💔 Gainesville’s holiday favorite is closing, and it’s not for lack of business. A beloved garden center is wrapping up its final Christmas after a jaw-dropping $160M land sale.

🍷 20+ wineries. 1 weekend. Zero driving across Loudoun. This isn’t your typical wine event, it’s fall in NoVA at its finest. Live music, local food, and award-winning pours, all in one place.

📖 Kay Scarpetta is back, and this time, she’s stalking a killer across Northern Virginia. Bestselling author Patricia Cornwell sets her latest thriller, Sharp Force, in the heart of Alexandria, blending local landmarks with high-stakes suspense.

Driving the news: Merrifield Garden Center in Gainesville, a longtime holiday and horticultural favorite, is set to close by year’s end after its 38-acre site was sold for $160 million to a data center developer.

Details:

Why it matters: This closure marks the loss of a beloved community spot, a place for family traditions, local shopping, and green space.

The broader impact? The continued shift from community-centered spaces to industrial infrastructure, raising questions about the region’s identity and long-term livability.

The big picture: Data centers have become a dominant force in Prince William County’s economy, attracting high-dollar investments and boosting tax revenue.

But this growth comes with tradeoffs: declining small businesses, disappearing green space, and increased community pushback on unchecked development.

What’s next: Prince William County leaders are reviewing data center zoning laws and their impact on retail areas.

Meanwhile, Merrifield’s Falls Church and Fairfax locations will remain open.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: The Winery at Bull Run is hosting its annual Virginia Wine Festival this weekend, October 18–19, and it’s your best excuse yet to stay local and sip the season.

Details:

Why it matters: Northern Virginia wine country is one of the region’s best-kept secrets, and this weekend, it’s coming straight to Centreville.

That means you can support local winemakers, artisans, and food vendors without trekking across Loudoun County.

The big picture: Wine festivals often feel buttoned-up and pretentious. This one? Totally laid-back.

Whether you’re there for the pours, the pints (Ono Brewing is also on tap), or just the fall vibes, it’s a day built around local flavor and fall fun.

The bottom line: You don’t need a passport to sip like a pro. This weekend, Virginia wine is pouring just down the road.

🔗 Get your tickets now!

CHECK ALL THE DETAILS→

In this episode of NoVA Network, we dive into the latest real estate
buzz 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: Patricia Cornwell’s 29th Kay Scarpetta thriller, Sharp Force, is set across Northern Virginia, from the cobblestone charm of Old Town Alexandria to the corridors of federal power nearby.

Details:

Why it matters: Cornwell’s decision to anchor her latest mystery in Northern Virginia brings a cultural spotlight — and literary tourism potential — to the area.

With the book likely to attract her global fanbase, local readers and businesses could see a boost in attention, especially in scenic Alexandria.

The big picture: Virginia was Scarpetta’s original stomping ground. Cornwell’s move to set Sharp Force here reconnects the series to its beginnings, giving longtime readers a sense of homecoming while offering new narrative terrain.

What’s next: Amazon is set to release a Scarpetta TV series early next year, starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Season 2 is already in the works, promising a fresh wave of attention for Cornwell’s universe, and possibly Northern Virginia itself.

KNOW MORE→

Get inspired by stunning interiors at this creative pop-up in DC’s Union Market District. The former Motel 6 will be reimagined by top designers and artisans, featuring unique room makeovers and Bar Betsie cocktails.
📍 Location: 1345 Fourth St. NE, Washington, DC
📅 Date & Time: Oct 16–19
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://unionmarketdc.com/union-market-by-design-room-service

Shop the best of “vintage hip” style at this 25th annual market featuring 200+ East Coast vendors. Find antiques, repurposed treasures, and design inspiration while enjoying live music, food trucks, and local brews from Vanish.
📍 Location: Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds, Berryville, VA
📅 Date & Time: Oct 17–19
🎟️ Tickets: $20
🌐 Website: https://www.luckettsmarkets.com

Celebrate community spirit at Haymarket’s biggest event of the year. The day kicks off with a lively parade at 10 a.m., followed by 200+ vendors, live music, local bites, and beer gardens filling downtown streets.
📍 Location: 15000 Washington St. Ste. 100, Haymarket, VA
📅 Date & Time: Oct 18, 10am–4pm
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🌐 Website: https://www.townofhaymarket.org/haymarket-day-2025

MORE THINGS TO DO→

Washington, DC’s housing market is somewhat competitive. Homes average 2 offers and spend around 66 days on the market. The median home price sits near $660K, up 4.8% year-over-year, with most selling at 97.8% of list price.

For Buyers: Competition is moderate, giving you some room to negotiate. Watch for slight price dips and be ready when homes match your criteria—well-priced listings still move fast.

For Sellers: Rising prices and steady demand work in your favor. Pricing strategically and presenting your home well can help you attract multiple offers, even as market pace cools slightly.