I just got back from spending 48 hours exploring Prince William County, Virginia with Visit Prince William County, and let me tell you… I was genuinely surprised by everything we experienced.
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As someone who grew up in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area, I thought I knew Northern Virginia pretty well. But I quickly learned that Prince William County is the most diverse county in Virginia, and somehow almost every stop on this itinerary was completely new to me.
That’s what made this trip so special.
It reminded me that travel doesn’t always have to mean hopping on an international flight or planning a week-long vacation. Sometimes the best adventures are hiding right in your own backyard… you just have to be willing to explore them!
So whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, looking for a Virginia road trip, or simply searching for somewhere NEW to eat and explore, here’s exactly how I’d recommend spending 48 hours in Prince William County, Virginia!
Before we jump into the itinerary, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Joey and Alecia, the amazing team behind Visit Prince William County for their incredible hospitality. They created an itinerary that perfectly showcased the food, cultura, history, and community that makes this destination so unique. Can’t wait to come back!
Stay at Tempo by Hilton Manassas
One of the things I appreciated most about this trip was our hotel. We stayed at the brand-new TEMPO by Hilton Manassas, which officially opened in December 2025 and is located on the NOVA Live campus.
I always pay attention to location when I’m traveling because I love being able to walk to restaurants, breweries, and places to explore and this hotel checked every single box. Historic Old Town Manassas, Jiffy Lube Live, Manassas National Battlefield Park, and the Hylton Performing Arts Center are all within a short drive, making it a great home base for your weekend.
The rooms were modern, the staff was incredibly welcoming, and after long days of exploring, it honestly felt nice coming back to relax here. They have something I have never seen before in any hotel and that is the “hydration station” so make sure you pack your water bottle! I also loved the MUSIC theme component, truly a hotel I would love to come back to.
Don’t Skip the Hidden Speakeasy!!!
One thing I wasn’t expecting? There’s a hidden speakeasy located right on the property.
Yes…you read that correctly. The speak easy is called: Repeal
Reservations are highly recommended, and if you’re able to snag one, GO!!! Make your reservations here! I ordered the Bathtub Gin Fizz, made with Grey White Gin, lemon juice, pineapple juice, sparkling water, and lavender foam.
But honestly…
The presentation stole the show!!! The cocktail is served in an actual mini bathtub, and it’s one of those drinks you’ll immediately want to photograph before taking your first sip. Salud!!!
(Watch my Reel here.)
Where to Eat in Prince William County!
Lunch: Vera’s Kitchen! One of my favorite surprises of the trip was Vera’s Kitchen.
Chef and owner Veronica Musie brings together her Ethiopian roots with American flavors, creating dishes that feel both comforting and completely unique.Growing up, Veronica learned to cook alongside her mother in Ethiopia before eventually bringing those flavors to the United States and you can truly taste that story in every bite!
If you’re a coffee lover… DO NOT skip the Ethiopian coffee ceremony.
It was one of the most memorable experiences of the trip and something I had never tried before. I can still close my eyes and remember the fresh smell of coffee.
Dinner Recommendation: If you’re already planning to spend time exploring Historic Downtown Manassas, Carmello’s is the perfect dinner stop.
The restaurant has all the charm of a traditional Italian restaurant, but it’s actually Portuguese-owned, which makes the menu even more interesting. Our server Javier was fantastic, and before I even tell you what I ordered…
Can we talk about the bread? Because I am STILL thinking about that bread and butter.
I ordered a fresh blackberry sangria along with the Linguine Pescatore and honestly…10/10. Pictured above!
I’d recommend dressing just a little nicer here since it feels more like a special dinner than a casual meal. Reservations are a must!
If I could only recommend ONE breakfast spot from this trip… It would be MyCravingz. Handsdown!
Chef Leyla Yildizci has created such a unique experience that celebrates Turkish culture through pastries, breakfast, coffee, and hospitality.
Everything looked incredible.Seriously.I wanted to order half the menu.
One fun fact I loved learning is that the restaurant used to be a Goodwill before being transformed into this beautiful café. But what I’ll remember most wasn’t actually the food…
It was The Turkish coffee experience…
The staff shared with me that in Turkey, there’s a long-standing tradition of reading your fortune through the patterns left behind by the Turkish coffee grounds… a practice known as kahve falı. Since I had never heard of it before, I couldn’t resist giving it a try, and let me tell you… it completely stole the show!
As part of my experience, they even had me place my wedding ring on top of the cup while it cooled before walking me through the tradition. It was such a unique and memorable moment. Pictures above are taken by me from my experience!
After letting it cool for about ten minutes, we talked more about the tradition, I started looking at the patterns left behind in my coffee cup to see what I could find. The family pointed out the number 3, explaining that it could represent something happening in 3 days, 3 months, or even 3 years. We also noticed what looked like mountains or waves, which they shared are often associated with travel and new adventures. Whether you believe in Turkish coffee fortune readings or not, I thought it was such a fun and meaningful way to learn about another culture. And as someone whose life revolves around travel, I couldn’t help but smile when they mentioned more travels ahead.
I do want to mention that this was a very special experience and not something every guest should expect when ordering Turkish coffee. I was asking lots of questions because I was genuinely curious about the tradition, and the family was incredibly kind in sharing more of their culture with me.
If you order the Turkish coffee, it is beautifully presented on a traditional serving tray, and I’m sure they’ll be happy to explain the proper way to enjoy it if you ask. It was such a meaningful reminder that some of the best travel experiences happen simply by being curious, asking questions, and taking the time to connect with people from different cultures.
(See my RECAP Reel here.)
Dinner with a View: The Spot at Belmont Bay is a must!
Although the weather didn’t cooperate during our visit, this is one place I’d absolutely come back to. On Fridays, visitors can take a sunset boat cruise along the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers before enjoying dinner at The Spot.
Even without the cruise, the waterfront views alone made it worth visiting.
I ordered a watermelon margarita along with the Korean BBQ steak and cheese sandwich, and both were delicious. What stood out most, though, was how much this place feels like a community gathering space.
From Bingo nights to board game nights and other events throughout the year, it’s clear the owners have created more than just a restaurant… they’ve built a place where locals come together.
Things to Do in Prince William County
As much as I loved the food (and trust me, there was a LOT of good food), Prince William County has so much more to offer. I highly recommend carving out time to explore the local history, arts scene, and community events. Here are a few experiences that made our 48 hours even more memorable!
Stroll Through Historic Downtown Manassas – On our first day we simply walked around, and Historic Downtown Manassas and truly is the perfect place to do just that. The streets are lined with locally owned shops, restaurants, murals, and historic buildings that give the area so much charm.
Before you start exploring, I recommend stopping by the Manassas Welcome Center. It’s a great place to pick up maps, learn about upcoming events, and get recommendations from locals on what not to miss.
Another hidden gem downtown is the ARTfactory, a nonprofit arts organization that has been enriching the Northern Virginia community since 1984. Located inside the historic Hopkins Candy Factory building, the ARTfactory offers art galleries, theater performances, classes, summer camps, and community programming for all ages.
We had the opportunity get a tour of the non profit by Alex Diaz and then we took a painting class to create our own Goobers! Shout out to John for leading our class with so much passion! 🎨 I always love when destinations include a hands-on experience because it gives you something more meaningful than a souvenir to take home.
Instead of just seeing the local arts scene, we got to be part of it, and it ended up being one of the unexpected moments of the trip.
Experience a Local Festival at Eavesdrop Brewery!
One of the best parts about travel is that sometimes you end up in the right place at exactly the right time and that’s exactly what happened during our visit to Eavesdrop Brewery.
The day we stopped by, they were hosting the Sazón Latin Food Festival, celebrating Latin culture through food, music, and local vendors. Even though the rain decided to make an appearance, it didn’t stop anyone from having a great time. The atmosphere was still full of energy, people were dancing, families were gathered around the food vendors, and it honestly felt like a little community celebration.
🎥 Want to see what the festival was like? Watch my Sazón Latin Food Festival recap reel here!
One thing I’d recommend before your visit is checking out Eavesdrop Brewery’s Instagram to see what events they have coming up. They regularly host festivals, daily specials, live music, food trucks, and other community events, so you never know what you might get to experience during your visit.
What I also loved learning is the story behind the brewery itself. Eavesdrop Brewery has humble beginnings… it was once a racing pigeon loft before being transformed into the brewery it is today. Tucked away in the historic Yorkshire neighborhood of Manassas, it has become a destination where people gather not just for craft beer, but for community. With a spacious outdoor beer garden, cozy fire pits during the cooler months, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to see why locals love spending time here.
As for the food… I couldn’t pass up Eugene’s Sausage & Fries! Living in Puerto Rico, I don’t get to enjoy bratwurst very often, so ordering the San Gennaro was an easy decision. It came loaded with spicy Italian sausage, provolone cheese, peppers, onions, marinara, and Parmesan, and let me tell you… it absolutely lived up to the hype. Pictured above!!!
Whether you’re a craft beer lover, someone who enjoys discovering local events, or you’re simply looking for a fun place to spend an afternoon with friends and family (and pet friendly), I definitely recommend adding Eavesdrop Brewery to your Prince William County itinerary.
Sip Local at Murlarky Distilled Spirits:
One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I love supporting local businesses wherever I travel. Even more than that, I love hearing the stories of the people who built them. That’s exactly why our visit to MurLarkey Distilled Spirits left such a lasting impression.
We had the opportunity to enjoy a private tasting, where Irish owner Jim personally led us through the experience. His passion for his craft was contagious, and hearing the story behind how MurLarkey came to be made the tasting even more memorable.
One thing that immediately caught my attention? The branding! Every bottle has its own unique design and personality, making the shelves just as fun to look at as the spirits were to taste.
Another huge plus is the location. MurLarkey is literally within walking distance of the TEMPO by Hilton Manassas, making it an easy stop if you’re staying there. And if you’re worried about food, don’t be! There’s a restaurant right next door, so you can easily grab a meal before or after your tasting.
MurLarkey offers walk-in tastings every day for $45 per person, and they also host their Signature Tastings on Saturdays for $55 per person. Honestly, I thought the pricing was fantastic. Living in Puerto Rico, I’m used to rum tours that often start around $75 or more, and those usually aren’t private experiences. So if you’re looking for a unique distillery experience that offers great value, I’d definitely recommend adding this stop to your Prince William County itinerary.
As for my favorites? The Salsa Borracha Vodka and the Coffee Whiskey completely won me over.
And don’t worry… they thoughtfully provide chasers to try the liquors you decide because, as much as I’d love to pretend I’m still 21… shots, shots, shots definitely aren’t my thing anymore… or maybe they are. 😂
🥃 Want a behind-the-scenes look? Check out my MurLarkey Distillery recap reel here!
We also got a behind-the-scenes tour of the production space, where we learned more about the distilling process and saw where the magic happens. It gave us an even greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and care that goes into every bottle!
The last place I want to share from my visit to Prince William County is the one that left the biggest impact on me: the Ben Lomond Historic Site.
Our historian and tour guide, David, led us through the historic home, sharing stories about the family who once lived there and how the house was transformed into a Confederate field hospital after the First Battle of Manassas during the Civil War. Every room held pieces of history, and through David’s storytelling, it was easy to imagine what life may have looked like during that time inside that house.
As fascinating as the tour was, I eventually had to step outside.
One thing travel has taught me is to listen to my body, and in that moment, I needed some fresh air.
Before we entered the house, David had shared the history of the property’s original stone slave quarters, the only stone slave quarters in Northern Virginia that are open to the public.
He explained that the building was actually moved, which surprised all of us. Its original location was directly across from what is now a Baptist church. I want you to imagine two small rooms where two families, approximately six or seven people each, were forced to live.
As I walked toward the stone building while getting some fresh air, I wasn’t expecting what happened next.
The moment I stepped inside, tears started rolling down my face.
I can’t fully explain it.
But I felt so much pain.
I just stood there trying to imagine what life must have been like for the men, women, and children who were forced to call this place home.
What hit me the hardest was realizing this site is only about two miles from SplashDown Waterpark… a place where I spent so many summers growing up in Northern Virginia. I couldn’t stop asking myself, How had I lived so close to this place and never learned its history?
Standing inside those walls, I found myself thinking about the countless people whose names we may never know. While I don’t know their individual stories, I want to acknowledge them with the respect and dignity they deserve. No human being should have ever endured the horrors of slavery.
Before we left, David pointed up at the trees surrounding the property and mentioned something I had never heard of before: the Yule log tradition.
I remember looking at the person next to me and asking, “Wait… what is that?” because I had never heard that term before.
So, of course, I needed to look it up. What I found online truly shocked me. The tradition I learned about described enslaved people gathering logs from these certain trees, with stories suggesting that the person whose log burned the longest or “held out” would receive more “time off” and I put ‘time off’ in quotes because enslaved people were not free and did not experience freedom in the way we understand time off today.
Learning about this was another reminder that even traditions we often associate with warmth or celebration can exist alongside painful histories and experiences of oppression.
Before I left, I took one more look at the slave quarters and couldn’t help but reflect on how important it is to preserve places like this… not just to remember the events that happened there, but to understand the full stories of the people whose lives were impacted by them.
This visit reminded me that travel is about so much more than the places we photograph or the meals we share. It is about the stories we uncover, the communities we support, and the history we take the time to understand.
Prince William County surprised me in every way possible. I came into this trip thinking I knew Northern Virginia, and I left realizing how much more there was still waiting to be discovered.
So if you are looking for a weekend getaway from Washington, DC, a Virginia road trip, or simply a new place to explore, I hope this guide inspires you to add Prince William County to your list.
Come hungry. Come curious. And most importantly… come ready to learn.
Because sometimes the most meaningful adventures aren’t thousands of miles away… they’re right in our own backyard.
If you end up visiting any of these places please tag me @ThisLatinaTravels and or email me: info@thislatinatravels.com
