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Welcome to Woodbridge Living, your one-stop resource for everything in the Woodbridge, VA area.

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Keep Up With the Latest in Woodbridge:
news, resources, great food finds

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New! Click above to add WoodbridgeLiving.com to your Google or Yahoo home pages.

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NEW - Here is a great link to some very useful coupons. It never hurts to save when you can.

We're introducing a new feature to Woodbridge Living called "Insider Info". Our first article is called, Local Knowledge. It's fitting that we introduce this on Father's Day weekend with the U.S. Open being played. Local Knowledge is a golf term that refers to the experience brought by locals to newcomers playing the course; they're often caddies who can help players shape shots and understand the intricacies and nuances of the course they're playing on hole by hole. So we'll apply that concept to the area to help readers discover some interesting finds we come across in the normal course of living in Woodbridge. Read first article.

WoodbridgeLiving.com Appears on News Channel 8!

Also talks about TellDC.com - check it out.

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Still looking for summer camp options?
See our summer camp guide 2009
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Stafford.edu now has a culinary program at their new Woodbridge campus!
See their Fox5 News appearance.

Wear your helmets!

Fatal Motorcycle Crash Blamed On Speed, Lack Of Helmet


A fatal motorcycle crash occurred on 6/12/09 at 9:15 PM at Beau Ridge Drive and Traverser Ct in Woodbridge, VA. The victim was operating a 2003 Suzuki motorcycle without a helmet and lost control on Beau Ridge. He hit a curb and slid across a sidewalk ...more

NEW* - The Washington Post reviews Bistro L'Hermitage in Occoquan - WL's review is 5 stars! Also, the Talk News Live television interview above also refers to WL's review.
Read WP review.

WOW, WOW, WOW!

bistrolhermitage
bistrolhermitage

Bistro L'Hermitage has arrived!!! We are so excited that this restaurant has opened. Sitting on a little hill over Occoquan Road, leading into the town of Occoquan, it looks quaint and inviting. But going inside for a meal is even better. Read our complete review here. WL reader reviews also posted

Potomac Point Winery near Quantico having a
Father's Day BBQ
Also- live music on Friday and Saturday nights
bistro now open

NEW*-Kathy posted a new restaurant review of Hoppy's in Mannasas at the airport. Read review.

Swine Flu hits Woodbridge
Read more.


WARNING - Children attacked at local Woodbridge playground
Read full story.

Parents find ways to curb cost of kids - read more

Gitmo prisoners may be transferred to Alexandria

From Washington Post:

"President Obama has vowed to close Guantanamo by January, and the government is reviewing files on the detainees, who number about 240. The administration has strongly indicated that some will be transferred to federal courts, and a senior Justice Department official recently named Alexandria and Manhattan as possible destinations."

For all those moms out there is a sweet Mother's Day video from singer Taylor Swift:

 

This is too cute:

School Fundraiser Notice: Amici's Pizzaria - This coming TUESDAY APRILL 28TH 2009 will be donating a portion of their receipts to Penn Elementary school. All day anyone who comes in to dine in or carry out -- AND MENTION PENN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, they will donate a minimum of %10 to the school. DELIVERY NOT INCLUDED. Other fundraising days coming soon- 12623 Galveston Court (Hoadly Rd and PW County Parkway near Harris Teeter)
Woodbridge, VA 22192
(703) 878-6652
"Smoke Free Restaurant"

Bob McDonnell kicks of his race for Governor at local rally

40 ways to vacation for free in Virginia

Very innovative program to help a local church



Found an interesting photo/video of Lake Ridge

 

 

The owner of Amici's Pizzaria emailed us and wanted our audience to know that customer satisfaction is his number one priority. WoodbridgeLiving.com gave Amici's a pretty good review but we also allow reader reviews as well and we posted one from Pamela on Amici's. See Amici's response to Pamela's review.

RESULTS: Woodbridge area residents want a "main street" feel as discussed in recent planning session.

Got a news tip? Email us.

Holiday car crash rate lowest in five years. Read more.

VRE Riders to see 7% Rate Hike this January.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers continues Virginia expansion with opening of South Manassas restaurant - More.

Saw this story earlier but didn't realize it was here in Woodbridge: Virginia Salon Uses Tiny Fish for Pedicures. Read more.

WoodbridgeLiving reader Kevin has a new web site. Check it out: http://KevinsTips.com

Restaurant Review -- Moe's Southwestern Grill

Sign up for Wood bridgeLiving.com news updates by email.

Valpac printed coupons that you receive in the mail can now be accessed online. Just click here and enter your zip code to get current coupons.

Do your kids like trains?
Prince William Model Railroad Club Has a Monthly Open House

Check out their Web site to learn more at, www.pwmrc.org , and the Quantico Depot page(s) portion of the website:
http://www.pwmrc.org/Depot2005/DepotMain.htm See photos of the trains by clicking here.

Also, for more information you may email the club at info@pwmrc.org

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Wegmans opened on Sunday, June 8th, 2008. Read more.

wegmans

The New Wegmans Near Optiz Blvd.

See Wegman's official Web site and video about the Woodbridge store opening.

Read an article about the Wegman's opening.

Compare prices by viewing grocery store weekly fliers.

Birthday Party Ideas! WL reader Gerri has a suggestion for kids' birthday parties. Read more.

Has anyone out there had trouble dealing with VERIZON? I want to hear from you! I've had six weeks of battling nonsense with them and would like to hear your troubling experiences as well. If so, email me here.

New Restaurant Review: Panera Bread in Merchants Plaza - Over the years I've stopped into a Panera Bread but it was always for a latte or maybe a muffin. I never actually tried any of their breakfast foods, their sandwiches, salads or their panini's. So when the new Panera Bread opened at the corner of Old Bridge Road and PW Parkway, I thought I would give lunch a try. Read complete review.

Here is a press release from a WL reader about a new Green carwash.

carwash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE       Contact:
                                                          Ramzy Sayegh           
                                                          (240) 426-0469

New Woodbridge Carwash on the Cutting Edge of
“Cleaning Green”

Woodbridge has everything, right?  Costco…IKEA…Wegmans…Potomac Mills.   Up until this past week, however, this bustling shopping mecca was missing one important destination – a place to pamper and powder your other baby – your car. Read more.

Restaurant Review: Lake Ridge Pizzeria

Restaurant Review: Greg's Fine Cuisine

Is going green just hype?
For me, not necessarily

I'm originally from Oregon and I grew up recycling and eating cream cheese with bean sprouts (which my husband thinks is hysterical.) My family was always good stewards of the environment and we rarely saw litter lining the streets and highways. Being natural came naturally.

So when a WL reader contacted me about her natural cleaning products, suppliments line and skin care products among other things, I was intrigued. I met with Carol and went over all of the natural products that she carries as a representative of this company based in Idaho. I will tell you, she had me try a hand lotion that was fabulous. So this week, I am letting her introduce you to this company to tell you more about what she has to offer. To add my own two cents, having had worked in the drinking water and water reclamation industry, the rise of chemicals in our everyday life is not good for the watershed and if we can use natural products that work, just as well as the chemicals, it may be worth a shot. Read more about Carol and her products here.
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WL Reader Kevin has written two new restaurant reviews -- Click here to read his reviews of Carrabas and the Original Steakhouse.
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Here is a note from a WoodbridgeLiving.com reader:

Hello All;

Just a quick note that GoodSearch.com ( www.goodsearch.com ) has sponsored the Stomp MS Foundation as the charity of the day today. This means that millions will see or have the opportunity to click on the logo and find out just what the mission is about. If you haven't done so already, please
change your search engine to GoodSearch.com. If you select Stomp MS as your charity, the foundation will receive a penny each time you browse the web!

If you are an online shopper, use www.GoodShop.com to purchase from your favorite stores!

Thanks again and I am very excited about this opportunity. Supporters like you have helped me to build this great vision.

Regards,

Tamika Myers
Stomp MS Foundation, Inc.
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The review of Ariang Steakhouse and Sushi in Dellingham Square has been updated, check it out.

Sign up for WoodbridgeLiving.com News Updates.

The Cub Scouts Had Their Annual Summer Camp at Leesylvania Park

scouts1

scoutssplash

will


I have published a new blog about food and cooking tips! Check out TastyDaily.com

I recently had lunch at Medina Kabob near Potomac Mills -- see our new review.

See an interesting video from Woodbridge High School about their Freshman transition program to make the change from middle school to high school much easier for entering students.

There is a new business profile this week. This business sets up in-house wine tastings. www.wineshopathome.com/kellygoff

Dream Dinners Tackett's Mill Now Open in Tacketts Mill
and Launch of Store Website

Dream Dinners Tackett's Mill
2231 A Old Bridge Road
Lake Ridge, VA 22192
703-499-8881
http://www.sixhalfdozen.com/dreamdinners/

See new restaurant review of Ariang Steakhouse in Dilingham Square.

Have concerns about the food quality or health violations of local restaurants? Check out Prince William County's report on health inspections of area food establishments.

NEW - Do you have a small business in the area? Contact Us and tell us about your business. One business will be chosen to be profiled on our front page.

More tips and suggestions on healthy food for kids.


The Prince William County Service Authority has a newscast about "Going Green".

Also, the Washingtonian has a good article about ways to go green.

WL reader Sean Peterson sends us his review of some local restaurants:

Daks grill in woodbridge has great food, and is a very popular local hangout. The food is great upstairs, and the downstairs is more a bar crowd for happy hour on the terrace. Mateo’s off of Waterway in Montclair is EXCELLENT! The owner is the chef which is always great news. Everything they make is so fresh and tasty. The plates are large and colorful and everything is homemade including their margarita mix. Their attention to detail on food is fabulous! They are excellent and the prices are very reasonable! It is a local gem

The new shopping center with Harris Teeter also brings new restaurants - see our reviews.

ZPizza - grand opening.
WOW, do I love this restaurant. ZPizza originated in Laguna Beach, California bringing with it healthy organic food and fun creative dishes. The main attraction is the pizza but they also have tasty salads and sandwiches
-- read more.

China Wok and Amici's Pizzaria, in the same new shopping center next to Harris Teeter also reviewed.

Don't Wait for Sunday's Newspaper -- See Grocery Store Ads HERE.

NEW kids recipes and tips for making tastier vegetables.

Sign Up for WoodbridgeLiving.com updates.

Harris Teeter now open! Read review and see weekly specials.

New video recipe -- Lucky Leprechaun Rice. A sure way to get your kids to each spinach and love the taste. See printed recipe.

Check out the new tourism site for Prince William County.

New Restaurant Review - CiCi's Pizza

Restaurant Review **Update - Pizza Gourmet.

New Single Parents Group formed in Prince William. Read more.

Organic Co-op -- Are you searching for quality organic and natural products for your family but tired of driving to the nearest Whole Foods?  Would you rather use those hours it takes you to drive to the store and back ordering from the convenience of your home and gathering once a month to receive your order?  If any of this intrigues you, then a Woodbridge co-op, called “Willing Hands”, may be just what you have been looking for. Read more.

Home schoolers and private school students are now allowed to participate in public school activities.

Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery -- NOW OPEN !

Don't forget to check out our Best gas prices listed here.

Restaurant Review Update --




SURVEY
-- What NEW category or feature would you like to see on Woodbridgeliving.com? Email us with your suggestions.


We tried some new things at the Bloom deli that was quite good. Read local grocery store reviews here.

Sign up here to receive WoodbridgeLiving.com updates.



Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery --

NOW OPEN !

If you take a short drive south of Woodbridge -- just beyond Quantico -- you'll find a charming oasis of calm that is soothing to the soul. We're referring to a new Virginia winery, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery, which is about to open July 12. -NOW OPEN- And we Woodbridge residents are lucky enough to have it pretty much in our own backyard.

We visited the winery and tasting room for it's "soft launch" June 9, and we were most impressed ... Read the whole story



The Prince William County Service Authority

(the water company) premieres their new video newsletter.


The Pipeline, PWCSA's new video newsletter is being broadcast on Comcast's local Channel 23. But if you don't have access to Comcast, or you want to check it out now, you can also watch the video here.

NEW Restaurant Review -- Silver Diner and Dixie Bones.** NEW

COMING SOON: Hidden Treasures along Route 1. Have a suggestion for a hidden treasure restaurant? Email Us.

Sign Up for WoodbridgeLiving.com updates.

Are you a single parent in the area? Check out the Single Parents Meet Up group.

Check out new fencing classes that have been added to our recreation list.

NEW Restaurant Review -- Cheeseburger in Paradise. **Updated**
Of course, they've got cheeseburgers ... but what's our take on their menu? Stick to the burgers, or are some of the other dishes worth it? Read our review.

Have you heard about Wegman's and Macy's coming to Woodbridge?
The upscale Potomac Town Center is coming to Opitz Blvd. and I-95 next year. Read about it.

Prince William County now has an electronic news alert system
System to notify you of emergencies, natural disasters and terror warnings. Sign up here to have the alerts sent to your computer, phone or PDA

Don't Wait for Sunday's Newspaper -- See Grocery Store Ads HERE.

Woodbridge High School LOVES their library. Take a look.




BIG news! -- Five Guys burger spots now take credit and debit cards. No more cash only!



First Nicklaus-Designed Golf Course in the Area to Open This October! Read the story.

Need ideas for your child's birthday party?
Maybe we can help.

** Update** More birthday ideas just added
.


Restaurant review -- Macaroni Grill
-- More reviews.



So of course we had to be fair and review the other Italian chain restaurant, Macaroni Grill, after our recent review of Carrabas. I've been going to Macaroni Grill for years and the food is consistently good.


Read complete review.

Ever hear of MeetUp.com?
It is a site listing all groups in the area that meet by subject, sport, interest, etc.

Fencing Lessons
More recreation and sports.

Auto Repair Review
Care 4 Cars, Inc., a favorite of ours for years

WL member, Denise Malden writes a NEW article about making your house more attractive when you put it up for sale. See her earlier article about how to prepare your house to sell and some how-to's on home staging techniques.

Restaurant Reviews!

Yi Vh Do, sushi -- see review
Siam Bistro Thai Cuisine -- see review

Carrabba's Italian Grill

13870 Foulger Square
(just off Smoketown
near the Home Depot
and Minnieville Rd.)

map
(703) 583-7300

I must admit that I carry a bit of a bias against chain restaurants. As I've mentioned on this site before, I like to search out for one-of-a-kind kitchens for a unique experience. However, Carrabbas has changed my mind. Click here to read the complete review.

More restaurant reviews, click here

Restaurant Review Updates!

Chada Thai
Shanghai Cafe

More Video Recipes!

Watch our video above on how to cook chicken orzo with a creamy mushroom sauce. See complete recipe. We would appreciate your feedback on this feature.

Did you know that several McDonalds in the area are WIRELESS? Who knew? Click here for wireless locations.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder?
The CHADD Parent Support Group For Prince William County
CHADD is the nation’s leading non-profit organization serving individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education, and support CHADD provides science-based, evidence-based information about AD/HD to parents, educators, professionals, the media, and the general public. Click here for more information.

Have you or your family been affected by addiction to drugs or alcohol?
Families Anonymos
is a support group with a new Woodbridge location. Woodbridge Families Anonymos Click for Meeting Information.

We smashed the window of our minivan just as we were leaving for a long road trip. We found a repair service at the last minute and they were great. Find out who did the repair and read the rest of the story.

And now a little FUN. If you are ever feeling doubtful of your own abilities, take a look how this little rabbit took charge!

Cutest Pet Pictures! Send us yours and we will pick the top several to post on this site. Click here to send us your picture. See Photos already posted.


Click here to find local opportunities to VOLUNTEER in your community.

Click here for tips on giving kids healthy food and fun children's recipes.

Read more about the history and demographics of Woodbridge here.

Never Forget
Victims of September 11
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Be seen -- Advertise on Woodbridgeliving.com!

 

Got a news event or news tip? Email us.

To receive WL news updates by
e-mail, sign up here.
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Add FACE ODYSSEY'S artistic rainbow magic of Face Painting to your next Company Picnic, Birthday Party, Grand Opening, Promotion, Wedding Reception or any other special occasion.

Contact Gerri of
FACE ODYSSEY at 571-276-0928 for your next party or event. We are completely insured and you'll be glad you did!! Make your next event special, unforgettable, fantastic and a great success by adding the wonderful art of face painting.

For additional information visit our website at

www.face-odyssey.com
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_________________________
The Hopkins Group, Inc.


Affordable and Effective

-Public Relations
-Media Relations
-Small Business Communications
-Web Sites

www.TheHopkinsGroupInc.com
571-432-7554
E-mail us for more information.

__________________________

Need a Website like this one for your business?
Email us for cost-effective rates to build your Web site.

__________________________

 


Tender Loving
Childcare

"Safe and Dependable"
Stephanie M. Hurdle

-- Leave knowing your child
is safe and happy each day!
Great references and rates.
All meals included, plus a fun family atmosphere for all!
Call: 571-264-5994

Check out this new Web site: http://KevinsTips.com

Our Kids -- Online activities and resource guide for families in the DC area.
Visit www.Our-Kids.com


NEWS

Latest Northern Virginia news
Washington Post

More local news
Potomac News

Click here for Prince William County's Crime Solvers

Latest News from Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation. LRPRA.