Welcome to your weekly 5 Things Friday post where we cover the Loudoun county real estate market, fun things to do, and new things to try in the NoVA area!

The Market 

Low Inventory Continues to Impact Sales

Loudoun County has yet to see any significant jump in new listings that is typically associated with the Spring market. As a result, we saw a 5% decrease in pending sales from last week and we continue to see homes sell for above list price. 

Showings Comparable to 2019 

Although the number of showings has been less than what occurred in 2019 for the past three weeks, the 2023 figures are still nipping at its heels. The upcoming weeks and months will reveal whether the spring buying season is being extended or simply depressed compared to its typical seasonal trends. Showings for the week ending May 14, 2023, are 26.8% below the same week in 2022. But it is important to keep in mind that 2022 showings slowed in mid-June in anticipation of more rate hikes from the Fed.

Family Fun

The Mclean Day Festival is taking place this weekend at Lewinsville Park and features carnival rides, music, games, a petting zoo, food trucks, and more. There are a variety of performances throughout the day from improv to alternative rock to Broadway to dance. Admission is free but tickets are required for the carnival rides. They can be purchased in advance here. There is no parking onsite, but there are several satellite parking options with free shuttles to the festival.

Local Business Highlight

Mocatinas

Mocatinas is an adorable cafe in the heart of downtown Leesburg with fun decor and lots of enticing treats. Their menu includes everything from flat bread pizzas and croissant sandwiches to delicious ice cream, milkshakes, and French macarons. You can also choose from a variety of coffee drinks, frozen lattes, cocktail slushies, and wine. And let’s not forget the shelves full of delectable candy confections, cases of mouth-watering chocolates, and gift shop! Upstairs you will find a delightful seating area that is available for dining in or for Ice Cream or Afternoon Tea parties.  

Outdoor Activities

Growing season is upon us and Northern Virginia offers several options to pick your own fruits and vegetables. You can find everything from cucumbers and tomatoes to peaches, plums, and blackberries.

Where to go:

Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA offers berries, peaches, potatoes, apples, and pumpkins. Your admission also includes visits with bunnies, goats, and lambs as well as a 12-acre play area. 

Hollin Farms in Delaplane, VA offers sweet and tart cherries, plums, pears, tomatoes, cabbage, peas, kale, and more. They also sell pasture-raised beef.

Valley View Farm – Delaplane, VA offers blueberries, cherries, peaches, and blackberries. There is a country store and a tasting room as well as  an adopt-a-hive program

Sprouting Roots Farm in Leesburg, VA is a women-run farm that offers tomatoes, bitter and bottle gourds, chilies, eggplant, and more. It is located on the farmland at Fabbioli Cellars, so you could stop by for a glass of wine after picking your vegetables.

Yankey Farms in Bristow, VA offers pick-your-own strawberries and pumpkins. They also have a farm stand that sells a variety of produce that is fresh-picked daily. There is also fun for the kids with a cow train and a corn maze scavenger hunt!

Try This!

Goat Yoga combines traditional yoga poses with the playful presence of adorable goats. The benefits of goat yoga extend beyond the physical aspects of yoga. Interacting with the goats during the sessions can help reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and create a sense of connection with nature. The playful antics of the goats also creates a lighthearted atmosphere, making goat yoga a fun and memorable experience. 

Check out these local spots for goat yoga:

Bear Chase Brewing – Bluemont, VA

Faith Lutheran Church – Arlington, VA

Bully Goat Farm – Lovettsville, VA