Editor’s 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: Historic Haunts
Ghosts have allegedly roamed Prince William & Manassas for decades, appearing in windows and on busy streets corners while other times causing mischief, making windows close, candle flames dance and stairs creek. Take a trip this Halloween season through some of the many local historic haunts.
During October weekends, visitors can spend the night in one of Virginia’s most haunted homes- the Weems-Botts Museum. Each Friday, the museum offers haunted ghost tours and on Saturdays, lock-ins where guests get a chance to experience the paranormal first-hand, Museum Director Joann Barron said. The museum, once home to George Washington’s biographer, was also recently featured on Biography Channel’s “My Ghost Story.”
Or, visit some of the sites managed by Prince William’s historic preservation division. According to staff, Rippon Lodge has a diverse history and is one of the oldest haunted homes in Prince William. Rumor has it that U.S. 1 had to be rerouted just to avoid the ghostly residents of this property. Newspaper articles from the 1920’s and 30’s claim the house is haunted because a loser of a dual bled to death in the home. Others say a child, who can sometimes be seen in an upstairs window, also haunts the property.
The jail at Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre has also made headlines for being haunted. A few years ago the property was featured on the television show “Ghost Hunters.” Connect with Agness, the spirit who allegedly haunts this 28-acre site. Agness was one of 13 people executed outside the jail after she was tried and convicted of killing her master.
Another way to connect with the paranormal is through the guided ghost tours in Historic Occoquan. Tours are offered Wednesdays-Saturdays. According to local merchants, ghosts sometimes move merchandise around or appear in their parking lots. At the Occoquan Inn, guests can sometimes get a glimpse of an Indian in the bathroom mirror. Legend has it the Indian had a “thing” for the Inn owner’s wife and was caught one night descending the stairs. The husband shot him dead before he reached the last step.
For more on our ghostly history, https://discoverpwm.com/historichaunts
Recent Stories
The National Weather Service warns of wintry weather this weekend, with light snow or a wintry mix possible late Friday into Saturday morning. Precipitation should turn to rain by midday Saturday, but models show varying chances for light snowfall on Sunday, particularly in western areas.
A powerful Arctic air mass will arrive Sunday night, bringing the coldest temperatures in five years. Highs on Monday, Inauguration Day, will struggle to reach the teens and low 20s, with wind chills dropping to -15°F in the mountains and near 0°F elsewhere. Bitter cold will persist through Wednesday, with overnight lows below zero in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.
We’ll keep you posted with updates on the forecast.
Two lost dogs are currently waiting to reunite with their families at the Stafford County Animal Shelter. If you recognize these pets, please contact the shelter as soon as possible.
Gray and White Mixed Breed Dog
Gender: Male, intact
Weight: 22 pounds
Found: January 14, 2025, on Carriage Hill Road, 22405
Details: No collar, no microchip
Female Yorkie
Weight: Approximately 6 pounds
Found: January 13, 2025, on Little Oak Road, 22405
Details: Wearing a sweater (put on by shelter staff), no collar, microchipped but not registered to the current owner
Proof of ownership, such as a photo ID, is required to claim these dogs.
Join Fredericksburg’s premier improv team for a night of spontaneous comedy and audience participation games, culminating in a unique one-act play crafted with your input.
Event Details:
– Dates: Friday, January 17, 2025 – Saturday, January 18, 2025
– Time: 8 PM
– Location: Stage Door Productions, 810 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
– Tickets: $15
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event website.
Do you have an event to share with the community? Submitting your event is FREE and simple! Click here to fill out the submission form. Provide key details such as date, time, location, and a brief description to ensure your event gets the attention it deserves.
Share your events today and keep our community engaged and informed!
From left to right: Eric Brent, Ed.D., MCPS Culturally Responsive and Equitable Practices Lead; Craig Gfeller, Deputy Superintendent; Kevin Newman, Ed.D., Superintendent; Tracy Hammond, Special Education Teacher at Haydon Elementary…
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
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.
Featuring:
