Off the Beaten Path …
The droplets of melting ice cream slowly ran down the toddler’s arm and onto the seat of his mom’s new van, but she didn’t seem to notice, being drawn back in time to her grandmother’s kitchen and its wondrous smells of cookies baking. In fact, this cookie not only looked like her grandmother’s, it tasted just like them too. What a find, she thought as she drove through the winding, tree-lined roads. Imagine finding this wonderful old country store right here in the middle of one of the nation’s most populated areas a place that still focuses on customers, calling each one by name, and still extends credit to its valued customers: a place that welcomes new additions to its fold almost daily, and makes them feel right at home. Well, she thought as she pulled up the long driveway to the house ... “home” is where we are.
About now, you’ve got to be asking yourselves, just what kind of story is this? What does this kid’s ice cream and the mom’s cookie have to do with real estate? The answer is simple – This scenario isn’t a dream. It’s not a wish. It’s life in a lovely part of Fairfax County – Great Falls.
Not only is Great Falls home to one of the most powerful vistas on the Potomac River – Great Falls Historic Park – but it’s also home to some of the area’s largest and most prestigious estates, complete with stables and horses roaming green pastures, as well as to houses built for “regular” families – those of us that have the 3.2 children, 2 pets and mortgage over which we fret each month. And there are the older homes, sitting well back from the tree-lined roadways, that harken back to the earlier times of Fairfax County before the birth of the computer age.
Truly, Great Falls is an eclectic mixture of people, housing, lifestyles and incomes, but it’s more too. The community of Great Falls is “home” to several thousand residents that come home to a community that stands at the forefront of a construction boom of modernity, but that never loses sight of its past. Throughout the close-knit community, the old mixes with the new. Across the street from the very same store mentioned earlier, Thelma’s, is a modern shopping center, offering the latest in everything from environmentally-fresh veggies to “campy” clothing. Just down Colvin Run is another shopping area boasting high-tech Realtors’ offices, an Irish pub, the Old Brogue, replete with weather-beaten tables and a fabulous old bar, and features real Irish musicians on the weekends, and myriad trendy shops. The community is dotted with elegant restaurants boasting diners from the “A” list, but also has its share of fast-food eateries and neighborhood cafes that fill to the brim every evening with young families, older residents and visitors, all comfortably melding into the community that is Great Falls.
Bridle paths, biking and walking trails share the untouched scenery throughout Great Falls, often meeting and sharing the pristine views. The quiet of the community is broken only be the sounds of children playing or by the gentle whisper of an evening breeze. And trouble is something this community just doesn’t know ... some areas are guarded by private security firms while others enjoy the protection of the award-winning and nationally-recognized Fairfax County Police force.
The Old Brogue
The Kearney family has owned and operated The Old Brogue Irish Pub since its opening on St. Patty’s day 1981. The Kearneys have been in the Irish hospitality business since 1930 when Tony Kearney, Mike Jr.’s grandfather, purchased the Melville Hotel in Derry, Ireland. Next came the Derry Steak House, also in Derry; and then he opened the first Chinese restaurant in Belfast, Ireland.
In keeping with the family tradition, The Old Brogue (which means the old style accent or the old shoe in Gaelic) warmly welcomes everyone, young and old. At our bars, you will find the best beverages from all over the world. From our kitchens enjoy fresh made to order specialities as well as traditional Irish fare. Our chefs work in a kitchen smaller than that of some homes, so at times it might take a little longer to get the food to your table, but it’s well worth the wait! go raibh mile maith agat! (a thousand thank yous)
Business Hours:
Monday -Thursday
11:30 a.m. 12:30 a.m.
Friday Saturday
11:30 a.m. 2:00 a.m.
Sunday Brunch
11:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.
Sunday Dinner
5:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.
The Old Brogue
760C Walker Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-759-3309
www.oldbrogue.com
Terri & Kate Clothier
With a focus on updated classics, Terri & Kate Clothier carries everything from Spanx undergarments to sexy slides, contemporary sportswear to black tie attire. We work with each client to create a wardrobe that works for their personal and professional lifestyle. The boutique is known for its selection of fabulous handbags – sassy fun to luxe Italian leather. Also featured is a large selection of unique jewelry, shoes, gifts and more! We offer private shopping appointments and evening group shopping parties.
In addition, Terri is available to come to your home and help you re-vamp your current wardrobe by eliminating, updating and adding new pieces. Terri & Kate presents fabulous fashion shows and is available for large and small groups. Terri also speaks to groups on style and image – a fun and engaging talk! Need to have some fun? Schedule an evening Champagne Shopping Party for your friends. They supply the party and the discounts while you shop and girl talk with your best pals.
“Our perfect client,” said Terri, the owner of the store, “is any woman, any age, who appreciates unique clothing and accessories. We hope to build a long-lasting relationship with every guest of our boutique by assisting her with clothing, accessory and gift need each visit.”
Terri & Kate Clothier
Great Falls Village Centre
756C Walker Road
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-759-7005
www.Terrikateclothier.com
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