Let's be honest, if you're a fan of the Netflix TV Show, Stranger Things, we're all feeling a little lost after the series finale last week. I mean, what are we going to do without the demogorgons and Vecna hunting us down? Well, even though Hawkins and the Upside Down aren't actually places to visit, Prince William, Virginia can offer the next best thing!
Want to feel like you've stepped into Stranger Things, make sure you visit these must-stop-spots on your next Prince William visit!
The Creel House
The Winery at La Grange - Haymarket, VA
Can you hear the grandfather clock ticking? If you want to feel like you stepped into the Creel House and right in the middle of Vecna's lair, The Winery at La Grange in Haymarket, Virginia! This historic manor has been in Prince William since...well...almost the start! Research evidenced that La Grange is rich in history; it had been originally carved out of Robert “King” Carter’s Bull Run Tract in the 1600s and later became known as La Grange. Though this winery might not be as scary as the Creel House, it is still home to some ghosts.
Looking to meet a few? Make sure to stop by! Staff members are always more than happy to tell you a tale or two.
Lover's Lake
Silver Lake Regional Park - Haymarket, VA
We're talking Water Gate...and no, not the one you're thinking of! Lover's Lake is a huge part of Season 4 of Stranger Things. When Vecna claims a victim, a gate to the Upside Down opens. And one of those spots happens to be a cute little spot called Lover's Lake! Although you wont find a gate here, Silver Lake Park give the ultimate LL vibes.
Silver Lake Regional Park is a designated passive recreation park with 230 acres of rolling meadows, pine forests and a 23-acre lake fed by Little Bull Run Stream. The park opens at 7am and closes at sunset. There are no trash cans at Silver Lake Park. Park visitors are responsible for removal of their own trash. What you bring into the park, you must take out of the park.
Eddie's Trailer
The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm - Gainesville, VA
Chrissy wake up! I don't like this! Okay, sorry, we had to. This cute little trailer is located at The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm as a Nollypop Boutique! After sipping on some delicious wine, enjoying live music, and maybe even hitting a golf ball or two, head over to Nollypop and do some much needed retail therapy. They are known as a fleet of Mobile Boutiques that features On Trend Clothing, Unique & Handmade Accessories & Gifts!
Surfer Boy Pizza
Graffiti Cat Pizza - Occoquan, VA
Ever needed pound and pounds of salt to create a bath you can float in? No? Strange. Well, anyways, Surfer Boy Pizza plays an important part in Season 4 as well. Not only do they offer delicious pizza for our main characters to enjoy, they also save the day in more than one way. Looking for a place that matches that vibe? Graffiti Cat Pizza in Occoquan, VA is the place to be! Graffiti Cat Pizza is a regular pop-up hosted at Potomac Chocolate in Occoquan, VA. We handcraft Neapolitan style pizzas with a sourdough crust.
Hopper's Cabin
Prince William Forest Park - Dumfries, VA
Ever wanted to visit Hopper's cabin in the woods? Yeah, me too. Sadly, we can't since that was Eleven's super secret hide out. However, we have something ALMOST as good. Prince William Forest Park is an oasis, a respite of quiet and calm. In 1936, Chopawamsic Recreation Area opened its gates to house children's 'relief' camps during the Great Depression. Renamed Prince William Forest Park in 1948, these fragrant woods and trickling streams have welcomed generations of campers, hikers, bikers and nature lovers.
And in case you were curious, yes, there are cabins that the CIA used for training that you and your family can stay at!
Starcourt Mall
Potomac Mills Mall - Woodbridge, VA
Hawkins first mall is full of shops, ice cream, and...Russian spies? Well, Potomac Mills has pretty much all of that (minus the spies)! Located in Woodbridge, VA, Potomac Mills is Virginia's largest outlet mall, located minutes from the heart of Washington D.C. Potomac Mills features an indoor shopping experience with over 200 stores, including Bloomingdale's-The Outlet Store, Nordstrom Rack, IKEA, Kate Spade New York, The North Face, and Nike Clearance Store.
Hawkins
Occoquan, VA
Hawkins is a cute, small town located in Indiana! Although it is sadly fiction, small towns like Hawkins can be found in many places. The one you should check out the most? Occoqaun! There might not be any portals into the Upside Down here, but there are plenty of things to make you feel like you stepped into Stranger Things! Occoquan is located about 20 miles south of Washington, DC and is home to just over 1,100 residents. They have 80+ small and family owned businesses including award-winning restaurants, art galleries, hair/spa services, plus dozens of unique shops and boutiques.
So what do you say? Are you going to come visit DC's very own Hawkins in Prince William, Virginia? We'll be waiting for you if you do. And remember, things are always a little more stranger than they appear.