Top 5 Reasons to Visit the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market

Since 1988, the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market has been a staple of our community. Growing from the seed of an idea and just a handful of vendors, it’s blossomed into two markets with more than 80 vendors. The City of Manassas Farmer’s Market was voted Northern Virginia’s Best Farmer’s Market in 2020 by Virginia Living Magazine —just one of its many awards.

Though the Farmer’s Markets are open year-round, they’re now in Peak Season Market mode where they become bountiful with the new year’s harvests. New plants, flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits show up as they come in season.

But farmer’s markets aren’t just places to pick up veggies, flowers, and the occasional giant pretzel. Here are five of the biggest ways the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market benefits all of us at Arcadia Run, as well as our entire Manassas community:

1. Stimulate the local economy

A University of California study found that those selling directly to consumers (you) at farmer’s markets generate twice as much local economic activity per dollar of sales when compared to non-direct sellers. You’re not paying for things that are created states or countries away; you’re buying good directly from local farmers, artists, and artisans. An added benefit of supporting local producers is they actually create more local jobs.

2. Preserve local farmland and rural livelihoods

Farming and prospering in a rural environment have never been easy. As jobs and life moves evermore tech-based, a rural life is an even more difficult proposition. From 1992-2007, for example, 21% of mid-sized farms in the U.S. ceased operations. But farmer’s markets don’t just give established farmers a place to sell their wares, they also provide a space and platform for new farmers to build momentum with their own rural businesses. By shopping at the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market, you directly support all your local rural entrepreneurs.

3. Reduce pollution

When you go to a store, the food you purchase travels from the producer through many delivery points before finally appearing on the shelf. This product journey averages an estimated 1,500 miles. But farmer’s markets deliver straight to you, avoiding the need for all that additional travel. This results in a lot less pollution and waste. Yup, that tomato you get from a farmer’s market doesn’t just taste better, but it’s also healthier for you and the planet!

4.Access fresh all-natural foods easier

The term is food desert: a place where it’s difficult to get fresh foods. They exist in parts of urban and suburban communities, and greatly affect the wellbeing of anyone in the desert. Farmer’s markets are a great solution, as straight-from-the-farm food is plentiful. Plus, the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market participates in the SNAP program, making fresh and healthy food even easier for everyone. You can learn more about the SNAP program by emailing Melissa Williams (who also gave us a little more info for this blog post).

5. Explore your community and expand your palate

Farmer’s markets are places where communities gather. As such, you can meet a huge cross-section of Manassas all in one place. Make friends with people from across the county, chat with farmers and artisans from all around the area, and marvel at the work of artists from right next door. You’ll also get to taste all the flavors and tastes that make Manassas so delicious: Peruvian, West-African, Argentinian, Spanish, and more! By exploring the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market, you grow closer to your entire community.

Okay, so now you know some of the great benefits that farmer’s markets bring, but you’re still a little curious as to what to expect. Here are a few highlights of things you can find at the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market:

  • Fresh produce, meats, and eggs from nearby farms
  • Locally made honey and other bee products from apiaries in Stafford County
  • Wine straight from the vineyards and craft brews from small breweries all over Manassas
  • Hand-made gourmet baked goods, vegan chocolates, melt-in-your-mouth fudge, and cinnamon buns bigger than your hand
  • Artisanal clothing, art, and jewelry
  • Wood crafts and kitchen accessories
  • And all sorts of fun things for your home, your kids, and your pets

The City of Manassas Farmer’s Market can be found on Thursdays at the Harris Pavilion in Historic Downtown Manassas, and Saturdays at the Prince William Commuter Car Park. The hours for both markets are 8 am to 1 pm., with Peak Season Markets at both locations running until mid-November.

At Arcadia Run, you’re less than a 15-minute drive from both Farmer’s Market locations. As convenient as a trip to a regular supermarket, the Farmer’s Markets will provide you with the freshest local produce, meats, eggs, spices, and other ingredients. And then you can bring all that deliciousness home to your large Arcadia Run kitchen and create some truly scrumptious (and healthy!) works of culinary perfection. Bon appétit!

The Manassas Railway Festival is Coming Down the Line

There would be no Manassas if it wasn’t for the railroad.

What started as just a place where railroads met grew into the wonderful town we know and love today.

Every year, we salute the history of the railroads and their importance to Manassas with a celebration of history and ingenuity, coupled with memorabilia, special vendors, and fun live performances.

That’s why we’re so excited for the 26th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival on June 5: one of our favorite Manassas, VA events!

Let’s learn a little more about the history of the railroad in Manassas and a little more about what you can expect at the festival.

Manassas Comes to the Railroad

What we know as Manassas started as Manassas Junction: a crossroads with railroad tracks that led to Richmond, the Shenandoah Valley, and Washington, D.C. It was where the Orange and Alexandria Railroad (O&A) and the Manassas Gap Railroad (MGRR) met.

The O&A railroad stretched in many directions, also connecting to the Virginia Central and Virginia & Tennessee Railroads. Stops along the O&A included: Alexandria, Springfield, Fairfax, Culpeper, Orange, and traveled on Virginia Central tracks all the way to Charlottesville and Lynchburg.

The MGRR began construction in 1851, and by 1859, it stretched through Manassas Gap and into the Shenandoah Valley. It was originally planned to extend through Loudon County, too, but the Civil War got in the way and construction ceased.

During the Civil War, the ability to transport troops, weapons, and meat along these supply lines was invaluable. In fact, the MGRR became the first American railroad to move troops into battle.

It makes sense, then, that the First and Second Battles of Bull Run took place nearby, as Manassas Junction was so strategically important! And while Confederate forces won both battles, Manassas Junction remained mostly under Union control for the duration of the war.

But these railroads didn’t just fade after the war. Before and after, they moved goods and supplies both from and to local farmers and businesses faster and for far less money than any other transportation method. Railroads helped the area prosper, and since so many trains were passing through Manassas Junction, eventually a town formed.

And so, we celebrate the importance of the railroads to Manassas with this annual event.

Things to Find at the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival

Called “Train Day” by us locals, the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival is full of all sort of sights and sounds to experience. Throughout the day, live performances will fill the air, complementing the various whistles of visiting trains.

And you will see trains of all shapes and sizes. Commuter and freight trains stop by for this glorious event, as do (schedules permitting) more classic trains. Plus, model railroads are on display letting your imaginations explore even more tracks and vistas.

But a festival isn’t complete without things to buy and stuff to eat, and the Manassas Heritage Railway Festival is no exception. Train memorabilia vendors will be everywhere, ready to help you bring a little of the festival home with you. Because nothing is more fun that the drive home when you’re wearing your very own engineer’s cap!

At Arcadia Run, you’re always close to something amazing because history abounds in every direction. Old Town Manassas is just 14 minutes away, and Bull Run Regional Park (where those battles mentioned above took place) is less than 10 miles away. Living at Arcadia Run puts you in the middle of everything, which is why living here is so much fun.

Coming June 5, in the heart of Old Town Manassas, VA, enjoy an event like no other. For more information on the 26th Annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival, click here.

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month Near Arcadia Run

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, it’s not Christmas yet, but October is Virginia Wine Month! Whether you like a robust red, crisp white, rosé all day, or prefer some bubbles, it’s time to pour yourself a glass (or 2) and start celebrating! Virginia has a rich history that includes many vineyards and wineries located throughout the state, including several near Arcadia Run. Grab a friend and a designated driver and head to one of these great places to celebrate Virginia Wine Month during October!

 

Paradise Springs Winery

Called “The Gateway to Virginia Wine Country,” Paradise Springs Winery is located on a property in Clifton that dates all the back to 1716! Paradise Springs offers tastings, tours, and you can even reserve their space for private events. They also give wine lovers a little taste of everything, with a wide selection of whites and reds, and also carry rosé and sparkling wine.

 

Aroma Wine Tasting Room

Don’t feel like making a full day trip out to a winery? Head to the new Aroma Wine Tasting Room right here in Manassas! Part of the Marais Vineyards and Winery family, this new tasting room offers all of the same wines that you can get at their winery. While no outside food is permitted, they do serve tasting plates with the wine tasting and offer a charcuterie plate for purchase. Try their award-winning Battlefield green wine, or a glass of their delicious Merlot.

 

The Winery at Bull Run

Enjoy a crisp fall day out on the farm at the Winery at Bull Run. Bring your friends, some blankets, and start sipping! Drop by for a spur of the moment tasting, or bring a whole group (perfect for bachelorette parties!). This fall, they are even offering haunted wine tours on Fridays throughout the month of October. Their wines are made with 100% Virginia grapes, meaning they are all local and all delicious. If you’re still holding on to summer, try their fruit peach wine, or if you’re looking for something more robust, try the 2015 Reconciliation, perfect for fall with hints of coffee and plum.

 

Vint Hill Craft Winery

Talk about crafty… Vinty Hill Craft Winery can’t be found on GPS! Being located on a former covert Army base just adds to the charm of this urban winery focused on the craft of making homemade wine. Try their award-winning Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot at one of their events, such as Ladies Night, or just drop by for a tour and tasting!

 

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month right at home at Arcadia Run by stopping by one of our Wine Wednesday’s in the clubhouse! Learn more about all Arcadia Run has to offer by visiting us online.

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

Upcoming Events in Manassas, VA

Stonewall Jackson at Manassas Battlefield

Looking for something to do after work near your new apartment at Arcadia Run? Check out a few of these upcoming events in Manassas VA!

Ice Skating at The Harris Pavilion

Saturday January 21 (12:00 pm to 10:00 pm)

The Loy E Harris Pavilion (9431 West Street, Manassas, VA)

Spend an Saturday ice skating at The Harris Pavilion with friends, or stop by Wednesdays 6:00 to 8:00 pm for The Harris Pavilion’s free skate night!

Books on Tap

Thursday January 26 (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm)

BadWolf Brewery (8420 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA)

Join in on the fun with the newest book club that’s the talk of the town- Books on Tap, hosted by BadWolf Brewing Company and the Prince William Library System. Books on Tap will feature perfectly paired books and brews, from various genres from week to week. Stop by your local Prince William County library to pick up a copy of this week’s book—Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

Book Talk

Sunday January 29 (1:30 pm to 3:00 pm)

Manassas Museum (9101 Prince William Street, Manassas, VA)

Meet author Marc Leepson for a talk about his new book What So Proudly We Hailed: Francis Scott Key, A Life, at the Manassas Museum

Open Mic Night @ Jirani

Thursday February 2 (7:30 pm – 10:00 pm)

Jirani Coffeehouse (9425 West Street, Manassas, VA)

Jirani Coffeehouse hosts Open Mic Night every Thursday starting at 7:30 pm. The sign up list will start at 5:00 pm – stop by to show off your singing talent! Visit Jirani’s website for additional information.

First Friday Souper Bowl

Friday February 3 (6:00 pm to 9:00 pm)

Historic Downtown Manassas, VA

Join your friends and neighbors from Arcadia Run at the Historic Downtown Manassas infamous First Friday series – Souper Bowl! As local restaurants meet to compete in the third annual Souper Bowl, locals can enjoy delicious (and unlimited) soup samples for just $10. Who will be this year’s Souper Bowl Champion? Will it be Philadelphia Tavern, The Bone, Carmello’s or Monza? You decide! Taste all of the soups and you can vote to crown the winning restaurant!

Sources: visitpwc.comvisitmanassas.org

Free Things to Do in Manassas This Summer!

So maybe you have been spending too much money shopping for the perfect summer wardrobe, or you recently invested in a brand new car. Just because you are attempting to save some money this summer, doesn’t mean you can’t get out and enjoy the season! Because Arcadia Run is located in Manassas, VA, just minutes from downtown, there are plenty of free events and attractions to keep you entertained all summer long!

Manassas - Free Things