Kid-Friendly Summer Activities in Manassas, VA

The littles (or bigs) are finally out of school for the summer! They are excited for lazy summer days sitting by the pool at Arcadia Run, but you are worried about what will happen when they utter the dreaded phrase: “Mom, I’m boredddddd.” Not to worry! Arcadia Run is located near some great places to take the kids and keep them entertained all summer long. From parks to fun and games to learning about history, they’ll have plenty to tell the teachers about what they did this summer. Check out some of our favorite things to do with kids this summer in Manassas, VA.

 

Splash Down Waterpark

There’s no better place to beat the summer heat with the kids than a visit to the waterpark! With slides, pools, places to splash around, and covered pavilions, this is the perfect place to spend a whole day. Splash Down even has a variety of food, snack, and ice cream options for purchase. Not to mention, you’ll get to tire the kids out at the same time they are having a blast. The water park offers daily tickets, as well as season passes and specials.

 

Signal Hill Park

Take a short drive over to Signal Hill Park with the kids and even the dog! This park has everything, from basketball courts to playgrounds to miles of trails. Grab a couple of friends or other parents their kids for an afternoon shooting some hoops, or having a picnic at the picnic table area.

 

Fourth of July Fireworks

The Fourth of July is the perfect time to grill, play outside, and watch fireworks with the kids. Head on over to Signal Hill Park on the 4th for their annual fireworks celebration! Admission is free for everyone, and they’ll have a variety of food trucks available just in case. Fireworks start at 9:15pm, so bring a blanket and get ready to watch a great display.

 

Urban Evolution

Do your kids have a lot of energy? Try out Urban Evolution! They host parkour summer day camps for kids through the entire season. They’ll get to jump around with their friends or siblings under the supervision of professional trainers, and work off some of that energy! They also have a variety of classes for adults to try if you’re looking to stay active this summer.

 

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Your kids will be sure to stop their grumbling about going to a historic site when you get to the Manassas National Battlefield. Let them roam the battlefields, check out the cannons, and even see a live action demonstration! They offer several kid friendly activities and getting them outside and exploring will ensure that they’re not being zombies in front of a TV or computer screen all summer vacation.

 

With ball courts, a pool, a firepit, and just a short drive from all these activities, living at Arcadia Run just gets even better in the summertime! Check out all we have to offer by visiting us online.

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

Why Manassas is the Ideal Location to Rent an Apartment

At Arcadia Run, we could not imagine living in a better location than Manassas in Northern Virginia! With beautiful apartment homes, rich history, amazing local businesses and a central location, you can’t beat the accessibility and convenience of our city. Take a look at the many reasons why Manassas is the ideal location to rent your new apartment home!

One of the Best 

WalletHub recently named Manassas one of the best small towns in Virginia! By combining factors like, affordability, economic health, education & health, and quality of life, 1,268 small cities were ranked in WalletHub’s study conducted in October. Our amazing “small city” of Manassas was ranked the 8th best small city in Virginia and #276 overall on the list. The website explains their methodology by saying that living in a small city “creates a sense of greater wealth because of cheaper living cost.”

History

The local culture in Manassas is infused with a rich American history wherever you turn. A very prominent location for important events and battles during the Civil War, Manassas is still home to many historic sites. The Manassas National Battlefield Park, Old Town Manassas, and the Stone Bridge are just a few of our favorite spots to explore!

Convenience

Just minutes from Arcadia Run, is some of the area’s best shopping and dining. From the Manassas Mall, to Bull Run Plaza, and downtown Manassas, there are endless stores and restaurants to visit for your everyday needs! Additionally, Historic Downtown Manassas has weekly events as well as some of our favorite local shopping and dining spots!

Location

Located in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, Arcadia Run is a great location for those who want to be close to the city for work or for play! Manassas allows for a suburban lifestyle while still being less than 30 minutes to Dulles International Airport and just 45 minutes to the heart of D.C.

Luxury Apartments

At Arcadia Run, there are brand new apartments and amenities to enjoy! Our luxury apartments for rent include modern features such as granite countertops, 42” designer kitchen cabinets, vinyl “hardwood” flooring, abundant storage space, and a variety of floor plans to choose from.

If we haven’t already convinced you that Arcadia Run is the perfect home for you, visit us today to take a look at our brand new amenities, apartments, and meet with our amazing sales team!

Sources: visitmanassas.orgvirginia.org

October Events in Manassas

In downtown Manassas, Virginia there are always so many events to attend, especially now that fall is here! Take advantage of these great seasonal events just a few miles from Arcadia Run and embrace the haunted history of Manassas just in time for Halloween! Here are all of the events coming up for the rest of October.

 

 

 

Manassas Farmer’s Market

October 22, 29 – Loy E. Harris Pavillion

October 24, 31—Lot B

7:30 am – 1:00 pm

Head on over to the farmer’s market for locally grown produce, meat, baked goods and artisan crafts! This market runs all the way through the fall season, so make sure to stop by while you can!

Old Town Walking Tours

October 22, 29 – Manassas Museum

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

The Old Town walking tours will give you insight into the rich history that Manassas offers.

33rd Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee

October 24, 2015 – Downtown Manassas

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Join Downtown Manassas for the 33rd Annual Fall Jubilee! There will be lots of fun and activities for the entire family!

Bike Tour

October 24, 2015 – Manassas Museum

9:00 am – 11:00 am

Haunted Happenings

October 24, 2015 – Old Town Manassas

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Go trick-or-treating throughout the Fall Jubilee and attend other fun events in the Center for the Arts parking lot.

Spirits of Manassas

October 24, 2015 – Manassas Museum

6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

“Follow costumed guides by lantern light through the streets of Historic Downtown Manassas, hear about weird, sublime and strange happenings from the past and present, and meet some spirited characters along the way.”

Pied Piper Theatre’s SLEEPY HOLLOW

October 24th at 2pm & 7pm – Metz Middle School

October 25th at 3pm

Jazz in Motion

October 24, 2015—Hylton Performance Center

7:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Cemetery Tours

October 30, 2015 

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

In Manassas, VA there are events for everyone! For more details on any of the events above, or for more information about Manassas, go to www.visitmanassas.org.

Source: visitmanassas.org

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

Reasons to Rent in Manassas

In terms of features and amenities, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better value than Arcadia Run. It offers a variety of floorplans that are sure to suit anyone’s needs, many desirable features and amenities such as a fitness center and a resort-style swimming pool. One thing that is overlooked about this community is its location. Located in Prince William County, Manassas is a city that features the best of both worlds. It offers you the feel of a small town while also being close enough to provide a taste of big city life. If you’re looking to rent, Manassas has many things that make it a great place to live.

The city of Manassas is in a great location if you’re looking to commute. It’s just 30 miles away from Washington D.C. and the rest of northern Virginia, meaning you’re close enough to drive into the area for work. There’s also a VRE (Virginia Railway Express) station, allowing you to skip your drive and take the train, whether you are going down to Fredericksburg or heading up to D.C.

Manassas is one of the most historic cities in Virginia. It was the site of the First Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the Civil War. There are representations of this history and other civil war era battles all over the city. You can find out about the long history of the city at the Manassas Museum, which hosts permanent and temporary exhibits and award-winning videos within its 7,000 square-foot walls. You can also find a piece of more current history at the Manassas Train Depot. Built in 1914, the depot hosts the Manassas Visitor Center along with being a stop for Amtrak and VRE trains.In historic downtown, you’ll find a great variety of shops filled with locally-made products such as jewelry, music, books, crafts and more. You’ll also find many restaurants that offer varied cuisine from around the world, from Portuguese food to sports bars. You can also visit one of their local breweries and grab a craft beer with your friends or neighbors.

If you’re looking for something active, the city features 12 different parks and recreations facilities for you to experience. Whether you want to go for a swim, walk your dog or play a game of basketball, you’ll find a fun activity to participate in.Manassas has a lot to offer anyone looking for the small-town charm with a big-city feel. If you’re interested in finding out more about Arcadia Run, please check out our website.

Sources: visitmanassas.org, manassascity.org, manassasparkcommunitycenter.com

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!

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