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Where to Brunch This Weekend: French Quarter Brasserie in Fairfax

January 31, 2017 by greystar

We've been hearing great things about the delicious Cajun/Creole grub served up by French Quarter Brasserie. Open since 2016 in Fairfax, this New Orleans-inspired eatery is the first in the area to explore this style of cuisine. Another unique piece is their bar, The Big Speak Easy, which specializes in crafting Southern-style cocktails reminiscent of the 1920s through 1940s.

Lunch and dinner are served daily, with weekend brunch as well. You must start with a basket of the hush puppies, fried to perfection with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. The entrees range from crawfish mac and cheese to fried catfish or eggplant pirogues. The jambalaya is also a good option for a burst of flavor in one bowl. The brunch menu is hard to beat. Options include both sweet and savory plates for every palate, all with a unique New Orleans twist. They have brunch po'boys, chicken and beignets, chicken and craw mac waffles, and so much more. Pair it with their Ragin’ Cajun Bloody Mary for the perfect weekend kickoff.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bex.Walton

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, The French Brasserie, Things to Do in Manassas

Starting Feb. 5: Take Part in Line Dance Classes at the Manassas Park Community Center!

January 27, 2017 by greystar

Don your dancing shoes and head over to the Manassas Park Community Center at Costello Park for Line Dance Classes. The classes are instructed by the local nonprofit group The “7” Step Hand Dance Academy, and they offer a line dancing class in African American D.C. Hand Dancing. This type of dance was started all the way back in the 1930s, and it combines an eight-count swing dance with a series of six standard moves for all to follow.

Not only is it a perfect pre-week stress reliever, it is super fun! Grab some friends and head down to try it yourself. Starting February 5 and running most following Sundays, they will offer a beginner class option at 2:30 p.m., as well as two intermediate class options for those with a few established skills at 3:30 p.m. (level one) and 4:30 p.m. (level two).

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/PRORoger Ahlbrand

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Line Dance Classes at Manassas Park Community Center at Costello Park, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas

Your Weekend Plans: Belly Up to the Buffet at Rangoli Celebrate India

January 13, 2017 by greystar

There are plenty of flavors to be celebrated at Rangoli Celebrate India, an Indian food restaurant that made its debut in Manassas in fall 2016. With more than its fair share of five-star reviews on Yelp, Rangoli, which was previously located in Loudon County for more than a decade, serves up some of the most delicious dishes in the area.

If you want to grab a little bit of everything and see what your favorite is, the Saturday buffet comes highly recommended. The price is affordable at only $12.99 per adult or $7.99 per child. The favorite dishes thus far are the juicy lamb vindaloo, the perfectly fluffy fresh naan, and the eggplant curry. Don’t forget to try the desserts. They’re very accommodating of dietary restrictions, and strive to make sure that everyone is welcome and is able to indulge fully.

If you’re in a pinch for time or looking for a cozy night in, check out their take-out menu which you can download off the website. Also, delivery is free within 5 miles of the restaurant!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Håvar og Solveig

Filed Under: Restaurants Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Rangoli Celebrate India, Restaurants in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas

Vertical Rock Climbing & Fitness Center: A Break From the Boring Gym Routine

January 6, 2017 by greystar

If you resolved to get in better shape in the new year, why not check out Vertical Rock Climbing and Fitness Center in Manassas? Don't expect treadmills and ellipticals here — the moment you enter, you’ll be wowed by the colorful and captivating wall-to-wall climbing structures.

No worries if you’ve never climbed before, as there are a ton of options for beginners. Open climb times are offered every day, all day and are first-come, first-serve. It’s only $20 for three climbs with a professional belayer to show you the ropes. If you get hooked, you can add on climbs for $5 each after the first three. They also offer an Intro Learning the Ropes class, which is offered 6-8 p.m. weekdays and 3-5 p.m. Sundays. Register online to save your spot for $35 (unless you’re a member, then it is free!).

Check out all the fitness classes and membership options online!

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/Sterling College

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas, Vertical Rock Climbing and Fitness Center

Ring In 2017 With a New Year’s Eve Party at Okra’s Louisiana Bistro

December 22, 2016 by greystar

Any New Year’s Eve celebration that includes an all-you-can-eat buffet sounds like a winner. Head over to Okra's Louisiana Bistro in Manassas to ring in 2017 in style, with plenty of music and food for all. The best part? It’s only $35 in advance and $45 at the door.

You can grab your ticket online on Eventbrite to save yourself some time in line and get dibs on the buffet. All night long you can snack on tasty Cajun delights like cornbread, jambalaya, deviled eggs, gumbo, New Orleans-inspired penne, and of course, fried okra, among other options. Wash it down with their crafty cocktails and a free champagne toast to welcome the new year.

They’re offering a combo deal with Olde Town Inn for a discounted room night, which will run you only $70 and includes a free brunch back at Okra's. Why not keep the party going for a few more hours and grab free brunch?

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Angelo Yap

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: 2016 Okra’s NYE Party, Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas

A Holiday Season Tradition in Manassas: ‘The Nutcracker’ at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

December 13, 2016 by greystar

Immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays with a performance of The Nutcracker at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Manassas Ballet Theatre and the Manassas Ballet Theatre Orchestra, this production of the beloved holiday tale is one of the finest shows of the year, according to many. The ballet theatre has been in operation since 1983, teaching local and international artists while providing cultural performances for Manassas locals and beyond.

The show will be performed December 15-18 and 20-23, with shows in the evening at 7:30 p.m. and a few at 3 p.m. depending on the day. Tickets start at $25 for the second-level seating and increase to $65 depending on where you’re looking to sit. Military, town and state employees can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. Don't miss it!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr zaimoku_woodpile

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, The Nutcracker at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Things to Do in Manassas

This Weekend, Head to the Manassas Train Depot for a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride Around Downtown!

December 8, 2016 by greystar

Among some of the most beloved holiday sounds in Manassas is the clip-clop of horse hooves strolling down West Street and throughout downtown. Horse-drawn carriage rides are back for select dates in December and are the perfect activity to get in the holiday spirit! The beautiful horses pull intricate carriages dressed in their holiday finest. You’ll glide through the streets of downtown, able to take a peek in all the shop windows as you relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on December 11 and 18, head over to the Manassas Train Depot to enjoy your free ride (yep, all rides are free!). Rides are weather dependent, however, so keep that in mind before heading to the depot.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/z_wenjie

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, Holiday Carriage Rides, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas

American History Comes to Life at Bristoe Station Battlefield

December 2, 2016 by greystar

Whether you’re looking for a local oasis or want to play tourist for a day, Bristoe Station Battlefield is the perfect place. Located on Bristow Road, the battlefield spans an incredible 140 acres of land and played a key role in the Civil War. The land hosted many encampments throughout the war, and was also the site of the Battle of Kettle Run and the Battle of Bristoe.

As you walk around the park, you’ll come across various signage explaining the significance of the park throughout these times in our history. You may also download a podcast that will give you a guided tour of the land. (Between May and October, guided tours are offered three times daily for free.)

If you’re simply looking for a new place to do your morning walk, there are two trails open that offer over two miles of gravel paths through the wooded areas to enjoy.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Joe Shlabotnik

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: 2016 Atlantic Antic Street Festival, Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas

Taking Place Nov. 30: The Swing Machine Big Band’s 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza!

November 25, 2016 by greystar

Kick off your holiday season during the Swing Machine Big Band’s 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza on Wednesday, Nov. 30! The show will take the stage at Hylton Performing Arts Center’s Merchant Hall starting at 7:30 p.m.

The opening act will be the Combined Prince Williams Chorus, featuring talented youngsters from schools around the area. Then, for the main event, Swing Machine Big Band will take the stage. One of D.C’s finest big bands, they'll transport you to the '30s and '40s with each and every melody. They will perform all your holiday favorites with a Big Band-era twist.

Tickets are only $10 a person and all proceeds support the school's performing arts (kids under 2 are free). You may pre-purchase your tickets online to save yourself some time on the day of. Before the show, Santa will make a special appearance from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lobby to say hello to all!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Phil Roeder

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: 2016 Swing Machine Big Band’s 5th Annual Christmas Extravaganza, Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do Manassas

Ring In the Holiday Season During Windham Hill: A Winter Solstice Concert, Taking Place Nov. 27

November 18, 2016 by greystar

On Sunday, Nov. 27, you can ring in the holiday season with a festive holiday concert at Hylton Performing Arts Center! At 7 p.m., various artists from the Windham Hill record label will collaborate to get you in the holiday spirit.

Performers are some of the top of the Windham Hill label. Liz Story will show off her skills on the piano (she's a nominee of multiple Grammy awards and is always mesmerizing). Barbara Higbie, also a Grammy-nominated artist, specializes in jazz, pop, and folk songwriting. They will be accompanied by Sean Harkness, a guitarist, to complete the trio and perform all the holidays classics you know and love. You'll leave ready for the season!

With numerous balcony seats and a full orchestra section, the acoustics are on point no matter what seat you’re in. Tickets range from $30 to $50, making it an affordable special-occasion night.

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/george

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: 2016 Windham Hill A Winter Solstice Concert, Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas