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

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Editor

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 Best Websites to Find Affordable Apartment Furniture

Posted on May 25, 2017 by Editor

It’s officially almost summertime, and that means that many of you are moving into a new apartment home here at Arcadia Run! If you are looking to purchase some new furniture for the first time, or need to replace some items that you already have, we are here to share with you some of the best furniture websites out there. Since we are always looking for a deal, and know you are too, we’ve ranked these sites according to affordability and value. Without further ado, let’s jump into our top picks for affordable furniture websites!

Apt2B – This website was started by two young guys who wanted to make furniture shopping for your apartment “as easy as ordering pizza.” On this site, you’ll find simple and modern designs where you can choose a fabric for the majority of sofa and chair options. The company’s fun and real approach to the business is sure to pull you in, and all of the pieces are reasonably priced. As their website states, “furniture is like death and taxes; it’s inevitable,” so why not make it fun?

CB2 – You grew up hearing about how great Crate + Barrel is, but have you met the younger and cooler sibling, CB2? Not only can you find some amazing modern pieces here, but some of the furniture is specifically made for apartment living. CB2 does a great job of understanding how to bring super modern and hip designs to people with all budgets!

Capsule Home – This is the website you go to for a truly fashionable piece of furniture with a surprisingly affordable price tag. As it says on their website, “Capsule produces unique pieces, often with mixed materials and multi-function use that are intended to add dimension to any home.” The pieces here are perfect for apartment homes, and created by individual designers who each have an eye for great style.

Wayfair – You’ve seen the commercials on TV and maybe even gotten their catalog in the mail, but Wayfair is truly one of the best. It is one of the world’s largest online furniture selections and includes other brands like Joss & Main, All Modern, Dwell Studios, and Birch Lane. Depending on your personal home design style, whether you’re classic, modern, eclectic, etc., one of these brands will have the perfect piece of furniture you are looking for!

Overstock – If you’re a bargain shopper, you’ll love this website for their amazing sales! This smart website takes stock of excess inventory from thousands of different retail categories and sells it to customers lower than the recommended manufacturer price. This way, you know you’re getting a good deal. Another benefit to this website is that there are a great deal of customer reviews, meaning you can hear firsthand about which products are the best.

Houzz – This website is a catchall for furniture shopping and those who don’t know what they want. With almost 100 furniture brands all in one place, you can easily find what you are looking for based on price, color, ratings from previous customers, and even sort by room. Houzz is also a great place for apartment inspiration, as you are able to shop directly through photos of rooms designed by pros.

Before you find the perfect furniture, you are going to need to find the perfect apartment home. Contact us today to schedule a tour and find your new apartment home!

Patios, Parks, and More: Outdoor Places to Enjoy in Manassas this Spring

Posted on March 21, 2017 by Editor

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.org, http://visitmanassas.org, http://www.livenation.com

Fun Holiday Events in Manassas!

Posted on November 21, 2016 by Editor

During the holiday season, there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit around Manassas, VA and even here at Arcadia Run! Check out all of these amazing events happening soon:

Nov 26th – A Christmas Carol: Beginning on November 26^th through the next few months, The Center for The Arts at the Candy Factory will be hosting multiple showings of A Christmas Carol. Get into the holiday spirit by going to see one of the most coveted holiday shows of all time right here in Manassas, so check out all show of the show dates.

Nov 26^th – Small Business Saturday: Support local businesses here in Manassas by shopping on Small Business Saturday in Downtown Manassas on Nov 26^th! Get a head start on your holiday shopping with specials and sales all day long at your favorite local stores.

Nov 28^th – Arcadia Run Toy Drive: From this date through December 12^th, stop by the clubhouse to donate a new toy to families in need with Arcadia Run’s “Gifting for Families” toy drive. After all, it is the season for giving!

Nov 29^th – Manassas Gingerbread Contest: Each year the town of Manassas holds their annual Gingerbread House Contest that runs from November 29^th to December 16^th. Stop by various shops throughout Historic Downtown to vote for your favorite entry! The winners will be chosen on December 16^th.

Nov 30^th – Swing Machine Big Band’s 5^th Annual Christmas Extravaganza: Join the Hylton Performing Arts Center for this annual holiday music event form 7:30-9pm!

Dec 2^nd – Merry Old Town Christmas Tree Lighting: A classic celebration with old-fashioned family fun, this year’s tree lighting is going to be one for the books! Enjoy the sweet sounds of classic holiday music from special musical guests and await Santa’s arrival on the train before the town’s tree is illuminated! This celebration will take place from 5-8pm.

Dec 3^rd – 71^st Greater Manassas Christmas Parade: From 10am-12pm, join the Greater Manassas area for a longtime tradition spanning generations, featuring over 2000 participants and 100 units!

Dec 15^th – The Nutcracker: The Manassas Ballet Theater and Manassas Theater Orchestra are putting on a brilliant rendition of this classic Christmas tale. Bring the whole family to the show for an unforgettable night at the Hylton Performing Arts Center for one of the 10 show days!

Dec 17^th – Arcadia Run Holiday Party: Join your friends, family, and neighbors for a fun holiday party at the Arcadia Run Clubhouse from 12pm-4pm. There will be carolers, games, food, and more!

Tips to Declutter for Back to School

Posted on August 17, 2016 by No One

Summer is an especially busy time of year, and if you’ve had a jam-packed summer, you might have put off some tasks, like deep cleaning your apartment home here at Arcadia Run. Not to worry! We are here to help you with some of the best ways you can clear the clutter to get organized just in time for back to school!

Make a plan: There is no correct timeline to follow when you are cleaning out clutter from your apartment home, but there are ways to keep the process organized. Do you want to de-clutter all in one day, or is it a weeklong process? Do you want to go room-by-room, or task-by-task? No matter which way you choose to approach it, stick to some kind of schedule!

Organize your storage: How many times do you open one of the many closets in your Arcadia Run apartment and think to yourself, “I have got to clean this out soon.” Well, now is your time to actually do it! Start with the linen closet, make your way through the food pantry, and then move towards other cabinets and storage spots. Reorganize items in an order that makes your life easier and helps you maintain the space. You can also check out our Pinterest board “Essential Storage Hacks” here: https://www.pinterest.com/arcadiarun/

Go through inboxes: It’s hard to organize mail and emails when you are busy all summer long! Take the time to sort both your physical mail and emails into junk, keep, and action piles. Your inbox will thank you when you need to find an important bank statement or shipping confirmation among the back to school emails that will soon be flooding your inbox.

Get to the junk drawer: Whether this is in your desk, kitchen, bedside table, or all three, it is important to clean it out every so often, especially before school starts again. You never know when you will find a missing measuring tape, spare apartment key, or extra school supplies that you would otherwise have to buy.

Clothes and shoes: If you have children, you know that they grow out of their clothes pretty quickly! Have them try on all of their back to school clothes from last year to figure out what they will need. While you’re at it, clean your closet out too! Replace basic clothing items that are damaged or too worn and worry about other clothing items you would like to purchase until after your family’s back to school routine has set in.

Identify things you need: As you work your way through your apartment home at Arcadia Run, keep in mind what you are going to need the next time you go to the store. You’ll probably realize that you need more storage bins, new cleaning supplies, or back to school supplies while you are in the process of getting the clutter out. Be sure to keep a notepad on hand so you can write everything down!

Thinking of leasing a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run? Visit our website at www.arcadiarun.com where you can check out available floor plans, photo galleries, and what’s in our neighborhood here at Arcadia Run!

Manassas Featured on Huffington Post Travel

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Arcadia Run

You may have heard of the Huffington Post before, and if you haven’t, we could sum it up as a popular online news publication. In their article “Top 25 Things To Do In Northern Virginia”, our city of Manassas was featured in three items on their list! Not only can you live in a brand new apartment home at Arcadia Run in Manassas, but you can also enjoy some of the best attractions in the region nearby! Check out the features from Huffington Post below:

12. Discover how “Stonewall Jackson” got his nickname at Manassas Battlefield aka Battles of Bull Run. Two battles were fought here- both Confederate victories.
Source: Huffington Post
13. Plan to spend an afternoon and night in Old Town Manassas, nary a Big Box Store or Chain Restaurant in sight. Formerly Manassas Junction, this railroad town, where two lines crossed, was strategically important during the Civil War. Dine at the fine Portuguese restaurant, Carmello’sor adorable casual-Italian restaurant Monza.
Source: Huffington Post
14. Stay at the 2-room Bennett House B&B in Old Town Manassasfive blocks downtown and within a few minutes walk from the train station (“an hour and $18 roundtrip to DC!”). Amiable couple, Jean and Curtis Harrover outline the many reasons it makes sense to stay in Manassas and take daytrips into Washington DC – no city parking woes, relative quietude, cost – and to top it off, Jean’s wonderful breakfasts are included in the room rate.”
Source: Huffington Post

Although the Huff Post hit the nail on the head, there are also some hidden gems in Manassas that we want to share with you! Below, we add some more of our top picks for things to do in Manassas:

Jiffy Lube Live

This outdoor concert venue is NoVa’s top place to go for the summer concerts you won’t forget! Another plus – it’s less than 3 miles from Arcadia Run! More info here: http://pavilionbristow.com/

Brewing Companies

Manassas is home to two different brewing companies: BadWolf Brewing Company and Heritage Brewing Co. Both of these top-rated brewing companies are great options if you’re feeling thirsty for an ice-cold brew.

Hylton Performing Arts Center

Although Jiffy Lube Live is great for a large concert venue, the Hylton Performing Arts Center is a more intimate venue for all types of live performances.

For more information on all of the great attractions in Manassas, VA, go to visitmanassas.org. To keep up with everything going on at Arcadia Run, visit our Facebook page.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com

Holiday Events in Manassas

Posted on December 8, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

Holiday Events In Manassas

The holidays are finally here at Arcadia Run in Manassas, VA, what better way to celebrate than with a nice evening out on the town? And by that we mean in Downtown Manassas of course! There are so many festive activities going on throughout the area during the next few weeks, so take a look at this schedule for holiday happenings in Manassas!

Deck the Museum

All month long

The Manassas Museum

Featuring art made by kindergarten and first grade children, the holiday exhibit at the Manassas Museum will be open all month long!

A Christmas Carol

Dec 11^th 7-9pm, Dec 12^th 2-4pm, 7-9pm, Dec 13^th 2-4pm

Center for the Arts

Come enjoy an excellent performance of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, brought to you by Rooftop Productions.

Arcadia Run Holiday Party

Dec 12^th from 12-3pm

Arcadia Run Clubhouse

All residents are invited to the annual holiday party where there will be food, fun, caroling, and prizes!

Winter Farmer’s Market

Dec 12^th, 19^th, and 26^th from 9am-1pm

Lot B @ Prince William St. & West St.

This limited time farmers market will feature local vendors selling amazing treats and crafts.

Carriage Rides Around Downtown

Dec 13^th & 20^th from 1-4pm

Manassas Train Depot

Tour the streets of Historic Downtown Manassas in a horse drawn carriage.

Stocking Stuffer Sale

Dec 14^th from 7am-3pm

Novant Health Prince William Medical Center

Join the community and stock up on small accessories, gifts, and snacks for the holiday season.

Winter Wonderland Train Show

Dec 16-20, 5-8pm

Center for the Arts

The National Capital Trackers will bring back their expansive holiday landscape & railroad community. (Back by popular demand!)

The Nutcracker

Dec 17^th & 18^th @ 7:30pm, Dec 19^th @ 3pm & 7:30pm, Dec 20-23 @ 3pm

Hylton Performing Arts Center

Hurry and get your tickets for this favorite holiday ballet, presented by the Manassas Ballet Theatre.

Ugly Sweater Party

Dec 19^th from 5-10pm

Heritage Brewing Company

In addition to other events throughout the month, Heritage Brewing Company is hosting an Ugly Sweater Party!

Source: http://visitmanassas.org/events/

Why Manassas is the Ideal Location to Rent an Apartment

Posted on November 18, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

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.org, virginia.org

At Home & Bar Louie Open in Manassas

Posted on November 9, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

It is no secret that here at Arcadia Run, we love our hometown of Manassas! In October, we were proud to welcome two new amazing businesses to the city, At Home and Bar Louie. Both of these great companies chose Manassas for their newest locations and we could not be more excited to experience what they have to offer our community!

At Home

At Home is a home décor superstore, which spans across 26 states and currently has over 90 operating stores. Just minutes down the road from Arcadia Run, At Home opened up its fourth Virginia store on Sudley Road in late October. This store is perfect for Arcadia Run residents because it is a one-stop shop for everything you need to complete your apartment home! From furniture to décor and housewares, At Home prides themselves on being able to provide a large assortment of items and styles at everyday low prices. Just in time for the holiday season, At Home is now open in Manassas!

Bar Louie

What began in downtown Chicago in 1990, Bar Louie has now opened its sixth D.C. area location right here in Manassas. Known for their signature handcrafted cocktails, extensive beer and wine selections, and unique bites, Bar Louie is bringing an eclectic bar vibe to the area. For a social night out with friends or a much-needed cocktail after work, Bar Louie is sure to be the new hot spot for socializing in a nice casual setting just minutes from Arcadia Run. Bar Louie GM Melissa Hildebrand states, “We plan to amaze our guests with the quality of our handcrafted drinks and the food from our scratch kitchen.”

With so many great businesses moving to the area, our central location in Manassas, VA keeps getting better and better! If you are interested in checking out our brand new luxury apartment homes, schedule an appointment to visit Arcadia Run today! You can also browse the features, amenities, and floor plans on our website to discover how you can get used to getting more!

Sources: reuters.com, barlouie.com, athome.com, prnewswire.com

First Friday in Downtown Manassas

Posted on June 30, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

The second First Friday is coming up quickly in Manassas! This Friday, July 3^rd, 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 4^th of July weekend at First Friday!