Reasons to Live in Northern VA

Northern Virginia is in the heart of it all and if you’re looking to lead an active lifestyle this is the place to be. There is so much to do for night owls and daytime adventurers alike. Here are just a few reasons why Northern, VA living is the way to go.

Museums and Monuments

Located near the Nation’s capital means tons of free museums and monuments to visit. But aside from what near-by DC has to offer, Northern Virginia has a lot of historical landmarks to visit as well. In fact, we have over 50 free museums and historical sites. From the George Washington Masonic Memorial to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, there’s endless fun for history buffs.

Fitness Enthusiasts 

If you are in to staying fit an active, then Northern Virginia is the place to be with over 20 5Ks, 10Ks and triathlons to choose from. And that’s just in the fall. Also, Turkey Trots are a popular event out here, so you’ll be sure to find one at a community near you.

Lifestyle Variety

One of the many things that make Northern Virginia unique is its lifestyle variety. Loudoun is great for those seeking a more rural, small-town feel while Arlington and Tyson Corner offer the hustle and bustle nightlife. And if you’re looking for a nice neighborhood suburb, you can find that too! There is truly a place to call home no matter what environment you’re looking for.

Shopping

If shopping is what your after, we have some very well-known destinations like The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and Tysons Corner. And don’t forget about the Galleria, which is a very popular tourist location as well as a favorite stop for the locals.

Seasons

Northern Virginia prominently displays all four seasons with perfectly hot summers and beautifully snowy winters. We get the warm scenery of the changing leaves in the fall and nothing is quite as beautiful as the cherry blossoms in the spring.

 Outdoor Activities

There’s plenty to do outside in Northern Virginia with bike trails that extend through DC and all the way to West Virginia. There are plenty of youth and adult sports to get involved in and if you’re into boating, fishing or camping we have those options as well.

Nightlife

Northern Virginia is famous for its nightlife with restaurants and activities for all tastes. From sports bars and cocktails to music and dancing, there’s never a dull night out on the town. One of Northern Virginia’s claims-to-fame is the Wolf Trap National Park, which hosts a variety of concerts all year round.

With Phase 2 now open at Arcadia Run, it’s a perfect time to stop by and see if Northern Virginia living is a good fit for you!

Sources: nothernvirginiamag.com, about.com, arbourrealty.com

Styling Tips to Use In Your Living Room

It’s certainly an exciting time to move into a new luxury apartment at Arcadia Run! We can’t wait to meet our newest residents in 2015.  And, moving into a brand new apartment also means a blank canvas to decorate your new digs!  So, here are a few of our favorite style tips to use when furnishing your new living room:

1. Pick a Theme

  • A cohesive theme is the first thing to determine before furnishing your new living room in your Arcadia Run apartment. Whether you choose nautical, whimsical, or anything else imaginable, make sure everything you buy for this space falls into your chosen category.

3. Avoid the Overly Trendy

  • While essentially every style is a trend in some way or another, some trends have more staying power than others.  Stay away from overly trendy pieces, as they will likely go out of style sooner rather than later.

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2. White on White

  • Speaking of trends, want an en vogue look without investing too much? Opt for white-on-white décor in your living room instead. This crisp look is trendy without limiting you to white-on-white forever.  Down the road, white furniture and decorations can be seamlessly incorporated into other themes.

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4. Metallic Accents

  • For a fresh take on a little glamour, add small metallic accents to your living room. These could be in the form of a gold picture frame, silver bookends, or even a bronze accented coffee table.  Whatever you choose, be careful not to overdo it as too many metallic finishes can make a room feel cluttered.

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5. Stylish Organization

  • Chances are, you’ll want to include some organizational features in your new living room.  Instead of stacks of items in the corner or unsightly bins, try to find an elegant storage solution.  Stores like Ikea and Crate & Barrel offer plenty of shelving units that are as stylish as they are functional.

6. Nature Inspired

  • Want to have a living room that’s welcoming and refreshing?  A natural themed space may be just the option for you. Choosing natural colors and textures gives you more flexibility when searching for pieces.  And, as long as they stay within the same theme, furnishing your new space will be a breeze.

Half the fun of moving into a new Arcadia Run luxury apartment is making your new space your home.  The other half is enjoying the amenitized community, friendly neighbors, convenient location, and the charming town of Manassas, Virginia!

Check out our latest new apartments for rent and find the one that suits you best!

Source: Real Simple

Best Indoor Plants For Your Apartment

There has been plenty of buzz around the benefits of having plants in your apartment or home.  As natural air purifiers, plants can bring a refreshing ambiance to any space.  And, with the amount of natural light in our new apartments at Arcadia Run, any sun-loving plant is sure to thrive.

Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants that add a little greenery to your new apartment home. And, if you furry friend is joining you at Arcadia Run, we’ve also noted whether or not a plant is safe for pets!

English Ivy

English Ivy is a beautiful plant and when cared for correctly, can grow into a dramatic, cascading centerpiece.  It looks great when placed in a hanging planter or displayed on a pedestal.  It’s adaptable to different locations and also helps filter your air.  English Ivy is in fact toxic to pets, so be sure to keep at a safe distance.

Aloe Vera / Succulents

While you may recognize Aloe for its soothing qualities, the term ‘succulent’ is lesser known.  Succulents are typically fleshy plants, like cactus or aloe, that require very little water and maintenance. Their easy-to-care-for qualities make them a great choice for busy professionals. And, while most succulents are safe for pets, Aloe is not.

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Snake Plant

Don’t be alarmed by the name, these plants are quite friendly and easy to care for. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, helping to make your apartment feel its absolute freshest! While a snake plant is great for your apartment, it’s not great for pets.  So be sure to keep in a safe spot, or choose another plant!

Mini Herb Garden

Maintaining a mini herb garden is a wonderful way to incorporate some green in your apartment, especially if you love to cook.  Nothing is better than having fresh herbs nearby by for seasoning or garnish.  Parsley, Greek Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Lemonbalm, Sage and Thyme are all pet-friendly herbs.

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Christmas Cactus

Lastly, if you want a little extra brightness come winter, a Christmas Cactus is a wonderful choice.  Green year-round, this plants blossoms with brilliant flowers mid-December. They are easy to maintain and are safe for both cats and dogs!

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Source: Huffington Post, Apartment Guide, Better Homes Guide, ASPCA

April Happenings in Manassas, VA

Ahh, it’s officially the spring season and we are so happy that it is! It’s finally warm enough to head outside and explore all that Manassas VA, home to Arcadia Run, has to offer.

Here’s a line up of all the fun happenings this April in Manassas!

First Friday: Founder’s Day!

This upcoming First Friday is certainly a special one – because it also coincides with Founder’s Day! Founder’s Day celebrates the Foundation of Manassas as an independent city, with participating First Friday shops and restaurants focusing on the history of our beloved Manassas. So make sure to head down to Historic Downtown from 6pm to 9pm this first Friday in April!

Browse Farmer’s Markets

The spring season also means Farmer’s Market open back up for business! In Manassas, we have several markets bringing fresh produce to shoppers weekly. Check out the markets and operating hours at the Harris Pavilion or in Lot B at Prince William and West Street.

Live Well Festival

This year on April 18th will be the 8th Annual Live Well Festival (formerly known as Spring Cleaning Day).  With a 5K Run, free health screenings at the Harris Pavilion, kid’s activities, entertainment and sidewalk sales, we think this festival is one of the best ways to kick off the spring season!

Saturday at the Park

Also on April 18th from 10am-3pm is the Saturday at the Park event at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Presented by Prince William County Public Schools and SPARK: The Education Foundation for PWCS, this is a wonderful way for you and your kids to explore the park and learn something new while you’re at it.  With different activity stations featuring everything from bird watching to water chemistry, this day is sure to be packed full of fun!

Pied Piper Theatre: Shrek the Musical

Coming to the Hylton Performing Arts Center this April is the Pied Piper Theatre with Shrek the Musical! This hysterical and adventurous musical is great for the whole family and will certainly be a wonderful weekend activity.  For ticket information and upcoming showtimes, visit the Hylton Performing Arts Center website.