Things To Do

Enjoy American Festival Pops Orchestra’s Valentine’s Day Performance on Feb. 12

February 10, 2017 by greystar

Whether you’re looking to spend the holiday weekend with your sweetheart, your family, or your friends, the American Festival Pops Orchestra: Valentine’s Day Pops is a perfect way to celebrate. The group will take the stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, which has quickly become one of their signature venues. The U-shaped hall ensures perfect acoustics throughout the venue, meaning that there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.

The theme is, of course, love. The group will move patrons through the sweet melodies of classic love songs from movies and more, ensuring some familiar tunes and some new ones as well. The concert starts at 3 p.m., so you have plenty of time for a romantic dinner after the curtains close.

The performance is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12. Ticket options are $30, $43, or $50 for the highest tier. They can be pre-purchased online—you can also call or make a run to the box office to make sure you don’t miss out!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Joe Buckingham

Filed Under: Things To Do Tagged With: Apartments in Manassas, The Courts at Historic Manassas, Things to Do in Manassas, Valentine's Day Pops at Hylton Performing Arts Center

Potomac Winery Will Host a Special Valentine’s Day Dessert and Wine Pairing Feb. 11-12

February 3, 2017 by greystar

Yet to make your plans for Valentine's Day? Consider attending the Sinfully Sweet: Dessert and Wine Pairing at Potomac Winery! When you get there, you’ll head to the wine cellar, which will have you and your special someone feeling as if you’ve been transported to a Tuscan estate. From there, you’ll get to pair four of the Potomac Point wines with specially crafted desserts. The wines range from a light floral Viognier to a bold Merlot and even sweet dessert wines.

This event will be offered four times during the weekend before Valentine’s Day, so make your reservation, as they’re sure to fill up. Options are Saturday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. or Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., with tickets running $33 a person. Wow your special someone with this super sweet experience!

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Judy Dean

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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

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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

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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

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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