Occoquan a Small Riverfront Town, a Quaint Destination

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River cruises to small restaurants, Occoquan a gem

Escape the hustle and bustle of strip malls and highways to the quaint town of Historic Occoquan. Nestled along the banks of the Occoquan River, this quiet town is one of Northern Virginia’s best hidden gems and features more than 60 merchants and restaurants.

Derived from a Dogue Indian word meaning “at the end of the water,” Occoquan was a natural site for water-borne commerce and home to the U.S.’s first automated grist mill. Today, people can explore the Mill House Museum to learn more about the town’s rich history.

Stroll the streets and visit with merchants who sell everything from jewelry and art to books, gourmet treats and other unique merchandise. Enjoy lunch along the River at Madigan’s Waterfront, taste some vino at Tastefully Yours’ weekend wine tastings or sip afternoon tea at the kid-friendly Pink Bicycle Tea Room.

Or, step aboard a Rivershore Charters boat for a cruise along the Occoquan River then finish the day with dinner and music at Cock & Bowl. Known for its Belgian beer and European-style fare, this restaurant features live music several days a week during the summer.

In the spring and fall, the streets of Occoquan are filled with artisans from across the country who come for the annual Arts & Crafts Shows.  During the summer, join Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta for kayak tours down the river or, get spooked during evening ghost tours, which run Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Emergency services

The Prince William County Fire and Rescue Department responds to 911 calls for emergencies from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. and has some 24-hour staff at fire stations in the county. The Dale City Volunteer Fire Department and rescue crews respond to calls from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. and on holidays. Police services are provided by Prince William Police Department. For non-emergency situations, residents can visit one of two police stations — The Eastern District Station in Woodbridge and the Western District Station in Manassas. Call 703-792-6500 for more info.  

Pets

Dogs 4-months-old or older must be licensed by January 31 of each year. The $10 licenses can be purchased beginning in November at the Prince William County Taxpayer Services Office at the McCoart Government Center, at the county Animal Shelter, or by mail. Call the Animal Shelter for more info: 703-792-6465.

Snow removal

Snow removal is handled by the Virginia Department of Transportation. Snow is removed first from roads with the highest traffic volumes, from Interstate Highways to neighborhood streets. Call 1-800-367-7623 for more info.

Leaf removal, recycling, trash disposal

Trash and leaf collection is performed by privately licensed waste removal companies in Prince William County. Residents should contact a licensed private waste removal provider. Residents may choose to dispose of waste at the County Landfill with a solid waste decal. Call 703-792-6710 for more info.

Population

The majority of Dale City lies in Prince William County’s Neabsco District which had 49,097 residents in the 2010 Census. By 2012, it’s estimated 430,289 people lived in all of Prince William County.

Taxes

Personal property taxes on vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles are due on Oct. 5 of the year. Personal property tax statements are mailed each spring.  For real estate taxes, the first half of the year’s taxes are due July 15 and the second Dec. 5. Real estate assessments begin Jan. 1, and assessment notices mailed by late winter.

Vehicle decals

Prince William County does not require decals to be displayed on vehicles. Vehicles must be registered with Taxpayer Services upon moving in and moving out of the area by calling 703-792-6710. A $24 charge for cars/trucks, and a $12 charge for motorcycles will be billed along with personal property taxes.

Voting

The Voter Registration Office is open 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. During General Elections held every November in Virginia, you must be registered to vote 22 days before Election Day to vote. Call 703-792-6470 for more info.

Water and sewer

Prince William County Service Authority and Dale City Virginia American Water handle water and sewer utilities in the county. Call 703-335-7900 or 703-491-2136, respectively, for more info.