6 Ways to Beat the End of Summer Heat at Arcadia Run

Everyone know that August and early September can get super hot, especially here in Manassas, VA! We have some great tips on how to beat the heat for the last few weeks of the summer at Arcadia Run!

Outside your apartment

  •  Take a dip in the pool: Our brand new resort style pool is perfect for cooling off! You can swim some laps, dip your feet in, or float around on a raft. No matter what you prefer, our pool is going to be a refreshing escape from the heat.
  • Go for a hike: Virginia includes some of the most diverse landscapes, from farms to mountains and beaches. Convenient for Arcadia Run residents, Hemlock Overlook Regional Parkis located right here in Manassas! It’s a great place to take a hike through the shade of a forest and discover some of Virginia’s beautiful nature trails.
  • Watch a movie: Luckily for Arcadia Run residents, we have a brand new theater room in our clubhouse! Grab a group of friends and chill out in the clubhouse as you lounge and watch your favorite flick.

Inside your apartment

  • Block sunny windows: If staying inside is more your thing to do to avoid the swelter outside, block the sunlight from coming in with curtains or blinds. This will keep your new apartment home nice and cool.
  • Limit oven use: Although our new apartments here at Arcadia Run are equipped with state of the art kitchen appliances, oven use in any home will contribute to heat. Eat more fresh foods while it’s hot out, like a nice summer salad or sushi, so you’re not cooking (food or yourself) in the heat.
  • Buy indoor plants: The energy plants need to survive is from sunlight and water, but they also keep the air around themselves cool. The air around plants is cooler because instead of reflecting the energy (heat) in the air, they absorb it.

Sources: forbes.comalltrails.com

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!

Welcoming the Fall Season

Ahh, it’s officially fall.  What do you have on your bucket list this season?  Here are a few of our favorite fall activities around the Manassas area – and we think you’ll enjoy them too!

Bands, Brews, and Barbeque Festival

To kick off your fall festivities, visit the 3rd annual Bands, Brews, and Barbeque Festival this weekend (Sep. 28, 12:00pm to 7:00pm) on The Manassas Museum Lawn.  This is a free festival where attendees can enjoy a picnic on the lawn, the best barbeque in Virginia, and listen to talented bands play everything from rock to jazz.

Manassas Fall Jubilee

The following weekend, stop by the 31st Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee in Old Town Manassas.  This event is the classic fall festival with everything from crafts, to face painting, to food and entertainment.  If you’re not quite ready for fall, this festival is sure to put you in the mood.

Visit a Farm

Just 20 minutes out of Manassas is Burnside Farms, a farm that offers pick-it-yourself organic produce.  You can pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving or get a basket full of fresh apples.

Shop at a Farmer’s Market

If you can’t make it to a farm, visit the Farmer’s Market held every week in Manassas. In the fall, produce switches to pumpkin, squash, kale, and other seasonal fruits and vegetables.  Visiting a local farmer’s market lets you buy the freshest produce while supporting local farmers.

Manassas National Battlefield Park

Feel like indulging in a little history?  No problem.  Visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park on a sunny day to explore the rich history of our town.  This park is also the number one ranked attraction in Manassas! Go with your friends or family to take a tour and learn a little bit about the 1st and 2nd Battle of Manassas.  The crisp air and colorful leaves will only add to your experience.

These are only just a few of the many, many things to do in Manassas during the fall season.  We look forward to more festivals, spooky attractions, and colder weather in the future!