This Weekend, Enjoy a Tour and Tasting at KO Distilling in Manassas

Since September 2015, KO Distilling has been offering locals an insider's look at the distillery process. A dream brought to life by two college classmates and friends, the distillery not only manufactures and sells but also welcomes patrons in for tours and tastings.

KO manufactures everything from white whiskey to barrel-finished gin, moonshine, and more. Their tours are $6 per person and last approximately 45 minutes as the guide leads you through the facilities and their distilling process. You’ll end up back in the tasting room, which many say feels more like a friend’s living room than a distillery. Barrels line the walls with cozy, plush couches and a welcoming fireplace for the winter months. For only $8 you can get a taste of two or three with all the fixings if you so choose. The gin options seem to be the fan favorite. They also do special events from time to time, like Spirited Yoga and tasting dinners, so check out their events calendar for more info.

American History Comes Alive at the Manassas National Battlefield Park

It is sometimes fun to be a tourist right in your own backyard, especially when it comes to local history. The Manassas National Battlefield Park is worth penciling in a visit soon. Home to The Battle of Bull Run in 1861 (aka The Battle of First Manassas) and a second subsequent battle in 1862, these fields play a very important role in our history. The first battle was the first real battle of the American Civil War. The Henry Hill Visitor Center on-site unearths the battles and brings them to life with information gathered throughout the years, they also offer free guided tours through November 30. The best part? It’s all free! Donations are accepted but there is no mandatory fee to enter the park. The visitor center is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. so plan your visit accordingly.

Beyond the historical value, you can also visit to take advantage of the recreational activities like hiking on the expansive, beautifully maintained trails, fishing or packing a picnic before the weather gets too chilly.

Have You Tried the Coffee Mani-Pedi at Paris Nails Day Spa?

A glass of wine while getting your nails done? Don’t mind if we do! Paris Nails Day Spa is the ultimate escape, promising a day of pampering to all who walk through the door.

With over 11 options for manicures and over 15 for pedicures, you’ll need to come back time and time again to try all the awesome options. One of the most unique is the coffee mani pedi option, which exudes that delicious coffee smell with the addition of bath salts. Looking for a date idea you haven’t tried yet? Get a couple's mani pedi. They also offer Men’s Sport packages for men who are looking to be pampered. Combo mani pedi packages start as low as $40, and they’re worth every penny.

If you want to make a full day of it you can add on massages, ear candling, or a facial. Pampering packages start at only $105 for a mani pedi, mini facial, massage, and drink.

This is Your Last Call to See the “Printmakers, Inc.” Exhibit at The Candy Factory!

The Center for the Arts at The Candy Factory is always moving eccentric and impressive exhibits in and out for the public to admire. Taking center stage right now is the Printmakers, Inc. exhibit, which runs through Oct. 29. This one-of-a-kind exhibit showcases the work of 12 printmakers who share studio space at Printmakers, Inc., where their creativity flows freely. Their work is so impressive that some pieces can be found hanging in prestigious establishments such as the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.

One of the goals of the artists who share the studio is to spread the word about their artform and educate the public the incredible ins and outs of printmaking. They will be hosting a meet-and-greet with the artists on the last day of the exhibit, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. so that you can meet the brains behind the magic. The exhibit is free, so visit a few times to capture the full experience.

Excellent News for Wine Lovers: Manassas Has a New Wine Bar, Aroma Wine Tasting!

Good news, wine enthusiasts! Bealeton's Morais Vineyard & Winery has recently opened Aroma Wine Tasting, a wine bar, in the heart of Historic Manassas. The interior invites you in with their brick walls and walls full of wine, just like an underground Italian winery. The eclectic lighting and chic decor give it a slight modern feel as well for a truly one-of-a-kind wine tasting venue.

The wine bar offers tastings of all of the award-winning Morais Vineyard and Winery wines, which they pair with a tasting plate of cheese, meats, crackers, and chocolate. The staff will lead you through the tasting, making it a fun experience for all. The wines are a mix of fruity whites, bold reds, and sweet dessert wines, ensuring there is something for everyone. Order a charcuterie boards with your favorite bottle to cap off the experience!

Clear Your Plans Today and Head to the 34th Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee!

Here's a sure sign that it's autumn in Manassas: The Manassas Fall Jubilee returns today to the streets of historic downtown Manassas! Back for its 34th year, this fall festival, which is free and open to the public, takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there will be fun for the whole family on every corner.

The day will boast over 100 vendor booths, with crafters selling their locally produced wares and nonprofits helping spread the word about their causes. There will even be a pet adoption van so you can meet some new furry friends. Beyond vendors there will be music and entertainment galore; kids can even take their photo with some friendly scarecrows. And don’t forget the food! There will be plenty of festive fall cuisine to indulge in throughout the day. There is even a pumpkin pie baking contest and a pumpkin pie eating contest!

Public Domain/Flickr/miwok

Inspire Your Creative Side at the Center for the Arts in Old Town Manassas

Housed within the historic Candy Factory in Old Town Manassas, the Center for the Arts has been a community hub for all things expression since its debut in 1984. From dance to theater, gallery exhibits, camps, and more, this venue offers arts education and outlets to creative individuals of all ages.

If you’re looking to explore the world of the arts as a student, the Center for the Arts offers a little bit of everything. One Sunday a month, they offer Sunday Ballroom Dances, where they offer both instruction and/ or dance time for only $15. Each month has a different theme, from Merengue, Fox Trot, and Mambo to Rumba, Cha Cha and more. Not interested in dance? Sign up for an art class, with instruction offered in everything from acrylics, watercolor, and zentangle to digital imaging and jewelry making.

Does your child want to be a star when they grow up? Get them involved with Pied Piper Theater, a group for aspiring young performers ages 8-18 who put on three productions a year through the Center for the Arts.

Expect Pupusas, Platanos Maduros, and Pinatas During the 2016 Manassas Latino Festival on Sept. 25

On Saturday, September 25, the Harris Pavilion will host the 2016 Manassas Latino Festival, a free festival showcasing the sights, sounds, and flavors of Latin American culture.

The day will be filled with food from all over the globe, with previous years boasting everything from Mexican fare to Salvadorian pupusas and, of course, platanos maduros just like Grandma makes. To work off all that tasty cuisine, there will be plenty of great performers throughout the day, from mariachis to Zumba instructors. Music will range from salsa to cumbia and merengue to tango.

There will also be over 70 vendors covering a little bit of everything, from pina colada vendors to immigration specialists. There will be plenty of fun, but also an incredible variety of resources for Latin American citizens living in Manassas. Don’t leave without letting your little one get a hit or two in with the pinatas that will take over the pavilion!

Calling All Kiddos at The Courts at Historic Manassas: Set a Personal Record During the Kids Ultimate Fitness Challenge on Sept. 24!

A nationally recognized fitness challenge for kids aged 3 and up, the Kids Ultimate Fitness Challenge is coming to George Mason University on Sept 24! The ultimate goal of the event is to promote physical activity and raise awareness about childhood obesity.

Taking place 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event centers around a huge, 10-part obstacle course, which caregivers are allowed on, as well. Challenge, anyone? Race with your kiddos through the course, which has everything from wall crawls to jump roping, climbing to tunnels, and more. Each course should take approximately 3-5 minutes from start to finish, so you’ll have the chance to do a couple runs and perfect your time! This portion of the day is free to all ages.

If friendly competition isn’t your thing, the event has Xtreme games throughout the day for a small fee. From zip lines to bumperballs twice your height, a sky jump and more, you won’t have a dull moment all day! There will also be plenty of food and presentations about fitness.

Love Turkish Food, The Courts at Historic Manassas? Try Ottoman Kitchen!

For a taste of a whole new type of cuisine, make a stop at the Ottoman Kitchen this week. Located in nearby Chantilly, this eatery earns rave reviews across the board for their authentic Turkish cuisine.

They are known for their doner, which is meat cooked cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It's then shaved off in thin cuts, then wrapped in pita bread with red onions and greens, topped with a special sauce. Many say this sandwich is authentic as what you'd get in Turkey. Can’t beat that review!

The menu also boasts a variety of kebabs, rice platters, dolmas, and creamy hummus with veggies. Don’t forget to try one of the perfectly sweet pieces of baklava with a Turkish tea for dessert!

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