Immerse Yourself in History at the Three-Day Civil War Weekend Event In Downtown Manassas This Weekend!

Travel back in time this weekend as the 5th annual Civil War Weekend returns to downtown Manassas from Aug. 21-23. All throughout downtown, the streets will come alive with free activities for folks of all ages. Festival-goers can look forward to a parade with re-enactors on Saturday, a scavenger hunt for children, military demonstrations on the lawn of the Manassas Museum, a bourbon tasting, and plenty of performances.

A number of re-enactors will also speak to the public, like Gen. Robert E. Lee, noted mapmaker Earl McElfresh, and Confederate Gen. Jubal Early. The event will end Sunday afternoon with an ice cream social, a concert by the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, and a final artillery firing farewell salute at Harris Pavilion.

Throughout the weekend, the Manassas Museum will be offering free admission and featuring two special exhibitions: A Virginia Dynasty: The Carter Family of Northern Virginia and Partisans Among Playmates: American Childhood and the Civil War.

Are you going to go out and lose yourself in history?

Civil War Weekend in Downtown Manassas
Friday, Aug. 21; Saturday, Aug. 22; and Sunday, Aug. 23
manassascity.org/DocumentCenter

The Prince William County Fair Returns to Manassas Aug. 14-22

Less than two miles from The Courts at Historic Manassas, the Prince William County Fair returns for a full week of fun.

From Aug.14-22, the Prince William County Fairgrounds host Virginia’s largest state fair, which is complete with activities for folks young and old. You can head to the fair for carnival rides, carnival games, a clown show, live music, and much more. For those looking for more intense activities, there will be monster truck shows, demolition derbies, a live bear show, and bull riding.

There are also a number of special themed days like ladies night on Wednesday, Aug. 19 (free admission for women), Veterans Appreciation Day on Thursday, Aug. 20 (free admission for veterans), $2 Tuesday ($2 admission and rides).

Tickets are available at the site of the county fair and are $10 for adults ages 14 to 59, $6 for children ages 5 to 13 and seniors over 60, and free for children under the age of 4. Carnival rides are an added cost.

Prince William County Fair
Aug. 14-22
Prince William County Fairgrounds
10624 Dumfries Road
Manassas, VA 20112
www.pwcfair.com

Bring Your Pup To The Dog Days Of Summer First Friday Celebration!

Show your dog some love and bring him or her out for the Dog Days of Summer First Friday celebration in downtown Manassas. On Friday, Aug. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m., the downtown shops and restaurants will set up water and treats for pups, and they'll also have some Friday night fun for you, too.

Like what? Well, dogs and their owners can partner up and challenge other dog-and-human pairs to a hot dog eating contest. The contest starts at 6:30 p.m. at Harris Pavilion and is open to the public. Entry is $10 in advance and $15 on the day of the event. The first three teams to finish their entire plate of hot dogs will win a prize. So, if you and your dog are fast eaters, you might want to enter!

If you'd rather watch, that should be a blast, too! All of this fun is only a few blocks from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Hows that for the dog days of summer?

Dog Days of Summer First Friday
Friday, Aug. 7, 5-9 p.m.
Historic Downtown Manassas
visitmanassas.org/event/first-friday

Bedrock Yoga: Unique Classes Taught by Dedicated Instructors

Opened earlier this year only a few blocks away from The Courts at Historic Manassas, Bedrock Yoga offers classes and events for everyone from experienced yogis to those just starting out. Most of the instructors went through yoga teacher training together, graduating in March. Despite that, the instructors all have their own individual approach with the common goal of making yoga accessible to all. With that in mind, they've devised a set of unique classes geared toward helping with various ailments and helping students reach their fitness goals.

If you're not sure which class to start with, staffers will guide you. Bedrock Yoga offers classes geared toward everything from gentle basics to deeper poses. The studio has classes designed specifically to relieve tension from sitting at a desk all day, to decrease stress and enhance relaxation, to restore a tired body, and more. Classes are conveniently scattered throughout the day, including one starting at noon that would be ideal to take during a lunch break. It also hosts events, like the outdoor Karma Saturday Shape Up class happening later this summer — the proceeds will benefit a transitional housing nonprofit.

Bedrock Yoga
9116 Center St.
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 895-3176
www.bedrockyoga.net
www.yelp.com/biz/bedrock-yoga-manassas

Paradise Donuts: Breakfast Cereal Gets a Sweet Makeover

The Manassas branch of Paradise Donuts only opened on July 1, but it's already attracting quite an illustrious clientele. Virginia's Governor Terry McAuliffe was among the crowd on opening day, cutting the ribbon and trying a taste of the gourmet treats at Paradise Donuts—as evidenced by this playful photo. But you don't have to be a bigwig to sink your teeth into one of the treats crafted at this branch of Paradise Donuts, which is only a few minutes away from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Locals are already sliding into a routine with Paradise Donuts, heading here before work to grab some cereal—but not in a bowl. Doughnuts dusted with Cap'n Crunch or Fruity Pebbles typically appear in the glass case. They reside right alongside more conventional creations, such as simple chocolate frosted and glazed doughnuts. Blueberry crumb cake doughnuts, apple-filled pastries, and cinnamon rolls are also on the menu at Paradise, not to mention a few savory eats such as the jalapeno sausage roll. Have you tried any of these treats yet?

Paradise Donuts
10223 Nokesville Road
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 479-2284
www.facebook.com/pages/Paradise-Donuts
www.yelp.com/biz/paradise-donuts-manassas-2

Celebrate America: Do Independence Day Right in Old Town Manassas!

The Fourth of July is all about friendly competition this year in Old Town Manassas. At its Celebrate America bash on July 4, which unfolds less than half a mile away from The The Courts at Historic Manassas, guests have plenty of opportunities to face off against friends. Enter your best confection in the Apple and Peach Pie Contest. Test the size of your stomach in the Watermelon Eating Contest. Or show off your creativity in the Bicycle Decorating Contest. You can also simply serve as a spectator at any of the contests, cheering on your favorite participant.

In addition to the competitions, Celebrate America also hosts kid-friendly rides, many food vendors, and local artisans selling their wares. But the crowning jewel of the day is the fireworks display, which kicks off at 9:15 p.m. Load up your lawn chairs and blankets early so that you can snag a front row seat on the Manassas Museum Lawn.

Celebrate America
Old Town Manassas
4 to 10 p.m. July 4
Manassas, VA 20110
visitmanassas.org/event/celebrate-america

Manassas Olive Oil Company: Have a Taste and Discover New Varieties!

Everyone’s heard of wine and beer tastings, but have you ever been to an olive oil tasting? What about a balsamic vinegar tasting? These experiences are just a stone’s throw away at Manassas Olive Oil Company, less than a mile from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

At a brand-new location that opened in May, Manassas Olive Oil Company offers the highest-quality oils and vinegars that will make you ditch your grocery store brand for good. The shop offer single-origin oils, as well as varieties infused with fruit, vegetables, and spices. Gourmet oils made from pumpkin seeds, almonds, and more are hand-crafted by artisans. Pick up a dark or white balsamic infused with fruit for a perfect salad dressing. There are sample bottles of each variety with little cups underneath for you to sample from. Dip in a small piece of bread, or sip it straight up – either way is great! Manassas Olive Oil Company also hosts events with free tastings, food, coupons, and raffles.

Have you visited Manassas Olive Oil Company yet?

Manassas Olive Oil Company
9406 Grant Ave.
Manassas, VA 20110
www.manassasoliveoil.com
www.yelp.com/biz/manassas-olive-oil-company-manassas

Relax in the Grass at the 11th Annual Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival This Sunday!

The Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival has taken place every Father’s Day since 2004, and this year is no different. Held on the lawn of the Manassas Museum, just a quick drive from The Courts at Historic Manassas, this event attracts those from all over Northern Virginia and beyond. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and relax as you sip wine and listen to this year's headliner, jazz pianist Marcus Johnson, perform.

Visitors will get the opportunity to try wines as well as purchase bottles from a variety of Virginia wineries, and winery representatives will be on hand to guide you toward pours that you’d enjoy most. Some of the participating wineries include Stone Mountain Vineyards, Saude Creek Vineyards, and North Mountain Vineyards and Winery.

Tickets are $30 in advance ($35 on the day of the event) for those who’ll be tasting wine, and $20 for non-tasters who are 21 years of age. Children under 10 can attend free of charge. Purchase tickets online at visitmanassas.org or stop by the Old Town Visitor Center in the train depot, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Are you planning on attending the Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival?

The 11th Annual Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival
Noon to 7 p.m., Sunday, June 21
Manassas Museum Lawn
9101 Prince William St.
Manassas, VA
visitmanassas.org

Shop for More Than Just Produce at the Old Town Manassas Farmers Market

Variety. This is one of the reasons why Old Town Manassas Farmers Market is considered one of the best in the region. It’s open twice a week all year-round, but during late spring, summer, and early fall is when it really shines. You can find some real gems here beyond the usual produce.

Case in point: Artisan pickles sold in mason jars. Once you’ve gobbled up all of your pickles, bring back the empty jar for a discount on the next batch. Also keep an eye out for potted herbs, local honey, fresh baked goods including cookies, bread, and muffins.

But the highlight of the Old Town Manassas Farmers Market is still the fresh fruits and vegetables. The sheer variety is staggering, so take your time wandering around. On Thursdays, the market is located in the Harris Pavilion in Historic Downtown Manassas and on Saturdays it’s in Parking Lot B behind Harris Pavilion. Thursday is strictly local farmers, and Saturday it’s a mix of local and regional. So, visit both and see what the vendors have to offer. Since it’s not far from The Courts at Historic Manassas, it makes for a convenient trip.

Old Town Manassas Farmers Market
Harris Pavilion (Thursdays) and Parking Lot B Behind Harris Pavilion (Saturdays)
7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days
9431 West St.
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-6599
visitmanassas.org/listings/farmers-market/
www.yelp.com/biz/old-town-manassas-farmers-market-manassas

Heritage Brewing Company: A Veteran-Owned and -Operated Brewery in Manassas

When it opened in 2013, Heritage Brewing Company in Manassas set itself apart from other area breweries in a few ways. First, it’s owned and operated by veterans. Second, the ingredients are 100 percent American, and most of the organic ingredients come from Manassas-area sources. Third, it has a social conscience — it’s committed to reusing, recycling, and reducing, plus 1 percent of all profits go to charity.

So, what about the beer? Beer lovers have embraced the flagship beers as well as its seasonal releases and experimental beers. The star of Heritage’s lineup is probably the King’s Mountain Scotch Ale, followed by the Freedom Isn’t Free IPA. The most recent flagship release is the American Expedition, a light wheat ale. Heritage is also starting to experiment with brewing its beer in oak barrels, with more varieties on the horizon.

The best way to learn about how Heritage makes its beer is by going on a brewery tour. Two tours are held every Saturday, at noon and 1 p.m. The taproom, which is just 15 minutes from The Courts at Historic Manassas, is open Thursday to Sunday, where you can have your feel of Heritage beer while hanging with friends.

Heritage Brewing Company
Brewery tours, noon and 1 p.m. Saturdays
9436 Center Point Lane
Manassas, VA 20111
(571) 358-8463
heritagebrewing.com
www.yelp.com/biz/heritage-brewing-co-manassas

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