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

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr VinothChandar

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

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr huubvanhughten / www.hollandfiets.de

Feast on kabobs, falafel, and more at Famous Kabob in Manassas. Afghan food is the specialty here, and if you've never tried it, some regulars say this is a perfect introduction to the cuisine. Given the place's name, you probably won't be surprised that kabobs make up a large part of the menu: these skewered meat platters are available with chicken, lamb, or ground beef, and they're served with fresh bread.

Gyros and wraps are on the menu, too, as are interesting entrees like Kadu Chalu (a pumpkin dish served with yogurt, mint, and rice), and Palau, a lamb dish served in meatball sauce. Don't neglect to try one of the sweet desserts, too!

Yelpers praise the place for the high quality of its food, with some calling it the best kabob place you'd find in the area near The Courts at Historic Manassas. The space is decidedly no-frills, but somehow this just adds to the experience.

Famous Kabob Restaurant
9685 Libera Avenue
Manassas, VA 20111
www.famous-kabob.com
www.yelp.com/biz/famous-kabob-manassas

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr vanclark