Start the day by exploring the Manassas Farmer's Market, located in the lot next to the Train Depot. This market takes places every Saturday (Thursdays you'll find it nearby at the Harris Pavilion) and offers a breathtaking array of foods. I have never seen blackberries so big and so sweet. The homegrown tomatoes were gorgeous. They had everything from beautiful shiny eggplants to sweet watermelon to salsa that was some of the best I've ever tasted (and being from Arizona, it was an amazing and unexpected find). Just look at these gorgeous fruits and vegetables.
After you pick up wares at the market, wander across the railroad tracks to City Square Cafe for breakfast. Ask for a table outside on the patio where you can watch the world pass by -- and a few of the commuter trains into DC -- while you eat a marvelous breakfast made with fresh ingredients.
Start your day of shopping and sightseeing with a visit right next door to the restaurant at The Things I Love. Owner Joanne Wunderly has created a shop with, well, all the things she loves. Trust me. They were all the things I loved as well. This quaint shop feels as if you're walking through the rooms of one of the area's historic homes, but each room is filled with surprises you can purchase to take home as your own treasure.
As you wander through the streets of this picturesque and historically important town, you'll feel the pride people take in their renovated downtown. Stop by the Whimsical Galerie for a great little gift to take home, browse through the antique shop on Center Street, purchase some homemade fudge at Old Town Sweet Shoppe. When you're ready for lunch, take a break at Okra's Louisiana Bistro. Under the direction of Louisiana born and bred Chef Matthew Wood, you can enjoy such specialties as alligator, deep fried okra, red beans and rice and an unforgettable gumbo.
As you wander down the street, be sure to stop in at The Opera
House Gourmet. Owner Jan Alten has created a gourmet haven in the heart of historic Manassas. She sells "fine wines, fancy foods and unique gifts". And that's exactly what you'll find. She always has a couple of wines you can taste and a nice selection of wines for sale. There are homemade sauces and jellies and pickles. My favorite part, though, were the chocolates. Although they offer a couple of different varieties in their front case, make sure you sample the chocolates by Chocolaterie Wanders. This local company, owned by Master Chocolatier and Pastry Chef Wilhelm Wanders, puts out some of the best chocolate I've ever tasted. It's definitely worth sampling and you'll want to purchase a few pieces to take home (if they ever make it that far before you dive in for an afternoon pick-me-up). The creamy chocolates paired beautifully with the prosecco The Opera House featured as the wine of the day when I was there.
When you're tired and ready to call it a day, your trip to Manassas wouldn't be complete without dinner at Foundation. Just next door to Okra's, Chef Matthew Wood also oversees this fine dining establishment. You'll find a great menu, an elegant meal, good wine, but without the stuffiness sometimes present in restaurants of this caliber. I had pan braised beef medallions glazed with a demi-glace then topped with three grilled shrimp and charon sauce. They were, by far, THE best beef medallions I've ever had. Now if I can just get the recipe from Chef Wood.
A day in Manassas is definitely worth the short drive from DC. Didn't bring your car or want to venture out without the hassle of driving in DC traffic? Just take the train that stops right in the heart of downtown. It will make your trip to our nation's capital more down-to-earth and real and you'll definitely get a feeling for that famous southern hospitality you miss on a trip to our nation's capital.
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