Shakin Crab only opened in Manassas three months ago, but it has already amassed more than 50 online reviews for its contemporary take on classic Cajun food. Shakin Crab invites its customers to take part in the creative culinary process, allowing them to select their seafood and seasoning. Choose from a list of seafood that includes crawfish, King Crab legs, and shrimp (or combinations of two). Then pick original Cajun, lemon pepper, or garlic butter seasoning—or go for all three. Finally, choose your level of heat, from non-spicy to downright fiery.

If you prefer your seafood fried, Shakin Crab still has plenty of options for you. Its fried baskets come loaded with crispy oysters, catfish tenders, or even soft shell crab. You can also nibble on some Cajun or buffalo wings with sweet potato fries, hush puppies, or onion rings on the side.

Public Domain/Pixabay/patrickblackjr

Nonprofit organization Caring Hands Animal Support and Education is all about rescuing animals in the Manassas area, but it needs your help to do it. Come out and show your support at the Autumn Festival on Sunday, October 29th at Jennie Dean Park. From 12 to 2 p.m., the park will play host to activities for the entire family—including any four-legged members.

The focal point of the fest is a 1K Howl o' Ween Walk on the trail at Jennie Dean Park at 1 p.m. Register for the walk ($25 for adults and free for kids), and bring along your pup to celebrate Howl o' Ween a bit early. All of the funds raised will go to local organizations that are rescuing, housing, and placing animals in the area. While you're at the park, check out the other family-friendly attractions, such as the inflatables, the games for kids, and the local food and drink vendors.

Public Domain/Pixabay/skeeze

It would be easy to miss Lil' Bowl. The eatery consists of a counter tucked away in Fresh World, a global grocery store in Fairfax. But the eaters who've been fortunate enough to stumble upon it seem to agree that Lil' Bowl offers authentic Thai and Japanese food, and it's definitely worth a visit.

Lil' Bowl only opened two months ago, but the positive reviews are already rolling in for its small plates, noodle dishes, and sushi rolls. You can't go wrong with the pad Thai, a classic dish of rice noodles, bean sprouts and bean curd, scallions, and crushed peanuts in tamarind sauce. Choose chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, seafood, or veggies to headline your Pad Thai. You can also opt for one of the signature sushi rolls, like the Bangkok roll. It showcases cucumber, asparagus, crab stick, and spicy masago inside with a mix of seafood and a dash of herbs and spices on top. Round out your meal with the Thai iced tea or mango-mint lemonade.

Public Domain/Pixabay/Simon