Walking!

May 30th and 31st, there are 100 free walking tours in 18 neighborhoods exploring parts of Washington that you never knew existed. 202 661 7581 or www.culturaltourismde.org.

Energy Tax Credit!

If you are considering home improvements for energy efficiency, you may want to plan your installation for this year or next. Through 2010, you can claim a tax credit of 30% of the cost up to $1,500 for new windows, doors, insulation, heating/cooling systems and other energy efficient home products.

Virginia Sales Tax Holiday!

Virginia's upcoming sales tax holiday! From May 25-31, purchases of certain items are exempt from state sales tax. Many of these items are for every day use such as bottled water of all types, flashlights and batteries, cell phone batteries, etc.


Plenty of information about the sales tax holiday is available at www.tax.virginia.gov/salestaxholiday . We also have a page on ReadyVirginia.gov: http://www.readyvirginia.gov/stayinformed/sales_tax_holiday.cfm

The Amazing Del Ray-ce

June 6th at 2:30, there will be a scavenger hunt throughout Del Ray. Participants will search for answers to clues and prizes will be awarded at the end of the day. The money raised will support the Lee Fendall House Museum and Del Ray Artisans. The race begins at Del Ray Artisans Gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue. Thedelrayartisans.org.

Open Houses for Sunday, May 17th

Please join us at one of our open houses this weekend!

905 CIRCLE TER, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $684,000

251 QUAKER LN, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $1,449,000

1502 RUSSELL RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $1,459,000

1208 I ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $729,000

3007 6TH ST S, ARLINGTON, VA - $639,000

Columbia Pike Blues Festival

On June 13th, South Arlington will celebrate from 1-8 pm with a festival of great music, food, drink, children’s activities, arts and crafts. This is free and is at the corner of Columbia Pike and Walter Reed Drive. www.columbiapike.org.

Chili Cook Off

May 16th at RFK is the DC101 Chili Cook Off. Music by the Offspring, Third Eye Blind, Shinedown and more. This benefits the National Kidney Foundation. www.dc101.com

Food and Wine Festival

The second annual Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor is a waterfront celebration for those who love great food, wine, beer, music and fun! Meet star chefs including Carla Hall, Spike Mendelsohn and Arian Duarte who were former Top Chef contestants. June 6th and 7th, www.foodandwinenh.com

Mothers Day Open Houses

Please join us at one of our three open houses this mothers day!

38 TAYLOR RUN PKWY E, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $399,900

600 OVERLOOK DR N, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $899,900

905 ORONOCO ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA - $699,900

Money for old gadgets

Sites such as Gazelle.com and MyBoneYard.com will buy old gadgets such as computers, monitors, cell phones and digital music players. After answering a few questions, the site will quote you a price and send prepaid shipping labels.

National Train Day

As a ten year veteran of Amtrak’s real estate department, I was on the train every day and loved it! Now we can look forward to National Train Day and the festivities May 9th from 10-3 at Union Station. Randy Jackson of “American Idol” will kick off the event which features musical performances and the Georgia 300, the train President Obama rode from Philadelphia to Washington before his inauguration. Add in model trains, historic train cars and exhibits about trains. www.nationaltrainday.com

Del Ray’s First Thursday returns

Thursday, May 7th is First Thursday along Mount Vernon Avenue from 6-9 pm. This event occurs on the first Thursday of each month until January and features shopping, special restaurant activities and live music and activities sponsored by businesses including some for children. Canned goods will be collected for ALIVE and The Salvation Army.

Taste of Arlington set for May 17th

Mark your calendars for this popular annual event attended by 10,000 folks looking for a lively street festival featuring 40 restaurants, live entertainment, a science fair and children’s activities. Noon to 5 on Wilson Boulevard next to Ballston Mall. Tasteofarlington.com

Fine Arts in Bethesda

The annual arts festival in downtown Bethesda is May 9th and 10th. The work of 150 comtemporary artists from all over the country will participate. Paintings, photography, jewelry and furniture are among the crafts sold. www.bethesda.org