Destinations

Fall in love with Prince William County

Virginia is for lovers. That’s how the state’s official visitor statement reads. But, it’s also for fishermen – and their families. Anglers looking to mix a fishing trip into a family vacation will love the fact they can easily do both in Northern Virginia.

Although the fine bass fishing found on the Potomac River may be the area’s initial allure, Prince William County offers so many activities and attractions that even the most ardent angler may have trouble fitting fishing into the itinerary. Unlike many other major tourism hubs, the county offers a variety of both indoor and outdoor activities.

Since fishing is obviously an outdoor activity, it stands to reason many anglers and their families are interested in other outdoor activities as well. If so, they’ll be pleased to know that, despite its close proximity to ultra-urban Washington, DC, Prince William County offers an impressive array of outdoor recreational opportunities, claiming the title of “Outdoors Capitol of the Capitol Region.”

Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge is one place visitors are likely become familiar with during their stay. Not only does this 500-acre state park offer an impressive boat launch facility, but it is also home to six miles of hiking trails. Best known as the ancestral home of the famous Lee family, Leesylvania State Park offers history buffs an opportunity to explore the plantation ruins where Harry “Light Horse” Lee and his son, Gen. Robert E. Lee once lived.

Those interested in history will also want to visit Manassas National Battlefield Park. The park’s 30 miles of hiking trails and 12-mile driving trail allow visitors to explore the very grounds where the first large-scale battle of the Civil War, the First Battle of Manassas, took place. Manassas National Battlefield Park has also been designated as an Audubon Important Bird Area and is part of Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail.

“History is very big around here,” said Sudha Kamath, Media Relations Manager for Prince William County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “The Manassas National Battlefield Park is one of our most popular attractions, drawing well over 700,000 visitors annually. Of course, Leesylvania State Park is also a big draw, and not that far from the park we have the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which is a very impressive museum.

“Not to mention, we are only 30 minutes away from the nation’s capitol, Washington, DC. It’s real easy for people staying in Prince William County to drive into Washington for the day and take in all the sights and history around the Capitol.”

Back in Prince William County, there are plenty of other options for campers, hikers, birders and outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers several additional parks that feature one or more of those outdoor activities, including Prince William Forest Park, Locust Shade Park, Signal Hill Park, Lake Ridge Park, Julie J. Metz Wetland Bank and Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Those interested in mixing some sport into their time outdoors may want to sample some of Northern Virginia’s nationally acclaimed golf courses.

“Golf is very important to us,” Kamath explained. “In fact, we have nine championship golf courses and three training courses. And, despite what many people think about our winter weather, you can play golf here year around.”

The county’s courses are so highly regarded that the region has hosted the Presidents Cup four times. Among the most popular of these courses are Bull Run Country Club, General’s Ridge Golf Course and Forest Greens Golf Club.

Another great way to mix sports and outdoors is to take in a game at G. Richard Pftzner Stadium, home of the Potomac Nationals.

“Their games are always fun and entertaining,” Kamath said. “They have free fireworks after every Saturday night home games and a number of the players have gone on to the major leagues.”

Sports fans also have the option of taking in a NASCAR race at Old Dominion Speedway. Visitors finding themselves in Prince William County during the warmer seasons may also want to take in one or more of the counties three water parks. The largest of these, Splashdown, is one of the area’s top five attractions.

Those preferring to spend part of the day inside will more than likely want to stop by Potomac Mills Mall.  This massive outlet mall attracts millions of visitors annually and features top-shelf retailers such as Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, Polo, Ralph Lauren and more. Potomac Mills also houses an 18-screen AMC movie theatre.

Shoppers looking for a unique experience have a few other options as well. Old Town Manassas is comprised of two dozen art, antique and specialty shops, all housed in Victorian-era buildings. Historic Occoquan is a former mill town that is home to over 100 shops and restaurants. The county also boasts two “Antique Corridors” – Route 28 in Manassas and Route 1 in Woodbridge.

The county’s historical attraction permeates through its townships and cities as well. Manassas’ Freedom Museum displays memorabilia and artifacts from the various U.S. military actions during the 20th century. The Manassas Museum presents the history of the Northern Virginia Piedmont region, while the Mill House Museum in Occoquan treats visitors to the story of Historic Occoquan, home of the first automated grist mill.

Accommodations and eateries also abound in Prince William County. Manassas and Woodbridge each boast more than a dozen hotels, while the towns of Dumfries and Triangle also offer several hotels to choose from.

When selecting a place to dine, visitors have many options, including selections from virtually any type of cuisine and a wide array of price points. A popular stop for fishermen – and other water-seeking visitors – is Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant in Dumfries. Located on the western bank of the Potomac, just a shore boat ride south of Leesylvania State Park, Tim’s serves up a variety of seafood and sandwiches.

Another great spot for visitors seeking both food and fun is Jimmy Buffet’s Cheeseburger in Paradise in Woodbridge. In addition to great sandwiches and specialty dishes, Cheeseburger in Paradise features live music several nights each week.

Regardless of where you choose to sleep, eat or visit, there’s no doubt you’ll have little trouble finding ways to spend your time in Prince William County. And of course, don’t forget the fishing.

Helpful links:

Prince William County/Manassas CVB
www.visitpwc.com

Leesylvania State Park
www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/lee.shtml

Manassas National Battlefield Park
www.nps.gov/mana/

Potomac Nationals
www.potomaccannons.com

Potomac Mills Mall
www.potomacmills.com

Hampton Inn Potomac Mills/Woodbridge
www.hamptoninn.com

Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant
www.timsrivershore.com

Cheeseburger in Paradise
www.cheeseburgerinparadise.com