By Nancy Dunham

 

We wine lovers enjoy nothing more than recounting where we bought a particular wine, where we enjoyed it and what we first loved about the taste.

How lucky we are that Vint Hill Craft Winery, right here in Prince William County, allows us to join their master wine makes and actually create our own wine!

Join in and you get to do everything from choose the style (Cabernet? Chardonnay?), create your own taste (oak? Lots of tannins?) and even design your own wine label.

When you're done you will have 25 cases to enjoy or sell.

WHOA, you may think. I certainly can't even consider taking that many cases! No problem. There are all types of options available for those that want to join in but want to take home significantly less wine.

Here's what you can expect if you join in:

- An initial consultation to plan your wine
- Choose how much or how little winemaking involvement you want
- Join the winemakers to create the wine OR watch in on the Web.

This type of personalized wine experience is rare. Talk about having a terrific gift to give your family and friends during the holiday season.

Find out all the details on the winery's website and then fill out the form for more information.

You can also call Vint Hill Craft Winery, located at 7150 Lineweaver Road, Vint Hill, at 703-991-0191.

By Nancy Dunham

Forget sitting around watching the History Channel.

One of the many great things about Prince William County and, of course, Manassas is that you can go out and enjoy the areas that viewers of the History Channel can only observe on screens.

Consider Manassas National Battlefield Park. You may know the name because it was the site of two major American Civil War battles – the First Battle of Bull Run and the Second Battle of Bull Run. It's also the site where Confederate General Thomas J. Jackson got the nickname "Stonewall."

Now part of the National Park Service, the battlefield is a site filled with living history.

This coming weekend, for example, the park will be the site of military demonstrations of musketry and artillery firing along with a ranger tour and talks about the battlefield. You'll even observe an encampment of troops representing both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Think that you saw something just like that in a theme park? You haven't. The re-enactors in Prince William County are second to none, thanks to the area's proud history. You'll see the heavy wool uniforms the soldiers wear during the sweltering summer heat and also the way they lived — no Coca-Cola cans or Hot Pockets here. As long as you're in Prince William County, take some time and delve into some real-life history lessons.

Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Manassas National Battlefield Park, 6511 Sudley Road. $3. www.nps.gov/mana.

By Nancy Dunham

If you don't believe in ghosts, don't let that be known too widely around Northern Virginia.

Betty Ward, a tour guide in the Alexandria area, says that she and her family have lived in a haunted house near George Washington Masonic Temple. The ghost – a former U.S. Navy Captain – was well known to the neighborhood.

"He played tricks on my daughter," said Ward. "He'd take things and hide them for three months and then put them back right where she had left them."

When you think of the paranormal, you may think of New Orleans or Salem, Mass., because they're often in the news for historic paranormal events, but don't forget that the Ghost Hunters television show has explored parts of Prince William County. Why shouldn't you?

"The Ghost of Dumfries: Paranormal Lecture Service and Professionally led Investigation" series is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 21 in the first of a series of three. The event will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. for the lecture and 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. for the investigation.

Historic Dumfries Virginia, a private, non-profit membership organization that promotes the area's history, has organized the event.

If you want information about prices, location and more, call 703-221-2218

By Nancy Dunham

There was more to the Revolutionary and Civil Wars than the grand homes and mansions of the elite. There were thousands of common people who played major roles in keeping the farms and commerce of the times thriving.

Consider the family that operated the historic Chapman/Beverley Mill that played an important role during the Civil War. The mill was recently restored and now visitors can learn about the 19th century industrial center and the family that operated it.

There's perhaps no better time to discover the story behind the mill than as presented by a living historian portraying Ellen Chapman, widow of John Chapman. The presentation will tell how the Chapmans contributed to the war and how John Chapman was ruined economically, physically and emotionally by the Civil War.

Here's all you need to know:

Where: Historic Chapmans/Beverley Mill, Broad Run, Virginia. The mill is located on the Fauquier-Prince William border along Broad run, north of Interstate 66 and Route 55.
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, August 15
Details: $5; children under age 12 free; http://www.chapmansmill.org/

By Nancy Dunham

Baby contests, pig races and livestock judging.

Of course the 61st Annual Prince William County Fair offers all that and more but if you don't buy your tickets soon, you could miss out on a bargain. This year advance tickets – including season passes and family five packs — won't be available after 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12.

The great thing about the fair is there are so many different things to do that everyone in the family will be satisfied. For the complete list, click here.

You'll see there are home arts competitions (think everything from floral arrangements to handicrafts), truck and tractor pulls, a variety of live music, dancing demonstrations, a demolition derby (what fair would be complete without it?) and rides galore – both electronic and the four legged kind on ponies.

If you really want to show your family and yourself a good time, you can't beat The Prince William County Fair, the largest one in the state.

If you think you've seen it all before, you're wrong. Here's some of what's new this year:

-The Rolling Diamonds, an acrobatic roller skating group that perform on a six-foot platform that is seven feet high
-Oliver Hansen, a six-year-old expert aerialist
-Juggling of fire torches, balls, rings and more
-Trampoline performances by Oliver and 3-year-old Madison
-Daring aerial performances 30 feet in the air by Alecia Michelle

The fairgrounds are located right off I-66 so that means wherever part of the area you find yourself in, getting there's a breeze. Just click here to find directions from your location.

Here's all you need to know:

When: Friday, August 13 through Saturday, Aug. 21

Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas, Va.

Details: Advance tickets are now on sale. Prices: $5 for adults, $4 for children (ages 3-6) and seniors (60+); Season Pass for $50 (does not include rides); and Family five pack for $60 (rides included but no grandstand).

General admission tickets: $8 adults, $5 child (ages 3-6) and seniors (60+), Active duty military with ID admitted free.

For restrictions, special pricing days and other options, click here.

By Nancy Dunham

With triple degree temperatures the norm these days, it's difficult to find family fun that doesn't involve a swimming pool or ice cream.

Those who live in and near Prince William County are fortunate to have Prince William Forest Park right in our backyard. It has 37 miles of hiking trails, 21 miles of bicycle-accessible roads and evidence of human history all the way back to 8,000 B.C.

What you may not know is that the park rangers offer a host of family-friendly entertainment for little or no cost, such as Hike in the Night at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20.

Just load up the kids — of course make sure everyone is wearing comfortable, hiking-appropriate shoes, has bug spray and a flashlight — and meet at the Visitor's Center. There you'll join a ranger on a hike through the cemeteries and grounds, where you'll learn all about history, critters and nature. There are specific program topics each week; call the ranger office to learn more.

Cost is only $5 for each vehicle to enter the forest, and (what a deal) admission is valid for seven days.

Here's everything you need to know:

When: 8:30 p.m. Fridays from July 30 through Aug. 20
Where: Visitors Center, Prince William Forest
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Details: Call 703-221-7181
Click here for directions.

By Nancy Dunham

It's interesting how the proliferation of major theme amusement parks has caused families to seek out more old-fashioned fun.

I saw that just this weekend when I was at Old Mine Ranch in Dumfries, a 40-acre working ranch. Even though the weather was hot and humid, kids were having a blast taking old fashioned pony rides, enjoying the petting zoo, seeing the sights from hayrides, hopping on a moon bounce and even more.

After all, how many places can kids have plenty of activities from which to choose without their parents having to fork over big dollars for tickets and admission fees? The hands-on family ranch is completely kid-oriented with plenty of activities plus running, screaming and laughing all encouraged!

Now this is nothing fancy – you're on a real working farm – so be sure to dress the kids and yourself in clothes you won't mind getting dirty.

You can keep this entertainment ultra low-cost too – basic admission is only $6 – by packing a picnic lunch and enjoying lunch and snacks in one of the picnic areas or from the comfort of your own blanket.

Here's what you need to know:

-- Location: 17504 Mine Road Dumfries VA 22026

-- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily

-- More information: http://www.oldmineranch.net/home.html; (703) 441-1382

By Nancy Dunham

 

Maybe this isn't the all-the-rage book and movie called 'Twlight,' but in a way it's better because it's true.

The Manassas Museum in Manassas, V.A. is sponsoring a guided tour of the Manassas City Cemetery – final resting place of a Congressional Medal of Honor winner who managed to turn the tables on his Confederate captors and lead them into Union lines, members of the famed Civil War Prince William Cavalry who rode off to war amid cheering supporters and many prominent citizens who helped shape the early years of Manassas.

This is a chance to hear their stories – and more – come to life thanks to costumed interpreters who will lead the tour by candlelight.

The Confederate Cemetery, established by the Ladies Memorial Association of Manassas, is now owned and maintained by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Manassas Chapter.

Tickets for the tour are $15 and advance tickets are required. Those on the tour will meet at the cemetery, 9317 Center Street, and may park at Whitt’s Harley Davidson, 9321 Center St. (next to the cemetery). Tickets are nonrefundable, unless the event is cancelled by the museum. The rain date is July 24. Call 703-368-1873 or visit www.manassasmuseum.org to purchase tickets.

By Nancy Dunham

The love many kids have for frogs, turtles, snakes, and all other manner of slithery things is one of those mysteries of life that some adults can't understand. I can relate. I'd rather hide in a bomb shelter than ever face one of those creatures no matter how many times I hear the old adage "they're more afraid of you than you are of them."

Let's face it though: You're more than likely to encounter these members of the animal kingdom no matter where you live. So why not learn a little more about all the good they do for us? Pack up the family for an educational experience in Prince William County this week; the kids will love the up-close-and-personal look at these creatures, and you’ll learn as much about them as the kids do.

On July 8th and 10th, Prince William County is hosting a free program with naturalist and reptile expert Tony Bulmer. He'll teach about our native reptiles, amphibians and other creatures and then introduce you to a few of them. Join him on Saturday, and you'll even take a trip to the creatures' natural habitats. Just be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and leave pets at home. And a few bottles of water will keep you well hydrated for the day of adventure.

Details:
Thursday, July 8, 7 p.m.: Brentsville Courthouse, 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow, Va.
Saturday, July 10, 8 a.m.: Bristoe Station Battlefield, 10708 Bristow Road, Bristow, Va.
Call 703-792-5546 for information or to make reservations.

By Nancy Dunham

You can tell the kids that the trip to Quantico is just for them, but the truth is you'll enjoy it as much as they do, especially if you visit on Saturday July 3.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Historic Quantico Depot, visitors can enjoy a free open house hosted by the Prince William County Model Railroad Club. Of course trains — whether they're the Virginia Railway Express or Amtrak — are always a lot of fun to watch. On Saturday, though, visitors can enjoy a special treat. That's when members of the Railway Club will be on hand to tell visitors about the displays they have housed at the Depot. The intricate model trains on display and the people who constructed them will undoubtedly fire up visitors' imagination.

You can find out more about the club and the trains on display at their special website.

Perhaps the best part of all is that the members of the club will be on hand to answer questions, explain model train building and direct visitors who want to join in the fun. When you're in Prince William County's town of Quantico, be sure to drive around the Norman Rockwell-type town. Quantico is the only town in the U.S. that is completely surrounded by the U.S. Marine Corps facilities. For a list of restaurants, stores, and other attractions in and around Quantico, check out Virginia's guide to Quantico.

The Historic Quantico Depot is located at 550 Railroad Street, Quantico, Va., 22134. The Prince William County Model Railroad Club is a loose association, so take down directions because they don't have a phone at the depot:

— Take I-95 to exit 150A (Route 619 East)

— Go straight across Route 1 toward the main gate of the Quantico Marine Base.

— Stop at the visitor checkpoint where you must show identification

— Continue through the Main Gate on Fuller Road for about three miles

— Take the road as it curves sharply right and become Barnett Avenue

— After a short distance, turn left at the first traffic light onto Potomac Avenue

— If you pass a large lighted, red-lighted message board on the right, you have gone too far.

— Cross the railroad track; the depot will be on the right.