The Color Vibe 2014: A Fun 5K Near The Courts at Historic Manassas

If you're intimidated by the thought of participating in an organized 5K, the Color Vibe is for you! This no-pressure race, which actually isn't a race at all, welcomes walkers and runners of all abilities. Everyone will share the same intention: to have fun!

Not that having a great time is difficult during this 5K; it might be hard not to crack a smile as you pass through cloud after cloud of candy-colored pigmented powder. Yep, all along the race route, "color stations" blast the non-toxic, biodegradable powder at race participants, creating a vibrant, lively atmosphere that makes the Color Vibe so popular. By the end of the race, your white shirt–and likely the rest of you–will boast a rainbow of colors!

Taking place at the Osbourn High School near The Courts at Historic Manassas, this year's Manassas Color Vibe 5K will be held Saturday, September 13. Online registration ends September 12 and bibs ($40) are known to sell out, so buy your race bibs now if you'd like to attend!

Manassas Color Vibe 5K
Osbourn High School
9005 Tudor Lane
Manassas, VA 20110
www.thecolorvibe.com/manassas.php

Enjoy Bands, Brews and BBQ Near The Courts at Historic Manassas

Fall is on its way and so is the cool, crisp weather and the release of special autumn brews. You can enjoy both of those fall elements and much more at Band, Brews, and BBQ. The big event will take place on from noon to 6 p.m. on Sept. 14 on the Manassas Museum lawn near The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Those interested in listening to tunes and sampling barbecue and brews can purchase tickets to the event here. Vendors from Schaeffer’s BBQ Palace, The Bone, Blue Dog BBQ, and Dyvine BBQ will be dishing out samples of their smoky flavored food. When it comes to beer, there will be more than 55 to sample and more than 24 breweries represented. The impressive selection includes local and craft beers as well as ciders and shandy. If you really want to get into the fall spirit, try one of the many seasonal brews such as Blue Moon's Harvest Pumpkin or Country Pumpkin brewed by Ithaca Beer Company.

Visit the event's page on the Visit Manassas website to learn more!

Bands, Brews, and BBQ
Manassas Museum Lawn
9101 Prince William Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-6599
www.visitmanassas.org/event/bands-brews-and-barbecue/?instance_id=3385

Friendly Neighborhood Farmer’s Markets Close to The Courts at Historic Manassas

If you're craving fresh fruits and vegetables, Historic Manassas has several popular farmer's markets. These two are both just a short distance from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

The city's classic farmer's market takes place on Saturday mornings in downtown Manassas. Peruse the rows of fresh produce and delicious meats. If you're feeling thirsty, vendors also often sell specialty beverages at market stands. While you're looking around, consider some of the crafts made by local artists.

Manassas also has a Tuesday evening market, sometimes accompanied by live music. Each Tuesday evening in June, July, and August, Historic Downtown Manassas fills with the sound of local musicians and the smells of baked goods. Several regular Farmer's Market vendors set up shop on Center Street. There, you can purchase fresh produce, pick up some plants for your house or garden, or grab some bread to bring home to The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Farmer’s Market
Saturdays from 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
Prince William Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-6599
http://visitmanassas.org/listings/farmers-market/

Take Out Tuesday Concerts & Farmer’s Market
Tuesdays from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm through August
9210 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 361-9800
http://visitmanassas.org/event/take-out-tuesday-concerts/

Classic Dining near The Courts at Historic Manassas at City Tavern

City Tavern evokes, well, city taverns—but ones that existed long ago. Like the earliest incarnations of its namesake eatery, City Tavern welcomes everyone with its casual, laid-back atmosphere and comfort food in a spot near The Courts at Historic Manassas.

Customers give high marks to the prime rib (it comes in four cuts, ranging in size from 8 ounces to 12 ounces) and the trout served with shrimp and mushrooms. However, the menu showcases a wide array of more casual American eats in addition to its lists of steaks and seafood: burgers, chicken, pork chops and baby back ribs, sandwiches, and salad. Kick off your meal with a cup of French onion soup or some chicken tenders, and end it with the eatery's deep dish apple pie, served a la mode.

If you visit for Sunday brunch, many patrons say you won't be disappointed. The brunch buffet is loaded with hearty breakfast and lunch fare.

City Tavern
9405 Main Street
Manassas, VA 20110
www.citytaverngrille.com/city_tavern/index.htm
www.yelp.com/biz/city-tavern-grill-manassas

Enjoy First Friday Tonight near The Courts at Historic Manassas

The very best that Historic Downtown Manassas, Virginia, has to offer will be on full display tonight during the shopping corridor's First Friday event. During this recurring event, which is held the first Friday of every month, Historic Downtown Manassas shops, art galleries, and the Manassas Museum offer extended hours; some even dole out special discounts and complimentary refreshments!

Adding the bustling vibe of this already-festive event near The Courts at Historic Manassas, tonight's First Friday will have a Surf, Sun & Sand theme. Event-goers are invited to "break out their beach gear" for a fun-filled evening of music, games, caricature drawings, and family-friendly activities. R&R Records will host a dance party on Main Street, while over on Center Street, Ramps & Rails will set up a skateboarding demo. Competitive types should consider signing up for the corn hole tournament that kicks off at 6 p.m. on Main Street. Entry to the tournament costs just $1, and the winning team will score all of the teams' entry fees as a grand prize! Be sure to also stop by the Manassas Museum for a game of Frisbee Golf on the lawn.

Taking place 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight, Friday, Aug. 1, First Friday in Historic Downtown Manassas is free to attend.

First Friday in Historic Downtown Manassas
5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2
Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
visitmanassas.org/event/first-friday/?instance_id=2892

Hylton Performing Arts Center: The Power Of Art

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

Old Dominion Speedway and Dragstrip: Drive Hard

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

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

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

Kline’s Freeze: Some of the Sweetest Treats in Manassas, Virginia

When you're craving an frozen treat to tame the heat, head to the giant ice cream cone sign at Kline’s Freeze. Kline's Freeze is a Manassas classic. Sure, the exterior may look a little dated, but this Centreville Road ice cream stop is all about the sweet treats and good food served inside. We all know that nothing tames the temperature like a big, tasty swirl of soft-serve ice cream dipped in chocolate, and that's one of the delicious options you'll find here. Kline's boasts what might be called a well-curated menu of ice cream flavors: there's vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, and each can be fancied up with an array of sprinkles and toppings. Milk shakes are available, of course, and if you're feeling hungry, Kline's Freeze also serves hot dogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, fries, chicken fingers, and other food. Like many ice cream places, Kline's Freeze is closed in the winter.

Kline's Freeze
8200 Centreville Road
Manassas, VA 20111
(703) 368-2013

Iron Horse Antiques: A Link To The Past

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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