BEST BBQ IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

JS Realty BBQ Brown Grunge StampSummer is just a few weeks away and one thing we love during the summer is delicious BBQ! We asked roughly 150 Loudoun County residents to help us narrow down the BEST BBQ in our area. And after whittling it down to the Top 5, we then, of course, had to taste for ourselves! We grabbed our buddy Brian from Common Food Man to help us, as he’s become quite the Pit Master himself.

In no particular order:

Monk’s BBQ – Purcellville, VA
JS Realty Monks Ribs
This amazing, family owned BBQ joint is worth the drive, no matter where you live! The menu is simple – mouth-watering meats and house made sides. Sauces are also made fresh, from scratch and from local beers, wines, and spirits. They have 16 beers on tap and feature a full bar. Bonus: Bacon on a stick!! Thick, crispy, ham-like bacon… on a stick. Yum.

ResQ BBQ Grille – Leesburg, VA
JS Realty ResQ BBQ Grille
ResQ BBQ just opened their first location! They’ve taken over the concession stand at Evergreen Sportsplex and the unique outdoor location makes it feel like you’re at a backyard BBQ. Their menu features an assortment of sandwiches, snacks, and a flavorful, juicy brisket.
Bonus:
 Don’t skip the Jumbo Chicken Wings (seriously jumbo!) and their IPA BBQ Sauce. They also offer catering!

Urban Bar-B-Que Company – Ashburn, VA
JS Realty Urban BBQ
Tender and tasty BBQ for sure. They have a good selection of meats, salads, sandwiches, chili, and “house made” side items. Do yourself a favor and order the BBQ-Ranch Beans. Those alone are worth the trip! Bonus: 1/2 Price Ribs on Tuesdays from 4-9PM, craft beers and Lost Rhino Root Beer on-tap!

Carolina Brothers Pit Barbeque – Ashburn, VA
JS Realty Carolina Bros LocationA true BBQ “Joint”! This true North Carolina BBQ meat is hickory smoked, and the pork, beef and chicken are hand-shredded. Ribs fall off the bone and there are a great selection of sauces. The menu is simple and straightforward. All the sides are “house made” and very tasty. Bonus: Amazing corn bread and fresh baked pie!

TaQue Mexican BBQ – Ashburn, VA
JS Realty TaQueAn interesting twist on the traditional. This new, locally owned and operated spot is where taco meets BBQ. The Pit Master smokes all the meat for about 12 hours, then hand pulls it. Besides being able to build your own taco, the menu features a yummy chili (a family recipe!), salad options, and kids meals. Bonus: There’s a bar! And all meats, sauces, and most ingredients are gluten free!

There happen to be quite a few homes within walking distance of all of these fabulous BBQ eateries. If you’re thinking of buying a home,
contact us today. A new home and great BBQ – you can’t go wrong!

JS Realty Free home analysisThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE DONUT SHOP

Duck Donuts Herndon Entrance JS RealtyDUCK DONUTS. When they showed up in Herndon, Virginia at the beginning of May, our Facebook pages lit up like Christmas with images and #hashtags about donuts covered in bacon, of all things. If you’ve never been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, then you are probably wondering what in the world a “Duck Donut” is and why people are going so crazy. It’s just a donut, right?

WRONG.

Duck Donuts JS Realty
Donut Maker

We set out to discover what was so “absolutely wonderful”, as one reviewer stated. The first thing we noticed when we walked in the door (besides there being quite a few people having a donut for lunch!) – there wasn’t a donut in sight. The shop was quite spacious, with some tables, chairs, and a few beach-type benches. It was clean, and it smelled pretty yummy. But where were the donuts?

Duck Donut JS Realty Bacon
Maple Glaze & Bacon

We walked up to a tiled wall about chest-high, that was topped with glass. After peering through the glass, we found the donuts! They weren’t sitting in racks, or in boxes, they were being freshly made to order! Yes, you read that correctly. They have a very cool donut making machine – 2 of them, actually – that cranks out fresh donuts pretty quickly! Those fresh, plain donuts are loaded into large trays and taken to the “topping” station, where the donut is then coated with your choice of glaze and additional toppings.

Duck Donuts JS Realty Assorted
Chocolate & coconut, Vanilla & sprinkles, Maple & bacon.

By our count, there are currently 51 ways to eat a Duck Donut, and each day there is an additional “Donut of the Day”. We happened to be there on “French Toast” day, and that donut did not disappoint! And those maple and bacon topped little wonders? Let’s just say it’s a miracle they made the 15-minute trip home!

Pictures and words do not do these donuts justice. Treat yourself to a few of these seriously yummy donuts, located in the BB&T Center in Herndon off of Elden Street.  Just be ready to wait in line as their popularity increases! As another Duck Donut first-timer mentioned to us in the shop while we were there, “The line has sometimes been out the door. And they are going to be busy this weekend with the Herndon Festival.”  Great idea – check out the festival, and grab a fresh donut! They are sold single, or by 1/2 Dozen, Dozen, and Bucket (18).

Wouldn’t it be great to live within walking distance of this yummy little donut shop? If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Virginia, contact us today!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

CONTINGENCY – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

JS Realty puzzled confused woman problemreport desk frownYou make an offer on your dream home and within your offer there are several areas that you fill in that reference the word “contingency” – what does this mean, and why is it important?

 

CONTINGENCY
kənˈtinjənsē/
noun

A  future event or circumstance that is possible but cannot be predicted with certainty.

The contingencies you will encounter most in Real Estate are the home inspection contingency, financial contingency, and the appraisal contingency.

The most common contingency is the home inspection contingency. This contingency basically states that if, at any time during the home inspection process you and the seller are not able to reach agreeable terms, Security JS Realtyyou are allowed to void the contract and receive your earnest money deposit back without penalty. Essentially, these contingencies are there to protect YOU – the consumer – in the unforeseen event that something is not going well with the purchase of the home.

What if you make an offer but the seller finds that your financing contingency is just too long? Why do they care?

JS Realty Time Woman Upset Clock PromptFrom the Seller’s prospective all of the contingencies are a risk, and if you make the contingencies too long or to aggressive, you risk turning the Seller off in regards to your offer. Most Sellers are looking for short timelines and to secure the strongest offer they can get. So the bottom line is, keep your contingencies to a reasonable and attainable limit, protect yourself, but also help instill confidence and security within your offer to the Seller.

Happy Couple Keys Home JS RealtyBUYER TIP: If you are bidding on a home with multiple offers, sometimes it can help to shorten contingency periods – or waive them altogether. You may not necessarily have to pay more money, and you may win by just being more flexible!

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, or need help navigating or negotiating a contingency, contact us today – we would love to help!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

BRAMBLETON FARMERS MARKET

Following up on our previous post about Farmers Markets in Loudoun County, we sent Scott Koval, Realtor and co-founder of the JS Realty Team, out to Brambleton this weekend to visit their Farmers Market. Scott enjoyed some local and fresh food, entertainment, and fun! Check out the video he made at the Brambleton Farmers Market, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube!

WATCH OUR BRAMBLETON FARMERS MARKET VIDEO

Would you love having a Farmers Market within walking distance of your home? Contact us now – and we can help you find your dream home!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

FARMERS MARKETS IN LOUDOUN

JS Realty Colorful Cauliflower
Credit: LoudounFarmersMarkets.org

By now you’ve probably heard the terms “Eat Local” or “Buy Local”. It may even seem like a fad. But knowing where your food is from can connect you to the people who raise and grow it. Eating locally grown, seasonal, sustainable and organic foods is tastier and healthier for you and your family. Locally grown foods are fresher, and retain their healthy nutrients longer. Sustainable and organic foods protect your health and the environment. These foods are free of antibiotics, pesticides and other potentially dangerous chemicals.  It also helps local and small family farmers stay in business and produces more jobs in our own community.

JS Realty open farmers marketSo now you want to try some of these local foods – but where do you find them? Lucky for us, Loudoun County has several farmers markets operating seasonally (and in some cases, year round!) that are probably closer to you than you think! Shopping at a farmers market can teach you how food is grown, who grew it, and why it tastes so good. They are also FREE and often have cooking demonstrations and kid friendly activities!

Check out the five Loudoun “Producer Only” farmers markets:
Note: “Producer Only” means that the vendor must be the grower or producer of ALL the products they sell. They must produce within a 125 mile radius of Loudoun County.

ASHBURN MARKET
Runs: Saturdays, May 2 to October 31
Time: 8AM to Noon
Location: One Loudoun – North end of Exchange Street, Ashburn, VA 20147
Market Manager: Ali & Dan Haney of Shenandoah Seasonal

JS Realty Farmers Market ProduceBRAMBLETON MARKET
Runs: Sundays, May 3 to November 1
Time: 9AM to 1PM
Location:
Emberbrook Circle – in front of Regal Cinemas, Brambleton, VA 20148
For a list of vendors, click here.

CASCADES MARKET
Runs: Sundays, May 3 to November 1
Time: 9AM to 1PM
Location:
The Senior Center next to Cascades Library – 21060 Whitfield Place, Sterling, VA 20165
Market Manager:
Cristina Medina of Westmoreland Produce 

JS Realty Peppers Beans FreshLEESBURG MARKET – WEDNESDAY
Runs: Wednesdays, May 6 to October 28
Time: 2:30PM to 6:30PM
Location:
Virginia Village Shopping Center – Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA 20175
Market Manager: Warren Howell of Allder School Berries

LEESBURG MARKET – SATURDAY
Runs: Saturdays, January to December
Time: 8AM to Noon
Location:
Virginia Village Shopping Center – Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA 20175
Market Manager: Kathryn Willis

Want to live closer to a Farmers Market? Contact us today for a no obligation consultation. Learn how we can help you find you your dream home and you can be eating local, farm fresh food in no time!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

BRAMBLETON: BEST BUYS THIS WEEK

Welcome to Brambleton! It’s no secret that we LOVE Brambleton. We live here, work here, play here… and we want you to do the same! Tucked away in Ashburn, VA for over 13 years, the Brambleton Community features beautiful new homes that have been perfectly designed for your family. Enjoy shopping, dining, entertainment, and a calendar full of fun events – right in your backyard!
Take a look at this unique community and discover why Brambleton is one of the best-selling master planned communities in the country. To get you started, we’ve listed below our Top 3 homes for sale this week!

42499 Rockrose Square
1 bedroom, 1 bath – for under 200K!

JS Realty Rockrose Sq Exterior Front Condo for sale

23301 Tradewind Drive
Immaculate condition, backs to trees, and move-in ready!

JS Realty Brambleton Tradewind Dr For sale

42614 Callalily Way
Brand New – on the market today!

JS Realty brambleton Callalily Way Exterior Front

 

Are you thinking about buying a home in Brambleton? Contact us now – so we can help you find your dream home!

JS Realty Free home analysis

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

UPCOMING FESTIVALS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

Take advantage of the gorgeous weather this May and June and check out these fun (and delicious!) pre-summer festivals in Loudoun County! JS Realty Purcellville Music Art FestivalPURCELLVILLE MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 10AM – 7PM Fireman’s Field 250 South Nursery Avenue Purcellville, VA 20132 Admission: Free with local foods, wines and beer for sale. The Purcellville Music & Arts Festival is a family friendly event offering three outdoor stages, featuring a wide range of entertainment. Experience the best Purcellville has to offer with local foods, wines and beer for sale. ANNUAL HOTTEST COOL JAZZ FESTIVAL JS Realty Chrysalis Wine Festival SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2015 SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2015 10AM – 6:30PM (both days) Chrysalis Vineyards 23876 Champe Ford Road Middleburg, VA 20117 Admission: $20.00 in Advance, $25.00 at the door Enjoy the 13th Annual Hottest Cool Jazz Festival at Chrysalis Vineyards, showcasing local musician and plenty of vendors to please the crowd. LOVETTSVILLE MAYFEST JS Realty Lovettsville Mayfest Festival SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015 10AM – 6PM Town of Lovettsville 6 Pennsylvania Avenue Lovettsville, VA 20180 Admission: Free – open to the public Welcome in spring with your entire family at Lovettsville’s 4th annual MAYFEST! Bring the kids to our Fun Zone (moon bounce, dunk tank, face painting, pie eating contest, rock climbing, pony rides) while you enjoy live music, a glass of local wine and enjoy the majestic Loudon County countryside! STRAWBERRY JUBILEE AT GREAT COUNTRY FARMS SATURDAY – SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2015 TO MAY 24, 2015 SATURDAY – SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2015 TO MAY 31, 2015 9AM – 6PM (both days) JS Realty Strawberry Festival Great Country FarmsGreat Country Farms 18780 Foggy Bottom Rd Bluemont, VA 20135 Admission: $10/child, $12/adult Join the biggest u-pick strawberry festival in Northern Virginia! The Jubilee will be packed with live music, farm contests, u-pick strawberries, and great food. The infamous Pie Eating Contest and Tart Toss will keep you smiling. Bring your camera to have your photo taken with the Royal Strawberry Princess and blow magical bubbles. JS Realty Bram Brew Festival 2015BRAMBLETON BREW FEST SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015 1 – 6PM 42395 Ryan Road Brambleton, VA 20148 Admission: For pricing and ticket purchase, click here. Kids 12 and under are free. Kids are welcome to attend but it is an adult focused event. Welcome to the Inaugural Bram Brew Fest presented by Lost Rhino! If you are a true craft beer lover and a supporter of local breweries than the Bram Brew Fest is for you! Featuring almost 25 breweries that are within a drivable distance from Brambleton, so after you have your taste you can easily visit the brewery later! Food will be available for purchase. ANNUAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AT OATLANDSJS Realty Oatlands Strawberry Festival SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2015 10AM – 4PM Oatlands Historic House and Gardens 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane Leesburg, VA 20175 Admission: $20 per family/$10 adults, children under age 3 are free Did you know that strawberries are a part of Oatlands’ history? Come celebrate the return of strawberries to Oatlands Plantation at the 1st Annual Strawberry Festival! Enjoy the Southern Winds band, lots of games, u-pick strawberries, hay rides, Pop Pop’s kettle corn and lemonade, Hill High BBQ, strawberry contests, beer and wine, and more! 17TH ANNUAL HARPER’S FERRY OUTDOOR FESTIVALJS Realty Harpers Ferry Festival 2015 FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2015, 6:30 – 11PM SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 2015, NOON – 11PM Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd Purcellville, VA 20132 Admission: $15 Friday and $20 Saturday, $30 for both nights, includes the cost of camping! Come to the Harper’s Ferry Outdoor Festival! Browse through vendors’ displays and have a bite to eat from participating local restaurants. Dance the day and night away with many great bands. Get out your paddle or running shoes and participate in one of the many races. Enjoy lots of interactive activities for children. As always, camping is free with admission. BREAUX VINEYARDS ANNUAL CAJUN FESTIVAL & CRAWFISH BOIL SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2015 JS Realty Breaux Cajun Festival 11AM – 6PM Breaux Vineyards 36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane Purcellville, VA 20132 Admission: $16 Pre-sale, $20 at the gate (day of event), $12 For Cellar Club members Join your Cajun cousins at Breaux Vineyards for the 18th annual Cajun Festival and Crawfish Boil.  Enjoy wine tastings, craft vendors, Cajun fare for sale, and more at this annual celebration of our Cajun heritage.  There will be live music all day! Activities for the young (and young at heart!) include clowns, balloon art, and face painting.  Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Loudoun County? Give us a call!JS Realty Free home analysisThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

LOUDOUN MOTHER’S DAY GUIDE

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th so it’s time to think about spoiling the wonderful women who helped raise us and mean so much to us! We’ve put together some great ideas and ways for you to treat the Mother, Grandmother, or special woman in your life – right here in Loudoun County.

WINE & DINE HERJS Realty Mother Day Picnic
Enjoy a Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner at one of these fabulous local restaurants.

Tuscarora Mill
203 Harrison Street
Leesburg, VA 20175
Mother’s Day Brunch hours are 10AM to 2PM. To request a reservation, please call 703-771-9300.

Blue Ridge Grill
22865 Brambleton Plaza #100
Ashburn, VA 20148
Brunch: 10AM-3PM

O’Faolain’s
20921 Davenport Drive
Sterling, VA 20165
Annual Mother’s Day Brunch – click here for details and reservations

Parallel Wine Bistro
43135 Broadlands Center Plaza #121
Broadlands, VA 20148 Phone
Mother’s Day Brunch: 10AM-4PM
Call to make a reservation 703-858-0077

Magnolia’s at the Mill
198 North 21st Street
Purcellville, VA 20132
Brunch Buffet from 10AM-3PM or 4 course plated dinner served from 5-9PM.
To request a reservation, please call 540-338-9800.

PAMPER HERJS Realty woman massage Mother
You can’t go wrong with a haircut, mani-pedi, and a relaxing skin treatment or massage!

Eclips Salon & Day Spa
42395 Ryan Rd.
Ashburn, VA 20148
Phone 703-327-9408

Flow Blow Dry & Beauty Bar 
One Loudoun
44719 Brimfield Drive
Ashburn, VA 20147
Gift Certificates available! Call 703-858-2900 to make an appointment.

J&J Bodywork LLC (Inside Phenix Salon Suites) 
20365 Exchange Street #211
Ashburn, VA 20147
Relax during a Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, or aromatherapy massage!

Maybe you can’t afford to send Mom to the tropics… but she can sure look like she’s been there! That’s where TanOrganiq comes in!
JS Realty TanOrganiqTanOrganiq’s innovative airbrush tanning treatment evenly coats the body in less than 15 minutes! The Master Technicians will come to your home, office, or wherever is convenient for you, by appointment. Gift Certificates available.

SHOWER HER WITH GIFTS
Misguided AngelsJS Realty Yellow Sapphire Mother Gift Necklace
22855 Brambleton Plaza #105
Ashburn, VA 20148
Clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and more!

Edible Arrangements
42395 Ryan Rd #116
Ashburn, VA 20148
Satisfy that sweet tooth!

Afi’s Jewelers
Village at Leesburg
1607 Village Market Blvd K104
Leesburg, VA  20175
Something sparkly is always nice!

JS Realty Art Station Mother Day Tulips Painting
Sample Painting from The Art Station

HAVE SOME FUN
Drop in and start a painting, make a candle or some soap… there’s a project for everyone at The Art Station! Located in the Village at Leesburg:
1601 Village Market Boulevard #112
Leesburg, VA 20175

Shop, delight in a picnic lunch, maybe even pick your own Asparagus! Open 10AM-5PM on Mother’s Day!
Great Country Farms
18780 Foggy Bottom Road
Bluemont, Virginia 20135
Phone 540-554-2073
Children 2 and under and military guests with ID are FREE.
FREE Chocolate Dipped Strawberry for each visiting Mom!

JS Realty Free home analysisThe JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

BRAMBLETON: BEST HOME DEALS

Don’t just buy a home, buy a community. Dine and shop at the Town Center, play at one of the parks, run a local 10K, attend fun family events, and shop at our very own Farmer’s Market. You’ll be connected to your neighbors and your community. Because in Brambleton, it’s all in your backyard.

We’ve scoured the current real estate listings and have compiled the Top 5 Deals in Brambleton! These homes are a must see…

JS Realty Brambleton Kitchen Highgate Terrace42635 Highgate Terrace
Just Listed TODAY!

 

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Ferncrest Terrace Exterior22682 Ferncrest Terrace
Lots of square footage for only $315K. Check out that master suite!

 

 

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Evening Primrose Drive Exterior23352 Evening Primrose Square
Amazing floor plan and great square footage for the price!

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Kitchen Conquest Circle42898 Conquest Circle 
This home has over 3,700 SqFt of living space and an amazing patio!

 

 

JS Realty Brambleton Gentle Falls Drive Interior

42184 Gentle Falls Drive
The Portsmouth – our favorite Model of the week.
It’ll be your favorite too!

 

 

Are you thinking about buying a home in Brambleton? Contact us now – so we can help you find your dream home!

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.

OPENING SOON – RESTAURANTS IN LOUDOUN COUNTY

With how rapidly Loudoun County is expanding, it’s not surprising more shopping and retail centers are popping up. Luckily for us, along with the shopping comes a chance for new and exciting places to eat. We’ve scoured the county and found some hot new restaurants that are opening soon!

BRAMBLETON

JS Realty Lost Rhino Retreat 2015 orangeLost Rhino Retreat
The perfect place to grab a seat on the patio, sample locally brewed beer and enjoy a menu of vibrant, exciting food. The adventure begins soon!

LOUDOUN STATION

JS Realty Basil Leaf LogoBasil Leaf Mediterranean Grill
Every dish is customized to your taste, with healthy options made fresh daily, including vegetarian and allergy friendly options.

JS Realty burger 21Burger21
The owners of The Melting Pot Restaurants have created a modern fast-casual burger restaurant that offers a unique variety of high-quality food in a hip environment. And they are committed to their community – each restaurant donates 10 percent of the day’s proceeds to a local charity or school on the 21st of each month.

VILLAGE AT LEESBURG

JS Realty Bon Chon ChickenBonChon Chicken
Bonchon, the Korean word for “my hometown” is cooked-to-order chicken, made with the highest quality ingredients and hand-brushed, piece-by-piece, with savory, secret sauces.

JS Realty Smokehouse LiveSmokehouse Live
Enjoy the highest quality meats, seasoned and smoked for hours over locally-sourced white oak. Sample local craft & macro beers, as well as bourbons, whiskeys and regional specialty sodas. All while listening to live music from local and touring Country, Bluegrass and Americana Roots artists.

ONE LOUDOUN

JS Realty Plan B Burger LogoPlan B Burger
“Good Booze. Great Burgers.”
With a tag line like that, how can you go wrong? Offering healthy, fresh, quality food, served with style and fun.

 

JS Realty Matchbox PizzaMatchbox American Pizza Bistro
The artisanal pizzas are baked in a brick oven packed with a blend of wood that gives each a unique flavor. Their bistro menu offers ever-changing new and unique flavors.

JS Realty Sense of Thai5ense of Thai St.
This is the place where your senses will guide you. Experience the rustic, vibrant, tasty and fun food that reflects Thai street food.

Redskins Grille
Hail to the Redskins! Located in the heart of One Loudoun, the Redskins Grille will be an 8,500 square foot, state-of-the-art sports restaurant from the G.R.E.A.T. Grille Group.

JS Realty Eddie MerlotEddie Merlot’s Aged Beef and
Seafood

Quality, exceptional service and an unparalleled atmosphere have made Eddie Merlot’s one of America’s great steak houses.

 

Looking for a new community to call home? CONTACT US today for details on the amazing properties we have available in Loudoun County!

The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.