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The Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom, the air is warm and the days are longer. Spring is officially in full swing, and with its peak comes the desire to be more active. Here are some outdoor activities sure to whet your appetite for exploring the great outdoors and working up a sweat while you’re at it.

Lace up your boots and get ready to go hiking, the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Washington area and get a fantastic workout in the process. Drive down Route 66 about 45 miles west of the city to the subtle Bull Run Mountains Natural Area. The trail, which begins just a few feet from the highway, encompasses spectacular views of valleys, lush forests and flowing streams. Reward yourself on the way home by visiting some hard-to-miss Virginia wineries.

Take 95 South to Mason Neck State Park and explore a four mile unpaved trail that borders a national wildlife refuge. Highlights include tromping through marshy areas along the Belmont Bay Coast and bird watching along the Eagle Spur Trail.

Challenge yourself by trekking along the rocky and aptly named Billy Goat Trail on the Maryland side of Great Falls National Park. Entrance fees are usually $5 but its National Park Week, so get in for free through Sunday, April 25. 

For those who prefer to be intellectually stimulated while exercising, head to Rock Creek Park where you can hike past historic landmarks like Pierce Mill and Boulder Bridge.

If you feel like getting out of town for the day, take a two-hour drive to the secluded and wooded Shenandoah National Park. Pack your tent and camp overnight if you feel so inclined.

If you want a quick getaway that doesn’t involve much mileage, go to Turkey Run Park/Potomac Heritage National Trail in McLean, VA. Sneak a peek at a lesser-known part of the Potomac River by taking the trail toward Theodore Roosevelt Island. 

On Saturday, April 24, celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway with a full and half marathon along this tough course with over 3,000 feet of elevation gain and a spectacular view. Check out other races including triathlons and half Iron Mans at: www.setupevents.com.

For those with a more laid back approach to exercise, go on a relaxing run or fast walk at your own pace along the W&OD trail. The 45-mile long trail runs through Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Herndon and Leesburg.

You can also participate in charity walks like the Arthritis Walks on Saturday, May 1 in Greenbelt, MD; Saturday, May 15 on the National Mall; and Saturday, May 22 in Fairfax and Woodbridge, VA or the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer downtown on Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2.

If running/power walking isn’t your thing, but you like to kick the soccer ball around or throw a Frisbee, check out Gravelly Point Park in Arlington. Watch planes take off and land at Reagan National Airport on the other side of the Potomac River, from nearly 400 feet away.

The metropolitan area is unique in its many natural wonders tucked away just minutes from traffic-congested urbania. From nature enthusiasts to athletes to those who could use a little motivation, there’s plenty to do here as things heat up.

*Image from: www.travelbeat.net

Are you tired of going to G-rated movies or listening to your kids as they fight over whose turn it is to play the Nintendo Wii? One of the more challenging aspects of parenthood can be to find fun and interesting events that appeal to the entire family.

As the weather grows nicer and your kids become eager to play outside, you suddenly have the power to mold family outings. Here are some creative ways to get them to enjoy being healthy, learn about the environment and do more “grown-up” stuff.

Teach your kids the importance of protecting our Earth by celebrating Earth Day. On Saturday, April 24 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m., head to the National Zoo for an Earth Day cleanup where you can join Zoo staff and other volunteers in keeping our ecosystem healthy by picking up litter. Your kids can also participate in fun and educational activities while there. Or check out an all-day festival like EarthDay@Loudoun Family Festival or Montgomery County Earth Day, both on Sunday, April 25.

Share the value of eating healthy with your kids by taking them to one of the many excellent farmers’ markets in the Washington area. A great perk of going to the same farmers’ market each week is the sense of community that both you and your kids will feel. You can chat with vendors and neighbors while your kids explore familiar territory and perhaps run into a friend of their own. Also, most markets include at least a few vendors with goods kids will love to ask questions about or pick out themselves. For a complete list of markets in the area, go to: http://dc.about.com/od/farmersmarkets.

Kill two birds with one stone on a guided nature tour with your family: you can enjoy the scenery while your kids learn about flora and fauna. Docent-led garden tours are available at Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens downtown every weekend through June 13. The self-guided Takoma Park House and Garden Tour on Sunday, May 2 will feature the once-rural Hodges Heights neighborhood. You can also explore the magical gardens at Dumbarton Oaks downtown, where adults and children alike will feel like they are Alice exploring Wonderland or Mary creeping through the Secret Garden.

Or take a day trip to Richmond on Sunday, April 25 for the Children’s Garden Spring Fling at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The festival offers music, entertainment, activities and food while promoting green practices in honor of Earth Day.

Other upcoming family-friendly festivals include the Cathedral Flower Mart, an outdoor festival honoring Ukraine with a rock-climbing wall, moon bounce and a carousel on Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 and Celebrate Fairfax, with kid-friendly musical acts Rusted Root and KC and the Sunshine Band, a petting zoo, fireworks, rides and other kids activities on Friday, June 11 through Sunday, June 13.

Check out The Washington Post, Northern Virginia Magazine and local kids’ websites for a wide variety of nature tours and festivals occurring this spring and summer.

*Image from: www.myreadablefeast.com

The Washington area comes alive as springtime flourishes. Here is a quick guide to affordable, unique festivals and events happening in the tri-state area this spring. 

Arts & Crafts

Smithsonian Craft Show: Thursday, April 22 – Sunday, April 25
Buy unique crafts from the most prestigious exhibition of contemporary American arts in the nation.

Bethesda Fine Arts Festival: Saturday, May 8 – Sunday, May 9
Enjoy the works of 130 contemporary artists, live entertainment, children’s activities and downtown Bethesda restaurants.

Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at Reston Town Center: Saturday, May 15 – Sunday, May 16
View artwork by more than 225 painters, sculptors, fine-crafters and jewelers at this festival also featuring musical performances, festive foods, a beer garden and artist demonstrations.

Athletic Endeavors

DC Yoga Week: Saturday, May 15 – Saturday, May 22
Try a free or $5 yoga class at one of DC’s yoga studios.

Bike to Work Day: Friday, May 21
Join thousands of Washington area commuters by traveling to work in a fun, healthy and environmentally friendly way. 

Food & Wine

Taste of Wheaton: Sunday, May 16, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
More than 25 participating restaurants will offer samples of their dishes for $1 a taste, accompanied by musical entertainment and children's activities. 

Taste of Arlington: Sunday, May 16, noon – 5:00 p.m.
This exciting street festival on Wilson Boulevard will feature local entertainment, children’s activities and lots of good.

Niche

Cinco de Mayo Festival: Sunday, May 2, noon – 6:00 p.m.
The annual celebration will feature live music and family entertainment on the National Mall.

National Asian Heritage Month: Saturday, May 22, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy live entertainment and interactive displays downtown at this Asian street fair celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Steeplechase Racing

Foxfield Races in Charlottesville: Saturday, April 24
Feel free to tailgate at this horse race event also including face painting, fly fishing lessons, Jack Russell terrier races and pony rides as part of the new Family Day tradition. 

Virginia Gold Cup at The Plains: Saturday, May 1
Celebrate the 85^th running of the famous steeplechase race featuring six hurdle and timber horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races, tent, tailgate and hat contests and over 30 vendor booths for shopping.

Strawberry Hill Races in New Kent – 78^th Running: Saturday, May 15
This event is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and includes five races over jumps and on the flat with total awards of over $70,000.

*Image from: http://z.about.com/

Let your pups strut their stuff at these locales.

Cantina Marina, 600 Water St., SW, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 554-8396
Bring your pooch to Doggie Happy Hour on Mondays for a free dog treat buffet.

Chrysalis Vineyards, 23876 Champe Ford Rd. Middleburg, VA 20117
(800) 235-8804
Dogs on leashes are allowed at the outdoor tables and on the property.

Doggie Happy Hour at Hotel Monaco, 480 King St. Alexandria VA 22314
(703) 549-6080
Water and gourmet biscuits will be served to your pets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the outdoor tables in the courtyard.

Faccia Luna, 2909 Wilson Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 276-3099
Dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables at this Italian restaurant.

Knit-a-gogo’s Fibre Space, 102 N. Fayette St. Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 664-0344
Attend knitting classes, special events and parties with your well-mannered dog.

Potomac Riverboat Co. Canine Cruises, Cameron and Union Streets, Alexandria, VA
(703) 548-9000
Treat your pooch to a 40-minute cruise on the Potomac River.

Reston Town Center, 11900 Market St. Reston, VA 20190
(703) 689-4699
Dogs are allowed at the plaza and individual stores decide as to whether dogs are allowed inside.

Sugar House Day Spa, 111 North Alfred St. Alexandria, VA
(703) 549-9940
Well-behaved pooches can stay with their owners inside the salon area, but not upstairs in the day spa.

Theodore Roosevelt Island Park and Memorial, George Washington Parkway, Arlington, VA
(703) 289-2500
Your dog can accompany you along acres of trails and nature near Teddy’s impressive memorial.

*Image from: www.bedlingtons.us

Here are some quick tips to help you get a jump start on your spring cleaning.

1. Tune up your air conditioner: Clean leaves, grass clippings, pollen and other debris from the screen of the condensing unit and clean out the condensate hose so it doesn’t become blocked with algae.
 

2. Clean ceiling and light fixtures: Remove dust and dirt from ceiling fans, air-conditioner vents, skylights and light fixtures with a stepladder, all-purpose cleaner, a sponge and a polish cloth.
 

3. Spruce up the garage: Store the snow shovels, sleds and other winter apparatus and make room for fertilizer, plant food and tools for the spring/summer planting season. Check out www.craigslist.com and www.freecycle.com to rid yourself of old items.
 

4. Recycle reading materials: If you’re an avid reader with no intention of re-reading certain books, log them onto www.bookcrossing.com for someone else to pick up, read and journal online about them. Chuck magazines and catalogs in the recycling bin.
 

5. Clean up the garden: Rake up leaves, dispose of spent perennial foliage and spread some fresh mulch. For those with backyard compost systems, save the plant debris for when you’ll have an excess of green garden trimmings. Make compost by layering the two in equal amounts into your compost bin or pile.

*Image from http://sudburylivingmagazine.ca/

February’s snowstorm may have put a damper on the housing market, but March brought it back into full swing. The first month of spring started out a bit shaky and in need of recovery from February’s stalled economic activity. Within a few weeks, the Northern Virginia real estate market had bounced back with a net increase in homes sold of about 5 percent.

This impressive gain can be attributed to the tax credit, housing affordability and continued low interest rates, according to the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR). A total of 1,448 homes sold last month compared to 1,384 in March of last year.

Though first quarter home sales this year are on par with last year’s number, with only a .12 percent increase (12/100 of 1 percent), that is still a significant improvement given February’s static market.

The number of days homes remained on the market dropped 42 percent: an average house sold in 52 days as compared to the 89 days it took to sell last year. A drop in the months supply provides statistical evidence that houses are selling, also according to NVAR. There is now a five-month supply as opposed to March 2009’s six-month supply.

NVAR reported that the average sales prices in March rose 10 percent compared to last year, with a nearly 12 percent year-to-date average sales increase. This March’s average was $435,359 compared with last March’s average of $395,512. 

The median price of homes sold in Northern Virginia increased 11 percent from $335,000 in March 2009 to $372,500 this March. The number of pending home sales went up 12 percent at 2,594 compared to 2,306 pending last March.

Other positive NVAR statistics include a 10 percent decrease in active listings, with 7,232 active listings in March 2010 versus 8,069 listings in March 2009.

Things are looking up for both the local and national markets. In March, the Obama administration expanded its $75 billion foreclosure prevention program. The new plan includes a reduction in the amount some troubled borrowers owe on their home loans. It also gives unemployed homeowners a temporary break, according to MSNBC.

Though the details of this new plan are expected to take months to implement, it’s a beacon of hope along an already optimistic horizon.

A local real estate agent who works “all the way from Woodbridge to Alexandria to everywhere in between” said that the market is “hot, hot, hot for anything $400,000 and below.”

“It's been extremely competitive with multiple contracts over asking price,” she said. “There are still a lot of short sales out there, but first time homebuyers are now avoiding them due to the tax credit deadline. They have to be under contract by April 30th and don't have time to wait for short sale approval.”

She also said that prices have been holding steady with a slight boost since the beginning of the spring. “Inventory is also starting to rise, but if the home is well maintained and fairly priced it will sell quickly,” she said. “Buyers have the luxury of being able to be picky about the condition of the property and aren't afraid to ask for help with closing costs, home inspections etc. if they are dealing with a regular sale.”

It seems as though it’s a good time to be a buyer and this month will bring more good news. And even if there are some April showers, they will most likely bring May flowers.

*Image from: http://rutlfarm.blogspot.com