Editor’s note: This column is written by Discover Prince William / Manassas and is posted to Potomac Local under a special content-sharing agreement.
With fall upon us, visions of pumpkin and smells of fresh apple cider are filling the air. We invite you to get out of the house this weekend to experience these five traditional autumn activities in Prince William & Manassas.
1) Go for a fall foliage bike ride through Prince William Forest Park. One of the National Parks in the County, Prince William Forest has more than 21 miles of bicycles-accessible roads and trails. Enjoy the 12 mile paved Scenic Drive and see if you can spot wildlife throughout this quiet ride. Prince William Forest Park also offers rental cabins and campsites for those wanting to continue the outdoor experience all weekend!
2) Take in a taste of fall. Grab a pint (or two) at Heritage Brewing Company where their autumn seasonal ale, the Bradford Ale is fermented with pumpkin and bourbon infused cinnamon sticks. Cross the street to BadWolf Brewing Company where their taps are continually changing.
3) Go pumpkin picking. Get the experience of one of the few pumpkin patches left in Northern Virginia at Yankey Farms. Choose your fall pumpkin, and cut it right off the vine. Enjoy shopping through their other seasonal produce including gourds and winter squash. If you have kids, check out the corn maze and cow train.
4) Take the free Prince William County Farm Tour. Enjoy a weekend in the country experiencing modern farm life through the annual Prince William County Farm Tour on September 27th-28th. With 10 locations open to the public, experience fun and educational activities for the whole family. Follow the farm tour map to watch a sheep shearing demonstration at Ben Lomond or tour the flower gardens at Lynn Vale Farm & Studio.
5) Enjoy a fall festival. From the Occoquan Arts and Craft Festival to the Taste of the Potomac in Woodbridge, there are plenty of fall festivals, no matter your interest.
Make sure to mark your calendars to discover all of the fun fall events and activities in Prince William & Manassas. For more information visit our website, discoverpwm.com and share with us on Facebook and Twitter how you #discoverpwm.
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Stafford County Public Schools advise families and staff to practice good hygiene habits to reduce the spread of flu, colds, and other viruses as cases rise in the community.
Parents are encouraged to ensure children wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their faces, and cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing. The CDC and Virginia Department of Health recommend flu vaccinations for anyone six months and older.
A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 2:39 p.m. in the express lanes of Interstate 95 southbound near mile marker 151 in Prince William County.
A 2020 Lexus RX, stopped on the right shoulder, was struck by a 2022 Ford F-250 that veered off the road. The impact sent the Lexus into a guardrail before it re-entered traffic lanes and stopped facing oncoming vehicles.
The Lexus driver, Vernon S. Lee, II, 57, of Chester, Va., died at the scene. His passenger, Shannon S. Lee, 25, suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. Both were wearing seatbelts.
(The Center Square) — Tuesday was crossover in Virginia’s legislature, the last day the chambers can consider their own legislation.
From Wednesday on, the House of Delegates can only consider Senate bills and vice versa.
(The Center Square) – The National Transportation Safety Administration says the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided with an American Airlines jet over the Potomac River last Wednesday was flying at about 300 feet at the time of the collision, above the permitted flight ceiling.
The permitted flight ceiling for helicopters flying over the Potomac River in the vicinity of Reagan National Airport (DCA) is 200 feet, which is meant to keep military and law enforcement helicopters clear of commercial aircraft landing and taking off in the already tightly restricted airspace around the nation’s capital.
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.
