Rediscovering America_ Exploring the Small Towns of Virginia & Maryland - Bill Burnham [67]
The Manassas Volunteer Fire Company Museum at 9322 Centreville Road (tel. 703-368-6211) displays hundreds of antique fire equipment and memorabilia in a working, modern fire station where visitors can talk with firefighters. Open Sundays noon-4 pm. Free (tel. 703-368-6211).
Manassas Battlefield Park, five miles north of Old Town Manassas, tells the story of the two great Civil War battles of 1861 and 1862, also known as the Battles of Bull Run. The national park encompasses more than 5,000 acres a one-mile walking tour of the first battle, a 12-mile driving tour of the second battle, as well as 30 miles of hiking trails, 20 miles of bridle paths and a visitor center. Open 8:30 am to 5 pm daily, until 6 pm in summer; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Admission is $3 for adults, under age 17 free. (12521 Lee Highway, tel. 703-361-1339, www.nps.gov/mana)
Shopping
More than two dozen specialty shops in Old Town line Center Street – the main drag – and its side streets. You’ll find antiques, country crafts, artist’s studios and art galleries.
Dining
For such a small area, Old Town has a great diversity of restaurants. You can eat Cajun at Okra’s Louisiana Bistro (9110 Center Street, tel. 703-330-2729), Thai at the Thai Secret (9114 Center Street, tel. 703-361-2500), Italian and Portuguese at Carmello’s & Little Portugal, located in the old Cocke Pharmacy (9108 Center Street, tel. 703-368-5522), or Philly specialties at the Philadelphia Tavern (9413 Main Street, tel. 703-393-1776). Have English tea at The Victorian Tea Room (9413 Battle Street, tel. 703-393-TEAS), a cool treat at The Old Town Scoop (9360 Main Street, tel. 703-396-7151), or hot coffee at Java Jacks (9112 Center Street, tel. 703-330-5124).
Lodging
Bennett House Bed & Breakfast is a Victorian inn that serves a full country breakfast, a great start for a day of walking in Old Town. Your return or arrival in the afternoon is greeted with a cup of tea or wine and cheese. Then take some time to relax on the porch or in the hot tub. (9252 Bennett Drive, tel. 800-354-7060, www.virginia-bennetthouse.com, $$)
Olde Towne Inn is a modest motor lodge right in the heart of Old Town (9403 Main Street, tel. 703-368-9191, $). Best Western Manassas is located just outside the Old Town area at 8640 Mathis Avenue (tel. 703-368-7070, $$).
Nearly all the major chain motels are represented close to the battlefield area at Route 234 and I-66.
Pet-friendly: The Red Roof Inn at Route 234 and I-66 takes pets at no extra charge. (tel. 703-335-9333, $)
Information
The Historic Manassas Visitor Center in the historic railroad depot is open 9 am to 5 pm daily. (tel. 703-361-6599, www.visitmanassas.org)
TIP: Parking is free on Old Town’s streets and in public lots, but it is timed. If you don’t want to worry about getting a ticket, pick up a free all-day parking permit at the visitor center.
Events
The Loy E. Harris Pavilion, next to the train station, is the center of activity in Old Town Manassas, with a full schedule of concerts, festivals, art shows and holiday celebrations June through October (tel. 703-361-6599, www.harrispavilion.com). A highlight is the annual Manassas Heritage Railway Festival the first Saturday in June (tel. 703-361-6599).
TRIVIA: The First Battle of Manassas (Bull Run) on July 21, 1861, was the first major battle of the Civil War. It was during this battle Confederate Gen. Thomas J. Jackson earned the named “Stonewall.” The Confederates defeated federal troops in their first encounter, although an argument could be made that both sides were staggered by the vicious fighting and heavy casualties. “The Confederate army was more disorganized by victory than that of the United States by defeat,” wrote Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston.
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