In this week’s update:

🚄 Something sleek, fast, and surprisingly comfy is hitting the rails in D.C. Starting this month, Amtrak's new NextGen Acela is changing the way we travel to NYC and Boston — with speed boosts, chef-designed meals, and WiFi that actually works.

🎈 Ever wondered what it feels like to drift above the countryside at sunrise? Fauquier County’s annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is back this September, offering balloon rides, vintage biplane flights, and airshows that will have you looking to the skies.

🥬 A new kind of farm is coming to Fairfax… and it’s not what you’d expect. An underused corner of the city is about to turn into a hub for fresh produce, local art, and hands-on learning.

Driving the news: Amtrak is launching its long-awaited NextGen Acela trains on Aug. 28, bringing faster, quieter, and more comfortable rides to the Northeast Corridor, starting in D.C.

Details:

• The new fleet reaches speeds up to 160 mph, 10 mph faster than the current Acela.

• Seats are wider and more ergonomic, with USB ports at every spot.

• Larger windows and free 5G WiFi aim to upgrade the passenger experience.

• Five trains are set to launch initially, with all 28 expected to be in service by 2028.

• Cafe Acela introduces self-serve checkout and expanded food options.

• First-class menus feature meals by East Coast restaurateur Stephen Starr.

Why it matters: This is a big win for D.C. commuters and travelers. Faster trains and roomier seating mean quicker, more comfortable connections to New York and Boston, a major boost for work and weekend trips alike.

The big picture: The NextGen Acela rollout marks a major modernization of Amtrak’s busiest route. It comes as the company seeks to stay competitive with both airlines and the growing number of remote work travelers.

The bottom line: D.C. is getting a faster, smoother rail link to the Northeast that blends comfort with convenience, and it’s arriving just in time for fall travel.

READ MORE→

Driving the news: The Flying Circus Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival is set for September 20–21 in Fauquier County, offering both tethered and free-flight balloon rides alongside airshows and family fun.

Details:

• Location: 5114 Ritchie Rd. (Route 644), Bealeton

• Gates open: 6 a.m.

• Balloon launches: 7–9 a.m. & 6–8 p.m.

• Tethered rides: $20 adults / $10 kids (cash only)

• Free-flight rides: $300 per person

• Biplane rides: $135–$200 per passenger

• Airshows: 1:30 p.m. both days

Why it matters: This annual festival gives Northern Virginia families and visitors a chance to experience the thrill of ballooning and aviation in a relaxed, scenic setting, all without leaving the region.

Local businesses benefit from the influx of visitors, making it a boost for Fauquier County’s tourism and economy.

Between the lines: Reservations aren’t accepted — so early arrivals are key. Morning and evening launches are especially popular for their cooler air and dramatic skies.

The bottom line: Whether you want to soar above Fauquier County or simply watch the balloons rise with a snack in hand, this event promises a sky-high weekend adventure for all ages.

MORE DETAILS→

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Driving the news: Area 2 Farms is expanding to Fairfax Circle with a new urban farm at 9571 Fairfax Blvd., set to open by year’s end.

The soil-based vertical farm will grow fresh vegetables, microgreens, and herbs for year-round local distribution.

Details:

• The Fairfax location builds on Area 2's successful Arlington site, which has delivered 20,000+ harvests and hosted over 1,500 student visits.

• Produce will be available through a CSA program and a community farm stand.

• The farm is backed by a 10-year lease, a Fairfax City Economic Development Authority grant of $25,000, and zoning updates approved in 2024.

• The space will include community art (like a mural) and partnerships with schools and civic groups.

The big picture: This is a win for Fairfax locals. The project transforms a long-vacant site into a productive, eco-conscious space that increases access to healthy, local food and strengthens neighborhood connections.

Urban agriculture is gaining momentum as cities rethink how to fill unused spaces. Area 2’s approach—bringing farms directly into the community—offers a more transparent, local alternative to traditional food supply chains.

What’s next: Expect fresh produce on shelves and in CSA boxes before the end of 2025.

The farm will also begin engaging with local schools to launch hands-on learning experiences.

READ MORE→

Taste of NoVA is bringing a true culinary legend to town this fall. On October 12, Chef Patrick O’Connell and The Inn at Little Washington — the only three-star Michelin restaurant in the DMV — will take the stage at Northern Virginia’s biggest food and drink festival.

Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings from over 120 restaurants, wineries, and breweries, plus live demos, celebrity emcees, and a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Chef O’Connell.

📅 October 11–12
📍 National Museum of the U.S. Army, Fort Belvoir
🎟️ Tickets: TasteOfNoVA.com

READ MORE ABOUT IT→

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.

• Prince William County joins Digital Gateway developers' motions to keep the project moving

• VA250 Mobile Museum in Culpeper this week, heading to Lorton later this month