Be a Tourist In Your Own Town!

Posted on May 7, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

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

Posted on April 25, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

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

Comfy Apartment Sofas We Love

Posted on January 29, 2015 by gottarunrunrun

A well-worn couch or sofa is a living room staple for many new apartment homes. Best of all, new couches these days are made to have that perfectly-broken-in-comfort that is so desirable. So, for those in Arcadia Run on the hunt for their next living room oasis, check out these sofas we absolutely love – having a cozy nook to curl into is even better on a wintry day!

Macy’s Kenton Fabric Loveseat

If you’re searching for the same sofa-level comfort in a smaller package, then this loveseat from Macy’s is your ideal fit! All the coziness in a smaller frame – what’s not to love?

Ikea’s Karlstad Loveseat & Chaise Lounge

Ikea is known for its affordable furniture, and their couches and sofas are no exception. We’re in love with this loveseat/chaise combo that begs to be cuddled on. We might never get back up!

Crate&Barrel’s Cullen Apartment Sofa

You’ll love this luxury sofa made especially for apartment living. With deep seats and plush cushions, this couch will quickly become your favorite spot in the whole apartment. Add throw pillows and blankets for even more coziness!

Pottery Barn’s York Slope Arm Sofa with Chaise Sectional

We simply cannot praise this sofa set-up enough. Deeply cushioned, Pottery Barn promises “unrivaled comfort” in one of their highest-rated pieces. Upping the ante is the chaise sectional, offering more room and comfort!

Restoration Hardware’s 5’ Belgian Classic Roll Arm Sofa

This chic and insanely comfortable sofa is the ideal size for many renters. The deep profile is prime for curling up with a good book or the latest Netflix series, and the huge selection of slipcovers makes it easy to match with your existing décor.

Do you have a living room set-up that you want the world to know about? Share with us on Facebook – we’d love to see how our tenants make their new apartment homes at Arcadia Run uniquely theirs!

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Must-Have Apartment Essentials

Posted on September 5, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

With Phase 2 of Arcadia Run in the works, it’ll only be a matter of time before we start welcoming our newest residents. And whether this is the first apartment you’ve ever lived in or the fifth, there is a set of ‘apartment essentials’ that all renters should have in their arsenal:

A Vacuum

You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on a fancy vacuum – you just need to find one that suits you and your new apartment best. Opt out of this essential and you could be faced with a dingy apartment and no way to clean it!

Spices & Herbs

Appropriately stocking your pantry is the fastest way to feel comfortable in your new kitchen. If you love to cook, you’ll need all the everyday seasonings like garlic, salt, pepper, cinnamon and so on. This might take some time to build the perfect collection, but you’ll love having every spice right when you need it.

Cooking Supplies

Speaking of spending time in the kitchen, it might be important to bring utensils and tools you can actually use to cook with when you move! If you cook regularly, it’s not a bad idea to invest in sturdier, more expensive items that will last.

Tool Box/First Aid

Despite them being necessities, items like these are easy to overlook when planning a move. Aside from it just being a good idea to have both a small tool kit and a stocked first aid kit nearby, you’ll be thankful to have them handy if when you need them.

Storage Bins & Hangers

Space is a precious commodity no matter where you live. Luckily for residents at Arcadia Run, space is plentiful – many apartment units even feature walk-in closets! Regardless of the amount of space you have in your new place, it’s important to have an efficient way to store off-season clothing and other items.

Your Favorite Things

Like we mentioned in our last article, Making a New Apartment Your Home, having a few sentimental pieces in your new apartment will make you feel right at home in no time. Having your favorite blanket to curl up with on your perfectly broken-in couch are essentials in our book!

The tall ceilings, granite countertops, designer cabinetry and bright and spacious floor plans in our new luxury apartment homes at Arcadia Run make any transition easier. Manassas, home to our apartment complex, is teeming with community events and things to do, so making new friends with your neighbors isn’t hard to do! Take a look at the units available – make sure to check out the apartments we’re pre-leasing for Phase 2!

Back-To-School Checklist

Posted on July 31, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Back to school season is upon us! It may still be summer, but schools are busy readying for the upcoming school year – and parents at Arcadia Run are too! This weekend is perfect time to do so, as it’s Virginia’s back-to-school tax holiday. From August 1^st to the 3^rd, there will be special tax benefits for Virginian residents; clothes, shoes and school supplies will be tax exempt for shoppers!

To get ready for back-to-school shopping this upcoming weekend, here is a definitive checklist for our Arcadia Run residents:

Clothing – It’s true that children grow unbelievably fast, meaning they’ll quickly outgrow last year’s school wardrobe. In Manassas, there are so many places to shop and find new clothes for the school year. Try to think ahead – what will your child need during the cooler months? Think jeans, jackets and socks!

New Shoes – Just like clothing, growing children will quickly grow out of their school shoes. While it might be warm for another month or so, and tempting to wear sandals for as long as possible, it’s important to take advantage of the tax holiday and buy a new pair of closed-toed shoes. These will come in handy when the temperatures drop!

School Supplies – Depending on the grade your child is entering, they may need different school supplies. Most schools will supply a list of necessary items each student will require during their year. But whether in pre-school or a senior in high school, this tax-free weekend is the perfect time to stock up for the months ahead.

Backpack – It’s easy to forget the backpack, but it is a crucial school supply! Most students can reuse the same one for many years, but there will come a time when they’ll need a new one. If this is the case, this weekend is the ideal time to find one that will last!

And, while these might not be things you’ll get done during the tax holiday, they are still important to start considering before the school year begins:

Lunches – It doesn’t hurt to have a few lunch ideas in mind. Planning meals ahead of time will help to maintain a budget and keep lunchtime exciting.

Books – The older your child gets, the more books they’ll need for the school year. Most public schools provide the textbooks, but private schools will not. It’s important to factor this into your costs!

Schedule – Figuring out a schedule early on will save you and your family precious time in the morning. Getting the kids fed and ready to go, getting them to the bus stop, and still arriving to your work on time requires expert coordination. But we have confidence our Arcadia Run residents will get it down pat!

Arcadia Run is ideal for families for many reasons, one of them being access to excellent education. And, when living in a newly built luxury apartment, getting ready for the school year is even more exciting! For more information on the back-to-school tax holiday in August, visit the Virginia Department of Taxation website.

9 Summer Activities in Manassas

Posted on June 24, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

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 2^nd 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!

The Art of Apartment Shopping

Posted on January 31, 2014 by gottarunrunrun

Shopping for a new apartment could be considered an art form – yes, seriously! It might not be featured in a museum, but these skills are certainly helpful when finding a new space to rent. With all of the information out there on various options, deciphering ‘the good’ from ‘the bad’ can be cause for a big headache.

To help out, we’ve put together a list of questions to ask yourself when perfecting your apartment shopping skills:

What’s the quality of the apartment/community?

Of course having a quality apartment tops the list! ‘Good Quality’ can apply to the carpeting, building structure and status, appliances, perks, features and little things that one might not think of. With new carpeting, vinyl ‘hardwood’ floors, granite countertops, designer cabinets, extended windows and updated appliances all in a newly built building, we’ve thought of it all! Arcadia Run apartments are the embodiment of luxury and are as thorough as they are beautiful.

Additionally, to truly make Arcadia Run an all-encompassing community, we’ve provided various amenities for our residents to enjoy. We plan to have a new pool, fitness center, walking and jogging trail, a clubhouse and a playground all incorporated into the community within this year.

How much space do you need? How much is available?

One of the most valuable assets in any apartment is space. And believe us, finding an apartment for the right price is even sweeter when the layout fits your needs. At Arcadia Run, our apartments go one step further. Each unit features 9 foot ceilings and an intuitive design. You won’t believe all the room you can have in one unit alone! We also offer a variety of floor plans with either one or two bedrooms, so you have options when choosing the one that’s right for you.

Is it the right location?

What would be the fun in living in a great apartment if it weren’t located somewhere just as appealing? Luckily for Arcadia Run residents, our community is located in beautiful Manassas, Virginia, giving residents close access to all that this great town has to offer. With a charming downtown scene complete with restaurants, shops, parks, historical sites, and entertainment venues, and convenient to Washington D.C., what more could you ask for?

Is the community right for me?

Speaking of things to do around town, a perk to any apartment community is, well, the community! This is especially true for families with children or social residents who want to mingle with their neighbors. Arcadia Run is always hosting different events for residents to connect, just take a look at our Facebook page. And, with the completion of our new clubhouse, residents can expect even more invitations in the future!

The endless searching for a new apartment stops here. Arcadia Run apartments meet every criterion on any renter’s checklist. It’s that simple. Get used to getting more with Arcadia Run apartments!

11 Things to Do in Manassas

Posted on October 24, 2013 by gottarunrunrun

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.

Ride Often and Ride On at Bull Run Bicycles in Manassas

Posted on July 18, 2013 by Arcadia Run

Bull Run Bicycles is more than just a bike shop. It’s a homegrown, family-run Manassas mainstay that we love visiting for tune-ups, test rides or even just some great talk about riding.

The shop and its owners are wholly dedicated to the community, and with a name like Bull Run – The Battle of Bull Run kicked off the American Civil War near here in Manassas – you know it has the community and its storied history in mind first.

Bull Run Bicycles offers a range of bike-related services: you can purchase a new bike at Bull Run or get a fully tuned-up used bike at a competitive price. Bikes come with two years of unlimited adjustments and free tune-ups and the shop always has a mechanic on hand if you need a tune up or some help with your bike. And since the mechanic has spent more than 24 years focusing on bikes, you know your bike will be in safe hands at Bull Run.

The shop also sells bike parts, gear and even unicycles, so any cycling needs you might have will certainly be satisfied at Bull Run.

To add to its community focus, Bull Run also hosts group rides that kick off at the shop, so whether you’re a beginner or an expert rider, you can find a group of like-minded cycling lovers in Manassas.

For more information on Bull Run Bicycles, follow them on Facebook!

Image: Bull Run Bicycles

Find Balance in Manassas

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Arcadia Run

Situated right between the hustle and bustle of Washington,DC and the pristine natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley, Manassas has a perfect balance of urban activity and rural charm. The Historic Manassas National Battlefield Park is a reminder of the area’s rich history, and the shopping and residential growth right across the freeway demonstrates the region’s economic vigor.

Image: Fine Art America

Manassas has plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options to keep you busy, and DC is only a thirty minute train ride from the Manassas Amtrak Station or the Virginia Railway Express Station. Dulles Airport, the region’s largest, is easily accessible and only 20 minutes from downtown Manassas. Interstate 66 cuts right through town and will take you east into Washington DC in half an hour, or west to the Shenandoah Valley in an hour.

Image: Manassas City

SplashDown Waterpark and Atlantis Waterpark offer plenty of diversion during the warmer months, and great fishing spots can be found at Occoquan Reservoir, just a few miles south of Manassas, and Burke Lake Park, about 12 miles east of the city. Old Town Manassas has charming architecture, verdant parks, and a multitude of shopping and dining options. The city has seen a recent flurry of economic activity, highlighted by the brand new Arcadia Run Apartments!