The Manassas Battlefield Park History

At Arcadia Run, there are many opportunities for fun in the Manassas area, especially if you are a history buff! Conveniently, the Manassas National Battlefield Park is located just outside of Arcadia Run’s new apartment home community. This is a great way to spend the day with your family – not only is it fun but also educating as well!

History

Who says that because the kids are out of school for the summer they can’t use a little bit of knowledge? Manassas National Battlefield Park conserves the site of two major American Civil War battles. The First Battle of Bull Run was fought on July 21st, 1861. The Second Battle of Bull Run wasn’t until August 28th, 1862 and lasted two days. The Virginia scenery, which was usually very peaceful, witnessed the disputed encounter between the armies of the Union and the Confederacy, or the North and the South.

Historic Sites

Today, visitors are able to explore the historic countryside where men fought over a century ago. The Henry Hill Visitor Center by the south entrance to the park offers a look at an electronic battle map, field gear, weapons and civil war era uniforms. Many other Historic Sites of the battlefield include The Stone House that was used as a hospital during both battles, the Stone Bride which the union retreated across after both battles, and the Robinson house (now in ruins) that was the home of the freed slave, James Robinson. Over 900,000 people visit this historic park each year and now you can be one of them while residing at Arcadia Run!

The Manassas Battlefield is just one of the many locations Arcadia Run tenants should plan on visiting. However, with our brand new resort style amenities, you may never want to leave the boarders of our apartment home community! Whether you choose to visit this fantastically located historic site or soak up some sun at our resort style swimming pool, you’ll have plenty of activities to keep you entertained this summer. The fun never stops here at Arcadia Run!

Features and Amenities at Arcadia Run

There are so many perks our residents get to enjoy while living at Arcadia Run. Our noteworthy new apartment home designs, unexpected features, and brand new resort-style amenities are just a few examples of why you need to come check out our apartment community and see how you can get used to getting more!

Features

Located in Manassas, Virginia, our new apartment home complex offers more features than you could imagine! They include everything from oversized kitchens with gorgeous granite counter tops and designer kitchen cabinets to 9-foot ceilings with vinyl hardwood flooring. It doesn’t stop there, however. For your convenience, a full size washer and drying, a walk-in closet, and extended windows are included in Arcadia Run apartments. With a variety of floor plans to choose from, you’re sure to find a new apartment that suits you and your needs.

Not only are our apartment homes beautiful on the inside, but each apartment boasts balconies or patios attached so you can enjoy time spent outdoors. Also, our apartment community welcomes not only friendly neighbors but your furry friends as well.

Amenities

Whether you choose to sign a 6 or 12-month lease, you’ll have the chance to make use of our amenities for as long as you’re a resident! With a resort-style swimming pool, a fitness center and ball courts, we provide ample means for you to keep up with your energetic lifestyle. Our apartment community has so much to do you won’t know where to start!

Arcadia Run is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with all of the features and amenities included. Arcadia Run provides more of what our residents want when renting a new apartment. After choosing the perfect floor plan, enjoying all the features our apartments have to offer and staying active with all of our amenities, Arcadia Run residents will have to get used to getting more!

 

 

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

Now Open: New Amenities at Arcadia Run!

We are happy to introduce our amenities that are now open here at Arcadia Run! In order for our residents to make the most out of this great community, we built state of the art facilities to ensure a healthy and fun lifestyle!

Resort-style pool: Our swimming pool is perfect for cooling off during the summer months! Lay on a lounge chair poolside, dip your feet in, or swim some laps to create your own little getaway right in the Arcadia Run community.

Fitness center: The fitness center is a fully equipped area to get the ultimate workout! With state of the art cardio and toning equipment and a TV for entertainment, you can be sure to work up a sweat.

Ball courts: Make some new friends by holding a tournament or just shoot some hoops solo on our brand new basketball courts.

Playground: We all know by now, kids need to play! Our playground is built exclusively for Arcadia Run’s residents for a fun place to keep the kids entertained all day long.

Lounge rooms: Need somewhere to socialize outside of your apartment? Walk right on over to the clubhouse where we created some great spaces to relax and take a load off.

The new community clubhouse is a great way for residents to interact between one another and meet their neighbors. Arcadia Run is thrilled to provide an exciting new range of amenities to our wonderful community!

Preparing Your Apartment for Summer

The cold winter is behind us and in a flash spring will turn to summer. Fortunately for Arcadia Run residents there isn’t much you have to do to prepare your new apartment home for the Manassas, VA summers. Here are 3 quick things to help you get ready for summer.

Spruce up the Balcony

There’s no better way to enjoy the warm weather than relaxing on your balcony. Arcadia Run’s apartments come with a personal balcony or patio. Add some furniture and a few plants to make the space your own.

Your AC Unit

For Arcadia Run residents there is nothing you have to do to prep your AC unit. The apartments and AC units are brand new, so you can rest assured that your unit is ready for the heat.

But it’s important to be prepared so in the unlikely event that you do have an issue make sure you have the number to our excellent maintenance staff.

Fire Up The Grill

Ovens can really heat up a house. Break out your grill and prepare to make your dinners outside. This will keep your home cooler as well as save on your energy bills.

The warm season in Manassas, VA lasts from May 29 through September 11. The average temps in July are in in the upper 80s. It’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy our new clubhouse and pool, which are scheduled to open up on Memorial Day.

SOURCES: apartmentguide.com, care2.com, weatherspark.com

Be a Tourist In Your Own Town!

If you’re new to Arcadia Run and Manassas, Virginia, then you’ll love the idea of being a tourist in your new hometown. What better way to fully explore and enjoy this wonderful place you now call home? In fact, even if you’ve been in the area for a while, it’ll still be fun to hit all the most popular places in Manassas!

According to Apartment Guide, here are a few ways you can get to know your city like a true tourist:

Start Small

With all there is to do in Manassas and the surrounding area, it might be overwhelming to try and tackle it all in one day (if not impossible!). If you’ve just settled in your new apartment home at Arcadia Run, we suggest taking a stroll around the community to familiarize yourself with the amenities, walking trails, and your new neighbors. Use this time to seek out where you’ll go grocery shopping, any restaurants you’ll frequent or even parks you’ll want to enjoy a picnic in.

Utilize Maps, Guidebooks and Brochures

Now that you’re familiar with the Arcadia Run community, it’s time to really be a tourist. Head to the Manassas Visitor Center to pick up a few brochures and guidebooks. You’ll also find helpful information here about the Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express commuter trains.

Take Tours

While sifting through your brochures, keep an eye out for any guided tours through parks, or even Historic Manassas, that pique your interest. The Manassas National Battlefield Park offers several walking tours and the Manassas Museum even hosts monthly bike tours.

Visit Attractions

Whether you go on a guided tour or venture off on your own, visit all the notable attractions Manassas is known for. With several landmarks and historical buildings scattered throughout town, you’ll find a gem around every corner. Take a look at this Yelp page to see a list of attractions in Manassas.

With town-wide events, farmer’s markets throughout the summer months, and an endless list of things to do, Manassas is certainly a town you’ll love living in. And what could make living in Manassas even better? Living in a new modern apartment at Arcadia Run!  Check out our latest floorplans available to find the one that’s perfect for you.

Source: Apartment Guide

Reasons to Live in Northern VA

Northern Virginia is in the heart of it all and if you’re looking to lead an active lifestyle this is the place to be. There is so much to do for night owls and daytime adventurers alike. Here are just a few reasons why Northern, VA living is the way to go.

Museums and Monuments

Located near the Nation’s capital means tons of free museums and monuments to visit. But aside from what near-by DC has to offer, Northern Virginia has a lot of historical landmarks to visit as well. In fact, we have over 50 free museums and historical sites. From the George Washington Masonic Memorial to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, there’s endless fun for history buffs.

Fitness Enthusiasts 

If you are in to staying fit an active, then Northern Virginia is the place to be with over 20 5Ks, 10Ks and triathlons to choose from. And that’s just in the fall. Also, Turkey Trots are a popular event out here, so you’ll be sure to find one at a community near you.

Lifestyle Variety

One of the many things that make Northern Virginia unique is its lifestyle variety. Loudoun is great for those seeking a more rural, small-town feel while Arlington and Tyson Corner offer the hustle and bustle nightlife. And if you’re looking for a nice neighborhood suburb, you can find that too! There is truly a place to call home no matter what environment you’re looking for.

Shopping

If shopping is what your after, we have some very well-known destinations like The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City and Tysons Corner. And don’t forget about the Galleria, which is a very popular tourist location as well as a favorite stop for the locals.

Seasons

Northern Virginia prominently displays all four seasons with perfectly hot summers and beautifully snowy winters. We get the warm scenery of the changing leaves in the fall and nothing is quite as beautiful as the cherry blossoms in the spring.

 Outdoor Activities

There’s plenty to do outside in Northern Virginia with bike trails that extend through DC and all the way to West Virginia. There are plenty of youth and adult sports to get involved in and if you’re into boating, fishing or camping we have those options as well.

Nightlife

Northern Virginia is famous for its nightlife with restaurants and activities for all tastes. From sports bars and cocktails to music and dancing, there’s never a dull night out on the town. One of Northern Virginia’s claims-to-fame is the Wolf Trap National Park, which hosts a variety of concerts all year round.

With Phase 2 now open at Arcadia Run, it’s a perfect time to stop by and see if Northern Virginia living is a good fit for you!

Sources: nothernvirginiamag.com, about.com, arbourrealty.com

Styling Tips to Use In Your Living Room

It’s certainly an exciting time to move into a new luxury apartment at Arcadia Run! We can’t wait to meet our newest residents in 2015.  And, moving into a brand new apartment also means a blank canvas to decorate your new digs!  So, here are a few of our favorite style tips to use when furnishing your new living room:

1. Pick a Theme

  • A cohesive theme is the first thing to determine before furnishing your new living room in your Arcadia Run apartment. Whether you choose nautical, whimsical, or anything else imaginable, make sure everything you buy for this space falls into your chosen category.

3. Avoid the Overly Trendy

  • While essentially every style is a trend in some way or another, some trends have more staying power than others.  Stay away from overly trendy pieces, as they will likely go out of style sooner rather than later.

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2. White on White

  • Speaking of trends, want an en vogue look without investing too much? Opt for white-on-white décor in your living room instead. This crisp look is trendy without limiting you to white-on-white forever.  Down the road, white furniture and decorations can be seamlessly incorporated into other themes.

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4. Metallic Accents

  • For a fresh take on a little glamour, add small metallic accents to your living room. These could be in the form of a gold picture frame, silver bookends, or even a bronze accented coffee table.  Whatever you choose, be careful not to overdo it as too many metallic finishes can make a room feel cluttered.

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5. Stylish Organization

  • Chances are, you’ll want to include some organizational features in your new living room.  Instead of stacks of items in the corner or unsightly bins, try to find an elegant storage solution.  Stores like Ikea and Crate & Barrel offer plenty of shelving units that are as stylish as they are functional.

6. Nature Inspired

  • Want to have a living room that’s welcoming and refreshing?  A natural themed space may be just the option for you. Choosing natural colors and textures gives you more flexibility when searching for pieces.  And, as long as they stay within the same theme, furnishing your new space will be a breeze.

Half the fun of moving into a new Arcadia Run luxury apartment is making your new space your home.  The other half is enjoying the amenitized community, friendly neighbors, convenient location, and the charming town of Manassas, Virginia!

Check out our latest new apartments for rent and find the one that suits you best!

Source: Real Simple

Best Indoor Plants For Your Apartment

There has been plenty of buzz around the benefits of having plants in your apartment or home.  As natural air purifiers, plants can bring a refreshing ambiance to any space.  And, with the amount of natural light in our new apartments at Arcadia Run, any sun-loving plant is sure to thrive.

Here are a few of our favorite indoor plants that add a little greenery to your new apartment home. And, if you furry friend is joining you at Arcadia Run, we’ve also noted whether or not a plant is safe for pets!

English Ivy

English Ivy is a beautiful plant and when cared for correctly, can grow into a dramatic, cascading centerpiece.  It looks great when placed in a hanging planter or displayed on a pedestal.  It’s adaptable to different locations and also helps filter your air.  English Ivy is in fact toxic to pets, so be sure to keep at a safe distance.

Aloe Vera / Succulents

While you may recognize Aloe for its soothing qualities, the term ‘succulent’ is lesser known.  Succulents are typically fleshy plants, like cactus or aloe, that require very little water and maintenance. Their easy-to-care-for qualities make them a great choice for busy professionals. And, while most succulents are safe for pets, Aloe is not.

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Snake Plant

Don’t be alarmed by the name, these plants are quite friendly and easy to care for. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air, helping to make your apartment feel its absolute freshest! While a snake plant is great for your apartment, it’s not great for pets.  So be sure to keep in a safe spot, or choose another plant!

Mini Herb Garden

Maintaining a mini herb garden is a wonderful way to incorporate some green in your apartment, especially if you love to cook.  Nothing is better than having fresh herbs nearby by for seasoning or garnish.  Parsley, Greek Oregano, Basil, Rosemary, Lemonbalm, Sage and Thyme are all pet-friendly herbs.

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Christmas Cactus

Lastly, if you want a little extra brightness come winter, a Christmas Cactus is a wonderful choice.  Green year-round, this plants blossoms with brilliant flowers mid-December. They are easy to maintain and are safe for both cats and dogs!

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Source: Huffington Post, Apartment Guide, Better Homes Guide, ASPCA

April Happenings in Manassas, VA

Ahh, it’s officially the spring season and we are so happy that it is! It’s finally warm enough to head outside and explore all that Manassas VA, home to Arcadia Run, has to offer.

Here’s a line up of all the fun happenings this April in Manassas!

First Friday: Founder’s Day!

This upcoming First Friday is certainly a special one – because it also coincides with Founder’s Day! Founder’s Day celebrates the Foundation of Manassas as an independent city, with participating First Friday shops and restaurants focusing on the history of our beloved Manassas. So make sure to head down to Historic Downtown from 6pm to 9pm this first Friday in April!

Browse Farmer’s Markets

The spring season also means Farmer’s Market open back up for business! In Manassas, we have several markets bringing fresh produce to shoppers weekly. Check out the markets and operating hours at the Harris Pavilion or in Lot B at Prince William and West Street.

Live Well Festival

This year on April 18th will be the 8th Annual Live Well Festival (formerly known as Spring Cleaning Day).  With a 5K Run, free health screenings at the Harris Pavilion, kid’s activities, entertainment and sidewalk sales, we think this festival is one of the best ways to kick off the spring season!

Saturday at the Park

Also on April 18th from 10am-3pm is the Saturday at the Park event at Manassas National Battlefield Park. Presented by Prince William County Public Schools and SPARK: The Education Foundation for PWCS, this is a wonderful way for you and your kids to explore the park and learn something new while you’re at it.  With different activity stations featuring everything from bird watching to water chemistry, this day is sure to be packed full of fun!

Pied Piper Theatre: Shrek the Musical

Coming to the Hylton Performing Arts Center this April is the Pied Piper Theatre with Shrek the Musical! This hysterical and adventurous musical is great for the whole family and will certainly be a wonderful weekend activity.  For ticket information and upcoming showtimes, visit the Hylton Performing Arts Center website.