The Minnesota State Fair

We have the opportunity every day to help people find their new home in Minnesota, and while much of our time is consumed with the details of helping people find the perfect home and complete the transaction in a stress free way, one of the FIRST things we do for people relocating to Minnesota is to inform them of some of the “must see” activities in the area.

In Minnesota, one of the first things that comes to mind is the State Fair.  Yeah, we know that whatever state you came from had a state fair, but ours is the  largest in the US in daily attendance. (Yeah Texas, if your fair goes twice as long, that does not count. )

There are all sort of activities and people enjoy fair food, crafts livestock and in general having a great family time. Something to consider: We have had fair attendance up to as much as a third of our state population!

The fair ends on labor day and provides Minnesota residents with the opportunity to have fun and partake in the “Great  Minnesota Get Together”. In general it is simply an extremely fun family time that is a “must do” especially for new people moving here.

One of the best things about living in Manhattan Beach (or for that matter anywhere in the South Bay) is the great weather that you enjoy almost 365 days a year. A lifetime is a collection of moments. And in this beautiful part of the world, those moments (like the one captured above) are frequent.

For those considering where to live in the LA basin who have a choice and can afford to spend a little more, living in Manhattan Beach is a luxury and a treat. Manhattan Beach is separated into several sections, each with their own distinct feel. The Tree Section, The Sand Section, The hill section and so forth, they really make up different lifestyles and costs of living that you can choose from.

Wherever you live in this community, outdoor fun in the sun is part of living here. Whether your idea of a good time is to take a stroll, sports, surfing, boogie boarding, volleyball or any of the other many activities readily available, it is all here for you.

One of the things that I often get asked as a REALTOR is “What do you like about the area?” The truth is just about everything and really could not think of anywhere else that I would rather be.

If you are looking for an abosultely fantastic lifestyle in Southern California, Redondo Beach has to be on your short list. Along with nearby Manhattan and Hermosa Beach, they are some of the most popular beaches with some of the best real estate and homebuying opportunities availble. The three communities are connected by The Strand, which is a cement walkway that runs along the beaches.

Outdoor recreation is a huge part of the attraction to this area with rollerblading, surf, sun, volleyball, jogging or just taking a stroll down by the beach. It truly is a year round pleasant climate for almost any outdoor sport or activity. Redondo Beach has year round volleyball facilities on the beach with  permanent poles and nets that are placed and maintained by the city 365 days a year.

Redondo Beach also has a large jobs base to support its economy with Northrop Grumman and other large employers providing jobs to those who live in the community and the surrounding area. This broad economic base is also enhance by jobs available in metro Los Angeles which is only about 20 miles away.

Every grade school kid reads the poem by Robert Frost. Sometimes taking a quiet walk in a forest can bring new perspective and focus you on what is truly important.

Gainesville Virginia is home to Conway Robinson State Forest. This 450 acre forest offers opportunities for education, volunteering, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Don’t forget about all the wildlife surrounding you that you get to see. This forest is also used as a demonstration site for activities from tree planting to harvesting, as well as environmental considerations for water quality and wildlife.

But most of all it is a place to take a quiet walk on a less traveled road, if you will.

Conway Robinson State Forest is in the midst of the most developed urban and suburban area in Virginia. This is one of the largest tracts of undeveloped land owned by the Commonwealth in all of Northern Virginia.

So if you are looking for a home that has a “road less traveled” nearby, Gainesville Va may just be the place.

With the acclaim and fame that Professional Beach Volleyball has achieved over the years, Hermosa Beach has become synonymous with beach volleyball tournaments and it would be easy for someone to think of Hermosa Beach as mostly that. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Hermosa Beach is a vibrant and growing beachfront city with quite a few other parks and recreation activities available from a skateboard park to facilities for softball, baseball, tennis and almost any other recreational activity that you can think of.

It retains a somewhat small town feel and has a greenbelt running alongside the Strand (which connects Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan Beaches.

So what is life like here? It is typical laid back California style living. The farmer’s market is open every Friday from noon to four. There are cafes, small shops, and plenty of events on the weekends.

A lifestyle beyond compare that is much more than just volleyball.

If you are in Manassas Park and your a history buff, the National Battlefield Park is a place you need to see. This park provides the opportunity to explore the historic terrain where men fought and died more than a century ago. The park is located north of Manassas and preserves the site of two major American Civil War battles.

If you really love history, this park gives you so much history to see like the Stone House which was used as a hospital and Brawner’s Farm which was the opening phase of the second battle. The Henry Hill Visitor Center offers you exhibits and interpretation of the First Battle of Bull Run and includes civil war era uniforms, weapons, field gear, and the center offers an orientation film as well as a bookstore. So please check out the National Battlefield Park and catch up on your history.

Living in Virginia means that you are living with history. It is a part of the fabric of our communities and lives.

Here are a couple of things here in the aquarium that you will enjoy like the Wetlands where you get to check out free flighted birds, alligators, and all other creatures the rivers have to offer.

The newest gallery here in the Florida Aquarium is a gallery where you can get a close encounter with some of the most amazing animals found in out oceans. Doesn’t matter if your a residence in this area or a visitor you will always have a great time here at the aquarium.

Think that you have seen all there is that Manassas has to offer? Well you haven’t. The area surrounding Manassas in Northern Virginia that are simply “must-see” . The great thing is that they are not to far from there that you should check out.  One of the most popular attractions in Northern Virginia is Arlington National Cemetery. There are more than 250,000 American servicemen buried at this 612 acre national cemetery, located just across the Potomac River. Walk these grounds and see the graves of Americans such as John F. Kennedy and President William Howard Taft.

Located along the shores of the Potomac River is Mount Vernon Estate which was George Washington’s family home. Come visit this tourist attraction and learn about the life of America’s first president and his family.

Another great attraction along the shores of the Potomac River is Great Falls Park. This is an 800 acre park where you can enjoy a variety of activities like biking, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and horseback riding. Come and see this beautiful natural landmark.

Manassas offers more than a few destinations worth checking out. Its history begins with its well placed railroads and historic battles, but today, night life, walking tours, and historical monuments are all around.