💖 Virginia is NOT just for Lovers

“At the End of the Water” - Occoquan, Virginia!

Did you know the word Occoquan comes from an old Algonquian/Dogue Indian word meaning “at the end of the water”? It likely refers to the town’s location at the head of the tidewater on the Occoquan River. Located just 20 miles south of Washington, DC, Occoquan is a small but incredibly vibrant riverfront town. Established in 1755, its charming downtown is filled with beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops - and plenty of places to discover. And discover we did! On a VERY hot summer day, we spent hours wandering the streets and popping into some wonderfully unique shops. We picked up chocolate at Potomac Chocolate, where they roast their own beans and turn them into some of the simplest, most flavorful chocolate you’ll ever taste! Then we stopped at Hitchcock Paper Company, where handmade stationery and greeting cards make every visit feel like a treasure hunt. Next came a visit with Mayor Earnie, who shared stories about Occoquan’s historic Mill and the Mill Museum. And since Mayor Earnie is a competitive paddleboarder - and did we mention it was HOT?! - he had the perfect suggestion: let’s get out on the Occoquan River and cool off! So . . . our day exploring a historic little town turned into our first-ever paddle boarding adventure! That’s exactly what we love about traveling - discovering a new place, meeting great people, trying something completely new, and creating memories we’ll hold onto for years. It was one of those days where everything just clicked. It exceeded all our expectations . . . and left us already wanting to come back for more!

Add Burnside Farms to Your Prince William County Adventure! If you plan your trip to Prince William County, Virginia just right, you can add a stop at Burnside Farms to your list of must-visit places!

Summer at the Farm

Escape the everyday and wander through 78 mesmerizing acres of vibrant blooms, just 40 miles west of Washington, DC. The fields come alive with sunflowers, zinnias, gladiolas, and more. Spend the day walking, talking, picking flowers, soaking up the sunshine, and embracing the season.

Spring in Full Bloom

Step into spring surrounded by more than two million tulips and daffodils blooming across 20 breathtaking acres. Discover colors and varieties you may have never seen before, capture picture-perfect moments, and handpick a beautiful bouquet to take a little of the magic home with you.

And Don't Miss the Market!

Before you leave, be sure to browse the fabulous farm market, packed with Virginia-centric goodies like jams, jellies, salsas, pickles, candles, and plenty more goodies to take home. Come for the flowers, stay for the sunsets, and leave with unforgettable memories!

Prince William County, Virginia knows how to ROCK!

We don’t think we’ve visited a place that’s more passionate about its music venues, live music scene, breweries, wineries, and distilleries than Prince William County. And honestly . . . that might have something to do with why we LOVE going back! Last season, we fell in love with NOVA Live - a unique complex where restaurants, a brewery, a distillery, LIVE music, and now a hotel all come together in one place. It’s the kind of spot where you can arrive, settle in, and never really need to leave! But when we returned this season, we discovered there was SO much more to explore. Thanks to Prince William’s Steins, Vines & Moonshine Trail, we uncovered even more places doing it right - great food, live music, delicious libations, and incredible atmospheres. Whether you’re looking for a place to unwind after a long day of travel, hang out with family and friends, or meet some new friends along the way, this trail has plenty of stops worth raising a glass to! Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow had us feeling like rockstars! We got to go behind the scenes and learn what makes this outdoor amphitheater so special for both fans and artists. And with a venue this well designed, it feels like there’s not a bad seat in the house! Every spot is a great place to rock out to your favorite artist - and let’s just say, backstage is pretty cool too! After working up a thirst, we headed over to The Farm Brewery at Broad Run to check another stop off the SVMT App - and WOW, what a stop!

They’ve got something for everyone:

Ales & lagers

Wines & locally made cider

Games

Axe throwing

Live music

Tasty snacks & food trucks
And we LOVE their motto: Life is Brewtiful!

Shhh… we know a place.

Ratified on January 16, 1919, the 18th Amendment banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors. In practice, Prohibition proved incredibly difficult to enforce and helped fuel the growth of organized crime and illegal speakeasies across the country. When selling alcohol became illegal, thousands of hidden bars popped up across America. They used secret doors, passwords, fake storefronts, hidden entrances, and even buzzers to keep unwanted visitors - especially the police - out.

Fast-forward about a century . . . Tucked away behind an unmarked door inside Tempo by Hilton in Manassas, Virginia, you’ll find Repeal Speakeasy - a stylish throwback to the golden age of cocktails, with expertly crafted drinks, curated spirits, and an intimate atmosphere made for lingering conversations and late-night rendezvous. The cocktail menu is essentially a love letter to cocktail history - reimagined for today. From timeless classics like the Bathtub Gin Fizz to creative house originals, there’s plenty to discover. And, of course, a proper speakeasy needs rules.

A few of Repeal’s rules: