Tag: #LynnNicholsRealtor

Posted on

🍂 Fall Is Finally Here! Festivals, Farms & Fall Fun Near You

The wait is over—fall is finally here! 🍁

It’s time for colorful leaves, crisp air, pumpkin spice, apple cider and plenty of reasons to get outside. From farm festivals and pumpkin patches to community celebrations, ghost tours and haunted trails, there is so much happening nearby through the end of October.

Here are some fun fall events happening in Anne Arundel County, Howard County and Baltimore County.

Event dates, ticket availability and weather policies may change. Click the event links to confirm the latest information before heading out.

🎃 Anne Arundel County

Homestead Gardens Fall Family Weekends
📅 September 26–November 1 | Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

The Davidsonville tradition returns with tractor hayrides, barnyard animals, hay mazes, pony rides, pumpkin activities, bounce attractions, live music and seasonal treats. Advance tickets are strongly encouraged.

Homestead Gardens event details

Maryland Renaissance Festival
📅 Weekends through October 25

Travel back to Revel Grove for jousting, costumed performers, music, food, artisan shops and entertainment at one of Maryland’s best-known seasonal celebrations.

Maryland Renaissance Festival details

Great Annapolis Pumpkins
📅 Beginning October 5

Take a fall walk through downtown Annapolis and look for the giant carved pumpkins displayed at several locations, including Dock Street, Maryland Avenue and the Visitors Center.

Great Annapolis Pumpkins details

Station 7 Terror Trail 👻
📅 Select nights beginning October 2

This Davidsonville haunted trail supports the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department. The event includes an outdoor Halloween attraction and a free shuttle from the Davidsonville Park and Ride. Check the schedule and age recommendations before purchasing tickets.

Station 7 Terror Trail details

Tractor Treat at Homestead Gardens 🚜
📅 October 15

Children ages 12 and younger can visit decorated tractors, collect treats, see farm equipment up close and learn about agriculture during this Halloween-themed community event.

Tractor Treat details

Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Costume Contest
📅 October 17

Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks hosts a seasonal scavenger hunt and costume event for families. Visit the county’s website for location, registration and program details.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt details

Maryland Avenue Fall Festival
📅 October 18

Historic Maryland Avenue welcomes fall with local businesses, entertainment, food and Halloween-themed fun in downtown Annapolis.

Maryland Avenue Fall Festival information

Haunted Harbour Day 🎃
📅 October 24

This free, family-friendly Halloween event at Annapolis Harbour Center offers costumes, treats and seasonal activities.

Haunted Harbour Day details

Pumpkin Walk at Hammond-Harwood House
📅 October 30 | 4–6 p.m.

Wear a costume and enjoy this family-friendly Annapolis Halloween tradition at one of the city’s historic homes.

Pumpkin Walk details

🍎 Howard County

Larriland Farm Fall Festival
📅 September 8–October 31

Pick seasonal produce and enjoy hayrides, mazes and the Boo Barn at this Woodbine farm. Festival admission information and current crop availability are posted online.

Larriland Farm Fall Festival details

Clark’s Elioak Farm Pumpkin Patch
📅 September 19–November 8

Visit the petting farm, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, explore Enchanted Forest attractions and enjoy play areas, hay-bale mazes and other fall activities.

Clark’s Elioak Farm details

Fall For All at Howard Community College
📅 October 16 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

This free family event includes pumpkin-themed activities, a pumpkin patch, face painting, moon bounces, candy and an inflatable corn maze. No ticket or RSVP is required.

Fall For All details

Howard County Hispanic Heritage Festival
📅 October 17

Celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture at Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods with music, live performances, food, artisans and community exhibitors.

Hispanic Heritage Festival details

Ghost Tours at Historic Savage Mill 👻
📅 Friday and Saturday evenings throughout the fall season

Explore the Mill’s history and reported hauntings during an approximately 90-minute guided tour. The tours are recommended for ages 12 and older, and reservations are required.

Savage Mill Ghost Tour details

Wanderland Craft Beverage Festival
📅 October 24 | Noon–5 p.m.

Spend a fall afternoon in Columbia sampling Maryland craft beverages while enjoying local food, artisans, live music and seasonal atmosphere. This is a ticketed event intended for adults.

Wanderland Festival details

Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees 🌳
📅 October 24

Howard County offers a nature-centered Halloween program with seasonal activities for all ages. Check the county listing for registration, location and admission details.

Halloween Tricks, Treats and Trees details

The Haunted Experience
📅 October 24

For ages seven and older, this county recreation program adds a little more fright to the Halloween calendar. Registration and event information are available through Howard County.

The Haunted Experience details

🍁 Baltimore County

Catonsville Fall Festival
📅 September 26 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Browse arts and crafts, enjoy live music and food, and bring the family for children’s activities at The Children’s Home in Catonsville. The scheduled rain date is October 3.

Catonsville Fall Festival details

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm Fall Harvest Days 🍎
📅 September 12–November 8

Celebrate the season in Parkville with barnyard attractions, hayrides, pumpkins, fresh-pressed cider, apple cider doughnuts and bakery favorites. Timed tickets may be purchased online.

Weber’s Fall Harvest Days details

Honey Harvest Festival at Oregon Ridge 🍯
📅 October 4 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Learn about honeybees and the fall harvest while enjoying nature activities and family entertainment at Oregon Ridge Nature Center.

Honey Harvest Festival information

Maryland Fall Home and Garden Show and Craft Show
📅 October 16–18

The Maryland State Fairgrounds welcomes home and outdoor-living exhibits, more than 100 local crafters, family activities and special guest appearances.

Fall Home and Garden Show details

Hereford Fall Festival
📅 October 17–18

This two-day community festival hosted by the Hereford Volunteer Fire Company features arts and crafts, food, live entertainment and activities in northern Baltimore County.

Hereford Fall Festival details

Baltimore County Game and Fish Fall Festival
📅 October 17 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Head to Parkville for an outdoor fall celebration hosted by the Baltimore County Game and Fish Protective Association.

Fall Festival details

Fall Fun and Frights 🎃
📅 October 24 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Baltimore County’s Agricultural Center and Farm Park hosts a day of fall activities with a Halloween twist as part of the county’s fall festival lineup.

Baltimore County Recreation and Parks information

Bennett’s Curse Haunted House 👻
📅 Select nights during the Halloween season

For those who want a scarier experience, this indoor Baltimore County haunted attraction offers themed fright experiences. Review the schedule, ticket options and age recommendations before visiting.

Bennett’s Curse details

🍂 Make the Most of Fall

Whether your perfect fall day includes a pumpkin patch, warm apple cider, handmade crafts, live music or a haunted trail after dark, there is something nearby to enjoy.

Pick a few favorites, invite your family or friends and make time for a little fall fun before October slips away!

Which event are you most excited to visit this season? Share this guide with someone who is ready for pumpkins, festivals and all things fall! 🎃🍎🍁

151 total views, 8 views today

Posted on

Is It Too Early for Pumpkin Spice? When Should Your Home Start Feeling Like Fall?

The calendar may still say summer, but pumpkin-spice season has already arrived. Coffee shops are serving fall drinks, stores are filling their shelves with pumpkins and cinnamon-scented candles, and some people are ready to pull out the fall decorations before the first leaf has even changed color.

But is September too early to make your home feel like fall?

I say no—but you don’t have to cover every surface with pumpkins just yet!

When Does Fall Decorating Season Begin?

There really isn’t one official date when everyone should begin decorating for fall. Some people are ready as soon as September arrives. Others prefer to wait until the first official day of fall, which is September 22 this year. Then there are those who wait until the weather finally starts feeling like fall—which can take a little longer here in Maryland.

My opinion? If fall makes you happy, start adding a few seasonal touches whenever you’re ready. Your home should be a place that feels good to you.

Start With Warm and Cozy Touches

September is a wonderful time to begin transitioning your home without going straight into full pumpkin mode.

Try making a few simple changes:

  • Add a soft throw blanket to the sofa or your favorite chair.
  • Bring in warm colors such as rust, gold, deep green, or burgundy.
  • Change lightweight summer pillows for richer colors and textures.
  • Place a simple fall wreath on the front door.
  • Add a bowl of apples, pears, or small pumpkins to the kitchen.
  • Bring out a cinnamon, apple, or pumpkin-spice candle.

You don’t have to redecorate the entire house. Just a few small touches can make your home feel warmer and more inviting.

Don’t Forget the Front Porch

Your front porch is one of the easiest places to welcome the season. A fall wreath, a colorful mum, and one or two pumpkins can create a beautiful entrance without taking much time or money.

As we get closer to October, you can always add more. During September, simple decorations can help your home move gently from summer into fall.

What If You’re Selling Your Home?

Fall décor can make a house feel warm, comfortable, and welcoming to potential buyers—but moderation is important.

If your home is on the market, decorations should complement the house rather than become the main attraction. Buyers still need to notice the room sizes, natural light, countertops, and other features that make your home special.

A tasteful wreath, cozy throw, or simple seasonal centerpiece can create the right feeling. Too many decorations may make rooms appear smaller, hide important features, and distract buyers from the home itself.

If you’re preparing for listing photographs, remember that those pictures may remain online after the season changes. Keeping the decorations simple will help your photographs stay fresh longer.

So, Is It Too Early for Pumpkin Spice?

Not in my book!

September is a transition month. We may still have some warm days ahead, but there is nothing wrong with bringing a little fall warmth into your home now. Start slowly, choose the things you love, and let your decorations grow along with the season.

Now I want to know: When does pumpkin-spice season officially begin at your house? Are you decorating already, waiting for the first day of fall, or holding onto summer for as long as possible?

Whether you’re enjoying the season in your current home or thinking about making a move, I’m always here to help.

Lynn Nichols, REALTOR®
KW Flagship
Win With Lynn—the Dancing Realtor

67 total views, 1 views today

Posted on

Labor Day Weekend Is Here! Fun Things to Do Around Maryland

Last week, I told you don’t rush fall—enjoy the final weeks of summer! Well, Labor Day weekend is almost here, and what better excuse do we need to squeeze in one more Maryland adventure before we start thinking about pumpkins, sweaters and everything fall?

Of course, plenty of Marylanders will be heading to the beach for the long weekend. But you don’t have to drive all the way to Ocean City to find something fun to do. From live music and festivals to art, history and a little Eastern Shore charm, there is plenty happening closer to home.

Here are a few ideas for getting out and enjoying Labor Day weekend around Maryland.

🎭 Anne Arundel County — Step Back in Time at the Maryland Renaissance Festival

If you’ve never experienced the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville, Labor Day weekend gives you three chances—Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day Monday—to step inside Revel Grove.

Think jousting, costumes, live entertainment, food and an entire village that feels like you’ve stepped back hundreds of years. It’s one of those Maryland traditions that’s fun whether you go all-in and dress the part or simply show up ready to people-watch and enjoy the day.

Tip: This is a popular event and can sell out, so check ticket availability before heading out.

🎶 Pasadena — Pops in the Park

Looking for something a little more laid-back? Pack your chairs and blanket and head to Downs Park in Pasadena for Pops in the Park on Saturday, September 5.

It’s a free outdoor concert and a great excuse to pack a picnic, enjoy some music and spend part of your Labor Day weekend outside along the Chesapeake Bay.

🎨 Annapolis — First Sunday Arts Festival

Downtown Annapolis is always worth a visit, but on Sunday, September 6, you can add the First Sunday Arts Festival to your plans.

Stroll along West Street, browse art and handmade creations, grab something to eat and then spend some time wandering through downtown Annapolis or along City Dock.

That sounds like a pretty good Sunday to me!

🎤 Baltimore — Charm City Live

Want something with a little more energy?

Charm City Live takes over War Memorial Plaza on Saturday, September 5, with live entertainment including Boyz II Men and Case, along with DJs, local performers, food vendors, merchants and a Kids Zone.

And here’s an added bonus: admission is free.

If live music is your thing, this may be one of the biggest Labor Day weekend happenings around Baltimore.

🎬 Howard County — Catch a Movie Under the Stars

Sometimes you don’t need a huge festival. Give me a summer evening, a lawn chair and a movie outside, and I’m happy!

Howard County has a couple of options to kick off Labor Day weekend. Columbia’s Lakefront will feature an outdoor movie Friday evening, and Ellicott City has another outdoor movie Saturday night.

It’s an easy, inexpensive way to enjoy one of those final summer evenings outside.

🏛️ Queen Anne’s County — Spend a Day Exploring Centreville

If you’re in the mood for something quieter, take a ride across the Bay Bridge and explore a little Maryland history.

On Saturday, September 5, Queen Anne’s County’s First Saturday activities include free tours at several Centreville locations, including historic Wright’s Chance and Tucker House, the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts and the Kennard African American Cultural Heritage Center.

It’s a nice opportunity to slow down, walk around and learn a little more about Maryland history while you’re at it.

🛍️ Kent County — First Friday in Historic Chestertown

How about starting the holiday weekend on Friday night?

Historic Chestertown holds its First Friday on September 4 from 5–8 p.m. Downtown shops, galleries and restaurants welcome visitors for an evening of art, shopping, food and strolling through one of Maryland’s beautiful historic towns.

If you’ve never spent time in Chestertown, Labor Day weekend might be the perfect excuse.

⛵ St. Michaels — Make It an Eastern Shore Day

And then there’s St. Michaels.

Honestly, you could make an entire Labor Day weekend out of this one.

The St. Michaels Art League Labor Day Weekend Show and Sale takes place Saturday and Sunday, with more than 300 original paintings displayed along Talbot Street.

On Saturday, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum hosts its annual Charity Boat Auction from 8 a.m.–1 p.m., with the live auction beginning at 11. The museum also has Historic Workboat Experience cruises during the day, and there are evening cruises with live music.

Add the shops, restaurants and waterfront scenery of St. Michaels, and you’ve got yourself a pretty wonderful Eastern Shore day trip.

☀️ One More Summer Weekend — Enjoy It!

Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but I’m sticking with what I said last week:

Don’t rush fall.

Maryland gives us so many wonderful places to explore, and sometimes the best adventures aren’t very far from home. Whether you spend the weekend listening to live music, exploring a historic town, watching a movie under the stars, heading across the Bay Bridge or simply enjoying a picnic at your favorite park, take a little time to enjoy these

last days of summer.

Before long, we’ll be talking about colorful leaves, pumpkin patches and everything fall.

But not quite yet.

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Maryland! 🇺🇸

Event schedules, admission requirements and availability can change. Be sure to check with the event organizer before heading out.

Lynn Nichols, Realtor at KW Flagship

428 total views, no views today

Posted on

Lake Elkhorn: Where Nature Can Be Part of Your Everyday Life

Can you imagine having views like this practically in your backyard?

Tucked into the Village of Owen Brown in Columbia, Maryland, Lake Elkhorn is one of those places that makes you want to slow down, get outside and enjoy what’s around you.

Maybe you’re an early riser who loves starting the day with a walk before everything gets busy. Maybe you’d rather hop on your bike and get a little exercise. Or perhaps you’ve just finished a long day at work and what sounds best is changing into something comfortable and taking an evening stroll around the lake to unwind.

And then there are those days when you don’t need to be going anywhere at all.

Find a peaceful spot. Sit by the water. Watch the wildlife. Take a few pictures. Bring the family. Or simply take in the scenery.

That’s part of the beauty of Lake Elkhorn — there isn’t just one way to enjoy it.

Nearly Two Miles Around the Lake

Lake Elkhorn covers approximately 37 acres and was built by the Columbia Association in 1974. The lake averages about eight feet deep and reaches approximately 15 feet at its deepest point.

And here’s something I didn’t realize until I started learning more about it: Lake Elkhorn is Columbia’s largest lake.

Surrounding the lake is a 1.9-mile paved main loop, making it a wonderful place for walking, jogging and biking. There are shady places to stop along the way, and the Lake Elkhorn area also includes a playground.

So think about that for everyday life.

A complete trip around the lake gives you almost a two-mile walk without ever having to get on a treadmill.

Want to add something more to your workout? Columbia Association also has outdoor exercise stations along Lake Elkhorn, giving you the opportunity to mix some strength and movement into your walk.

Morning Walk or Evening Wind-Down?

I think this is one of the things that makes living near a place like Lake Elkhorn so appealing.

It can fit into your life instead of requiring you to plan your life around it.

Head out in the morning when everything feels fresh and quiet.

Take an afternoon bike ride.

Bring the kids out to play.

Get together with a friend and walk while you catch up.

Or after one of those workdays, take an evening walk and let the lake, trees and fresh air help you leave the day behind.

And if exercise isn’t on the agenda? That’s perfectly fine, too.

Sometimes sitting near the water and enjoying the view is enough.

Keep Your Eyes Open for the Wildlife

While I was taking photographs around Lake Elkhorn, one particular resident was nice enough to pose for me.

And apparently, he has plenty of neighbors!

More than 100 species of birds have been observed around Lake Elkhorn by participants in the Great Backyard Bird Count. The area is also home to a variety of dragonflies and damselflies.

That makes walking around the lake a little different every time. You never quite know what you’re going to see.

Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, photography or you’re simply someone who appreciates nature, there’s plenty to keep your eyes open for as you make your way around the lake.

Want a Longer Adventure? Keep Going.

The 1.9-mile loop doesn’t have to be the end of your walk or bike ride.

Lake Elkhorn connects with Columbia’s broader pathway system, and from the Broken Land Parkway side of the lake, you can pick up the Patuxent Branch Trail, which continues toward Savage.

That’s another thing I love about Columbia. The paths, lakes, neighborhoods and open spaces are connected in a way that makes getting outside part of the community.

In fact, Columbia Association maintains nearly 3,600 acres of open space and about 95 miles of pathways throughout Columbia.

And Yes — People Actually Live Around Here

This might be my favorite part of the story.

Look across Lake Elkhorn and you’ll see something else among all those trees and beautiful views: Homes

Lake Elkhorn is located in Columbia’s Village of Owen Brown, with residential neighborhoods surrounding the area.

So imagine having something like this close to home.

You don’t necessarily have to pack the car and drive somewhere for a pretty Saturday afternoon. Your evening walk doesn’t have to mean walking around the same block over and over. And getting outdoors with the family can be as simple as heading toward the lake.

For somebody considering a move to Columbia or Howard County, that’s worth thinking about.

Because choosing where you live isn’t only about the number of bedrooms, the size of the kitchen or whether there’s a garage.

It’s also about what your life looks like when you walk out the front door.

Take a Look Around Lake Elkhorn

And now I’m going to stop talking and let Lake Elkhorn speak for itself

Could You Picture Yourself Living Near Lake Elkhorn?

Whether it’s an early morning walk, an evening stroll after work, a bike ride, some outdoor exercise, time with the family or simply finding a quiet place to sit near the water, Lake Elkhorn is a beautiful example of the lifestyle you’ll find in Columbia.

Sometimes finding the right home isn’t only about finding a house you love.

It’s about finding a community where you can picture yourself living your life.

If Columbia, Howard County or another Central Maryland community is somewhere you’re considering calling home, I’d be happy to help you explore the possibilities.

Lynn Nichols, REALTOR®
Win With Lynn — Where Sellers Win and Buyers Begin

186 total views, 3 views today

Posted on

Spring Forward This Weekend: A Fresh Start for Spring and the Housing Market

This weekend we spring forward, setting our clocks ahead one hour and welcoming longer days and more daylight.

After the ice, snow, and rough winter weather we’ve had this year, I think many of us are ready for the change. The time shift is one of those little reminders that spring is just around the corner.

And with spring comes something else that begins to wake up every year — the spring real estate market.

Why Spring Is Such an Important Season for Real Estate

Historically, spring is one of the most active times of the year for buying and selling homes.

As the weather improves and the days grow longer, more homeowners start thinking about making a move. Buyers also become more active, often hoping to settle into a new home before summer.

Because of this, the spring market usually brings:

  • More homes coming on the market
  • Increased buyer activity
  • More showings and open houses
  • Strong competition for well-prepared homes

For sellers, this can be one of the best opportunities of the year to list a home.

Planning Ahead for a Spring Move

Even if you’re not planning to sell immediately, early spring is a great time to start preparing.

Many homeowners begin getting their homes ready several months before listing. Taking a little time now can help you position your home well when the market becomes more active.

Some helpful early steps include:

  • Understanding your home’s current value
  • Taking care of small repairs and maintenance
  • Decluttering and organizing your space
  • Watching how the local market is moving

Preparing early often leads to stronger offers and smoother sales once a property officially hits the market.

Enjoy the Extra Daylight

For now, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead this weekend and enjoy the extra daylight.

After a long winter, longer days are always a welcome sign that warmer weather — and new beginnings — are on the way.

And for many homeowners, spring can also bring the opportunity for a fresh start in a new home.

Curious What Your Home Might Sell for This Spring?

If you’re wondering what your home might be worth in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.

You can start by getting a free home value report to see what homes similar to yours are selling for in today’s market.

Get your free home value report here:
👉 https://marylandhomesbylynn.com/MarketAnalysis

If you have questions about the local market or are thinking about making a move this year, feel free to reach out anytime.

— Lynn Nichols
Win With Lynn
Keller Williams Flagship

528 total views, 1 views today