In this week’s update:

🍂 7 fall festivals are about to take over Northern Virginia — from wine tastings on the Potomac to pumpkin trains and even a candy-drop at an airport.

🛫 Virginia just scored a major federal boost for its airports, but not all of them. See which airports made the list and why this round of funding is about more than just repairs.

🏆 Northern Virginia schools are making headlines. One local high school just ranked No. 5 in the nation, and it’s not the only standout. In fact, eight of Virginia’s top 10 schools are right here in NoVA. Find out which schools made the list.

🎃 Fall Fun Fest – Reston Farm Garden Market

Sept. 27–Oct. 27 | Reston
Petting zoo, pumpkins, train rides, and fall treats like cider and donuts. $5 (kids under 2 free).

🍺 Vienna Oktoberfest

Oct. 4 | Vienna
Beer, wine, food, and live music across three stages, plus kids’ activities and artisan vendors. Free shuttle available. Free entry.

🍷 Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival

Oct. 10–12 | Mount Vernon
Sip Virginia wines overlooking the Potomac, enjoy live music, and take home a commemorative wine glass. $66.

🍴 Taste of NoVA

Oct. 11–12 | Fort Belvoir
120+ chefs, wineries, breweries, and mixologists. Food tastings, cooking demos, and star-chef panels.

🛍️ Fall Artisan Market – Fairfax Corner

Oct. 18 | Fairfax
40+ local artists, live music, crafts, and shopping perks. Free entry.

🍎 Richard’s Fruit Market Apple Festival

Oct. 19 | Middletown
Celebrate apples with pies, dumplings, caramel treats, and kid-friendly fun. Free entry.

✈️ Harvest Festival Fly-In – Shannon Airport

Oct. 25 | Fredericksburg
Aviation meets autumn with trick-or-treating, candy drops, and historic aircraft displays. Family-friendly.

MORE DETAILS→

Driving the news: Virginia is receiving more than $48 million in federal funding to modernize infrastructure at 18 airports, with some of the largest investments headed to Dulles, Winchester, and Virginia Highlands.

Details:

• Dulles International Airport will receive $6.8 million to reconstruct its taxiways, part of a broader overhaul that includes a new 14-gate concourse and updated master plan.

• Winchester Regional Airport is allocated $7.2 million for lighting upgrades and taxiway changes.

• Virginia Highlands Airport will use $5.2 million for runway rehabilitation.

• Leesburg Executive Airport is receiving $4.9 million, also for runway work.

• Notably, Reagan National Airport is not on the list.

The big picture: The funding is part of the FAA's Airport Infrastructure Grants and Airport Improvement Program, powered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Virginia has been a reliable recipient of these funds, with over $90 million allocated in just the past year.

The bottom line: This steady flow of investment is a strong signal that Virginia’s air travel infrastructure is a priority, and that continued improvements will keep the state competitive, connected, and growing.

READ MORE→

In this video, we're comparing Stafford and Fredericksburg, VA!
Which is the ultimate best location for D.C. Commuters?!

💬 Let’s Connect: Buying, Selling, or Growing Your Brand in Northern Virginia?

Whether you’re looking to move to Fairfax, Prince William, Winchester, Alexandria, Arlington, or Reston — or want help growing your business with smart, local content — I’ve got you covered.

📍 Explore homes for sale across Northern Virginia
📲 DM me on Instagram for real estate or content marketing help
💼 Visit ColganTeam.com to learn more or collaborate on your next project

Driving the news: U.S. News & World Report released its 2025–26 list of the best public high schools, ranking Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria as the No. 5 school in the country.

Details:

• The rankings analyzed more than 24,000 schools nationwide.

• Schools were measured by state test scores, graduation rates, and college readiness.

• Thomas Jefferson’s STEM-driven curriculum includes specialized classes like DNA science, robotics, and advanced marine biology.

• Students also have access to 15 research labs, covering fields from astrophysics to oceanography.

Why it matters: Northern Virginia families benefit from having eight of the top 10 schools in Virginia right in the region.

This strengthens the area’s appeal for parents prioritizing education and ensures students have access to nationally recognized academic opportunities close to home.

By the numbers:
Virginia’s top 10 schools include eight from Northern Virginia:

• Thomas Jefferson (Alexandria) – No. 1 in VA, No. 5 in U.S.

• Langley (McLean) – No. 3 in VA

• Woodson (Fairfax) – No. 5 in VA

• Oakton (Vienna) – No. 6 in VA

• Meridian (Falls Church) – No. 7 in VA

• McLean – No. 8 in VA

• Marshall (Falls Church) – No. 9 in VA

• Madison (Vienna) – No. 10 in VA

The bottom line: Northern Virginia is home to some of the best public schools in the nation, giving local students a strong launchpad for college and careers.

With these rankings, NoVA’s reputation as a hub for education excellence is likely to continue attracting new families and reinforcing property values in the area.

READ MORE→

Old Town Alexandria is heating up with new flavors! Four spots are on the way, bringing artisanal coffee, Italian comfort food, French café vibes, and fresh Neapolitan pizza.

☕ For Five Coffee & 🍕 Grazie Nonna will join a new development on Montgomery Ave.
🥐 Maman is moving into King Street.
🔥 Pupatella opens this month on Slaters Lane.

Get ready, Old Town—your next foodie adventure is just around the corner!

SEE THE DETAILS→

Washington, DC’s housing market is holding steady—but don’t get too comfy. Median sale prices slipped 1.1% to around $703K, and homes linger about 56 days—14 days longer than last year. Buyers still make roughly two offers per listing, with a 98.2% sale-to-list ratio and just 20% selling above list.

For Buyers: More time to negotiate and less competition mean better leverage—if you’re ready to move when the right home pops up.

For Sellers: Pricing strategically is key. With fewer bidding wars, standout marketing and presentation will help you attract motivated buyers fast.

• Tech firm Systems Planning and Analysis to add 1,200 jobs in Northern Virginia

• Clarendon Day Returns with Music, Food, and Fun