Visit us year-round for relaxing, scenic hikes, American Civil War history, tasty craft beverages and tucked-away cafes. This 2-day itinerary has a little something for everyone - from solo adventures to multi-generational family trips. You're sure to enjoy all that Prince William, VA has to offer.
Day 1
- Morning: Tour of Manassas National Battlefield Park: This 5,000-acre park is the site of the First and Second Battles of Manassas (or Battles of Bull Run. The park is complemented by an artifact- filled visitors center as well as a new theater, featuring the film "Manassas: End of Innocence." The superb, 45-minute video, narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, follows the stories of five individuals whose lives were forever touched by the battles and serves as an excellent guide to exploring the battlefield and nearby historic sites. Visitors can enjoy equestrian, walking and driving tours, annual battle commemorative events as well as living history demonstrations at various times throughout the summer.
- Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Winery at La Grange: The Winery at La Grange is located 40 miles southwest of Washington, DC in Haymarket, Virginia. The property includes eight acres of vineyards, the restored circa 1790 manor house, and a production facility. Groups could always savor flavorful wine, but now they can also indulge on a guided tour of the haunted 1790's three-story mansion while visiting. This new experience invites you down to the original cellar known as Benoni's Lounge, tells tales of the spirits who haunt the brick home and shares the humorous story of why the owner installed additional fireplaces when he didn't need to.
- Afternoon: Hiking at Silver Lake Regional Park: Silver Lake Regional Park features a 23-acre lake is fed by the Little Bull Run, is a fisherman’s delight with bluegill and largemouth bass. The lake is open for bank fishing and non-motorized boats. Additionally, the park has 4 miles of multipurpose trails which are used with equal enthusiasm by equestrians and hikers alike.
- Afternoon: Shopping at Cabela’s: A 79,000-sq.-ft. store located at the intersection of Linton-Hall Road and Lee Highway in the Virginia Gateway development. The store boasts an indoor archery test area, an aquarium, dozens of museum-quality wildlife displays, a Gun Library and a Bargain Cave. If shopping the wide selection of outdoor equipment works up your appetite, stop by the in-store deli or snag a sweet treat in the Fudge Shop - our fudge is made fresh daily!
- Dinner: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: What kind of food are you in the mood for? No matter what you answer, with 120 items on the menu you're certain to find something you'll enjoy at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. For the lighter appetites in your group, they have house-made soups, garden fresh specialty salads, shareable appetizers, BJ's Snacks & Small Bites, and sandwiches. If you've brought a hearty appetite they have handcrafted burgers, pasta favorites, steaks and ribs and a huge pizza selection, including BJ's Signature Deep Dish Pizza.
- Evening: Dessert & a nightcap at Trummer’s Coffee & Wine Bar: Trummer's Coffee and Wine Bar is a European Cafe featuring unique espresso drinks, select wines, artisanal cocktails, pastries and small plates. This is the perfect spot to meet friends for a relaxing casual dinner. There are bar seats, tables and outdoor spots to enjoy on a sunny day. They are located right in Virginia Gateway behind the water fountain and near the movie theatre.
Day 2
- Morning: Tour of Brentsville Historic Centre: The 28-acre Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre includes five historic buildings: 1822 courthouse, 1822 jail, 1880 church, 1850 farmhouse, and a one-room schoolhouse that served the young children of Brentsville from 1929 to 1944. A former Prince William County seat, the historic area served as a hub for activity more than 75 years ago. This reputedly haunted historic center consists of four buildings: a courthouse, jail, church, and a one-room schoolhouse. The grounds are open daily and include a self-guided interpretative trail and picnic area. Tours are offered Thursday-Monday, May through October from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment.
- Morning: Tour of Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park: Two important Civil War Battles were fought on this 133-acre "hallowed ground." site. The Battle of Kettle Run was fought on August 27, 1862, and the Battle of Bristoe Station on October 14, 1863. Guided tours are offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. on the second and fourth weekend of the month from May through October. Special tours can be arranged by calling 703-366-3049. This peaceful landscape features more than 2.7 miles of walking and equestrian trails open year-round daily from sunrise to sunset. Wildlife abounds in the fields, woods, and ponds.
- Lunch: Farm Brew Live: Farm Brew LIVE is an 8-acre campus that features craft beer, craft food and live, local music. Included on campus are 2 Silos Brewing, Co. and tasting room, The YARD outdoor live music venue, The Pit BBQ, and beer garden, The Black Sheep Restaurant, whiskey + wine + nosher and La Gringa Food Truck. Farm Brew LIVE is part of Innovation Park in Prince William County on the site of the historic Thomasson Barn.
- Afternoon: Wine tasting at Effingham Manor: The main house at Effingham Manor dates back to 1767. It is a large, two-story, five-bay, Tidewater-style, frame residence set on a raised basement. It features massive brick double chimneys at each end of the structure. Also included in the district are a brown sandstone blacksmith shop, a smokehouse and former slaves' quarters, as well as a terraced garden that is reputed to be one of the earliest in Virginia. Be sure to try their signature wine "King's Ransom". Others include Meritage, Norton, Tannat, Traminette, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rose, and Sparkling wine. Regardless of whether you prefer red or white, Effingham has several offerings for every wine lover.
- Afternoon: Hiking Neabsco Boardwalk: The Neabsco Creek Boardwalk traverses Neabsco Creek, allowing hikers access to wetlands where the tall grasses and marsh filter pollution from the river and provide a rich habitat for great blue herons, wood ducks, mallards, sparrow and red-winged blackbirds, just to name a few of the winged wildlife known to populate the area. The project is designed to showcase Woodbridge's most valuable natural asset -- the Potomac waterfront – while linking historic landmarks such as Rippon Lodge and Leesylvania Park.
- Afternoon: Leesylvania State Park: Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. It's also the ancestral home of Virginia's legendary Lee and Fairfax families. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.
