Small Group, Big Experience
A small group can be an exhilarating way to experience a destination. You are spending your time developing lasting relationships with others on the tour, as well as indulging in activities larger groups cannot take advantage of. This tour highlights the distinct luxuries in Prince William, specially tailored for a group of 20 people or under. Call on your creative and adventurous side on this feature-rich tour!
Day 1:
Dive into a piece of history over a catered lunch at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. Begin your tour with a visit to the 1820’s courthouse and haunted jail. It was here in January 1860 that the Prince William Cavalry was formed in response to John Brown’s raid in nearby Harper’s Ferry. Today, the jail has been restored to its 19th-century “charm” and the exposed wood beams provide a haunting atmosphere as you listen for the spirits of those who may not have left. You may also create your own hand-made ornament that a 19th-century family would have made to decorate their homes.
Your next stop is Ben Lomond Historic Site for a VIP tour. Used as a hospital after the First Battle of Manassas/Bull Run during the Civil War, your tour will take in the sights, sounds, and smells of what it was like to be a wounded soldier in July 1861. You’ll visit parts of the house that are not open to the general public and may include a cooking demonstration, musket firing demonstration, or other interactive experience.
If you prefer your spirits distilled, jaunt over to MurLarkey Distilled Spirits for a private tour and tasting. Learn about the distilling process from grain to glass and sample this family-owned distillery’s cocktail-ready spirits. You could try their barrel-aged dark whiskey called Brutality, the all-natural gin titled Imagination, or the gluten-free vodka aptly named Divine Clarity.
Since you will have worked up quite the hunger from all the adventure, you will appreciate the variety of the nearby dinner options. Take in dinner overlooking the 18th hole at Bristow Manor Golf Club, relax over a New Orleans style seafood dinner at Long Time No Sea, or enjoy a meal in a historic two-story dairy barn at The Black Sheep restaurant. In addition to delectable food, your eyes will feast on the memorable atmosphere of your dining destination.
Tonight, your group will overnight at The Inn at Evergreen. Built in the 1800s, Evergreen played an important role during the Civil War and the Underground Railroad movement. This 11-room upscale inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, as well as the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. Your rooms may also overlook the 18th hole of the adjacent private golf course!
Day 2:
Receive a warm welcome to Occoquan by the mayor, Earnie Porta. Enjoy a guided tour of the quaint riverside town as he highlights the history and intriguing details of Occoquan. Discover stories of the historic buildings, including The Odd Fellows Hall, and why the historic markers may not be entirely accurate.
After your tour, refine your taste buds at So Olive, Occoquan’s olive oil and vinegar specialty store. So Olive will provide a tasting of and education about their distinct olive oils, such as the blood orange fused olive oil. As you spend some time exploring the unique shops around town, peruse their selection of over 20 different flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for use at home.
If your group is adventurous, you may opt to go on a guided kayak or paddleboard tour of the Occoquan River with Penguin Paddling.
After lunch, pay your respects at National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico with a private flag-placing experience at the graves of veterans whose remains were previously forgotten. Hosted by the Missing in America Project, their mission is to find, identify, and provide full military burial for these now-remembered heroes.
Continue your journey at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Telling the story of America through the eyes of Marines, this world-class museum is expanding and your group will get a VIP experience in the new combat artist gallery. You could meet the artist and discuss their creative process, see art being made, or meet the gallery’s curator to talk about the significance of the pieces on display.
End your day by traveling to Brew Republic where you’ll discover the brewing process from start to finish. Get a behind-the-scenes look at their facility and taste their Great American Beer Festival award-winning beer. Alternatively, send your palate to Paris by way of Occoquan for French cuisine at Bistro L’Hermitage, sample Belgian fare and libations at Cock & Bowl, or unwind with a wine pairing dinner at Occoquan’s only wine bar, Bottle Stop.
Day 3:
After a scrumptious breakfast, choose your own adventure this morning:
- Group One: Enjoy a leisurely morning of golf at Evergreen Country Club. Guests of the Inn at Evergreen are permitted to use this private, members-only, course. After 18 challenging holes, enjoy a refreshing lunch in the clubhouse.
- Group Two: Use your creative side this morning! Go outside for plein air painting or pick your inspiration as you paint with a mimosa in your hand at Muse Paint Bar. After your class, enjoy some free time to shop and explore in Manassas Mall. Enjoy lunch at Uptown Alley, where you could knock down some pins between bites.
Regroup back at the Inn at Evergreen before departing for home.
Download Small Group, Big Experience Itinerary PDF file
