Illustration by Shane Rebenshied
Best Bed and Breakfast
Manassas Junction Bed and Breakfast
9311 Prescott Ave., Manassas, ManassasJunction.com, 703-216-7803
The 1902 Queen Anne Eastlake-style bed and breakfast has kept its traditional flair with four-poster beds and claw foot tubs in each room’s private bath. Guests who desire even greater privacy can stay in the detached, provincial-style Nelson Cottage, with a two-person soaking tub, heated tile floor, kitchenette and covered porch.
second place: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, Middleburg, GoodStone.com, 540-687-3333
third place: Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast, Middleburg, BriarPatchBAndB.com, 703-327-5911
Best “Do Not Miss” Tourist Attraction
Manassas National Battlefield Park
6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, NPS.gov, 703-361-1339
The ground where Southern victories tested Northern resolve during the Civil War has turned into a popular attraction due to its rich history and slate of activities offered here year-round. Visitors can take ranger-guided tours, watch re-enactments, ride horses and picnic in the park’s 5,100 acres.
second place: Great Falls Park, NPS.gov, 703-285-2965
third place: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, MountVernon.org, 703-780-2000
Best Equestrian Event
Virginia Gold Cup
Great Meadow, The Plains, VaGoldCup.com, 540-347-2612
Horses aren’t the only fierce competitors at the Virginia Gold Cup; the spring event also comprises tailgating and hat contests, as well as a popular terrier race. More than 60,000 spectators gather at Great Meadow for this, the granddaddy of traditional Virginia steeplechase, enjoying the event’s official drink—a mint julep made with Woodford Reserve.
second place: NVTRP Ride to Thrive Polo Classic, Clifton, NVTRP.org, 703-764-0269
third place: Upperville Horse Show, Upperville, Upperville.com, 540-687-5740
Best Fishing Guide Company
Orvis
2879 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington, Orvis.com, 703-465-0004
At Orvis, fly-fishing is for all ages and abilities. That’s why the store’s fishing guides host free courses tailored to the whole family (necessary gear is provided). Fly Fishing 101 introduces fly-casting techniques and rod assembly. Students that advance to Fly Fishing 201 test their skills at Lake Accotink.
second place: Cabela’s, Gainesville, Cabelas.com, 571-222-9000
third place: Grand Ole Potomac Fly Fishing Guides, Sterling, GOPFlyFishing.com
Best Fishing Outfitter
Cabela’s
5291 Wellington Branch Drive, Gainesville, Cabelas.com, 571-222-9000
This year, Cabela’s introduces new product lines in its boat center, including models by Tahoe, Sun Tracker, Nitro and Ranger. Used boats and trade-ins are also available for purchase. The service center offers repairs and installations for boats purchased in store or elsewhere.
second place: Orvis, Arlington, Orvis.com, 703-465-0004
third place: REI, Fairfax, REI.com, 571-522-6568
Best Fitness Program
My Bodyoga
2570 Dynasty Loop, Woodbridge, MyBodyoga.com, 703-494-9642
The Goodvibe Tribe, the studio’s instructor team, strives to build a strong community of health and wellness enthusiasts. My Bodyoga offers classes in restorative yoga, chakra, hot hatha and even a dance fusion course called Beatles Yoga. Studio instructors also offer life coaching services and training in essential oil use.
second place: Orangetheory Fitness, Arlington, Rosslyn.OrangeTheoryFitness.com, 571-431-6140
third place: Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas, Freedom-Center.com, 703-993-8444
Best Golf Course
Heritage Hunt Golf and County Club
6901 Arthur Hills Drive, Gainesville, HeritageHunt.net, 703-743-2000
Designed by the world-renowned Arthur Hill, this course is challenging enough for experienced golfers and yet approachable for the newcomer. Notable holes include 9 and 18, both par 3. The semi-private course is open year round and coordinates monthly tournaments, including members-only and charitable events.
second place: Old Hickory Golf Club, LLC, Woodbridge, GolfOldHickory.com, 703-580-9000
third place: Evergreen Country Club, Haymarket, EvergreenCC.org, 703-754-4125
Best Gym
Onelife Fitness
7201 Heritage Village Plaza, Gainesville, OnelifeFitness.com, 703-753-1818
Whether a client’s goal is to maintain fitness, lose weight or strengthen both mind and body, Onelife Fitness has a program for it. The facility includes an indoor salt-water pool, spa-quality locker rooms and childcare. In addition to offering 80 classes per week, the gym provides both personal and group training programs.
second place: LA Fitness, Manassas, LAFitness.com, 703-334-0439
third place: Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas, Freedom-Center.com, 703-993-8444
Best Historic Site
Manassas National Battlefield Park
6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, NPS.gov, 703-361-1339
Manassas National Battlefield Park is the site of the two historic battles of Manassas. Today, visitors can participate in ranger tours and artillery reenactments. Living history events are held May through September on the park’s Henry Hill. Upcoming July 21-22 is a 157th anniversary event commemorating the First Battle of Manassas.
second place: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, MountVernon.org, 703-780-2000
third place: Old Town Alexandria, VisitAlexandriaVa.com, 703-746-3301
Best Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
1700 Tysons Blvd., McLean, RitzCarlton.com, 703-506-4300
Don’t miss the upscale hotel’s signature afternoon tea held in its Entyse Wine Bar & Lounge. Celebrating the flavors of Spain in its Tapas Tea, the menu features camarónes al mojo de ajo, a spicy prawn salad, and for your sweet tooth, a decadent cinnamon chocolate ganache.
second place: Hyatt Regency, Reston, Reston.Regency.Hyatt.com, 703-709-1234
third place: Hilton Garden Inn, Falls Church, FallsChurch.HGI.com, 703-237-8700
Hunting Outfitter
Cabela’s
5291 Wellington Branch Drive, Gainesville, Cabelas.com, 571-222-9000
Museum-quality wildlife displays, a gun library and firearm support resources are all part of the 79,000-square-foot hunting mega-store that opened in Gainesville last year. Shoppers can test bows, such as the new Edge Compound-Bow by Diamond—a bow built for archers of all sizes and levels—in the store’s 15-yard indoor range.
second place: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Manassas, DicksSportingGoods.com, 703-257-4300
Best Hunting Preserve
Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area
Sumerduck, DGIF.Virginia.gov, 804-367-1000
Located along the Rappahannock River, the Chester F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area supports populations of deer, turkey and smaller game, including rabbits and ducks. Open during white-tailed deer season in winter, the Hogue Tract of the preserve is designed to be accessible for mobility-impaired hunters.
Best Outdoor Adventure
Manassas National Battlefield Park
6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, NPS.gov, 703-361-1339
The 40 miles of trails are a great way to explore the vast natural resources and key historic points located throughout the 5,100-acre park. Visitors can bring their horses to ride on designated bridle trails or hike paths with trailside markers describing the battles and highlighting soldier experiences along the route.
second place: Great Falls Park, NPS.gov, 703-285-2965
third place: Occoquan River, Occoquan, OccoquanVa.gov, 703-491-1918
Best Resort
Salamander Resort & Spa
500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, SalamanderResort.com, 844-473-7996
The Blue Ridge serves as a backdrop for outdoor recreation at the elegant resort, which is nestled along its foothills. Guided hikes and equestrian programs, located on-site in the 14,000-square-foot stable, are offered as well as bike tours to local wineries and distilleries.
second place: Lansdowne Resort and Spa, Leesburg, DestinationHotels.com, 703-729-8400
third place: Poplar Springs Inn and Spa, Warrenton, PoplarSpringsInn.com, 540-788-4600
Best Retirement Community
Falcons Landing
20522 Falcons Landing Circle, Potomac Falls, FalconsLanding.org, 703-404-5151
Residents enjoy provided transportation during day trips to Washington, D.C., where they explore the museums and galleries located just 45 minutes away from campus. Groups also venture to local wineries, and for more far-flung excursions, to destinations, including the Caribbean.
second place: Heritage Hunt Golf and County Club, Gainesville, HeritageHunt.net, 703-743-2000
third place: Lansdowne Woods, Leesburg, LWVa.org, 703-723-1501
Best Summer Camp
Congressional Camp
3229 Sleepy Hollow Road, Falls Church, CongoCamp.org, 703-533-9711
Whether it’s Japanese cooking, rocketry, skateboarding or painting with watercolors, chances are campers will be able to find their niche when enrolling in Congressional Camp’s week-long specialty programs. New for 2018, the art of barbecue, water robotics and cake decorating.
second place: Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas, Freedom-Center.com, 703-993-8444
third place: Pied Piper Theatre Camp at The Candy Factory, Manassas, Center-For-The-Arts.org, 703-330-2787
