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

Events in Prince William County this Weekend

At Arcadia Run, we love our location in Manassas, VA and being part of the great Prince William County! There are always great events going on throughout the community and it’s fun to get involved. If you are looking for some family fun, or just something to do this weekend, The Washington Post shared a list of all things happening in the area:

FRIDAY, AUG. 28

· American Legion dinner – The public is invited to dinner with a different special each week. Proceeds support local veterans and the community. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Woodbridge American Legion, 3640 Friendly Post Lane, Woodbridge. 703-494-4304. www.vapost364.org. $5-$15.

· “Monsters University” movie – Bring a blanket or a lawn chair for a screening of the animated movie. 8:30 p.m. Loy E. Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St., Manassas. 703-361-9800. Free.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29

· Shape Up Yoga – Taught by Bedrock Yoga as part of its Karma series. 9 a.m. Loy E. Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St., Manassas. 703-895-3176. $20.

· Yoga on the Lawn – Vinyasa yoga taught by Hamuri Allen. 9 a.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge. 703-499-9812. www.pwcgov.org/ripponlodge. $5.

· VFW barbecue – Kansas City-style barbecue to raise funds to buy personal care items for hospitalized veterans. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-670-4124. www.vfwpost1503.com. $15.

· Beer and Bacon Fest – With music on the main stage, more than two tons of bacon will be cooked at the event. 2-5 p.m. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 14900 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge. 800-830-3976. www.stonebridgeptc.com. $25-$69.

SUNDAY, AUG. 30

· Bird walk – The guided tour will include a variety of habitats. Bring binoculars and cameras. 8 a.m. Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, North Parking Lot, 15020 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville. 703-499-4954. alliance@pwconserve.org. Free.

MONDAY, AUG. 31

· Job search network group – Plus discussion of various topics related to the search process. Mondays 1-3 p.m. House of Mercy, 8170 Flannery Ct., Manassas. 703-659-1636. Free.

· Bingo – Proceeds support Dale City Knights of Columbus activities and charities. Doors open at 6 p.m., games begin at 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-491-2378. $9 minimum.

Source: washingtonpost.com

6 Ways to Beat the End of Summer Heat at Arcadia Run

Everyone know that August and early September can get super hot, especially here in Manassas, VA! We have some great tips on how to beat the heat for the last few weeks of the summer at Arcadia Run!

Outside your apartment

  •  Take a dip in the pool: Our brand new resort style pool is perfect for cooling off! You can swim some laps, dip your feet in, or float around on a raft. No matter what you prefer, our pool is going to be a refreshing escape from the heat.
  • Go for a hike: Virginia includes some of the most diverse landscapes, from farms to mountains and beaches. Convenient for Arcadia Run residents, Hemlock Overlook Regional Parkis located right here in Manassas! It’s a great place to take a hike through the shade of a forest and discover some of Virginia’s beautiful nature trails.
  • Watch a movie: Luckily for Arcadia Run residents, we have a brand new theater room in our clubhouse! Grab a group of friends and chill out in the clubhouse as you lounge and watch your favorite flick.

Inside your apartment

  • Block sunny windows: If staying inside is more your thing to do to avoid the swelter outside, block the sunlight from coming in with curtains or blinds. This will keep your new apartment home nice and cool.
  • Limit oven use: Although our new apartments here at Arcadia Run are equipped with state of the art kitchen appliances, oven use in any home will contribute to heat. Eat more fresh foods while it’s hot out, like a nice summer salad or sushi, so you’re not cooking (food or yourself) in the heat.
  • Buy indoor plants: The energy plants need to survive is from sunlight and water, but they also keep the air around themselves cool. The air around plants is cooler because instead of reflecting the energy (heat) in the air, they absorb it.

Sources: forbes.comalltrails.com

Jiffy Lube Live Concerts You Can’t Miss in July

Located just minutes down the road from our own community of Arcadia Run is the famous outdoor amphitheater, Jiffy Lube Live. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some music with friends and family- what better way to do that than at an outdoor concert? While residing at Arcadia Run, make sure you take advantage of all the wonderful performances coming throughout the month of July!

Jiffy Lube Live is a popular live performance amphitheater that opened in 1995 in Bristow, Virginia. It was first known as Nissan Pavilion but changed its name in early 2010 because of their collaboration with Jiffy Lube Washington Area Co-op. Their first performance was by The Village People. Since then, there have been a variety of different artists who have played there during the summer months. They are also hosts to several annual events such as America’s Most Wanted Tour, The Vans Warped Tour, Ozzfest and more! The amphitheater is also famous for being the stage where the late saxophonist from the Dave Mathews Band, LeRoi Moore, gave his last performance.

The amphitheater can seat about 25,000 people with 15,000 on the lawn and 10,000 in reserved seats. Because of its seating capabilities, the amphitheater is one of the largest music oriented performance venues in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Buy tickets today by visiting their website and you can enjoy the many concerts coming up this month that you just cannot miss! They include:

  • July 8th– Kid Rock and Foreigner
  • July 10th– Dierks Bentley, Kip Moore, Maddie and Tae and Canaan Smith
  • July 18th– Idina Menzel
  • July 22nd– Nicki Minaj, Meek Mill and Rae Sremmurd
  • July 24th– Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival
  • July 25th– Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Frankie Ballard
  • July 26th– Outcry Tour: Hillsong United, Jesus Culture and Kari Jobe

Living at Arcadia Run has its many perks and living so close to Jiffy Lube Live is definitely one of them! Take advantage of the warm weather while it lasts and enjoy some outdoor music at this amazing amphitheater.

 

First Friday in Downtown Manassas

The second First Friday is coming up quickly in Manassas! This Friday, July 3rd, enjoy live music and walk through Historic Downtown Manassas. You can check out a variety of shops and eat some great food at some wonderful restaurants.

 

 

 

Here is a list of participating stores and restaurants:

  • ArtBeat Gallery
  • Black Swan Boutique
  • Carmello’s
  • Creative Brush Studio
  • City Square Café
  • City Tavern
  • Foster’s Grille
  • Love, Charley
  • Malones
  • Manassas Clay
  • Manassas Museum
  • Monza
  • Okra’s
  • Prospero’s Books
  • Philadelphia Tavern
  • Opera House Gourmet
  • The Social Butterfly
  • The Things I love

The Manassas Museum is holding a children’s book talk from 6pm-8pm. You can stop by and talk with Illustrator of, All Aboard for Manassas, Nancy Mitchell and author and illustrator of, A Day with Lily, Monica Bishop. You can also pre-register your children in a class filled with art and theatre play for two hours at the Candy Factory. This will give you a chance to join in on the grown-up fun!

The First Friday series started in February 2014 and has been a big hit since! While residing at Arcadia Run, you’re so close to all the fun that First Friday has to offer. Take advantage of Historic Downtown Manassas and kick off your 4th of July weekend at First Friday!

 

4th of July Celebrations in Manassas, VA

While living at the new apartment home community of Arcadia Run, you’re so close to historic downtown Manassas and all of the events that go on there. Take advantage of this and celebrate America this 4th of July in downtown Manassas! There are many different activities for all different age groups so you are sure to have a great time.

Manassas is hosting an all-American party starting at 3pm. In the streets surrounding the train depot, the Harris Pavilion and the Manassas Museum, there will be rides for kids, food concessions and even a watermelon eating contests. You can also enter an apple pie and peach pie contest. Children are encouraged to enter the bicycle-decorating contest where they will be judged in three different categories that include most creative, most patriotic and best bike overall. The judges will score and deliberate while participants complete two laps around the Harris Pavilion. Not only are these contests fun, you can also win prizes for coming in third, second or first place!

Arguably the best part of this celebration is, of course, the fireworks. Good thing Manassas has one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia! They start at 9:15pm on the Manassas Museum Lawn, but make sure you come early with your blankets, snacks and lawn chairs to get the best seats!

Why would you want to celebrate this Independence Day anywhere else? Come to Downtown Manassas to make new memories with family and friends!

 

 

Five Must-Do’s in Manassas This Summer

One of the many perks of living at Arcadia Run, is that there is no shortage of fun to be had right beyond the boarders of our new apartment home community. Although it’s hard to narrow down all that there is to do here in Manassas, we’ve put together our top picks of activities and events that are worth checking out this summer in the beautiful and historic Manassas, VA:

1. Old Town Manassas

Of course Old Town is at the top of our list! This charming historic town provides enjoyment all year long with its shops, galleries, restaurants and museums, but summertime is definitely a special season. For instance, summer is the peak season for the Manassas Farmers’ Market, which can be found every Thursday and Saturday in Old Town from 7:30AM to 1:00PM. At the Manassas Museum, visitors can explore the region’s history from colonial days to the recent past, and don’t forget to see what the Museum staff is up to on Saturdays at the Farmer’s Market, with “Museum at the Market.”. Let’s not forget about First Friday, a monthly favorite during the summer months in Historic Downtown Manassas, featuring live entertainment and food/drink specials while the museum, shops and galleries stay open late on the first friday of every month from 5:00PM to 9:00PM.

2. Water Parks

With Splash Down Waterpark and Signal Bay Water Park nearby, there’s no need to travel far for a “splashing” good time! With acres of water slides, lazy river, boat slide, water raindrops and bubblers, funbrellas and pavilions for shade, children’s area with kiddie slides, lap pool and more, these parks have everything needed for fun in the sun that is sure to please the entire family!

3. Manassas National Battlefield Park

You can’t go all summer without visiting the exquisite 5000-acre Manassas National Battlefield Park. As one of the most popular attractions that draws visitors from around the region to Manassas, this park preserves the historic site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas during the Civil War. Visitors have the option of taking a guided tour by a Park Ranger or a self-guided tour of the battlefield. The on-site Henry Hill Visitor Center includes a museum that displays civil war era uniforms, artifacts and weapons. Visitors can also watch the park orientation film, “Manassas: End of Innocence,” which tells the stories of the two famous battles that took place here.

4. Microbreweries

Relax on a hot summer day with a delicious cold beer from one of the local microbreweries. Tour and taste at the Heritage Brewing Company and BadWolf Brewing Company in Manassas, VA, both offing exquisitely crafted beers that appeal to the local palate. Why not make a day out of it and visit both! With changing taps, there is always something new and exciting to sample!

5. Jiffy Lube Live

You can’t go without some music in your life this summer, and what better place to enjoy a summer concert than at Jiffy Lube Live, located just minutes down the road from our own community of Arcadia Run. This 25,000-seat outdoor concert venue hosts quite the variety of performers throughout the summer months. Past performers have included Coldplay, Stevie Nicks, Celine Dion, Rush, Tina Turner, James Taylor, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Aerosmith, The Who, Roger Waters of Pink Floyd and many, many more.

Sources: Top Attractions in Prince William County Virginia

Top Things to Do in Manassas

May Events in Manassas!

Curious as to what’s happening in Manassas this May?  At Arcadia Run, we cater to the active lifestyle – and we know our residents enjoy all that this region, and this town, has to offer.  So we’ve gathered a few events to attend around this area this May that promise to entertain!

First Friday Spring Gallery Walk: May 1, 5:00pm

The first Friday of May will be the Gallery Walk in Historic Downtown Manassas.  Merchants and shop owners will be displaying the artworks of local and featured artists.  With the warm weather, this is a fun and relaxed Manassas tradition to partake in – stroll along and shop or just enjoy the views!

Historic Home Bike Tour: May 10, 9:00am

The Manassas Museum is leading a unique bike tour featuring several historic homes and sites in the Manassas area.  The tour begins at the museum and travels about 4 miles over the course of two hours.  This family friendly event is a great activity that promotes both history and health! Tickets can be purchased through the museum.

Manassas Ballet Theatre: Sleeping Beauty: May 17, 5:30pm

Visit the Hylton Performing Arts Center when they present Sleeping Beauty, a classic tale of good versus evil.  This ballet is bound to keep you on the edge of your seat, with enchanting choreography and excellent stage displays.  For ticket information, visit the Hylton Center website.

Ben Lomond Antique Rose Garden and Tea: May 24, 1:00pm-3:00pm

What better way to welcome the spring season than a tea party in one of the region’s largest antique rose gardens? Admission includes tea, refreshments, and a discussion on roses and spring flowers. Space is limited and reservations are required – this is an event everyone wants to go to!  Contact the Ben Lomond Historic Site & Old Rose Garden for more ticket information.

1st Annual Mid-County Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show: May 31, 8:00am

The last weekend in May, the Prince William Veterans Farm Club will be hosting this inaugural car show at the Prince William County Fairgrounds.  The event features fun, food, and eye-catching vehicles from all over the region.  Registration begins at 8:00am, followed by a judging at noon.  With live music, antique cars, moon bounces, and food and beverage options, this event is a great weekend activity!

Don’t forget to visit the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market every Saturday in parking lot B, West Street.  This farmer’s market has been voted one of the best in the area by Prince William Living magazine – it’s definitely worth a visit!

February Happenings in Manassas

February may be the shortest month of the year, but that doesn’t mean there’s less to do!  If you live in Arcadia Run, you know the Manassas area always has something fun going on.  Here’s what residents can look forward to this month:

2/8/14 – Reflections Exhibit & Reception, 6:00 pm

Celebrate internationally recognized African-American artists from the University of Maryland David C. Driskell Arts Center at the Reflections exhibit hosted in the Center for the Arts.  This remarkable event is free and open to the public.  During this showing, there will be a wine and cheese reception for guests.  For more information, visit www.pwcacdst.org.

2/8/14 – Imago Theatre – FROGZ, 2:00 pm

Performing at the Hylton Center, this popular dance troupe brings a truly unique performance to the area.  With circus inspired acts and a theatrical flair, this is a show the whole family can enjoy.  This troupe has even had two stints on Broadway – a must see if you live in Manassas! To buy tickets, visit the Hylton Center website.

2/18/14 – Matinee Idylls: Marcolivia, 12:30 pm

Head over to the Gregory Family Theater to catch a performance by the award-winning violin duo Marcolivia. Marcolivia brings a diverse set list of Baroque folk-dance tunes that inspire and entertain.  Attendees have the option of a buffet lunch catered by a local Manassas restaurant before the show, and afterwards, guests can enjoy a coffee and dessert reception with the artists.  This is a wonderful daytime outing!  More information about this event can be found on the Hylton Center event calendar.

2/22/14 – Silver Sparkles Family Fun Event, 2:00 pm

The Silver Sparkles event will be held at the Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center and includes a day packed full of fun activities for everyone to enjoy. With balloon art, magic demonstrations, face painting and more, this event is the perfect weekend activity.  Best of all, proceeds benefit brain tumor research.  For ticket information and a list of participating businesses, visit their Eventbrite page.

2/26/14 – The Peking Acrobats, 7:30 pm

If you want to be shocked and awed, check out The Peking Acrobats show at Merchant Hall in late February.  Audiences will be “left speechless” after watching this extraordinary acrobatic performance.  This is bound to be a show you won’t forget!  Buy your tickets here!

 

Holiday Events in Manassas

It’s official! The holidays are upon us! What do our Arcadia Run residents have planned for the coming weeks? In Manassas, there’s so much fun stuff to do that it can be hard to only choose a few activities! So, we’ve put together a list of classic Manassas events happening over the next week to get our tenants into the holiday spirit. Enjoy!

‘Merry Old Town’ Celebration – 12/6/13
Residents of Manassas know not to miss the “Merry Old Town” celebration in Old Town Manassas starting at 5:30pm! Meet Santa at the Manassas Depot to skate at the Harris Pavilion ice rink and ride around Old Town on a free hayride. Afterwards, head over to The Manassas Museum for their annual Holiday Open House. Enjoy hot cider, cookies, visits with Santa and the annual tree lighting on the Museum lawn.

Danú: Christmas in Ireland – 12/6/13
Want to hear traditional Celtic Christmas music? The award-winning group, Danú, performs traditional Irish music of the season at the Hylton Performing Arts Center at 8:00pm. For more information on how you can purchase tickets for you and your family, visit www.HyltonCenter.org or call 888-945-2468.

A Rippon Lodge Christmas – 12/7/13
Want to discover a little Manassas history with your holiday festivities? You’ll love the candlelight tour of Rippon Lodge to experience holiday celebrations from colonial Virginia. Tours are on the half hour, and they fill up quickly! Be sure to make your reservations early by calling 703-499-9812.

Manassas Chorale: ‘Tis the Season – 12/7/13
The evening following Danú’s performance, there will be two showings of the Manassas Chorale: ‘Tis the Season at the Hylton Center. This is a great show that everyone will enjoy! Find more ticket information at www.HyltonCenter.org.

Winter Wonderland Train Show – 12/11/13 through 12/15/13
Love trains? Then you’ll love the Winter Wonderland Train Show taking place at the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory. In lieu of an admission fee, a donation of canned goods or unwrapped toys to benefit SERVE will be accepted. This magical and festive exhibition is open from 5-8pm on weekdays, 10am-5pm on Saturday, and 10am-4pm on Sunday.

Arcadia Run Holiday Party – 12/14/13
Arcadia Run is also hosting a holiday party on December 14. Santa will be paying a special visit to our apartment community, complete with a Santa train for children to ride, free pictures with Santa himself, Christmas carolers and holiday treats provided by R & R Catering. Don’t miss this chance to meet and mingle with your new neighbors and pass along the holiday cheer!