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

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

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!

 

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

9 Summer Activities in Manassas

Manassas, Virginia, which is home to our Arcadia Run apartments, is also home to an abundance of activities and events throughout the year.  This summer has only just begun but there are already so many fun things lined up for the weeks ahead.  Take a look!

1. Visit the Farmer’s Market – One of the greatest perks to the warmer weather is the regular farmer’s market with fresh produce! The Harris Pavilion hosts a Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 7:30am to 1:00pm.  Stop by and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables for the entire week!

2. Catch an Outdoor Concert – With Jiffy Lube Live right around the corner, catching an outdoor summer concert is more convenient than ever.  Take a look at this summer’s line up; with so many different artists, there’s bound to be a performance you’ll love!

3. First Fridays – On the first Friday of every month, participating shops in Historic Downtown Manassas extend their hours and offer themed specials for patrons.  Shopping around downtown Manassas on a relaxing summer evening is a great way to unwind after the week.

4. Explore Culinary Attractions – Manassas has such a broad spectrum of attractions – exquisite dining options being one of them.  This summer, why not stroll around and discover a new favorite restaurant in town?  Take a look at this map to see what dining, and other attractions, are nearby Arcadia Run.

5. Manassas National Battlefield Park – If you live in Manassas but have yet to visit the Manassas Battlefield Park, you are long overdue! This famous historic site is worth visiting – especially on a beautiful summer day.

6. Get Crafty – With sites like Pinterest, it’s easy to feel crafty from time to time.  Take a look at our DIY Projects for the Home Board for a little inspiration!

7. Visit the Waterpark – Right here in Manassas is the SplashDown Waterpark, perfect for those exceptionally hot days.  It wouldn’t be summer vacation without a visit to the waterpark!

8. Bike Manassas  – On the 2nd Saturday of every month, join a bike tour that will take you around Manassas to showcase different historic sites around the city.  The tour runs about 8 miles and is appropriate for everyone over 12.  With the beautiful weather, this is a great excuse to get outside and explore Manassas in a unique way.

9. Fourth of July Fireworks – And finally, celebrate Independence Day with the City of Manassas at the Old Town Manassas Train Depot & Museum Lawn.  With live music, an apple pie baking contest, a watermelon eating contest, carnival attractions, and of course, fireworks, this will be a fun summer event for everyone.  More details can be found here!

Best Restaurants in Manassas

For those who love to cook, living at Arcadia Run offers the ideal situation, with our beautiful, expansive kitchens that include granite counters and designer cabinets. As it turns out, if you’re not a natural-born chef, Arcadia Run apartments are perfect for you, too, because of our great location. Our apartments are conveniently located in Manassas, VA and there are endless high-quality and delicious dining options nearby to satisfy every taste bud.

So whether you just want to take a break from cooking every night, or you find your bliss in exploring new restaurants, the following list of Manassas restaurants can be helpful to you. Your new favorite restaurant in Manassas might be included on the list below, which is organized by cuisine type and include some of the highest-rated restaurants on Google and Yelp (all ratings are out of a possible 5). They’re all within a quick drive of our community, making them convenient destinations, even on last-minute notice. So find your new favorite Manassas restaurant, and bon apetit!

Greek & Middle Eastern

– Katerina’s Greek Cuisine

·      Google Review: 4.7; Yelp Review 4.5

·      Address: 9212 Center Street, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 4.8 miles, 11 minutes

·      Overview: A popular destination in Old Town Manassas, Katerina’s serves authentic Greek cuisine that receives rave reviews online. According to online reviews, it can get crowded from all of the loyal patrons, so be sure to make a reservation.

– Famous Kabob

·      Yelp Review: 4.5; Google Review 4.0

·      Address:  9685 Liberia Avenue, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 9 miles, 13 minutes

·      Overview: Don’t let the modest interior fool you! According to online reviews, Famous Kabob offers – not surprisingly – delicious kabobs, as well as other options such as gyros, wraps, and other dishes with an Afghan influence. For added convenience, you can place your order online and carry out.

Deli & Italian

-The Deli Depot

·      Yelp Review: 4.5; Google Review: 4.4

·      Address: 8961 Center Street, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 5.1 miles, 12 minutes

·      Overview: Available for dine-in, carry out and delivery, The Deli Depot offers classic New York style sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, soups, salads, and various side orders, as well as a full breakfast menu. According to online reviews, this Old Town staple not only has great food, but wonderful service as well.

– “A Deli” Italian Food

·      Google Review: 4.6; Yelp Review: 4.5

·      Address: 10384 Portsmouth Road, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 3.1 miles, 7 minutes

·      Overview: This deli’s website states that it’s “simply the best,” and from the looks of online reviews, customers agree. Online reviews rave about the oversized and delicious Italian subs.

– Tony’s New York Pizza

·      Google Review: 4.5; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 9108 Mathis Avenue, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 5.6 miles, 12 minutes

·      Overview: A family-owned and operated restaurant, Tony’s features New York style thin crust pizza and other Italian favorites. Online reviewers love the fresh, quality ingredients used, the Italian subs, and of course, the pizza.

Vietnamese & Thai

– Pho 234

·      Google Review: 4.4; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 10376 Festival Lane, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 3.2 miles, 7 minutes

·      Overview: For those who aren’t familiar with Vietnamese cuisine, pho is a popular type of Vietnamese soup made from beef or chicken stock with rice noodles and thinly sliced meat. Judging from online reviews, Pho 234 offers outstanding pho, as well as other classic Vietnamese dishes.

– Zabb Thai Restaurant

·      Google Review: 4.4; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 11010 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 2.2 miles, 5 minutes

·      Overview: Zabb Thai offers thai food for dining in, take out and delivery, with an extensive menu and well-decorated interior, according to online reviewers. Popular dishes, according to online reviewers, are the salt chili pork and green curry.

– Siam Classic

·      Google Review: 4.5; Yelp Review: 4.5

·      Address: 9403 East Street, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 5.0 miles, 12 minutes

·      Overview: Another popular Thai restaurant in the area, Siam Classic is located in Old Town Manassas and, according to online reviewers, offers authentic Thai food for a great price. For those who enjoy a little kick, you can order your dish on a scale of 1 – 10 for spiciness.

Latin American

– Cuna del Sol

·      Google Review: 4.5; Yelp Review: 4.0

·      Address: 7779 Sudley Road, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 2.5 miles, 6 minutes

·      Overview: If you go to Cuna del Sol, prepare to try authentic Guatemalan food, which can offer an exciting culinary experience for those who have never had it. There are also some Mexican and American offerings on the menu, however, for those who don’t quite know what to order. Online reviewers rave about the full-flavored meals and the additional bonus of a bakery.

– El Mirador Restaurant

·      Yelp Review: 4.5

·      Address: 7839 Sudley Road, Manassas

·      Distance from Arcadia Run: 2.7 miles, 6 minutes

Overview: Although el Mirador didn’t have a Google review, the reviews on Yelp had very high praise for this Salvadoran restaurant. Online reviewers describe the food as authentic, fresh and flavorful. From online reviews, a customer favorite seems to be the pupusas – corn tortillas filled with a combination of cheese, meats and refried beans.

Arcadia Run residents know that the Manassas area has a lot to offer, and the restaurant selection is certainly no exception. Whatever type of food you’re in the mood for, there’s sure to be a great restaurant in Manassas to satisfy your craving. The variety of destinations in Manassas – whether it’s to eat, shop or be entertained – is just one of the reasons that it’s such an interesting and exciting D.C. suburb. Just ask our Arcadia Run residents, and they’ll tell you – Manassas is a great place to live in the Northern Virginia area!

 

SOURCE: Google Reviews, Yelp.com

11 Things to Do in Manassas

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We already know that Arcadia Run is located in one of the most charming towns in Virginia. But Manassas, VA is also filled with plenty of fun things to do for people with all interests. Whether you’re searching for adventure or a relaxing evening, here are 11 of the many things to do in Manassas:

1. Brush up on your history: If you’re a history buff, you’re in luck. Manassas is completely immersed in American history – there are numerous Civil War sites and historical buildings. You could visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park or any of the buildings listed on the historic registry.

2. Grab a bite to eat: Hungry? Perfect! Manassas has many restaurants like Foster’s Grille and Zabb Thai that are local favorites. Explore the dining scene and find a new favorite dish!

3. The Candy Factory: This historic building, which was once a busy candy factory, now hosts the Center for the Arts. They welcome nearly 15,000 visitors a year and introduce new art to people of all ages.

4. Escape: Stressful week? Visit any of the spas right here in Manassas. You can choose from LaFemme, Escape, Harmony and many more.

5. Go to a play: Vpstart Crow Productions at the Cramer Center is the only professional theatre company in our area. From Shakespeare to contemporary playwrights, Vpstart Crow Productions is one of the best and always puts on a great show.

6. Bull Run Regional Park Shooting Center: With five different shooting games and a Learn-To-Shoot class, newcomers and veterans alike will have a great time at the range.

7. BadWolf Brewing Company: This local brewery focuses on making quality craft beers that appeal to the residents of Manassas. At their brewery, you can bring your own food or order delivery to enjoy with their beer.

8. The Harris Pavilion: This pavilion changes with the seasons: In the spring and summer it’s open for concerts and performances. Then in November, it’s transformed into an open-air ice rink. No matter the season, there’s always something fun to do at the pavilion!

9. Fly: American Aviation Services offers flight lessons with a FAA certified instructor at the Manassas Regional Airport. Students will get to take control of the plane themselves and fly. What a thrill!

10.Race: After flying a plane, why not drive a racecar? TryRacingCars.com has a location in Manassas that allows guests to learn how-to instructions of real life racecar driving.

11.Mary Louise Jackson Amphitheater: Everything from musical performance and international festivals to plays and local entertainment visit this amphitheater to perform. With seating for 750 people, any performance is bound to be a good time.

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