Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park in Leesburg, VA!

This weekend the family and I checked out Red Rock Wilderness Overlook Regional Park in Leesburg, VA. This 67-acre Loudoun County park has three different hiking trails, red, orange and white trails that lead to the Potomac River. The ruins that surround the parking lot were built by Charles Paxton in 1869 when he purchased 200 acres in Loudoun County. The farmhouse and ice house are the only structures still standing with the farmhouse being private property.

We took the orange trail then we met up with the white trail which led us to the Potomac River. I recommend taking the white trail if you have little ones. The white trail is wider and a little easier hike. The white trail is located at the back of the parking lot and clearly marked with white rectangles can be seen on the trees along the path. The only area that you wouldn't be able to take the a stroller or wagon on the white is when you get to the Potomac. You have to scale some steep trail and some steps. Once you get down by the water the kids have plenty of area to walk around. The water table was pretty low when we were there so it might not be such a large area in the wetter months. There are no restrooms at the park and it's a take your trash with you site.

If you're into geocaching there are many caches hidden in the park. Like this one that the kids and I found on our walk.

This is great park to walk around as the trails aren't that long for the kiddos. There are several picnic benches near the parking lot and trail heads if you want to pack a lunch or snack. It's too bad that there are no restrooms or we would of have stayed longer. The park is off of Edwards Ferry Road and if you're coming from the West it's hard to see the park entrance. But if you're coming from the East you can see the park sign clearly.

Tuscarora Creek Park in Leesburg, VA!

Last week we checked out Tuscarora Creek Park in the Town of Leesburg, VA. A local Dad had told me about the park along with a few others. The park gets it's name from the Tuscarora Creek which sits below the park near the W & OD Trail. Trail access is available right next to the park and a paved path takes you down a slight hill to the trail.

The park has one piece of play equipment which is more appropriate for the older kids than the younger crowd. There are both toddler and regular swings available. There is no shade over the equipment but the kids can escape the sun either under the pavilion or amongst the trees that surround the park. A picnic pavilion is available to rent along with the restrooms. Sadly the restrooms are only available during the rental periods.

The Tuscarora Creek Park in Loudoun County is small but great if you live near the Battlefield Parkway Expansion Bridge. With access to the W & OD Trail if you live near you could use the trail to access the park. An added bonus is the small creek down the paved trail where the kiddos can check out the frogs and throw rocks into the water.

Greenway Park in Leesburg, VA!

Today we checked out Greenway Park in Leesburg, VA. The park is located in the single-family home neighborhood of Greenway Farms in the Town of Leesburg.

This is a very cute neighborhood park with a tot lot, nature trail and basketball court. Sadly there are no restrooms or swings but the kids had a great time playing on the equipment. There isn't any shade over the equipment but there a few picnic tables in the shade between the playground and basketball court.

Great park and if you live near the Greenway Farms development in Loudoun County you should check it out!

Douglass Community Park in Leesburg, VA!

Yesterday we were shopping in Leesburg and stumbled across Douglass Community Park. This great fenced in park is located off E. Market Street behind the Douglass Community Center. The W & OD Trail runs by the paved trail to the community center and is another great way to get to the park.

The Loudoun County playground has two large pieces of play equipment, one small piece of equipment, a small rock wall, and two sets of swings. The equipment was in great condition with a few of the pieces being brand new. With the leaves on the trees the park has lots of shade including the picnic shelter near the playground. Restrooms are available inside the playground and according to a Dad at the park they have a porta potty near the park from April to October.

This is a great community park in Old Town Leesburg with lots of things for the kids to do!

Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, VA!

Yesterday we checked out Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, VA for the first time. This Western Loudoun County park is very nice. It includes a community garden share, water park, tennis courts, basketball courts, walking trails, library, recreation center and two playgrounds. Since we were coming from Potomac Falls we had a nice drive through the historic section of Leesburg to arrive at the park.

When we went it was in the afternoon hours and the playground was in complete shade. There was plenty of benches and picnic tables to sit and watch the kids play.  Also a small shaded pavillion was available for groups or parties. A porta potty was available next to the park but the library is very close if you want a clean indoor restroom. The play equipment was in great shape and the kids had a blast.

We are definitely going to come back and play at this park again! The kids had a great time and the park was nice and clean.

Next Stop....Greenbrier State Park in Boonsboro, MD!

Lansdowne Sports Park in Lansdowne, VA!

Today we visited Lansdowne Sports Park in Lansdowne, VA. Lansdowne is located in Western Loudoun County, a planned community near Leesburg, VA north of Route 7. Lansdowne Sports Park is located in the community of Lansdowne on the Potomac. This community gives you country club style with estate homes, single family homes, luxury townhomes and luxury condos. Lansdowne is one of the more wealthy communities in Loudoun County. Lansdowne Sports Park is found near the middle of the community on Kipheart Drive.

The park includes two soccer fields, one softball field, basketball court, tot lot and two picnic pavilions. The tot lot is fenced and gated. It does not have any shade but the equipment is in great shape. Public restrooms are available but a walk from the tot lot.

Great community park with lots to offer its residents!

Next stop western Loudoun County....Nell Boone Park in Purcellville!

Relocation

In the Northern Virginia area you can most likely throw a rock and hit someone who has relocated to the area either for job opportunities, military or family. My small circle of friends have come from all over including Florida, California, New York, West Virginia and Ohio.  Very few of our friends are actually from Virginia with a small exception of my husband.

In cases where people are moving for job opportunities some companies will offer relocation packages. Some packages will recommend a realty firm to help you purchase or rent your new home.

A few of my close friends have shared their stories of relocating with me. One of my good friends said next time she would choose their own Realtor instead of going with the realty firm offered in a relocation package. She felt the Realtor with her package didn't offer enough time for her and kept steering her towards neighborhoods she felt were out of her price range. When time became an issue the Realtor went on vacation and left her unqualified nephew (who had no car) to show them properties. In the end she found her own home without the help of the Realtor or her nephew. The Realtor still received her commission but it was undeserved.

Another friend found her Realtor in her relocation package perfect. She loved her Realtor because she was well versed in the area and understood their needs. Once they disclosed their wish list she made a point of showing properties meeting their needs and discarded listings that did not. My friend felt the process was a success because they found a home in a reasonable amount of time and it met all their needs including price.

In Northern Virginia  there are many established and newer communities. You can live close to the city in Arlington, out west in Leesburg or anywhere in between. If you find yourself relocating to a new county or even a new state make sure you locate a Realtor that understands your needs. True North Realty, LLC is well versed in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Faquier and Prince William County. Let us help you find your new home!

Kamber Petty 571-299-8307 or kamber.a.petty@gmail.com

Frying Pan Park & Temple Hall Farm

In rural Leesburg, VA located in Loudoun County you'll find Temple Hall Farm. Temple Hall is a 286-acre working farm. It's a great place to the bring the family to see the animals and see all the sites of a working farm. It has plenty of picnic tables to bring a lunch and includes a small playground for the littler children. Every year from September to the beginning of November Temple Hall has a giant Corn Maze and pumpkin patch. You can also check out the Babbling Brook Trail which takes you over a creek and through the woods.

More pics to come when the weather gets nicer!