Patios, Parks, and More: Outdoor Places to Enjoy in Manassas this Spring

Spring is here in Northern Virginia and we couldn’t be more excited! While we have fun outdoor spaces right here at Arcadia Run, our location in Manassas, Virginia positions our community just minutes from some amazing outdoor spaces for entertainment and fun. Check out some of our favorite outdoor activities and places to visit this spring right here in Manassas, VA!

Old Town Manassas

Take a day to stroll the streets and pop into cute boutiques when discovering Old Town Manassas! The Visitor’s Center will have any information you may need and is great starting point for your day. Walk around the historic streets and check out the local museums, galleries, and turn of the century architecture at every corner.

Farmer’s Market

Once April comes around, head on over to one of Northern Virginia’s longest running farmer’s markets! Pick up fresh fruit and vegetables, or browse different crafts and home goods. Check out their website for a full list of locations and times.

Ben Lomond Manor House

If you want to take in some history while exploring beautifully manicured grounds, head over to the Ben Lomond House! Built in the 1830’s and used as a hospital after the Battle of Manassas in 1861, Ben Lomond is a treasure trove of rich history and information about the Civil War in Manassas. Spend a perfect spring day walking the grounds and be sure to see their beautiful Old Rose Garden, home to one of the largest collections of Old Garden Roses in the DC Metro area.

Manassas National Battlefield

Listed as the #1 ‘Thing to Do” in Manassas on Trip Advisor, these battlefields were the site of some of the most important battles during the Civil War. Take a walk through time while traipsing across the open battlefields of Manassas, which offer over 40 miles of hiking trails. Stop in the Henry Hill Visitor Center for maps, information, and souvenirs!

Okra’s Louisiana Bistro

After working up an appetite from all your outdoor activities, head on over to Okra’s in Old Town! Serving up authentic creole cuisine straight from the bayous of Louisiana, you wont want to miss out on their crawfish etouffe or alligator bites. Spend a warm spring Saturday evening at one of their outdoor tables listening to some great live local music. Check out their website for a full list of events.

CJ Finz Raw Bar

Nothing says warm weather and springtime like fresh seafood! Located right in Old Town, CJ Finz is the go-to place for seafood and local coastal fare. Sip a local draft beer while catching a baseball game, or soak up some rays on their second level deck area, the only one in Manassas! Bring the family or some friends for a fun afternoon and evening at Finz.

Jiffy Lube Live

There’s nothing better than a warm evening surrounded by friends and listening to live music! One of Virginia’s premier music venues, Jiffy Lube Live is located just minutes from Arcadia Run. Check their list of concerts and events for the spring and summer months, and get your groove on!

For more information about our great apartment homes, visit Arcadia Run online.

Sources: https://www.virginia.orghttp://visitmanassas.org, http://www.livenation.com

10 Best Restaurants in Manassas, Virginia

Here at Arcadia Run in Manassas, VA, we are surrounded by both a rich American history and cool modern culture.  A great mix of both elements can be found everywhere, from the architecture to the food. This city has variety of ethnic and local cuisine alike, which provides a wide array of dining options for residents and visitors. The Culture Trip, a website that serves as a global platform to showcase local culture, has made a list of the 10 Best Restaurants in Manassas!

Katerina’s Greek Cuisine (Mediterranean) – Known for authentic and quality Mediterranean dishes.

The Bone (Barbecue) – Endless choices of barbecued favorites and craft beer.

Malones of Manassas (Fine Dining) – Impeccable service and contemporary dishes featuring quality ingredients.

Okra’s Cajun Creole (Cajun) – The best of authentic southern comfort food straight from Louisiana, like po’ boys and Andouille sausage.

CJ Finz Raw Bar & Grill (Seafood) – Family owned with a mix of traditional seafood entrees and original recipes

Zandra’s Taqueria (Mexican) – Classic Mexican dishes and known for many salsas to choose from, like sweet salsa rojo or ghost pepper salsa.

City Tavern Grille (American) – Sure to please any guest with a large menu of American favorites like burgers, salads, ribs, sandwiches and beyond.

Carmello’s (Portuguese/Italian) – Modern cuisine made from scratch daily that changes seasonally and over 100 wines to choose from.

Ashton Avenue Family Restaurant  (Diner) – Classic diner eats including American, Greek, Italian, and Mexican classics with an extensive breakfast menu.

Don Lencho (Mexican) – Boasts its infamous “El Cachudo Challenge” featuring a massive burrito with 5 types of meat and the regular fixings.

Whatever type of cuisine you are craving while sitting in your new apartment home at Arcadia Run, there are so many amazing options to choose from right here in Manassas! Be sure to check out the participating restaurants in Fall Restaurant Week coming up soon!

Source: theculturetrip.com

Thai Food Worth Celebrating is at Zabb Thai in Manassas!

There’s something about great Thai food that makes it so much more memorable.

Maybe it’s because the flavors are so bold and spicy and the dishes are so aesthetically pleasing, but we believe finding the best Thai restaurant in a neighborhood is a conquest that, until completed, requires constant vigilance.

Thankfully, if you live in Manassas, you needn’t look further than Zabb Thai restaurant.

Zabb Restaurant

Zabb is all about celebrating great meals, great company and, well, celebrating you. The restaurant offers a trendier, more modern interior than most Manassas places, which makes the place a great destination for dates, girls’ nights out or even just an after-work gathering. The wait staff is superb to match the atmosphere.

But what makes Zabb so great, of course, is the food. Try the salt chili pork and just try to tell us you’re not in love. Looking for a classic? The pad thai wows even those who are Thai food experts.

Zabb also offers a range of vegetarian options, so you can be sure all palates will be happy to head over. Try the wonton soup (get it spicy if you cat take the heat!) and the green curry vegetable, a bright and coconut-y dish that will have you planning a return visit very soon.

Best of all, Zabb Thai restaurant is located close to home at Arcadia Run. Head over for a meal after dinner or stop by Zabb for one of their great lunch or happy hour specials.

We love the atmosphere, style and flavors at Zabb Thai restaurant. Hurry over and consider your Thai food exploration complete.

For more information, “like” Zabb Thai on Facebook!

Image: Zabb Thai

Make Your Way to Sister Restaurants Carmello’s and Monza in Downtown Manassas!

Our new favorite sister restaurants are Carmello’s and Monza Italian in downtown Manassas.

Located a short drive away from Arcadia Run, these two restaurants are ideal for a night out. And while they each offer a distinct menu and atmosphere, both are guaranteed to be a hit; these restaurants know authentic European food.

Carmello’s specializes in find Portugese food, which includes an extensive, and irresistible, list of Portugese wines. So whether you’re a wine snob or just looking for a delicious vino, Carmello’s has you covered.

The food at Carmello’s is bright, fresh and made with meticulous attention to detail. And since the meals are crafted with local food made at its peak season in mind, Carmello’s menu changes seasonally. We love the Lambo de Porco – a mouthwatering combination of prosciutto, risotto, pork tenderloin, shittake mushrooms and golden raisins in a delicious wine sauce. If you’re feeling particularly authentic, don’t miss the Mussels Portuguesas, mussels made to perfection (but warning: you just might start scoffing at the dish at other restaurants!). And for dessert? You must try the mascarpone mousse.

Carmello's

And the best part about having sister restaurants is that you can go to both in one night, if you want! Waiting for your table at Carmello’s? Head over for a pre-dinner drink at Monza. When it’s time, it’s no problem bringing your drink over to the Portugese restaurant. And the same goes for the opposite.

We love Monza Italian and their diverse selection of pastas, salads and sausages. And one of the best parts about Monza is that you’ll sit down to a delicious meal without feeling overstuffed at the end; the food is decadent without being overbearing. And Monza boasts an impressive beer menu; few fine restaurants have such a variety of bottled brews! From brick oven pizzas to creative pastas – we strongly suggest the Jack’s Special, a Monza favorite, and every time you order the entree Monza donates $1 to the Wounded Warrior Project and Oral History Fund! – the food at Monza is affordable and delicious. And the flavors you get here are hard to find anywhere else, so look no further than Monza!

We don’t know many sister resturants that have such different menus but share such similar dedication to only serving up the best possible dish. But that’s what you’ll find at Monza Italian and Carmello’s Portugese Restaurant, and you’ll be glad you came.

For more information on the sister restaurants, “like” them both on Facebook! Monza | Carmello’s

Image: Carmello’s