In this week’s update:

🎡 Something big is rolling into Virginia... Get ready for 10 days of live music, wild rides, farm animals, and food you’ll be thinking about all year.

🏆 Virginia’s Top Hospital—5 Years Straight? Something big just dropped from U.S. News & World Report—and one local hospital isn’t just on the list, it's leading it. Again.

🏟️ Big plans are brewing in D.C. A major stadium deal just passed its first hurdle, and it could reshape an entire neighborhood. Housing, jobs, and a hometown return are all on the line.

Driving the news: The Virginia State Fair returns this year from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5 in Doswell, just an hour from Northern Virginia.

This ten-day event packs in amusement rides, live music, farm animals, and one-of-a-kind competitions.

Details:

• Free entertainment: From Herman’s Hermits to bluegrass star Junior Sisk and rock legends Quiet Riot, nightly concerts kick off at 7:30 p.m.

• Amusement rides: Two zones cater to all thrill levels—Midway Madness for adults, and The Kidway for the little ones. Ride credits start at $10 for 100 credits, with VIP wristbands available for line-skipping.

• Animal attractions: Catch baby chicks hatching, meet alpacas, learn to milk a cow, or dive into the Goats & Sheep Birthing Center.

• Competitions: Choose from cooking, crafting, gardening, 4-H forestry, and even horse-mounted shooting. Entry fees range from just $1–$5.

• Fair food: From funnel cakes and corndogs to artisan eats, there’s no shortage of snacks or souvenirs.

• Tickets: Advance tickets (on sale Sept. 9–25) are $11.50 for adults, $12.50 for kids. Prices rise at the gate.

The big picture: With free parking, niche competitions, and low-cost entertainment, the fair strikes a balance between tradition and accessibility. It’s more than rides—it’s a cultural hub rooted in Virginia’s farming heritage.

What’s next: Mark your calendar, check the daily lineup, and plan your visit around your favorite competitions or concerts.

The bottom line: If you’re looking for a local adventure packed with nostalgia, contests, and kid-friendly fun, the Virginia State Fair is a must-do this fall.

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Driving the news: Inova Fairfax Hospital has been named the best hospital in Virginia—and the D.C. metro area—for the fifth year running by U.S. News & World Report.

It also cracked the national top 50 for obstetrics and gynecology, moving up to 32nd.

Details: The 2025–2026 Best Hospitals list reviewed more than 4,400 hospitals across the country. Only 13% earned a “Best Hospital” designation.

Rankings are based on performance in 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions, using patient outcome data from over 800 million care records.

Virginia’s top hospitals:

• #1: Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church

• #2: VCU Medical Center, Richmond

• #3: Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, Norfolk

• #4: VHC Health, Arlington County

• #5 (tie): Chippenham & Johnston-Willis, UVA Medical Center, Winchester Medical Center

Why it matters: This recognition reinforces Northern Virginia's reputation for high-quality, accessible healthcare.

For residents, it means world-class care is available close to home—especially vital for families, seniors, and patients with chronic conditions.

By the numbers:

• Inova moved up four spots in OB/GYN care nationally

• VCU Medical Center ranked nationally in two children’s specialties

• Sentara Norfolk General ranked #1 in the Virginia Beach–Norfolk area

The bottom line: The rankings are not just a badge of honor—they impact where patients choose to seek care, and where doctors and researchers want to work.

Inova’s repeated success positions it as a healthcare leader in the region and beyond.

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Are you considering a move to South Riding, Virginia? This video is your complete guide! We're taking a full driving tour to explore the incredible amenities, top-rated schools, and the types of homes for sale in this amazing master-planned community.

💬 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: On August 1, the D.C. Council approved the first of two votes needed to move forward with the $3.7 billion RFK Stadium redevelopment plan — a major step toward returning the Commanders to the city.

Details:

• The deal includes a new stadium, 6,000 housing units, a youth sports complex, green space, and retail.

• The Commanders pledged $2.7 billion in private investment and $50 million for community programs.

• 14,000 construction jobs are expected, with a 51% local hiring requirement via labor agreements.

• The plan was updated to address environmental and traffic concerns, including eco-friendly construction and transit infrastructure.

• A second and final vote is scheduled for September 17.

Why it matters: The redevelopment would revive the long-neglected RFK site and generate more than $5 billion in tax revenue over 30 years.

Local hiring commitments and affordable housing make it a tangible win for D.C. residents — especially in a year of budget shortfalls and tough fiscal trade-offs.

Between the lines: The deal isn’t without critics. Three councilmembers voted no, citing accountability gaps and skepticism about allocating taxpayer money for a billionaire-owned team.

What’s next: The final Council vote will determine if this deal crosses the goal line. Amendments are possible, and the pressure is on to finalize terms before the September session.

READ MORE→

🍽️ It’s Northern Virginia’s Biggest Restaurant Week — Here’s the Scoop!

Get your forks ready — Summer Restaurant Week is back from August 18 to 24, and it’s bringing serious flavor across the DMV.

Over 50 restaurants in Northern Virginia are offering prix-fixe menus starting at just $25 for brunch and lunch, and $40–$65 for dinner. From sushi in Arlington and steak in McLean to tapas, Peruvian, Southern, and Italian in Alexandria and Fairfax — this is your chance to try something new (and fancy) without breaking the bank.

✨ Pro tip: These deals don’t last long, and tables fill up fast — make your reservation now.

🔗 See the full list of restaurants & deals

MORE INFO→

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.

• Sorn Thai Restaurant & Bar Is an Homage to Family Comfort Food

• AT&T Opens New Regional Hub in Chantilly