The Winery at Bull Run: Enjoy Beautiful Vistas with Wine on the Side

If The Winery at Bull Run looks like it belongs on a postcard, that's probably because it has roots that date back to the 1860s. The owners maintain a vintage aesthetic at their working vineyard complete with rolling hills and a beautiful outdoor patio—so pretty that people often get married here. And it's all just a quick drive from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

You don't have to be celebrating a special occasion though to enjoy some vino at The Winery at Bull Run. You can stop by the tasting room whenever it's open and grab a glass of the Delaney, Fort, or Norton wines (three customer favorites) and pair it with one of the gourmet picnic baskets (call ahead to order one). You can also build a meal from the main bar, which offers everything from meats and cheese to baguettes and spreads.

The Winery at Bull Run
15950 Lee Highway
Centreville, VA 20120
(703) 815-2233
www.wineryatbullrun.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-winery-at-bull-run-centreville-2

Learn “What the Civil War Soldier Carries” at the Manassas Museum

Less than half a mile from The Courts at Historic Manassas, you'll find a wealth of information about (what else) historic Manassas: the Manassas Museum. Local history always stars at this nearby museum, but from now until Feb. 28, there will be a special spotlight on Civil War soldiers.

What the Civil War Soldier Carries is a limited-time exhibit that sheds light on what life was like for the men who fought the Civil War. After the museum briefly closed last month, it reopens with a bang with this exhibit brought to you from the private collection of Dr. Charles Poland. He began collecting Civil War-related items at the ripe young age of 12 when he received a biography of Abraham Lincoln as a gift. Dr. Poland's fascination for all this Civil War continued into adulthood, and at the exhibit you can see some of the artifacts he collected over the years.

What the Civil War Soldier Carries
Manassas Museum
Through Feb. 28
9101 Prince William Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 368-1873
visitmanassas.org/event/what-the-civil-war-soldier-carries
www.yelp.com/biz/manassas-museum-manassas

Show Off Your Art Skills at The Center for the Arts at The Candy Factory

Throughout the month of February, the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory hosts visual art classes of all sorts, from sessions for tots to classes for fully developed artists. Classes also range from month-long workshops to one-day classes, so there is something for all attention spans.

Available classes in February include a step-by-step acrylics class for adults, a Valentine art paper workshop for kids, an intro to Chinese brush painting class, and a Kumihimo necklace class.

Classes range in price, depending on the event that you choose. Admission fees are required for all classes and can be paid online.

Can’t make it in February? No worries, classes continue all year round. Plus, the visual arts classes take place just half a mile from The Courts at Historic Manassas. So get in tune with your inner artist at this hands-on classes at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory.

The Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory
9419 Battle Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 330-2787
center-for-the-arts.org/classes/visual-arts/children

Sip and Savor at a Scotch Whisky Master Class at the Hylton Performing Arts Center

There's no one better than a native Scotsman to teach you a thing or two about Scotch, and that's precisely what will happen Jan. 23 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, less than four miles from The Courts at Historic Manassas. The aforementioned Scot is Dougie Wylie, a man who grew up farming and coaching rugby in a tiny little hamlet in Scotland.

Lucky for you, he now lives in D.C. That's why he's able to host the Scotch Whisky Master Class this weekend. He'll lead guests down the Scotch Whisky Trail, offering nips of Scotch from all over his homeland. Dougie will explain the nuances of each whisky as you sip. Expect rare, upscale whiskies from the likes of the Red River Distillery, Bladnoch, Glenscotia, and other masters scattered across Scotland. Sign up before it sells out!

Scotch Whisky Master Class
Hylton Performing Arts Center
5 p.m. Jan. 23
10960 George Mason Circle
Manassas, VA 20110
(888) 945-2468
www.hyltoncenter.org/calendar/757
www.yelp.com/biz/hylton-performing-arts-center-manassas

Brush Up on Acting at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory

Only half a mile away from The Courts at Historic Manassas awaits an opportunity to spread your dramatic wings. The Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory doesn't just host professional performances. It also takes would-be thespians and helps transform them from novice to acting expert.

The Center for the Arts is dedicated to community and culture, so it makes perfect sense that it holds drama classes, including an upcoming series in February. Regardless of your age or current acting ability, the patient, friendly, and seasoned acting teachers at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory can get you stage-ready in a matter of a few classes. One Yelp reviewer raves about an acting camp that her child attended at the Center for the Arts, citing the head teacher and the rest of the staff as the reason her youngster blossomed over the course of the week. Check out the class schedule to see if any of the offerings strike your fancy!

Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory
9419 Battle Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(703) 330-2787
center-for-the-arts.org
www.yelp.com/biz/center-for-the-arts-manassas

Grab a Pint and Meet New Friends at Heritage Brewing

The folks behind Heritage Brewing are both veterans and patriots, so they have a special place in their hearts for the people of this country. That's precisely why they craft such high quality beers at Heritage Brewery, using only organic and sustainable ingredients. They also care about keeping the United States' land healthy for years to come, which is why they enlist eco-friendly products and processes whenever possible.

But even if you didn't know about all the behind-the-scenes stuff going on at Heritage Brewing, since it's so close to The Courts at Historic Manassas (about 1.5 miles away, to be precise), you would still probably want to stop by for a pint. The Kings Mountain Scotch Ale is one of the most popular pours, which makes sense since it was one of the first beers produced by Heritage. Even if you're not obsessed with craft beer, you might want to check out the trivia night, Christmas sweater party, and other fun events held regularly at Heritage Brewing.

Heritage Brewing
9436 Center Point Lane
Manassas, VA 20111
(571) 358-8463
heritagebrewing.com
www.yelp.com/biz/heritage-brewing-manassas

Sip Suds and Have Fun at BadWolf Brewing Company!

If you're a beer lover, you're lucky to live at The Courts at Historic Manassas. Both branches of BadWolf Brewing Company are within a stone's throw of your apartment. The Little BadWolf taproom brews a barrel at a time, so you can always sip on something fresh from the tap (and munch on complimentary popcorn), whereas the larger 10-barrel Big BadWolf brewery and taproom boasts more brews, but you'll have to BYO snacks.

Regardless of which location you visit, there's always something fun happening on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Wednesday Flight Nights promise six-ounce pours of six different beers for one flat, affordable price. Just make sure you swing by between 4 and 9 p.m. to snag a flight. On Thursdays, you can play some Craft Beer Bingo and compete for prizes while you get educated on local suds.

BadWolf Brewing Company
9776 Center Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(571) 208-1064
www.badwolfbrewingcompany.com
www.yelp.com/biz/badwolf-brewing-company-manassas

Get Your Morning Caffeine Boost at Grounds Central Station

In an era when big-chain coffee shops sit on every corner, a locally owned, independent coffeehouse that stands the test of time is a rarity. But in Manassas, Grounds Central Station has been serving rich, steaming cups of coffee to eagerly awaiting customers for five years—without the help of a massive corporation behind it.

The popular cafe sits less than a mile away The Courts at Historic Manassas, so you can easily swing by for your morning cup of java tomorrow. In addition to classic cups of joe, the baristas also whip up specialty drinks like the seasonal peppermint mocha, the signature Love Potion No. 9 and Cinnamon Bun Latte, and many more. Order your beverage hot or iced, and pair it with something like the bacon and egg sandwich or a muffin from the case of baked goods. You can also sit and stay a while at Grounds Coffee Station, which offers free Wi-Fi to customers.

Grounds Central Station
9360 Main Street
Manassas, VA 20110
(571) 379-7285
www.groundscentralstation.com
www.yelp.com/biz/grounds-central-station-manassas

Ring in Autumn at the 33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee This Weekend!

If you're a fan of live music, hot food, and free entertainment, then you should add the 33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee to your schedule this Saturday. It promises plenty of fun for all ages!

More than 100 local craftspeople and artisans will be selling their handcrafted goods at booths scattered around the Jubilee, so budget in some spending money if you're looking for a unique gift for an upcoming birthday. You can also sign up for the cornhole tournament, which runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—play solo or with a team of friends. And if you're an avid baker, go for the blue ribbon in the pumpkin pie baking contest—or just enjoy the sweet creations by participating in the pie-eating contest instead. It all unfolds just a stone's throw from The Courts at Historic Manassas.

33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 24
Historic Downtown Manassas
visitmanassas.org/event/33rd-annual-manassas-fall-jubilee

Enjoy a Vibrant Culture at the Manassas Latino Festival

A celebration of Latino arts and culture, the Manassas Latino Festival will be held Sept. 27 just a few minutes away from The Courts at Historic Manassas. This one-day, free event brings together local artists, musicians, chefs, and Latino businesses to celebrate the amazing heritage of local Latinos.

The festival aims to provide entertainment and education about Latino culture to families, as well as distribute information of interest to the public, such as the Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Hispanic Health Initiative. There will be music and dance performances by local favorites Mariachi Los Amigos, Danza de Tecuanes, Banda de Paz El Pulgarcito USA, and more. Expect to be on your feet too – audience participation is a must! Food and snacks will be available from places like Doña Adela Restaurant and Dolce Amore Sweets. Kick off fall with a great party at the Manassas Latino Festival.

Manassas Latino Festival
Sunday Sept. 27, noon to 5:30 p.m.
Harris Pavilion
9201 Center St.
Manassas, VA 20110
sites.google.com/site/manassaslatinofestival/home

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