Are you looking for a family vacation that is relaxing, fun, educational and inexpensive? Hop a cheap flight to Washington Dulles airport, pick up a rental car and head to Manassas, Virginia, less than 20 miles south of Dulles on Highway 28.
Many modestly priced lodging options are available, including major motel chains with outdoor swimming pools such as Hampton Inn, Days Inn, Courtyard by Marriott and Holiday Inn. The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson located near the Manassas National Battlefield Park offers an indoor pool, spa, game room and in-room Nintendo for rainy days. For convenience to downtown Manassas activities a budget option exists at the Olde Towne Inn. And for the romantics, Bennett House Bed and Breakfast provides an estate-like setting only a few blocks from the Historic District.
Primarily a farming area after settlers and plantation owners arrived in the last part of the 17th century, Manassas grew after the installation of two railroad lines in the mid-1800s intersected at what was then called Manassas Gap Railway Junction. Unfortunately, the railroad which provided the impetus for growth was instrumental in its ruin.
Due to its proximity to both capitals of the Civil War era and the need of both sides to use the railroad to transport troops, supplies and the wounded, Manassas was destined to be the site of two major civil war battles, The First Battle of Manassas in 1861 and the Second Battle of Manassas, which took place a year later, left the area almost totally destroyed.
This history can be explored further by visiting the excellent Manassas Museum in Old Town and viewing its displays and videos. Also, approximately 4 miles north of Old Town the Manassas National Battlefield Park offers a museum, programs, guided tours and maps of both battlefields, as well as many hiking options.
Check with the Manassas Visitor Center (open from 9:00am to 5:00 pm daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Days) in the Train Depot for maps, information and seasonal highlight information. These include children’s programs at the Harris Pavilion in Old Town and the Museum; concerts, theater and dance; a Railway Festival in early June; Fall Jubilee in early October; as well as many others. Walking tour information is available at the Visitor Center, also.
Manassas Train Depot housing the Visitor Center
If you want a break from history and the arts, head for the two water parks located nearby. They are sure to rejuvenate both parents and children with tube slides, water cannons, lazy rivers and more. Shoppers will want to take advantage of the many unique and charming shops in Old Town, including a colorful candy store, the Old Town Sweet Shoppe, which features yummy homemade fudge. Don’t miss the Victorian Tea Room and Bakery, located next door, known for its wide range of desserts and snacks, as well as delicious lunch options. Also, the Potomac Mills Mall is only 25 minutes away. The men might want to check out the Philadelphia Tavern in Old Town, sampling a cheese steak sandwich or hoagie while watching a sporting event on one of its many flat screen TVs.
The Old Town Sweet Shoppe
Manassas’ restaurants run the gamut-there is something for everyone! The Old Town area offers gourmet Portuguese and classic Italian dining at Carmello’s; funky and fun drinks and Creole cuisine can be found at Okra’s Louisiana Bistro (if you like your food less spicy, ask the waiter for suggestions); winning clam chowder, seafood and steaks take center stage at Jake’s Seafood Restaurant; burgers and sandwiches are available at Foster’s Grill; while the City Square Café offers casual European and American lunches and dinners (breakfast only on weekends).
Outside the Old Town area, Guapo’s Tex-Mex Grill is famous for its BBQ ribs and roasted chicken, and the Red Hot and Blue restaurant is a 10 year veteran of the 100 Very Best Restaurants list by Washingtonian Magazine. As an added attraction, Vietnamese, Thai, Greek, and Chinese restaurants line Highway 28, creating a smorgasbord of ethnic diversity.
Is there a train enthusiast in the family, or do you want to sightsee in Washington D.C. or Alexandria without the hassle of driving? Hop aboard the VRE, the Virginia Railway Express, at the Train Depot in Old Town and enjoy a one-hour ride into Olde Towne Alexandria or Washington’s Union Station. Spend the day shopping or visiting museums and monuments. Tickets can be purchased on line or at the Train Depot for approximately $15 per person round trip (children may be cheaper). Parking permits for those riding the VRE or Amtrak trains into Washington can be obtained at no charge at the Visitor Center in the Train Depot. You can return to your car in the Manassas parking lot at your leisure. Remember, this is primarily a commuter train, and does not run on weekends or Federal Holidays.
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