Brush Up on Acting at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory

Only half a mile away from The Courts at Historic Manassas awaits an opportunity to spread your dramatic wings. The Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory doesn't just host professional performances. It also takes would-be thespians and helps transform them from novice to acting expert.

The Center for the Arts is dedicated to community and culture, so it makes perfect sense that it holds drama classes, including an upcoming series in February. Regardless of your age or current acting ability, the patient, friendly, and seasoned acting teachers at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory can get you stage-ready in a matter of a few classes. One Yelp reviewer raves about an acting camp that her child attended at the Center for the Arts, citing the head teacher and the rest of the staff as the reason her youngster blossomed over the course of the week. Check out the class schedule to see if any of the offerings strike your fancy!

Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory
9419 Battle Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 330-2787
center-for-the-arts.org
www.yelp.com/biz/center-for-the-arts-manassas

Get in the Holiday Spirit by Ice Skating at Harris Pavilion

It doesn't really feel like the holiday season until you've done at least one wintry thing. And since there isn't any snow on the ground yet, that leaves you with only a few options—including going ice skating. At the Harris Pavilion, which is only a stone's throw away from The Courts at Historic Manassas, you can slice a figure 8 into the ice tonight.

Its seasonal outdoor skating rink is open for the winter and welcoming guests to get some exercise and have a bit of holiday fun. Cheery lights cast a colorful glow across the ice while a top-notch sound system broadcasts festive tunes, and it's all within a two-minute walk of various restaurants, stores, and boutiques. You can rent skates at the rink, too, so don't worry about bringing your own.

Have fun!

Ice Skating at Harris Pavilion
9201 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-9800
www.harrispavilion.com/ice_skate.php
www.yelp.com/biz/the-harris-pavilion-manassas

Grab a Pint and Meet New Friends at Heritage Brewing

The folks behind Heritage Brewing are both veterans and patriots, so they have a special place in their hearts for the people of this country. That's precisely why they craft such high quality beers at Heritage Brewery, using only organic and sustainable ingredients. They also care about keeping the United States' land healthy for years to come, which is why they enlist eco-friendly products and processes whenever possible.

But even if you didn't know about all the behind-the-scenes stuff going on at Heritage Brewing, since it's so close to The Courts at Historic Manassas (about 1.5 miles away, to be precise), you would still probably want to stop by for a pint. The Kings Mountain Scotch Ale is one of the most popular pours, which makes sense since it was one of the first beers produced by Heritage. Even if you're not obsessed with craft beer, you might want to check out the trivia night, Christmas sweater party, and other fun events held regularly at Heritage Brewing.

Heritage Brewing
9436 Center Point Lane
Manassas, VA 20111
(571) 358-8463
heritagebrewing.com
www.yelp.com/biz/heritage-brewing-manassas

Sip Suds and Have Fun at BadWolf Brewing Company!

If you're a beer lover, you're lucky to live at The Courts at Historic Manassas. Both branches of BadWolf Brewing Company are within a stone's throw of your apartment. The Little BadWolf taproom brews a barrel at a time, so you can always sip on something fresh from the tap (and munch on complimentary popcorn), whereas the larger 10-barrel Big BadWolf brewery and taproom boasts more brews, but you'll have to BYO snacks.

Regardless of which location you visit, there's always something fun happening on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Wednesday Flight Nights promise six-ounce pours of six different beers for one flat, affordable price. Just make sure you swing by between 4 and 9 p.m. to snag a flight. On Thursdays, you can play some Craft Beer Bingo and compete for prizes while you get educated on local suds.

BadWolf Brewing Company
9776 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(571) 208-1064
www.badwolfbrewingcompany.com
www.yelp.com/biz/badwolf-brewing-company-manassas

Get Your Morning Caffeine Boost at Grounds Central Station

In an era when big-chain coffee shops sit on every corner, a locally owned, independent coffeehouse that stands the test of time is a rarity. But in Manassas, Grounds Central Station has been serving rich, steaming cups of coffee to eagerly awaiting customers for five years—without the help of a massive corporation behind it.

The popular cafe sits less than a mile away The Courts at Historic Manassas, so you can easily swing by for your morning cup of java tomorrow. In addition to classic cups of joe, the baristas also whip up specialty drinks like the seasonal peppermint mocha, the signature Love Potion No. 9 and Cinnamon Bun Latte, and many more. Order your beverage hot or iced, and pair it with something like the bacon and egg sandwich or a muffin from the case of baked goods. You can also sit and stay a while at Grounds Coffee Station, which offers free Wi-Fi to customers.

Grounds Central Station
9360 Main Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(571) 379-7285
www.groundscentralstation.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grounds-central-station-manassas

Ring in Autumn at the 33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee This Weekend!

If you're a fan of live music, hot food, and free entertainment, then you should add the 33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee to your schedule this Saturday. It promises plenty of fun for all ages!

More than 100 local craftspeople and artisans will be selling their handcrafted goods at booths scattered around the Jubilee, so budget in some spending money if you're looking for a unique gift for an upcoming birthday. You can also sign up for the cornhole tournament, which runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—play solo or with a team of friends. And if you're an avid baker, go for the blue ribbon in the pumpkin pie baking contest—or just enjoy the sweet creations by participating in the pie-eating contest instead. It all unfolds just a stone's throw from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24
Historic Downtown Manassas
visitmanassas.org/event/33rd-annual-manassas-fall-jubilee

Enjoy a Vibrant Culture at the Manassas Latino Festival

A celebration of Latino arts and culture, the Manassas Latino Festival will be held Sept. 27 just a few minutes away from The Courts at Historic Manassas. This one-day, free event brings together local artists, musicians, chefs, and Latino businesses to celebrate the amazing heritage of local Latinos.

The festival aims to provide entertainment and education about Latino culture to families, as well as distribute information of interest to the public, such as the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Hispanic Health Initiative. There will be music and dance performances by local favorites Mariachi Los Amigos, Danza de Tecuanes, Banda de Paz El Pulgarcito USA, and more. Expect to be on your feet too – audience participation is a must! Food and snacks will be available from places like Doña Adela Restaurant and Dolce Amore Sweets. Kick off fall with a great party at the Manassas Latino Festival.

Manassas Latino Festival
Sunday Sept. 27, noon to 5:30 p.m.
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center St.
Manassas, VA 20110
sites.google.com/site/manassaslatinofestival/home

Check Out Bad Wolf Brewing Company’s Newest Location!

Bad Wolf was the first brewery in Manassas when it opened in 2012, and now local residents and visitors alike have another spot to check out. Bad Wolf Brewery's second location opened in August, and it's bigger and badder than ever! At 6,000 square feet, it boasts a 10-barrel brewing system, a foosball table, and plenty of seating. There are even plans in the works to have live music. Perhaps best of all, Bad Wolf's second location is only two scant miles from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Jeremy Meyers was inspired to start brewing his own beer after a trip to Germany. He and wife Sarah, who has a background in business, are Northern Virginia natives, so you can not only expect top-notch craft beer at Bad Wolf, you can also count on friendly service. The staffers are happy to explain how the beer is brewed and give you recommendations if you can't decide. A great time to visit is any Wednesday from 4-9 p.m., when you can get a flight of six beers in six-ounce pours at a deep discount. Have you visited Bad Wolf yet?

BadWolf Brewing Company
8420 Kao Circle
Manassas VA, 20110
(703) 479-2305
badwolfbrewingcompany.com
www.yelp.com/biz/badwolf-brewing-company-manassas-3

Enjoy the Serenity at Manassas National Battlefield Park Near The Courts at Historic Manassas

You don’t have to be a Civil War buff to enjoy Manassas National Battlefield Park. It’s home to miles of walking trails that are teeming with wildlife, and with its rolling green hills and abundance of trees (not to mention its close proximity to The Courts at Historic Manassas) it’s an ideal setting for a picnic. But if you do have an interest in history, this park has plenty of places for you to explore.

The land where the park now stands was the site of the first major land battle of the Civil War, in July 1861. The Second Battle of Manassas took place the following year. Manassas National Battlefield Park memorializes these battles with features such as historic cannons, statues, monuments, and graves dotting the landscape. Feel free to wander around on your own, or sign up for a guided ranger tour. Many describe a visit to this park as a powerful one, so come prepared to learn about its history and remember those who lost their lives here.

Manassas National Battlefield Park
6511 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 361-1339
www.nps.gov/mana
www.yelp.com/biz/manassas-national-battlefield-park-manassas-2

See Historic Manassas by Bike

Experience Manassas history on two wheels this Saturday at the latest installment of the Manassas Museum's monthly Bicycle Tour. It happens on the fourth Saturday of each month, and the next one's this weekend, April 25.

The event's meant to highlight some of the area's often-unnoticed historic spots. According to a flier on the City of Manassas website, April's event will ride to the west part of Manassas to see an old railroad junction as well as one of the area's oldest buildings. The trip's eight miles in total, and cyclists will encounter a few hills along the way.

If you'd like to participate, check out visitmanassas.org or the City of Manassas site. Tickets are priced at $5 per person, and attendees must bring their own bikes and bike helmets. Enjoy the outdoors and learn something new about the area near The Courts at Historic Manassas!

Manassas Bicycle Tour
Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. til 11 a.m.
www.manassascity.org/index.aspx?NID=1183
visitmanassas.org/event/bike-tour/?instance_id=56495

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