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THE BIG IDEA

The most elaborate school project you’ve ever heard of.

Picture this:

You're cruising through Springfield and something catches your eye — a fresh neighborhood with houses so crisp, they seem...too perfect? Almost like these new digs have a secret sauce.

Well, thats because they do, and it’s high school students.

But before your whip out your copy of the child labor laws (why do you even have that in your pocket anyway?) let’s take a quick field trip back to the seventies.

During the decade of lava lamps and shag carpeting, Fairfax County Public Schools teamed up with the Foundation for Applied Technical Education (a non-profit to get students some real-world construction cred).

Their latest project? Spring Village Estates — an 18-home neighborhood 100% constructed by future hard hats. Pretty neat, right?

Up to 20 students per year enroll in the program. Once they're approved for action, students handle everything from framing, to electrical, to those fancy finishes that'll make the neighbors swoon. Of course, pros step in for the heavy lifting (foundations, roofs, etc.)

The best part? It's a living classroom because the students face real challenges on the job. Not only do they build houses, but they learn the biz side — managing costs, working with pros, the whole nine.

Some of the students go straight to construction careers after, armed with certifications. Others level up to college programs like construction management.

So there you have it — a neighborhood built by the next generation of contractors, electricians, and more. Just think, your dream home could've been assembled by teens... which is kinda hilarious but also low-key impressive?

Either way, mad kudos to these students getting critical career experience. If fleeing Fairfax County real estate costs prevent you from owning here, no worries — they'll build more killer pads you can admire from the sidewalk.

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Bulletin Board 📌 

Reader Restaurant Recommendation

One of our readers, Nicole, recommends you guys check out Ellie Bird. It’s a casual spot that was founded by a Michelin-starred duo, Carey and Yuan Tang, who both grew up in Falls Church.

QUICK HITS

• The 2024 NoVA Wine Wars have officially begun. You can check out the bracket and vote for your favorite local winery here 🍇 

• Giant pandas are back at the Smithsonian National Zoo! Meet Qing Bao and Bao Li 🐼 

• A virtual F1 racing arcade just opened up in Northeast DC earlier this month 🏁 

• Check out these beautifully done fall-themed baked goods from Bobby’s Bagel Cafe 🥯 

LIVE EVENT LOWDOWN

• Curse of the Amethyst | an interactive murder mystery evening today and tomorrow in River Mill Park 💎 

• Arcadia Fall Funtacular | celebrate all things farm, food, and family at the Woodlawn Estate in Alexandria on Sunday 🚜 

• Witches and Wizards Market | a local Harry Potter inspired vendors market this Sunday in Fredericksburg 🦉 

• 2024 Fall Car Show | this classic car show will be held at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Sunday 🏎️ 

• Halloween Bash | enjoy cider, s’mores, and of course the animals at the Hope and Serenity Farm Sanctuary in Nokesville 🐷 

• Centreville Day | the 32nd annual celebration of the Centreville community is back tomorrow afternoon 🥳 

• Ladies Board Rummage Sale | a bargain hunter’s paradise with an incredible array of items this weekend in Leesburg 📦️ 

• Mount Vernon Harvest Fest | an 18th century inspired fall celebration this weekend at The Farm at Mount Vernon 🧑‍🌾 

• Trunk or Treat | check out different trucks, tractors, wagons, and more! Attempt the maze, try out some spooky games, and brave the haunted house tomorrow in Herndon 🛻 

• Hauntings 2024 | an 80 minute evening walking tour through the historic streets of Downtown Leesburg this weekend 🦇 

• Tysons True Spark Mixer | an evening of pickle ball and meeting new people (for ages 35+) tonight 🏓 

• Fort Hunt Film Festival | watch the story of WWII unfold through film every Friday this month 🎞️ 

• Children’s Entrepreneur Market | teaching kids the power of innovation and leadership through hands-on experience in Historic Old Town Manassas tomorrow 👔 

• Boo at the Zoo | grab your costume and enjoy this family-friendly Halloween event, this weekend at the Smithsonian 🦓 

• Maker Faire | a family-friendly showcase of invention and creativity at City of Alexandria High School on Sunday 🔧 

• Haymarket Day | enjoy a hometown street festival celebrating the town’s biggest day of the year tomorrow morning 🎉 

• Herndon Children’s Book Fest | a family-friendly day of music, food, games, and meeting authors of books for the young (and young at heart) tomorrow in Herndon 📚️ 

• Forest Escape | an outdoor escape room for thrill seekers and puzzle solvers alike all though out this month at Go Ape’s Springfield location 🌲

• Harvest Party Weekend | an all day celebration of harvest season and Virginia’s wine region this weekend at Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton 🍷 

• Grim and Glam | get your little one’s Halloween makeup done at the Sephora at Tysons Corner Center this month 💄 

• Haunted Pond | craft activities, a twilight walk in the forest, and campfires tomorrow at Hidden Pond Nature Center 🐸 

• Record Riot! | the Fairfax Record Riot returns with 15,000+ vinyl records under one roof on Sunday morning 💿️ 

• The Dracula Experience | Loudoun’s newest haunted attraction —a chilling new take on an old classic in Leesburg 🧛 

Thanks so much for reading today’s issue of Just Outside D.C.

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