There are few community resources more valuable than a public library, and in Manassas, the Central Community Library is just that place. This 23,000-square-foot library is both historic and modern, and its convenient location just minutes from The Courts at Historic Manassas makes it a great place to check out books or attend a class.

At the Central Community Library, you'll find thousands upon thousands of fiction, nonfiction and children's books, as well as resource books and periodicals perfect for students or other types of researchers. Free public access computers and printers are available to anyone with a library card, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The library also contains private meeting rooms where you can attend a group meeting.

Be sure to check out the library's online calendar for a list of upcoming events, like English conversation classes, book bingo, storytimes, and craft workshops!

Central Community Library
8601 Mathis Ave
Manassas, VA 20110-5270
(703) 792-8360
www.pwcgov.org/government/dept/library/Pages/history.aspx

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Catface27

Turn off the oven, The Courts at Historic Manassas—you're going out tonight! The spot? Virginia Barbeque. This strip mall eatery might not offer much by way of ambiance, but regular diners don't seem to mind one bit! The real deal is in the food: authentic Southern barbecue.

Try a sandwich combo. You can choose between pork, beef, and chicken, pick two sides, and add an iced tea or lemonade to wash it down. The Texas BBQ beef sandwich comes highly recommended and you can't go wrong with the ribs. Sometimes it's just a classic American hot dog you want. You'll get it here and for a good price.

Go in on one of the restaurant's less busy evenings to avoid the wait time. Good meat takes preparation, so a weekend evening means you'll be sipping on your iced tea for a little while.

Virginia Barbeque
Davis Ford Crossing Shopping Center
9952 Liberia Ave
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 369-4227
www.virginiabbq.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Ruth and Dave

When your sweet tooth strikes and you're craving cool, refreshing ice cream, you'll love the wide variety of soft-serves at Nathan's Dairy Bar, a '50s-style ice cream parlor near The Courts at Historic Manassas. Reopening for 2016 on March 8, Nathan's Dairy Bar is a favorite among locals during the warmer Virginia months, when a shake or cone provides sweet relief from the summer sun.

Stop by and order from the old-fashioned counter at the bright red and white building, and then take your dessert to one of the matching red picnic tables to enjoy it outdoors. The menu includes everything from classic chocolate and vanilla soft-serve ice creams to low-fat sorbets and specialty flavors that change twice each week.

When the weather begins to cool down, the mobile Nate Jr. ice cream bus even drives around town serving fall favorites, like hot apples served over vanilla ice cream and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce!

Nathan's Dairy Bar
8948 Mathis Ave
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 335-9051
nathansdairybar.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr john.gillespie