An infusion of vibrant colors, cooler weather and laid back vibes create an autumn oasis in Prince William, Virginia. From scenic hikes, small-town festivals, historic tours and shopping there are an endless amount of reasons to visit Prince William, VA this fall. Here are ten activities to get you started:
1. Admire Changing Colors
Prince William is home to Prince William Forest Park, the largest Piedmont Forest in the National Park Service and the largest green space in the DC metro area. Imagine how beautiful this park is when all of the green leaves change to be orange, red, and yellow. Hike or take a nature walk and experience the Prince William Forest Park's exquisite beauty. Don't forget to bring your camera!
2. Update Your Fall Wardrobe
Potomac Mills is the perfect place to visit to update your wardrobe for the fall season. Potomac Mills is the largest outlet mall in Virginia and has over 200 stores for shoppers to choose from. With great prices and a wide variety of options, you will undoubtedly find everything you want and need.
3. Hike Scenic Trails
Fall is a perfect time to go for a hike. It's not too hot or freezing cold. Prince William has over 36 square miles of green space to enjoy (That's 1.6 times larger than the island of Manhattan). Besides Prince William Forest Park, here are a few other hiking trails to consider:
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Take a historic hike at Leesylvania State Park or Manassas National Battlefield
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Hike through the Bull Run Mountains
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A short hike through our local parks
4. Experience a Small Town Event
Held on October 16, 2021, Haymarket Day is the town of Haymarket, VA biggest annual event. Enjoy the 200+ vendors, entertainers and culinary selections, including fair favorites such as funnel cakes, kettle corn, and even snow cones! The street festival also boasts a parade showcasing local schools, law enforcement, and of course, the Town Marshal! You won't want to miss this one-day event.
5. Taste Seasonal Brews
(photo credit: Eavesdrop Brewery)
Prince William is home to unique breweries located in Manassas, Woodbridge, and Gainesville. You can bet that these breweries will be rolling out some seasonally inspired beers and taking part in Oktoberfest celebrations. For those of you who like pumpkin-flavored everything, I’m sure you cannot wait to get ahold of some seasonal pumpkin beer.
6. Pick Out Your Pumpkins
Make a day of pumpkin picking by visiting one of Prince William's local pumpkin patches! This is one of the best family-friendly activities. Along with pumpkin picking, Cedar Run Brewery at Evergreen Acres has wagon rides out to their pick your own pumpkin patch. Yankey Farms has a corn maze, a cow train, and other fresh produce.
7. Explore World War I Historical Sites
It was the war to end all wars. One hundred years ago, on November 11th, the Great War (World War I) came to an end. The fighting forever changed the United States and Prince William County. Join local historians for a special bus tour of World War I sites in Prince William County. Explore sites of military training, factories and monuments in Prince William County, along with the final resting places of some of the fallen who were returned home after the war. Explore the World War History Trail.
8. Attend a Haunted Ghost Tour
As a site of multiple important Civil War battles, Prince William is home to many haunted places, and October is the perfect month to experience our haunted history. Historic Occoquan is among one of the most popular places to learn about ghosts. Tours are offered Wednesday-Saturday at 8 PM and on Saturday at 4 PM, although you must call ahead. Other Haunted Attractions are listed below. For more information, go here.
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Rippon Lodge
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Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center
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The Weems-Botts Museum
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Ben Lomond Historic Site
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The Winery at La Grange
9. Find Fresh, Local Produce at Farmers Markets
Prince William is home to many farmers markets. With the changing of the seasons comes new varieties of fruits and vegetables. The best way to enjoy produce is through fresh, local suppliers at the markets. Time to look up those pumpkin and apple pie recipes!
10. Celebrate Veterans Day
Veterans Day is on November 11, and Prince William, Virginia is the best place to honor our veterans. Start the day off with a visit to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Next, head over to the Manassas National Battlefield Park to hear about the two Battles of Manassas/Bull Run. End the day with a visit to the Quantico National Cemetery to honor those who have given their lives for our country.
Original article published in 2015 by Jordan McElwain updated in September 2021