Take Your Iced Coffee to the Outdoor Patio at Grounds Central Station

A local staple for the past six years, Grounds Central Station strives to bring only the best locally roasted coffee to Old Town Manassas. No matter when you’re visiting, the beverages are always flowing. On a hot day, the local favorite is the blended coffee, which comes in decadent flavors like chocolate peanut butter, caramel latte, raspberry, or java chip. You can also stick with your standard iced coffee, which is equally delicious, or choose from the wide variety of chai drinks, teas, specialty lattes, and fruit smoothies.

For breakfast you can grab a breakfast sandwich or one of Grounds Central's delicious baked goods (go for the banana-walnut-coconut muffin). Lunch boasts an extensive list of wraps and sandwiches, even paninis. Enjoy your repast on the outdoor patio!

What Treasured Tomes Will You Unearth at Prospero’s Books?

Visit Prospero’s Books in the heart of Manassas to discover your new favorite author. This used book store calls the historical Hibbs and Giddings Building home, which is fitting due to their extensive collection of antiquarian and military history books. You’re sure to find something unique and possibly over 100 years old amidst the shelves. Everything is in great condition and hand-selected with care.

One of the best parts about Prospero’s is the staff. The employees are highly knowledgeable and passionate about their trade, eager to help you find exactly what you’re searching for. Pop in the next time you’re in the area, and you definitely won’t go home empty handed.

Can’t make it to the store but want to support a great local establishment? Prospero's has an online store and will ship directly to you.

History Will Come Alive During Civil War Weekend, Returning August 26-28 to Manassas

Mark your calendars, The Courts at Historic Manassas! On August 26-28, the city of Manassas will see the past come alive during the annual Civil War Weekend!

The commemorative event kicks off on Friday with free admission all weekend long and special exhibits at the Manassas Museum. The Keynote address by John Hennessy is not be missed and will be held at 7 p.m. After that, multiple options to experience Civil War-era dance will take place with Battle Street LIVE! and a Civil War Dance with Period Music at the Harris Pavilion. A spooky and intriguing late-night tour of the Manassas Confederate Cemetery will delve into the history and stories behind those buried there to round out the night.

Saturday will boast a parade with all sorts of traditional dress and entertainers in Old Town. There will also be a children’s scavenger hunt, Civil War Trail Tours through Manassas, a bourbon tasting, and a railroad car burning to commemorate Jackson’s Raid, just to name a few. Sunday will close out the weekend with a lively debate between Lincoln and Davis impersonators, military demonstrations, and much more.

Visit the event website for a full list of free events and activities taking place all weekend!

Mark Your Calendars for the 67th-Annual Prince William County Fair August 12-20

Mark your calendars for the 67th Annual Prince William County Fair, coming to town Saturday, August 12-20! From rides to delicious eats (funnel cake, anyone?), live music to livestock, truck pulls to artisans, there's something for everyone at this week-long event.

Sure to be favorites this year are the camel rides, butterfly and stingray encounters, No-Joe’s Clown Circus, and the nightly grandstand events, like the demolition derby. Visit the fair website for a detailed list of daily events. Beyond these daily attractions, there are special events you can take part in throughout the week. Do you have a cute kid? Enter them in the baby contest! A beloved part of the fair, the baby contest highlights local cuties for a chance to win the grand prize.

Tickets to enter are $10 for adults and $6 for kids and senior citizens. If you can, visit on opening day to save a couple dollars, as everyone pays the youth admission price. As a thank you for serving our country, active duty military are admitted free!

Summer’s Not Complete Without a Visit to Signal Bay Water Park

A quintessential part of summer, Signal Bay Water Park is an outing that never disappoints. Located in the heart of Signal Hill Park, this fun oasis will have you feeling as if you’re at a resort rather than right here in Manassas!

The pool area is 27,000 square feet and engineered to be fun for all ages. You can leisurely wade in or keep the little ones at the zero-depth entry to the pool, or float around on the lazy river. The pool has a variety of slides, fountains and water cannons for all to splash around and enjoy.

Admission prices vary depending on age and what time you’re visiting the park, but the ticket prices never climb past $8 per person, which is a real steal for a day of water park fun. If you’ll be a regular all summer long, consider purchasing a season pass for as little as $70. Visit their website for ticket and season pass pricing and options!

Head to the Harris Pavilion for Live Music and Free Ice Cream During Sunday Ice Cream Socials!

Ice cream, music, and the summer sunshine—could there be a better combination? Each week at Harris Pavilion, Historic Manassas is bringing ice cream and music to the masses—for free!—during Sunday Ice Cream Socials. All summer long, wind down your Sunday afternoons with a relaxing afternoon enjoying great music and delicious ice cream sundaes with friends and family. Bands range from folk to country, classical to jazz, and more. Each week boasts a different group, so visit the website to check out the musicians on deck.

Concerts typically start around 3 p.m. and run approximately 90 minutes, but double-check the start time, as they do differ some weeks. The music is the headliner and the ice cream is the after party, so stay through the whole concert to get your tasty treat! Don't forget your picnic blankets and lawn chairs!

This Weekend at Heritage Brewing: ‘Nama’stay for a Beer’!

Heritage Brewing, a Veteran-owned microbrewery, is gaining popularity in Manassas—and for good reason! With tasty brews, amiable customer service, and a neat location, what's not to love? The tap room is nestled amongst the barrel system, so you get to see where the action happens while sitting at the industrial concrete bar.

Their brewing principles are based upon sustainability, with 92% of the ingredients utilized being organic or sourced locally. The menu boasts five flagship brews that they have available at all times as well as a variety of experimental and seasonal brews to mix it up every time you visit. The tap room pours all kinds of options, from rich stouts to hoppy IPAs and everything in between.

The tap room is open Thursdays through Sundays. On Saturdays they offer brewery tours for only $5, which also include a flight of their flagship brews. What's more, Heritage Brewing is known to host fun events, like Nama'stay for a Beer, a 45-minute yoga class coming up on July 10. An ice-cold beer is included in the ticket price!

Good News, Locavores: The Manassas Farmer’s Market is Open on Tuesdays During the Summer!

It's easy to see why farmer's markets are so popular. Who doesn’t love supporting local business while eating seasonal, fresh-from-the-farm fruits and veggies? Still, the Manassas Farmer's Market is known for being one of the best. This year-round market blossoms on Thursdays in the Harris Pavilion and Saturdays in the lot behind the pavilion from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. They also offer a night market on Tuesday evenings from June through August, hosted in the Harris Pavilion from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Stop on your way home for dinner supplies, or grab a tasty treat for later!

The vendors sell everything from crisp green veggies and juicy strawberries or jarred homemade jam, meats, cheeses, even floral arrangements or plants to grow at home. Some weeks throughout the summer you’ll find musicians serenading you with a guitar while you shop. Visit their website for a list of current vendors to plan your trip.

Don’t Miss the Epic Fireworks Display During ‘Celebrate America’ in Old Town Manassas

For a truly American Fourth of July, check out Celebrate America, taking place in Old Town from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Independence Day. Far more than just an impressive fireworks show, Celebrate America floods the streets of Old Town Manassas with patriotic patrons excited to take part in all the festivities sponsored by the Historic Manassas, Inc. and the City of Manassas.

The festivities truly encompass all age groups, with rides for the little ones beginning an hour early, at 3 p.m. At 4 p.m. enjoy a bite to eat from the food concessions and shop the specialty vendors that will line the streets throughout the evening. There will also be a few competitions taking place throughout the day. For the bakers, the Apple and Peach Pie Contest; for the artists, the Bicycle Decorating Contest; and finally for the eaters, the Watermelon Eating Contest. Applications for the contests must be submitted before the event, so visit the website for details.

The epic fireworks (one of the largest displays in northern Virginia!) begin at 9:15 p.m. so make sure to grab your seat on the lawn before they start!

Jirani Coffee House: A Brand-New Place to Sit and Sip an Espresso in Manassas

A new addition to the Manassas cafe scene, Jirani Coffee House opened its doors for business on May 23, 2016. Jirani is Swahili for “neighborhood,” and the cafe stays true to its name by offering a cozy place for the community to gather and enjoy a coffee and great company. The ambiance is one that makes you want to stay a while, with cozy couches, a game nook with tables, a lending library, and artwork by local artists decorating the walls. They even have booths in the back dedicated for working individuals looking for a quiet space. Wi-Fi is strong and free, making it the perfect location to catch up on emails.

Beyond the ambiance and staff, the drinks never disappoint. From your standard iced coffee to specialty lattes, Jirani has it all. Their treats are also delicious, with both savory and sweet options. (Don't miss the quiche and the banana cream pie!)

Be sure to visit the cafe's website to keep tabs on upcoming events, which span open-mic nights and art exhibits to children's hours and live music!

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