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Celebrate Your City at the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival and Taste of Historic Manassas This Weekend

June 4, 2015 by

This weekend, historic downtown Manassas will have more to offer than just sightseeing. A pair of festivals are gearing up to take over the Harris Pavilion, located a few minutes from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

The first is the 21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival on Saturday. Dedicated to commemorating the history of the railroad not only in the area, but also across the country, this festival boasts everything from rides aboard real trains to exhibits displaying train memorabilia. Live music by local country and bluegrass bands round out the itinerary.

On Sunday, the Taste of Historic Manassas switches gears from historical modes of transportation to current cuisine. Local eateries including Okra's, Monza, and C.J. Finz put their fresh takes on Southern fare, international eats, and seafood on display at the food fest's many booths. Try a taste of the various cuisines while you enjoy live entertainment at the Taste of Historic Manassas.

21st Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 6
visitmanassas.org/event/20th-annual-manassas-heritage-railway-festival/?instance_id=

Taste of Historic Manassas
12 to 4:30 p.m. June 7
visitmanassas.org/event/taste-of-historic-manassas/?instance_id=6704

Both held at Harris Pavilion
9201 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110

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The Taps are Always Changing at BadWolf Brewing Company

May 28, 2015 by

For Jeremy Meyers, a trip to Germany drastically altered the course of his life. It took about a decade afterwards for the impact to really be felt, though. He spent that time learning how to brew craft beer at home and virtually perfecting the art. Finally after 10 years of home brewing, Jeremy decided to take advantage of wife Sarah's business prowess and offer his beer to the public. And so BadWolf Brewing Company was born in the summer of 2013, only about a mile from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Still a family-run endeavor, BadWolf has expanded to include some extra staffers to help with the brewing and pouring process. They churn out a huge variety of beers in the tap room, from pilsner ales to stouts. The tap list changes constantly, so come back time and time again for a new sip. Depending on the season, you might find a light Kolsch ale like Ruth's Ginger Pear or the heavier Skoll, a bold Belgian ale tinged with flavor tones of fruit. Bring your own food along or just enjoy the complimentary popcorn served.

BadWolf Brewing Company
9776 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(571) 358-9774
www.badwolfbrewingcompany.com
www.yelp.com/biz/badwolf-brewing-company-manassas

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Find Out Why a Hearse Once Signified Hope at the New Protecting Manassas Exhibit

May 15, 2015 by

In modern day Manassas, a hearse signifies a funeral. But 50 years ago, a hearse meant help had arrived. You see, back before the town had any formal type of rescue squad, the Baker Funeral Home's hearse served as a makeshift ambulance. It would respond to calls for help and transport people to the hospital. Before the 1950s, it wasn't just paramedics the town was lacking—it also had no fire response team and was seriously lacking in its police force.

You can learn all about the development of these important entities at Protecting Manassas, a new exhibit hosted by the Manasass Museum. The museum is a little less than a mile away from your apartment at The Courts at Historic Manassas, so you can easily visit in a single afternoon. While you're there, you'll likely develop a new appreciation for the formal firefighting, rescue, and police teams in place today after learning about how citizens were required to step in during emergencies in years past.

Protecting Manassas
Manassas Museum
Through July 15
9101 Prince William Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 368-1873
manassasmuseum,org

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Hylton Performing Arts Center: The Power Of Art

July 17, 2014 by

Manassas gained a world-class performing arts facility in 2010 with the opening of the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Located on the campus of George Mason University, this nine-story building boasts two unique performance spaces – a 1,121 seat opera house with exceptional acoustics and magnificent sightlines, as well as a smaller 270-seat theater that can be easily modified to accommodate a number of different seating approaches.

In addition, the center provides space for a wide number of other arts groups. Performances in the main hall vary from symphony and orchestral music to country, bluegrass and jazz. In addition, theatrical and dance groups also take the stage. The Potomac Arts Academy located on-site offers a wide array of educational programs for young visual and performing artists. This beautiful copper-clad building is an exceptional addition to the area’s cultural life. Visit the Hylton's website to learn more about this Manassas performing arts space.

Hylton Performing Arts Center
10960 George Mason Circle
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 993-7550

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Old Dominion Speedway and Dragstrip: Drive Hard

July 10, 2014 by

One of the most famous racetracks in the Mid-South region, Old Dominion has played host to NASCAR for many, many years and is overloaded with history. Although this isn’t one of the most famous NASCAR tracks in the country, it’s an awesome place to catch fast-paced racing action. On Friday nights, drag races kick off the evening with intense action: crazy machines taking off down the strip at incredible speeds. Saturday is when NASCAR kicks into high gear, with a variety of different car classes competing. The raceway has undergone a number of much-needed capital improvements in recent years, and regulars rave about the new bathrooms. It’s also one of the few NASCAR tracks in the country that lets you bring your own food and drink, but no glass bottles are permitted. For private events, Old Dominion even offers people the chance to get behind the wheel of a NASCAR-class vehicle and take it for a spin.

Old Dominion Speedway and Dragstrip
10611 Dumfries Road
Manassas, VA 20112
(703) 361-7753
http://www.yelp.com/biz/old-dominion-speedway-manassas

Public Domain/Public Domain
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Splash Down Waterpark: Opening for the Season on May 25th

June 12, 2014 by

Reopening for the season on May 25th, Manassas's Splash Down Waterpark is a popular nearby amusement park with acres and acres of fun. This place boasts a huge variety of exciting water activities. Two immense four-story waterslides send thrillseekers down twisting flumes to splash safely in the pool below, and supplemental Tropical Twister and fast-paced Cannonball slides also draw raves. Serious swimmers can work out in the impressive 25 meter lap pool. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, take a float down the 770-foot lazy river, or just relax on Big Kahuna Beach. You can also reserve the pavilions for private parties and events. There are plenty of lifeguards on duty to ensure that everybody stays safe, and the facilities are kept clean and well-maintained. On hot days, the place can get very crowded with fun-seekers looking to cool off. Note there’s no outside food or drink allowed, but there are many options inside the park for snacks.

Splash Down Waterpark
7500 Ben Lomond Drive
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-4451
http://www.yelp.com/biz/splash-down-waterpark-manassas

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Red Hot and Blue: Virginia Barbecue

May 1, 2014 by

If you’re on the hunt for fine barbecue, Red Hot and Blue might be a great destination near The Courts at Historic Manassas. This delightful Virginia barbecue place offers up a wide variety of dishes that frequent diners seem to adore. Barbecue here is prepared Memphis style, with the emphasis on dry rubbed meats. The pulled pork sandwich is one popular choice, with delicate shreds of pork and a selection of sauce. Regulars rave about the "Sufferin’ Sweet" sauce, too.

For a real treat, go for Red Hot and Blue's “surf & turf” – an order of ribs paired with fried catfish. Cooking catfish is a difficult task, and the catfish you'll find here is regarded as some of the best in the area. Red Hot and Blue also offers a number of tasty side dishes: the baked beans are reportedly smoky and rich, and the potato salad offers a nice creamy counterpoint to the meat.

Pleasant service, reasonable prices, and a welcoming ambiance round out the delightful experience at Red Hot and Blue.

Red Hot and Blue
8366 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 367-7100
http://www.redhotandblue.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/red-hot-and-blue-manassas

Public Domain/Public Domain

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Iron Horse Antiques: A Link To The Past

April 10, 2014 by

The rich historical tradition of the Mid-South region makes it an antiquer’s dream. From the earliest days of American civilization to artifacts from the 20th century, you’ll find it all at Iron Horse Antiques. This extensive shop unites over forty different dealers under one roof, each with their own specialties. Spread out over two floors, Iron Horse regulars rave about the incredible selection and very fair prices. Historical memorabilia is a specialty here, as the Manassas area hosted the first major battle of the Civil War. The steam locomotives that brought equipment to the troops gave the store its name, and a G gauge model train runs along the inside of the first floor. In addition, there’s interesting ceramics, butter churns, typewriters, and much more. Even better, an on-site bakery makes fresh bread and cookies for visitors to enjoy. This is a great place to visit if you want to experience a little taste of the Manassas area’s past.

Iron Horse Antiques
9200 Prescott Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 335-6676
http://www.yelp.com/biz/iron-horse-antiques-manassas

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Magic Putting Place: Tee Off

March 13, 2014 by

This old-school miniature golf course is a great place to spend a family afternoon. Comprising 36 holes spread out over two courses, this is a lovely gold complex decked out in classic style. Located in the middle of a strip mall parking lot, the courses boast a windmill, a magic castle, and a number of interesting and challenging shots. Course prices are incredibly reasonable, at $4.00 for one 18-hole round and an additional $2.00 for every round after that. The course is incredibly well-maintained and groomed, and there are never shots missed because of disrepair on the course. At night, the entire course lights up and the sound system starts playing for an exciting experience. At the eighteenth hole of both courses, if you sink a special tricky shot you can earn a coupon for a free game. They also offer group rates and discounts for birthday parties and other events. Stop next door at the Nathan’s Dairy Barn for some ice cream while you're there!

Magic Putting Place
8902 Mathis Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 257-7888
http://www.yelp.com/biz/magic-putting-place-manassas

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McKay Used Books: Required Reading

February 13, 2014 by

Although some bookstores are having problems in this age of Amazon delivery and e-readers, there's still a place in this world for high-quality retail establishments like McKay Used Books. This Manassas staple has built a legion of devoted customers by offering excellent prices and a staggering selection of used books. This is an awesome bookstore to explore, with bargains hidden around every corner. Book fans rave that the values here are better than anywhere in the country, with a wide selection of rare and out of print books on sale at excellent prices. Sellers love the fact that they will give up to 40% of the sale prices on books, CDs, DVDs, and games. You don’t need to make an appointment to bring in merchandise, as they take it whenever the store is open.

McKay Used Books
8345 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
(703) 361-9042
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mckay-used-books-manassas

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