By Nancy Dunham

What a surprise for those of us expecting the typical 50- to 60-degree temperatures in this area to realize we face another rainy, snowy and chilly week.

That’s why you need to take a trip to Philadelphia — the tavern, not the city. This restaurant is the perfect place to hole up and relax while the weather outside is frightful.

The day I walked into the tavern — located about a block from the train station in Old Town Manassas — I was looking for a comfy haven where I could get a bite to eat while I warmed up. Consider a visit to Philadelphia Restaurant a cheap trip to the home of the Liberty Bell; this restaurant seems to be plucked straight from its epicenter.

Enter the restaurant and expect your eyes to dart from the gleaming, antique wood bar to the polished stained glass as the aroma of Philly cheese steak sandwiches envelopes your senses. Philadelphia Hoagies, homemade soups and flat iron steaks are also among the items on this menu full of American comfort food.

If you’re one who likes to hear a bit about the specials, sip a beverage or just chat before ordering, this is the place to go. The wait staff is friendly and relaxed, taking time to chat as if they’ve known you for years. After all, this is Old Town Manassas. Many who have settled here did so to find small-town camaraderie in an area that’s not far from big-city conveniences.

By Nancy Dunham

The first time I went to a high tea, I was charmed.

The silver tea sets, the dainty foods, the tasty tea steeped just-so are all parts of a bygone era that aren’t readily available.

The problem is that so few places serve high tea. Some of the larger hotels in the Washington, D.C. area — such as the Ritz-Carlton – serve them occasionally, but the cost is often high, and the schedules are limited. Also, many of the teas are geared toward children or bridal parties.

It was therefore a pleasant surprise to find The Pink Bicycle Tea Room in Historic Occoquan, where the employees are charming and the house is just historic enough – with wood plank floors and lace curtains – while offering comfy chairs and spacious tables.

The Tea Room opened in 2001 as the Victorian Lane Tea Room, but when owner Donna Lane found two pink bicycles for sale one day, well, the rest is history. Since Lisa Renee Lucia bought the Tea Room in 2005, it’s continued to evolve.

Look at the Web calendar, and you’ll see all types of special teas built around themes plus luscious, regular teas. The regular teas include The Queen’s Tea for $26 per person. Those include a 3-course Victorian tea that feature choice of soup or salad, a fresh-baked scone served with cream and jam or curd, and a variety of Lady Finger Sandwiches, petite desserts and fresh fruit.

There are many other teas offered at a range of affordable prices, from $10 to $26. No matter what tea you choose, the ambiance alone will make you want to return to the Tea Room again and again.

The Pink Bicycle Tea Room is located at 303 Commerce St., Occoquan, Va. It is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saurday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Contact them at 703-491-5216, or visit www.pinkbicycletearoom.com.

 

By Nancy Dunham

 

Don’t throw your hands up in the air and sit in a hotel room for the rest of the week.

Sure, two major storms followed by ice and snow removal has left plenty of us with major cases of cabin fever and more than a bit of annoyance. After all, don’t many of us come to Prince William County and other parts of Northern Virginia to escape harsh winters not be trapped by them?

The good news now, of course, is that the roads should be relatively clear. That gives you a perfect chance to drive to Manassas and enjoy an event designed around the spookiness that accompanies these final weeks of winter.

The Mid-Atlantic Paranormal Investigators (MAPI) is hosting a Ghost Hunting 101 class for those ages 18 and older. If you’re not from this area, you may not realize that there are often reports of paranormal activity in the region. It’s not uncommon for residents to engage members of the MAPI to tell them if such activity exists in homes or other areas.

Now before you scoff, think of the popularity of “The Mentalist” and other television shows that deal with the paranormal.

When you think about it, you realize that this deep-in-history area is the ideal spot to learn something about paranormal activity, whether you’re a believer or just in it for the education. After all, the “Ghost Hunters” television show has explored parts of the area, so why shouldn’t you? Plus you can take the skills home and really understand what the television shows are all about when you, family and friends tune in.

This upcoming session is from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at Ben Lomond Historic Site, Manassas. The site is an antebellum farm that was used as a hospital during the Civil War.

Even if you don’t believe in ghosts — before or after the session — the house is still fascinating. Archaeologists have conducted excavations around the site and many of the men who lived in the home during the War wrote their names and messages on the walls.

It’s a great way to have a first-hand look at history.

Details:
When: 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Feb. 20
Where: Ben Lomond Historic Site, 10321 Sudley Manor Road, Manassas 20109
Details: $50; registration required; 703-367-7872; http://www.pwcgov.org/

By Nancy Dunham

You have to love a place that posts a notice saying “We’re open and skating!” on its Web calendar during a snowstorm.
That’s just what the good folks who manage Harris Pavilion in Manassas did, even though many residents took cover as soon as the Governor officially deemed Virginia to be in a State of Emergency.

As you’ve no doubt heard, locals predict that the estimated 30 inches of snow that was due to arrive would close many businesses for this entire week.

Of course, that’s bad news when you had planned to have some area fun and it’s especially unfortunate if you have kids who are itching to get outside.

Fortunately the Pavilion, which is the site of ice cream socials and concerts during the summer, is also a pretty darned fun ice-skating rink during the winter. If you’re like me, then you loved ice-skating with your family growing up. Kids have plenty more activities to occupy their time than I did, but maybe this is the perfect time to introduce them to the fun of skating.

You can rent skates for only $5 and whirl around under the covered pavilion for free. If you’re like me, though, and fall more than you glide you can wander over to the restaurants and small shops — including a book store, a pottery shop and even a jewelry store just steps away.

Many will likely stay shuttered during this epic storm, but they offer some enchanting window-shopping. And if you don’t mind the fairly frosty breezes, there are plentiful benches placed nearby.

Located right in the middle of the Historic Manassas area, parking is easy.

Check out the Web site to find out more.

By Nancy Dunham

You know how it is when you go searching for historic sites.

If you’re like me, you’re often disappointed by the exorbitant admission prices and lack of authentic history.

So imagine my surprise when I was driving through Manassas one day and spotted a white, one-story building with a welcoming small sign in front. Watch out though; you’ll miss it if you don’t look carefully.

Walking a few feet from the empty-except-my-car driveway, I stopped and read the sign which noted that the building is Prince William County’s only existing one-room school built for children of color (or colored children, as the term was then).

Little is known about the renovated school, which was used as a hay barn until about 2002. Historians have determined it was first used in 1884. No records exist of the children that attended the school. Teachers at the school had completed seventh grade and likely taught grades one through six in the building, historians said. Math, geography, penmanship, reading and history were among the subjects
taught.

The day I visited, I just looked through the windows and saw the small wooden benches, shiny wood floors and maps displayed on the walls. Children's shrieks of joy and stamping feet were loud in my imagination.

The great news for you is that regular tours — including one from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, – are available for free.

The next time you’re driving, take a detour over to Lucasville School, 10516 Godwin Road, Manassas and soak up some real history, at no cost.

If you want a tour of the school, or to attend a special event or program and can’t make the one on Saturday, contact Brentsville Courthouse History Center at 703-365-7895 or 703-792-4756.

By Nancy Dunham

This might sound ridiculous considering the holiday shopping season has just passed, but you do not want to miss Potomac Mills Mall. Yes, you’ve heard us say that before but this is really the time to find amazing bargains.

Doubt that?

Consider when large groups of visitors come to the D.C. area, one of the top attractions they want to visit is this mall — many simply call “The Mills.” I’ve seen numerous government visitors with only four free hours on jam-packed itineraries opt to visit that mall instead of any other site. There are even dozens of blog postings about the joys of The Mills such as this one titled "This Must Be What Heaven Is Like."

If you’re like my husband, you likely wonder how great this mall can be. It’s a fair question. Whenever we drive through the southeast states, my husband always comments about the factory outlets that dot the landscape. Frankly, how many legitimate “outlets” are out there? Beats me, but it’s clear that The Mills is one of the great ones. There are not only more than 200 stores — including Neiman Marcus Last Call, Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet Off 5th, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic and Nordstrom Rack — but they have legitimate bargains.

Department store and boutiques in the Washington, D.C. area have always been first-rate and now that Michelle Obama has boosted the fashion watch, they have blossomed. You can’t walk a block in Georgetown, Chevy Chase or other retail centers, without finding must-have designer jewelry, bags, shoes and clothes.

The problem, of course, is the prices. As corny as it sounds, that’s why fashion-conscious locals head to The Mills. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve kicked myself because a friend has told me about a bargain find — I love purses so it’s usually a designer bag — I had missed just because I didn’t visit.

Remember that there are also great finds for the house and garden there too. Ikea and Costco are bargain-hunters’ paradise.

Potomac Mills Mall is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It’s located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle, Woodbridge, Va., 22912, just off I-95.

Directions:
From the North:
Take I-95 south and exit on 158B to Prince William Parkway. At the fourth stoplight, take a left onto Worth Avenue. After two traffic lights, Worth Avenue comes to a "T" at Potomac Mills Circle. You've arrived at Potomac Mills.

From the South
Take I-95 north and exit on 158B to Prince William Parkway. At the fourth stoplight, take a left onto Worth Avenue. After two traffic lights, Worth Avenue comes to a "T" at Potomac Mills Circle. You've arrived at Potomac Mills!

For more information, including directions, call 703-496-9330 or click here.

By Nancy Dunham

The infamous traffic snarls are worse in stormy weather. If you’re like me, you’ll want to end the day of sightseeing and shopping with some R&R at dinner.

In the past five years or so, the D.C. Metropolitan area has become renown for world-class dining. The problem, of course, is that many of those restaurants are packed with customers and require reservations weeks in advance.

One of the best places we’ve found — an honest-to-goodness locals’ favorite — is a charming destination with hardy food, lush wines and crackling fireplaces, just part of the warm extras that add to the comfy ambiance.

The Winery at La Grange is the county’s only established winery. Housed in a red brick three-and-a-half story manor house built in the 1790’s, the winery has quickly become a destination for those who love to savor wine paired with scrumptious food. Of course it also pulses with the historic flavor of families who once lived there and past sojourners that enjoyed good food, wine and companionship.

When we visit it feels as if we’re personal friends of the owners. It’s obvious others feel the same, as evidenced by the comfy casual atmosphere. At each table you’ll see guests chatting companionably; playing one of the available board games; curled up in a chair reading a book from the library; or just taking advantage of the wireless connection to check their e-mail or browse the Web; and of course, there are plenty of folks enjoying the food and wine pairings.

On select dates this month and next, guests at The Winery can enjoy delectable bowls of steaming hot chili and any one glass of the establishment’s classic wines.

You’ll likely want to sample at least a few other wines as well. The Winery at La Grange has a current inventory of 5,500 cases of wine that include: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rosé of Merlot, Cuvee Blanc, Norton, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage, Tannat, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and a Port-styled wine with the fun name of “Snort.”

We always buy a few to take home and enjoy.

 

“Chili Night” at The Winery at La Grange is $15 per person from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following Fridays: Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb. 5, Feb., 12, and Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 12 & March 26. For more information and reservations, call 703-753-9360 or go to the Web site at www.wineryatlagrange.com.

By Nancy Dunham

Ok, we have to warn you again – don’t wait until the last minute to buy holiday gifts.

Sure, the economy is still bad so that means it’s time to become creative. Lucky for us the Annual Manassas Fall Jubilee is this weekend. Not only will it give you plenty of shopping opportunities, but it’ll also host enough activities to keep the kids occupied for hours.

The family-friendly event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 3, right in the heart of Historic Manassas. There you’ll find streets lined with craft vendors selling everything from pottery to candles to clothes to everything in between.

But what sets this festival apart from others is the variety of extra events including dance exhibits, raffles, drawings, face painting and even a pumpkin patch where kids can choose and decorate the pumpkins of their choice. Food, games and contests are also in abundance.

This year the Chainsaw Chix, a group of female performance artists that formed in 1992, create artwork by using chainsaws. The demonstrations are at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and the works will be auctioned at 3 p.m. There’s also plenty of live music, including performances by Nashville recording artist Tommy Wood, followed by Sawmill Holler at 12:30 p.m. and then Blame the Dog at 3 p.m.

Find out more information by writing steve@historicmanassasinc.org or call 703-361-6599. More details can also be found at http://www.visitmanassas.org/

Let’s be honest. We all love stargazing. But part of stargazing is, of course, being cool and not looking as if you’re impressed. That means most of us would rather not stand outside stage doors hoping for autographs. Besides, how comfortable is that?

If you’re like me, chance glimpses on escalators or in shopping malls don’t work either. Maybe it’s my eyesight, but by the time I realize I’m near a celebrity, they’ve likely driven away, leaving nothing behind but dust and me asking “Who? Where?”

There’s a nice little restaurant – Hoppy’s Skytop Restaurant & Lounge – that is located almost next door to the Manassas Regional Airport. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch, let the kids watch the planes, and perhaps spot a star or two.

The airport is the busiest general aviation airport in the state. That means that almost any celebrity with a private plane that wants to visit Washington D.C., or other nearby areas, fly into this airport. Regulars say at any given time you’ll stand next to actor Bill Murray as he orders a drink, or sit a few feet away from Colin Powell as he munches a sandwich. I’d be tempted to say the restaurant is “nothing fancy, mind you” but the food is actually quite tasty. There are breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that aren’t extensive but offer a variety -- such as a sirloin steak or penne pasta with alfredo sauce – for dinner. The restaurant, as you’d expect, has a terrific view of the airstrips and a friendly, comfy atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something a little different to try, head over to Hoppys for a tasty meal and some extra fun.

Hoppys is located at 9998 Wakeman Drive., Manassas. Find out more by calling 703-330-5536 or going to http://www.hoppysrestaurant.com/

By Nancy Dunham

When I went to New Mexico, I couldn’t get the thoughts of paranormal activities out of my head.

In all fairness, the area is filled with all types of reminders – from museums to signs, to stores. I’ve never been a believer, – quite honestly – but I still found in fascinating to look around an honest-to-goodness “UFO” store. You might not have the chance to go to New Mexico, but now you have a chance to check out paranormal activities right here in our own backyard (and right before Halloween, too).

Brentsville Courthouse Historic Center is partnering with East Coast Research and Investigation of the Paranormal (ECRIP) to host four ghost seminars and investigations. Not only is there a seminar given at the start of the program, but also there’s a chance for participants to actually go inside the Brentsville Jail, which is rarely open to the public, and investigate for unusual activities. If you’re a local, you might know that the Brentsville site has been studied for such activity. It was even featured on the SyFy Network show “Ghost Hunters.”

The sessions are slated from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and the investigation is from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Oct. 9,10, 30 and 31.

Reservations are required. Cost for both activities is $100 per person. Those that just want to attend the seminar can do so for a fee of $40. For more information contact 703-365-7895, or e-mail rorrison@pwcgov.org

Happy hunting!