[imagebrowser id=139 template=”custom”]
Editors note: From exceptional museums and children’s programs to historic haunts and unique hikes, there are numerous hidden places waiting to be explored in Prince William & Manassas. Through a monthly feature, Discover Prince William & Manassas will help residents and visitors alike discover some of the best kept attractions, activities and events the community has to offer.
Prince William & Manassas’ Best Kept — Farms
Escape the bustling highways and subdivisions to enjoy a day on the farm. Despite being one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Washington, D.C., Prince William County has maintained some of its picturesque rural landscape and working farms. We invite you to meet with local farmers, learn about the history of farm families in Prince William and enjoy fresh produce from your neighbor’s back yard!
Just down the street from some of the county’s newest suburbs, Pablo Elliott’s family operates Stoney Lonesome Farm. For 10 seasons, Elliott’s family has provided fresh produce to the area through the Community Supported Agriculture program. The program, which runs May through October, connects people to the farm weekly where they can pick up fresh potatoes, tomatoes, carrots and other produce.
“We grow everything organically and people really enjoy the experience of coming out to the farm,” Elliott said. “It’s also a way of engaging kids,” because they can see where there food is coming from.
Elliott said the offerings change weekly and depending on the season, but they work to provide members with a wide variety of options for about $30 a week.
When fall comes to a close and winter approaches, that is when Prince William resident Jim Gehlsen’s farm comes to life. Located in Nokesville, Evergreen Acres is a Christmas tree farm where visitors can select and cut down their own tree for the holidays. Gehlsen, who has been selling from his farm for more than 20 years, said visitors can wander through 40 acres to select White Pine, Scotch Pine and Norway Spruce trees.
Or, instead of taking a trip to an active farm, discover what farm life was like in the mid-1800s at the Haislip-Hall cabin. Located at the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, this home interprets the rich farm history of Prince William. Tour the building and the neighboring garden maintained by the county’s historic preservation division.
The site is open for tours May through October and will also be part of the annual Prince William County Farm Tour. Scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 28, the tour highlights numerous local farms including Clover Meadows Farm, Yankey Farm and, new this year, True Farms, which is a hydroponic lettuce farm.
“What makes this unique is you get to actually talk to the farmers,” said Randi Reid, one of the farm tour’s organizers. “This is an educational event that helps people understand agriculture in the community….[it also] connects neighbors who are living the subdivision community life with neighbors who are living the rural countryside life.”
This is the 13th year for the free farm tour that will focus on farm life past and present in Prince William and Manassas.
For more information: https://discoverpwm.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=81
Recent Stories
If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, look no further than Aria Mia, a sweet little kitten currently up for adoption at Prince William County Animal Services. This brave little one arrived as a stray with injuries to both of her eyes. Aria Mia has already undergone surgery on one eye and will need follow-up treatment for the other. Despite her challenges, she’s shown incredible resilience and is ready to start a new chapter with a loving family.
Aria Mia has already proven that she’s not just a cat lover but a dog lover too! During her recovery at Caring Hands Veterinary Clinic, she showed how well she gets along with dogs. So, if you’re looking for a kitten who can coexist with your furry canine companions, Aria Mia might just be the perfect fit for you.
Come meet Aria Mia today and see for yourself what a sweet, loving companion she can be. She’s eager to find her forever home and start the next phase of her life in a caring and compassionate environment.
Deuntay Diggs, Chair of Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors, indicated Tuesday evening that he is prepared to take legal action should some of his colleagues continue to ask for an amendment to the Code of Performance that “adversely affects my career, my calling,” reports the FXBG Advance.Â
A report from the Federal Railroad Administration requested by Fredericksburg City Council and Mayor Kerry Devine on this past summer’s freight car derailment blames human error for the mishap, reports the FXBG Advance.Â
The Stafford County Board of Supervisors is progressing toward finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Department of Economic Development.
The draft MOU aims to clarify the roles and responsibilities of both entities in promoting economic growth and business attraction within the county. However, concerns raised by some Board members suggest that the document may need further refinement before it can be adopted.
During a work session on January 28, 2025, Liz Barber, the county’s Director of Economic Development, presented the draft MOU, highlighting the extensive process that led to its creation. The document was developed over the past year, with input from both county administration and EDA members. Its goal is to establish clear guidelines and expectations for the EDA and the Department of Economic Development, particularly regarding the administrative processes, division of duties, and collaboration between the two bodies.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
