The Crawford Wedding
Things to do
Manassas, VA
This area is new to us, but hey, Virginia is for lovers! Below are some ideas we've collected for local things to do and places to eat in historic Manassas.
Historic Manassas
Explore the heart of Old Town Manassas, with a charming, walkable district filled with historic architecture, local boutiques, and art galleries. Check out the Manassas Museum to learn more about its history - admission is free!
Manassas National Battlefield Park
A rolling, peaceful countryside encompassing the historic grounds of two major Civil War battles of Bull Run. You can follow walking and horse trails, or check out the visitor center. Guided walking tours are offered for groups who make advance reservations.
Mayfield and Cannon Branch Forts
For the history nerds: these are the two remaining Civil War earthwork forts. Built by enslaved workers, Confederate troops, and later Union soldiers, they provide an off-the-beaten-path glimpse into the area's extensive defensive fortification. Both forts are open for free from dawn to dusk.
Manassas Eats
Public House Kitchen & Brewery – laid-back brewpub with farm-to-table-style American menu accompanied by local brews on tap, plus patio dining. Crossroads Tabletop Tavern – scratch-made American comfort food served in a cozy tavern with a library of over 2,000 board and card games. Battle Street Bistro - comfy American bistro offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails, plus a rooftop terrace. Grounds Central Station – relaxed coffee spot serving breakfast, baked goods, and sandwiches. Carmello’s of Old Town Manassas - upscale chophouse serving seasonal New American, Portuguese & Italian fare, plus a lengthy wine list. City Tavern Grille - old-fashioned American restaurant & bar with historic photos, wainscoting, & a big patio. Benny Capolago's Pizza - pizza joint famously known for giant, thin, and crispy New York-style pizza. Doug’s Deli – family-owned deli and beer/wine bar serving up specialty subs and sandwiches with patio seating, take-out and delivery available.
Virginia Vineyards
Virginia is home to tons of scenic vineyards. If you're looking to do some tasting, here a few nearby: The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm (20 min from Manassas) Morias Vineyards (30 min from Manassas) Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery (35 min from Manassas) Stone Tower Winery (45 min from Manassas) Bluemont Vineyard (1 hour from Manassas)
Nearby Shopping
Potomac Mills Outlets - 30 minutes from Manassas, and the state's largest outlet center. Tyson's Corner - 40 minutes from Manassas, one of the largest and most famous shopping malls in the country, including shopping, dining, and entertainment. Leesburg Premium Outlets - 45 minutes from Manassas, open-air outdoor shopping village.
Great Falls Park
Great Falls Park is only about 30 minutes outside D.C. on the Virginia side of the Potomac River. Hike the River Trail, a 1.5-mile one-way that hugs the cliff tops of Mather Gorge overlooking the rushing whitewater, the Billy Goat Trail, a 1.7-mile loop (or 4.8 miles total via the overlook trail), featuring rock scrambling and views of the river. For those preferring a shorter stroll, there are multiple overlooks just a short walk from the visitor center offering views of the falls. There is an entrance fee per vehicle to get into the park.
Shenandoah National Park
For our national park peeps, Shenandoah is only an hour outside Manassas! If you have time, we recommend hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains or taking a ride along the Skyline Drive. Taylor's favorite hike: Old Rag mountain (a strenuous loop trail with a boulder scramble and 360-degree views at the peak).
Washington, D.C.
Our wedding is about an hour away from D.C.! For those who plan to make a trip out of it, we've put together some ideas of things to do, classic sights to see, and some of our favorite places to eat around the city. Heads up, D.C. is always crowded and will be especially busy around memorial day. Parking can be a pain, so we recommend utilizing the metro, uber, and other public transportation when you can.
National Mall - Sightseeing and Iconic Landmarks
No visit to D.C. is complete without a stroll down America's front yard, which runs from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. The monuments are open 24 hours a day and are lit up beautifully after dark. For those interested in history, we recommend booking a walking, biking, or bus tour to get the most of the monuments. Taylor & Peter's favorite: Lincoln Memorial
Smithsonian Museums
Check out the world's largest museum complex, and it's free! Most of the museums are along the National Mall, making it easy to tie into sightseeing. While entry is free, we recommend you plan ahead as many of the more popular museums require timed entry passes in advance. Some of our favorites: National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and the Art Museums (American Art Museum for classic historic beauty and Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden for modern art).
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
The National Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, and again, it's free! Located in Rock Creek Park, the zoo has over 2,200 animals from around the world - including giant pandas!!!
Georgetown
Our favorite D.C. neighborhood, also Washington's oldest and most historic. Georgetown runs along the Potomac River in Northwest D.C., and is perfect for shopping, dining, and scenic waterfront views. P.S., this is where we went ring shopping!! Some of our favorite Georgetown eats: Founding Farmers Fishers & Bakers, Susheria, Martin's Tavern, and of course, Georgetown Cupcake (the line is always out the door but you can order ahead the day before).
The Wharf DC
The Wharf is a mile-long waterfront strip along the Potomac River with boardwalks, live music venues, and restaurants. Home to The Anthem music venue, the Municipal Fish Market, and Gordon Ramsay Hell's Kitchen!
Rock Creek Park
32 miles of forested trails running through Northwest D.C., perfect for hiking or biking. Most popular are the Western Ridge Trail, with quiet overlooks and frequent deer sightings, or the Valley Trail, which runs parallel to the creek itself.
D.C. Dining
Old Ebbitt Grill - iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style interior. Le Diplomate - classic French cuisine in a space that transports you to Europe. Busboys and Poets - bookstore meets restaurant, featuring a heavy emphasis on vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.