It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Weddings in Historic Waterford gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Waterford, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for”
“Always Best Care Loudoun has such a caring, flexible, kind team. Each of the caregivers we worked with went above and beyond. They did their jobs effectively and efficiently, but they were also so thoughtful, compassionate, funny and proactive in offering help. Susanna also offered exceptional help from the home office and gave me insights and advice I didn't even know I needed. It's hard to know who you can trust in taking care of your loved one, and I highly recommend Always Best Care Loudoun to do the job expertly.”
“Chris has been fantastic managing and coordinating part-time care for my mothers husband and elevating care to 24/7 on a short notice (emergency). He has put my mom and the both families at ease and very comfortable with the process. Incredible patient service and family support. Would recommend you meet with Chris to customize the appropriate care for your loved one. Absolute professional in his field.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in guiding me through the process of caring for my parents and providing me with resources matched to my needs”
“I am a current client of this provider The Aids are like family. Chris and his team are always there to help my Mom. They take her places, help with meals, laundry and keeping Mom safe and happy!”
“I am a current client of this provider Chris and his staff have been excellent. Their attention to details is exceptional. My Mom's caregiver was excellent and provided daily care with passion. My only regret is not calling sooner for care.”
“I will highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services . It is the Best company I have ever worked for. Mr Chris the owner is a very nice person. He cares for his caregivers and most especially for his clients.”
“For the last months of our Dad’s life, Carmen was a blessing! She didn’t support just our Dad but the whole family. She was a fabulous caregiver though she was so much more, she was our Dad’s friend who he look forward to seeing each and every day. If you find you need support for your loved one, you could not ask for a better person than Carmen. We are so grateful to Carmen and Always Best Care for supporting our Dad.”
“Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone.”
“Compassionate, responsive, professional. We highly recommend!”
“I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services. They provide excellent assistance for every in-home care need and have provided support for us in the past which has been exceptional. Much appreciated!”
“Clients have expressed sincere appreciation for getting a call from their phone volunteer. When you are told that “your telephone volunteer makes their day” or “you can hear your loved one laughing with joy in speaking with their telephone volunteer”, you know that another successful contact has occurred. Thank you for offering the Telephone Reassurance Service as it is truly making a difference in the lives of Seniors.”
“Chris and his crew can help your family in so many ways. Keep Always Best Care in mind to help with mom and dad.”
“Having a sick and failing family member is very difficult, but Chris Kondracki has been terribly helpful and supportive to my family. He has provided guidance, suggestions, and even a wheelchair to help my mother get around while we navigate the complexities of a rapidly progressing illness. I so appreciate his help!”
“Always Best Care (ABC) provided care for my mother for the last 8 months and I’m extremely happy with the service ABC provided. Their caregivers are reliable and compassionate. For the service provided hands down they are the most favorable and valued service out there. In my humble opinion, the best affordable/valued quality adult care in the area. Thank you ABC.”
“Very supportive of families taking care of loved ones.”
“Chris Kondracki is extremely knowledgeable and truly cares about his clients. He is passionate about providing the best care possible. As a financial advisor, I consider Chris and Always Best Care Loudoun a great "tool in my toolbox" when working with my older clients and mention their services as something for my clients to know about should the need arise.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than the company's name -- it is its promise. Chris is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give his own. Truly a treasure.”
“"Always Best Care" is more than just the name of the company -- it's the company's promise. Chris, the owner, is a kind and caring person whose focus is always on helping others. He will give your loved ones the same care and consideration that he would give to his own.”
“If you or a loved one has an aging family member that may need a little extra help around the house, or perhaps you want to develop a plan for the future, Chris from Always Best Care is the guy to call. He can help you plan for whatever your family needs, whether that's help aging in their existing home or transitioning to someplace with full time assistance, he can help you figure out what is best for your family.”
“I work for the company and I can say that Aleays Best Care really cares about their clients and so do the caregivers”
“I work with Always Best Care and I honestly enjoy working with them. They care about the caregiver and their clients; especially my boss, Chris.”
“I am very much satisfied and happy with all the services provided by Always Best Care. Their caregivers are genuinely concerned about the health of seniors. They are reliable, honest, and always on time.”
“I am a past client of this provider Chris was a godsend in my search for senior caregivers for my parents. I was tired of searching and trying new caregivers from different firms every few weeks, but to no avail. My parents were also a bit hesitant about getting care from unfamiliar people. Fortunately, I found Always Best Care's website on the internet. I called them, ready to be disappointed again. But, I was never let down by Chris and his team. They were very understanding and offered the most suitable caregivers for my parents' care. Without their help, I would still be stuck in the painful process of finding caregivers and being disappointed. I would recommend Always Best Care to everyone. -Jamie Neal”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Lake Waterford Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Teriyaki & Sushi Restaurant at Waterford or visit Waterford Water Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Waterford, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Waterford, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Waterford, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Waterford Mill has hosted part of its namesake Virginia village’s annual crafts fair since the 1940s. But the 3-and-a-half-story brick structure first became a hub of economic activity around 1819 as a merchant-milling operation that used water-powered stone grinding to process wheat and other grains. When the nonprofit Waterford Foundation acquired the mill in 1944, it had ceased functioning, and little original infrastructure remained. In 1975, the foundation placed the mill under a National Trust easement to ensure its preservat...
The Waterford Mill has hosted part of its namesake Virginia village’s annual crafts fair since the 1940s. But the 3-and-a-half-story brick structure first became a hub of economic activity around 1819 as a merchant-milling operation that used water-powered stone grinding to process wheat and other grains. When the nonprofit Waterford Foundation acquired the mill in 1944, it had ceased functioning, and little original infrastructure remained. In 1975, the foundation placed the mill under a National Trust easement to ensure its preservation.
A $1.6 million restoration completed in August 2023 has brought the mill closer to a period of interpretation between 1855 and 1885. The project team took an approach of “exposing the traces of how the original mill would have worked,” says Susan Reed, director of historic preservation at Glavé & Holmes Architecture.
For example, three 4-foot-diameter circles inlaid in the main level’s wooden floor show the original millstone locations. Several stone walls were repaired. Outside, the team excavated 4 feet of mud and standing water to the approximate tailrace depth of the original wooden water wheel.
Ensuring the mill could stay dry inside was critical to preserving its most storied element: a wooden hurst frame designed to isolate the building structure from milling vibrations. Less than 25 percent of the standalone 28-foot-long, 9-foot-wide, 7-foot-tall frame, located in the basement, was salvageable, but the team found local oak trees that could provide replacement beams of the right length. Now rebuilt on site using historical methods and hand tools, the hurst frame is viewable to the public through a glass panel in the main-level floor above. “Even with our improvements, nothing would prohibit the mill from being further restored to a functional state,” Reed says.
The foundation is exploring future uses for the mill beyond the village’s annual fair, says Stephanie Thompson, the organization’s executive director. “We’d love for it to be a place where people can gather occasionally and become more a part of the community like it originally was.”
Tickets are now on sale for the Loudoun County event.Tickets are now on sale for the 81st Waterford Fair, happening October 3 through 5. The event offers arts, crafts, live entertainment, and tours throughout the charming historic Loudoun County village. You can also explore a variety of handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, and fine art.The Waterford Fair takes place throughout the historic village of Waterford and its surrounding fields. It features an array of high-end artisans presenting demonstrations. All are juried...
Tickets are now on sale for the Loudoun County event.
Tickets are now on sale for the 81st Waterford Fair, happening October 3 through 5. The event offers arts, crafts, live entertainment, and tours throughout the charming historic Loudoun County village. You can also explore a variety of handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, and fine art.
The Waterford Fair takes place throughout the historic village of Waterford and its surrounding fields. It features an array of high-end artisans presenting demonstrations. All are juried by professionals in their field using traditional methods. Many offer special activities for children.
There will also be more than a dozen music and entertainment offerings. They include folk acts, a Celtic rhythm and dance group, a children’s jug band, a barbershop quartet, and a working horse harness demonstration.
A variety of food vendors will serve up traditional fair foods like burgers, popcorn, crepes, and grilled cheese sandwiches. And you can sample Loudoun wines, cider, and beers from local companies like 8 Chains North, Carriage House Wineworks, and Wheatland Spring Farm & Brewery. Local farms and businesses will also sell fresh flowers, candies, nuts, syrups, teas, soaps, candies, and more.
The community events also features a home tour of historic properties. This year’s tour includes the circa-1883 Waterford Market and the sanctuary of the Catoctin Presbyterian Church. The market began as a high-end dry goods store and has been described as the oldest continuously operating country store in Loudoun County. The sanctuary was built in 1862 after a fire destroyed the previous structure.
A three-day ticket is $55 in advance and $65 at the gate. A single-day senior (65+)/military/youth (age 13 to 21) ticket is $20 either in advance or at the gate. A single-day adult ticket is $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult ticket.
On Friday, there is an early bird option that grants access to demonstrating artisans and the old mill shop at 9 a.m. for $45. Tickets are good any of the three days.
Tickets include access to the Demonstrating Artisan areas, the Old Mill Shop, the Dried Flower Barn, Art at the Red Barn, a tour of the historic homes and gardens, all entertainment, living history exhibits, craft demonstrations, and hands-on activities for kids of all ages.
Courtesy Waterford Fair
Pumpkins, craft fairs, apple cider — what's not to like about a fall festival? There are plenty of great options coming up this season!Pumpkins, craft fairs, apple cider — what's not to like about a fall festival? There are plenty of great options coming up this fall!One of the most anticipated fall festivals each year is the 81st annual Waterford Fair, a vibrant fall event celebrating Americana with contemporary craft artisans, a juried art show, historic home and garden tours, music and street entertainment, food ...
Pumpkins, craft fairs, apple cider — what's not to like about a fall festival? There are plenty of great options coming up this season!
Pumpkins, craft fairs, apple cider — what's not to like about a fall festival? There are plenty of great options coming up this fall!
One of the most anticipated fall festivals each year is the 81st annual Waterford Fair, a vibrant fall event celebrating Americana with contemporary craft artisans, a juried art show, historic home and garden tours, music and street entertainment, food and local libations (including a beer and wine garden), and many hands-on activities for children. This year, the fair is held Friday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
It’s held in the historic village of Waterford, about 50 miles from Alexandria. The setting—a beautifully preserved 18th-century village—adds a unique historic charm to the experience. The fair is the primary fundraiser for the Waterford Foundation, supporting historic preservation and educational programs in the village.
Here are a few more options coming up this fall in Northern Virginia:
Burke Centre Fall Festival – Burke, Fairfax County
Date & Time: Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (plus evening events on Sept 6)
Entry Fee: Free admission
Address: Conservancy Festival Grounds, 6060 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke, Va. 22015
A beloved community celebration featuring arts & crafts, live performances, emergency vehicle displays, pony rides, face painting, puppet and magic shows, and roaming entertainers—a perfect family outing. Approximately 19 miles from Alexandria
Mosaic District Fall Festival – Fairfax
Date & Time: Saturday–Sunday, Sept. 28–29, 2025 • 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Mosaic District, 2920 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va. 22031
This lively festival features more than 90 vendors, live music, street food, pumpkin painting, and selfie stations spread across the vibrant Mosaic District. Approximately 18 miles from Alexandria
Vienna Free Fall Oktoberfest – Vienna
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 (time not specified, typically midday to evening)
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Vienna Town Green and Maple Avenue, Vienna, Va.
A German-themed outdoor festival with live music, cultural performances, community booths, dance lessons, and a dedicated kids’ zone. Approximately 22 miles from Alexandria
Fairfax Fall Festival – Old Town Fairfax
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free admission and parking
Address: North Street between Chain Bridge Road and University Drive, Fairfax, Va. 22030
Northern Virginia’s most highly anticipated autumn extravaganza, featuring over 400 vendors, live music, gourmet food trucks, and family-friendly activities including farm animals. Approximately 20 miles from Alexandria
Clifton Day Free Fall Festival – Clifton
Date & Time: Sunday, Oct. 13, 2025 (time typically around 9 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Entry Fee: Free admission (parking may cost)
Address: Clifton Historic District, Clifton, Va. 20124
A charming street festival set in historic Clifton with local artisans, live music, food vendors, crafting booths, petting animals, pumpkin painting, and even train rides. Approximately 28 miles from Alexandria
Fall Jubilee – Downtown Manassas
Date & Time: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2025 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Entry Fee: Free
Address: Main and Center Streets, Manassas, Va. 20110
This beloved annual festival features over 100 craft and community booths, live entertainment, costume parades, pumpkin painting, inflatables, magic shows, and more family fun. Approximately 33 miles from Alexandria
Apple Harvest Festival – Syria (Graves Mountain Farm)
Date & Time: Various weekends—Oct. 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, 2025 (times likely daytime hours)
Entry Fee: Likely paid admission (typical for farm festivals)
Address: Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Syria, Va.
Celebrate apple season with hay rides, live music, petting zoo, cider and pies, and plenty of farm-based fun set along the picturesque Rose River. Approximately 90 miles from Alexandria
Ravenwood Faire – Clear Brook
Date & Time: Two weekends in October—Oct. 17–19 and 24–26, 2025
Entry Fee: Likely paid admission (typical for Renaissance fairs)
Address: Ravenwood Faire, near Clear Brook, Va. (venue address via RavenwoodFaire.us)
This Renaissance spectacle offers archery, medieval contests like chess and dance, swordplay, handcrafted goods, lively entertainers, and rustic food in full period flair. Approximately 70 miles from Alexandria
571-206-3525
