wine, live entertainment, arts, crafts and most importantly, garlic. The festival offers something for everyone, old and young alike, including live entertainment, contests, wine tastings from six different wineries, and a kid's area with a petting zoo and bounce area. Five stages are filled with music and entertainment, including garlic cooking as well as Garlic King, Queen and Jr. Queen Contests. Wine Tasting tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the gates. General admission is $14 in advance and $25 at the gates, and children under 12 are free. For more information, call 434-946-5168.

Historic Long Branch Hot Air Balloon Wine & Music Festival

Millwood, VA (October 14-16, 2011)

A fun-filled, three-day family celebration unfolds with the 15th anniversary of the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival. Held on the spacious lawns and rolling fields of Historic Long Branch in Clarke County, the festival brings balloonist and their colorful airborne craft from far and wide to delight spectators of all ages. In addition to the balloons, more than a dozen Virginia wines will be featured for tasting.

Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Town Point Park - Norfolk, VA (October 15-16, 2011)

One of Virginia's largest outdoor wine festivals, the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival features more than 30 Virginia wineries along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Wine lovers can enjoy the crisp fall air and background music as they sample a variety of wines and gourmet local Virginia cuisine, as well as shop onsite retailers for specialty crafts and wine accessories. All wines offered during the event are available for purchase by glass, bottle or case. Ticket required for entry. For more information, call 757-441-2345.

Devault Family Vineyards Fall Family Fun
Devault Family Vineyards - Concord, VA (October 21-22, 2011)

The annual Fall Family Fun event at Campbell County's newest winery, extended to two evenings this year, will offer activities and fun for people of all ages. Situated on 32 beautiful rolling acres, Devault Family Vineyards will provide travelers with a selection of live music from a Beatles Tribute Band and Out of Spite, as well as a Haunted Woods and a variety of other family-friendly happenings. For more information, call 434-993-0561.

Fall Treats at Foggy Ridge Cider & Blacksnake Meadery

Dugspur, VA (October 22, 2011)

Fall in an apple orchard couldn't be better. Sample Foggy Ridge cider along with mead from neighboringBlacksnake Meadery, each paired with tasty seasonal treats. $5 fee covers tastings and food pairings at both locations.

MARTIN'S presents Richmond International Wine Excursion
Historic Tredegar Iron Works- Richmond, VA (October 28-29, 2011)

The first ever MARTIN'S presents Richmond International Wine Excursion will feature a weekend of premier wine events including grand tastings, a "locavore" luncheon and wine-tasting seminar. The event will also feature global cuisine from some of the Region's finest chefs and restaurateurs. Notable presenters include world-renown importer Bartholomew Broadbent and Georg Riedel, the 10th generation scion of the world-class Riedel Glass Company. It will be held on the grounds of the American Civil War Center at Tredegar.

Autumn Barrel Tasting at Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville, VA (October 29 - 30, 2011)
One of Virginia's oldest and finest wineries invites visitors to a special barrel tasting. This enhanced tasting will focus on valuable older vintages, along with a traditional sampling of new Octagon from the barrel. Caromont Farm will present award-winning artisan cheeses and fresh breads from Palladio Restaurant will refresh the palate. Admission Fee: $25.

Find these great events and more details on October Virginia Wine Month at www.Virginia.org/wine.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

Capital Home and Garden Show at Chantilly Expo Center 9/23 - 9/25

Find out more info here:  http://www.capitalhomeshow.com/ME2/Sites/

It’s that Time Again – The Capital Home Show is Back!
Learn the Latest and Greatest in Home Design

The Capital Home Show returns to the Dulles Expo Center Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25 with new and exciting ideas on how to finish up lingering projects and get any home ready for winter. Meet area experts in home design and renovation, discover the latest developments in green home products and snag cutting-edge creative ideas! There will be dynamic stage demonstrations focused on both home design and fresh cooking trends, as well as guest appearances by celebrity headliners.

“This year the show is focused on using easy techniques with affordable products to get the best results. We have an amazing group of local industry experts all under one roof, all of whom are eager to share tips and tricks,” show manager Alyson Caplan said.

Highlights of the fall Show include:

Sand Castle Creations – The Sand Sculpting Company will create a unique masterpiece through the duration of the Show;

Kitchen & Home Design Stage – Enjoy demonstrations by renowned local chefs and experts on home design and remodeling who will be offering tips for the holidays, and every day;

The Repurposing Rooms by Habitat for Humanity – The renovation team at Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia will show how to repurpose household furniture to create new items that look like a million bucks, but actually cost very little to make;

Celebrity Pastry Chef Yigit Pura – The season one winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Just Desserts” will be on site Saturday and Sunday showcasing fun and easy baking tips using the latest modern cookware;

HGTV’s Sasha Andreev – The host of “Curb Appeal” and “Decorating Cents” will make an appearance to give advice on do-it-yourself home remodeling; and

Local legend Mike McGrath – The nationally syndicated writer and radio personality, WTOP’s Gardening Editor and host of “Garden Sense,” will be at the show to discuss home design, both indoors & outdoors.

 “There will be over 200 exhibitors and incredible expect presenters at the Show this fall making it a wonderful resource for anyone living in the region,” Caplan said. “I encourage everyone to come with questions, because the Capital Home Show has answers!”

The Capital Home Show is open Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Click here to purchase $7.00 discounted tickets online.

Tickets are also available at the door – Adults: $10.00; Children 6-12: $3.00; 5 and under: FREE.
Tickets are valid for one day. Visit  www.capitalhomeshow.com for full details.

Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor in Fairfax County

The following information is from the "Informed Consumer" Summer 2011 Newsletter, Consumer Affairs Branch of the Fairfax County Department of Consumer Services.  This newsletter comes out quarterly, you can sign up for at the Consumer Services website: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer/

 

 

The Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch offers a variety of educational seminars to consumers of Fairfax County.  One of the more popular seminars is the Home Improvement Seminar.  The Home Improvement Seminar discusses the steps to take before hiring a home improvement contractor, work that requires a Fairfax County building permit, information that should be included within

the contract, tips on how to manage the project, and items to review before making the final payment. 

The presentation reviews the Home Solicitation Sales Act and the ―Buyer’s Right to Cancel clause that must be included in all contracts that are signed in your home.  It also discusses your rights under the Contractor Fraud law. 

Our office is available to conduct a presentation for your community, please feel free to contact us at 703-222-8435.  Once you’ve become educated about the contractor laws and selection process, try to coordinate a meeting with your common interest community association’s board or architectural committee to review your proposed project.  Are you required to submit a request for approval of the project?  Are there certain restrictions on material choice or color that you must communicate to your contractor?  

One final step in the process, is to contact the Fairfax County Permit Application Center to confirm whether or not your contractor is required to obtain any permits.  It’s important to have that confirmed prior to beginning work on your home.

The Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch does offer mediation services regarding consumer-contractor disputes that may arise.  If you find yourself in such a situation, please feel free to contact our office at 703-222-8435 or file an online complaint.  You can also contact our office Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to speak with an Investigator of the Day regarding any general inquiries related to home improvement contractors.

Virginia is For Lovers :: Follow Your Heart Sweepstakes

Virginia is For Lovers :: Follow Your Heart Sweepstakes

Hurry!!  Sweepstakes ends August 25, 2011.  Click on the above link to enter.

Follow Your Heart to Virginia and Win One of Ten Free Vacations
Grand Prize Winner Will Build a Dream Trip to Virginia

Enter the Follow Your Heart to Virginia Sweepstakes – a statewide vacation giveaway featuring nine first-prize trips and one grand prize that allows the winner to build his or her dream vacation. Each trip puts love front and center with amusement parks, wineries, museums and special experiences to ensure loved ones feel completely connected on a Virginia vacation.

One grand prize winner will create a dream vacation by choosing components of any of the first-place prizes for a vacation. The grand prize trip is good for two to four people and for two to five nights, based on winner’s choice.

See the official rules and prize descriptions.

What You Must Know About Home Appraisals

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  What You Must Know About Home Appraisals

  Understanding how appraisals work will help you achieve a quick and profitable refinance or sale. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

What You Must Know About Home Appraisals

Article From BuyAndSell.HouseLogic.com

By: G. M. Filisko
Published: March 12, 2010

Understanding how appraisals work will help you achieve a quick and profitable refinance or sale.

1. An appraisal isn’t an exact science

When appraisers evaluate a home’s value, they’re giving their best opinion based on how the home’s features stack up against those of similar homes recently sold nearby. One appraiser may factor in a recent sale, but another may consider that sale too long ago, or the home too different, or too far away to be a fair comparison. The result can be differences in the values two separate appraisers set for your home.

2. Appraisals have different purposes

If the appraisal is being used by a lender giving a loan on the home, the appraised value will be the lower of market value (what it would sell for on the open market today) and the price you paid for the house if you recently bought it.

An appraisal being used to figure out how much to insure your home for or to determine your property taxes may rely on other factors and arrive at different values. For example, though an appraisal for a home loan evaluates today’s market value, an appraisal for insurance purposes calculates what it would cost to rebuild your home at today’s building material and labor rates, which can result in two different numbers.

Appraisals are also different from CMAs, or competitive market analyses. In a CMA, a real estate agent relies on market expertise to estimate how much your home will sell for in a specific time period. The price your home will sell for in 30 days may be different than the price your home will sell for in 120 days. Because real estate agents don’t follow the rules appraisers do, there can be variations between CMAs and appraisals on the same home.

3. An appraisal is a snapshot

Home prices shift, and appraised values will shift with those market changes. Your home may be appraised at $150,000 today, but in two months when you refinance or list it for sale, the appraised value could be lower or higher depending on how your market has performed.

4. Appraisals don’t factor in your personal issues

You may have a reason you must sell immediately, such as a job loss or transfer, which can affect the amount of money you’ll accept to complete the transaction in your time frame. An appraisal doesn’t consider those personal factors.

5. You can ask for a second opinion

If your home appraisal comes back at a value you believe is too low, you can request that a second appraisal be performed by a different appraiser. You, or potential buyers, if they’ve requested the appraisal, will have to pay for the second appraisal. But it may be worth it to keep the sale from collapsing from a faulty appraisal. On the other hand, the appraisal may be accurate, and it may be a sign that you need to adjust your pricing or the size of the loan you’re refinancing.

More from HouseLogic

How to use an appraisal to eliminate private mortgage insurance 

Understanding the assessed value of your home for tax purposes 

Understanding the amount at which to insure your home

Other web resources

More information on appraisals 

How to improve the appraised value of your home 

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who’s had more than 10 appraisals performed on her properties in the past 20 years. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Bankrate.com, REALTOR® Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, business, personal finance, and legal topics.

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this. Reprinted from HouseLogic with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.

Tips for Backyard Playground Safety

Let's Play! -- 7 Tips for Backyard Playground Safety

1. Plan Ahead

One of the best ways to stay safe is to start with some careful planning. Think about the space where you'll place the play equipment, your child's age, even where the sun will be shining. An article on the naturalhandyman.com suggests, "Make sure toddler swing sets are at least 2 feet above ground (so kids can't use it on their own), at least 6 feet away from any building or fences, and in a shaded area, so that surfaces won't get too hot to the touch."

2. Avoid Pressure Treated Wood

Never construct or buy playground equipment made with pressure-treated wood containing chromated copper arsenate, also known as CCA. You'll know pressure treated wood by its greenish tint. There are other chemicals that can be used to treat wood, but they are still rare and more expensive, so CCA has been the principal chemical used to pressure treat wood. Good alternatives include untreated woods like cedar or redwood, and non-wood alternatives such as plastics, metal, and composite materials (like Trex).

3. Inspect Your Equipment

Always check the play equipment for any sharp points or edges (screws that stick out, splinters, rough wood, etc.). Check the equipment often as its condition can change. Make sure equipment is firmly anchored in the ground.

4. Bigger Is Not Always Better

While we may be dreaming of a large play-scape to really wow our kids, remember the higher the equipment the harder the fall. Research shows equipment taller than 6 feet doubles the possibility of injury. 

5. Avoid Dangerous Sand

Not all play sand is safe. In fact, the soft, fine sand that is marketed as "play sand," is one some say we should avoid. According to safemama.com play sand is sometimes made of crushed rock instead of beach or river sand. This crushed rock or crystalline silica is a known carcinogen according to the EPA and OSHA. Some brands of sand even contain asbestos tremloite which can put you and kids at risk of lung cancer. Avoid play sand that creates airborne dust that can be easily breathed by kids. Read up on Sandtasktic or SafeSand as possible alternatives, as those brands are silica and quartz-free.

6. Create a Cushion

Falls account for nearly 80 percent of playground injuries. Be sure to use proper ground cover for under play equipment to prevent this. Ground cover includes sand, pea gravel, rubber, or wood chips. Donna Thompson, Ph.D., and Director of the National Program for Playground Safety, recommends that the cushion be a minimum of 12 inches deep in order to be effective. ÒMany people use the right materials, but not enough to truly cushion a fall,Ó she says.

7. Practice Basic Safety

Children under 3 should be in toddler swings with support on all sides and safety straps and children under 6 should never play unattended. Those older than 6 should be checked on frequently.

Playground Rules To Teach Your Children

- Never stand or kneel in the swing, and hold tightly with both hands.
- Always stop swinging before getting off the swing.
- Only one person should be in one swing at a time.
- Do not push anyone else in the swing or let others push you (that's a job for grown-ups).
- Don't swing empty swings, and never twist swing chains.

Courtesy of: www.usinspect.com

7 Hot Home Improvement Trends That Make Your Home Work For You

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  7 Hot Home Improvement Trends that Make Your Home Work for You

  Home improvement trends embrace energy efficiency, low maintenance exteriors, and double-duty space. Read

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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®