Just 45 minutes west of Washington, D.C., as you pass Dulles Airport and the city of Manassas you will find yourself in Prince William County. Haymarket, Gainesville, Occoquan, and Woodbridge are just a few of the towns ready to welcome you, whether you are a D.C. local or visiting Washington, D.C., and looking for a few days out of the city, where green fields and forests, wineries, good food, local boutiques and an abundance of day spas await.
The Perfect Girls’ Weekend Itinerary
One of my favorite ways to explore Virginia is with my best friend or a few girlfriends. You can never go wrong with either.
Spend the weekend reconnecting over a delicious cocktail (one of my favorite things to do!) or a local glass of wine created using grapes grown in Virginia, indulging in a facial, massage or both, and catching up over a world-class meal you would expect to find in a large city, not the suburbs of D.C.
But how will you plan your weekend itinerary? I have a few ideas for you.
Prince William County VA Itinerary
Day 1: Haymarket, VA Itinerary
Whether you want to take a half day off work to get a head start on the weekend, or you are adding on some time while exploring the Mid-Atlantic region, you should start driving out to Haymarket, where you will base your explorations, by early afternoon.
TIP: if you are renting a car, get the EZ-Pass so you can use the Express Lanes. It will cost a little more, but when driving out I-66 the Express Lanes will save you a lot of time, especially if you have to drive anytime near rush hour.
Since you are arriving mid-afternoon, you can grab a coffee from 1971 Coffee Shop (woman and Latino-owned). They serve a delightful Honey Lavender Latte, as well as a selection of teas and pastries, with plenty of spots to sit inside and outside.
If you are hungry and want to satisfy your sugar craving, pop across the street to Cupcake Heaven in Haymarket for cupcakes.
Similar to Georgetown Cupcakes in D.C., this local cupcake shop has developed a master class of flavors, including a raspberry lemonade cupcake that I’m still drooling over as I think about it.
Check into the Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket, a new hotel that opened in 2022 that is filled with art and light-drenched spaces, a coffee shop, the best restaurant in town (the Red House Tavern headed up by Chef Joel Valente, former Chef Tournant at the three Star Michelin restaurant Inn at Little Washington), a bar/coffee shop, and a friendly staff that instantly makes you feel welcome as you check in for your stay.
Rooms are large enough for friends to share, and priced right so if you have more than two people traveling together you can get a few rooms, and even connecting rooms so you can stay in your PJs and watch “Bridgerton” together without walking into the hall.
Once you have all arrived and are checked in, drive over to The Winery at La Grange (a 15-minute drive) to enjoy a glass of wine on the patio (or interior sitting rooms) of this historic estate with views of the vineyard. The winery has an award-winning Pinot Grigio, as well as a Viognier and several reds.
If you are looking for another winery to explore during your stay, check out The Winery at Sunshine Ridge Farm, or you can walk down the street to the Morais Vineyards and Winery’s Aroma Tasting Room II (their other tasting room is in Manassas).
Head back to your hotel for dinner at Red House Tavern. Make sure you order a cocktail off the menu to enjoy with your dinner or during dessert, as the cocktails are very well made. They offer a delightful range of less sweet, more herbaceous cocktails if you don’t want yet another fruity, sweet drink.
The idea behind the restaurant is that you share a bunch of small plates so that you can sample several dishes. This is perfect for friends traveling together who want to dine family style. Even if there are a few food allergies or dietary restrictions on the menu, everyone will be able to find something they can share and enjoy.
Despite the restaurant being right off of the lobby of the hotel, you will still be welcomed to an elegant space filled with unpretentious beauty and a staff that can’t be beaten with how well they take care of you.
Head to your room after dinner to catch up on some sleep, watch movies with friends, or enjoy a leisurely shower before curling up in a very comfortable bed with great pillows (I’m very particular about pillows). If you need extra pillows and blankets simply ask.
TIP: If you want a second blanket like the one on your bed, not just a thin top blanket, simply request another “duvet.” I finally figured out this trick on my last trip; I love a lot of fluffy blankets when I sleep, but the thinner blankets that are usually sent up to the room just don’t do the trick.
DAY 2: Occoquan, VA Itinerary
The wonderful thing about Prince William County is that you don’t have to wake up early to rush out the door to do things. Outside of coffee shops and breakfast joints, not much is open before 10 am.
Start your day at Crossroads Cafe, which is located in the bar section of your hotel, to the right of Red House Tavern (all in the same building). Pick up some pastries and coffee to go (they use Haymarket Coffee Co. beans), and then get in your car for a day of shopping, pampering, and even some active time on the water (if you are so inclined).
If you are looking for outlet shops, make a stop at the Potomac Mills Mall, about 15 minutes away from Occoquan, your ultimate destination for the day.
You will have plenty of time to shop in the morning (it opens at 10 am) and to score some incredible deals, especially at the Bloomingdales Outlet and Nordstrom Rack. There is also the Lucky Brand Outlet, Gap Outlet, and Banana Republic Outlet, just to name a few.
Once you are hungry drive down to Occoquan for lunch. The Secret Garden serves brunch and lunch throughout the day. There are mimosas on the brunch menu if you want to kick off your restoration time with a little bubbly, plus a wonderful selection of salads, burgers and egg dishes.
One thing I love about Occoquan is that there are no chain stores, plus more than 70 percent of the businesses are owned by women.
Urban Posh Boutique, owned by Angie and Pam Behbahani, carries a gorgeous collection of women’s clothing. I still regret not buying the two dresses I saw. The shop is much bigger than it looks from the outside, so take the time to poke around to find the perfect souvenir from your trip.
Gift & Gather, also female-owned by Usa Leckenb, carries art and items created by DC-metro artists and craftsmen and women, meaning not only do you get to shop local, but you get to support the local arts community too.
If you like jewelry, don’t miss the earrings on display by Saffron Creations. The artist uses recycled vintage tins, mostly from England, to make these one-of-a-kind creations. There are some true beauties that you will want to bring home, or you can do some early Christmas shopping for friends and family.
If you saw something you like but didn’t buy it, have no fear– you can shop online as well.
Once you are all shopped out (is that possible?) it’s time to start the spa portion of your day.
Book a facial at Curate where owner Nicola is happy to get you set up with one of her estheticians (calling ahead is highly recommended especially if there is more than one of you).
I tried their Signature Facial with Lisette and my face has never felt so amazing.
Lisette was a true professional who answered all of my questions about the products she was using, and what she used to apply them, but also she and I quickly knew when it was time to just be quiet together to feel a little bit of that zen that always comes over me when I get a facial.
For those traveling with a few girlfriends who have to take turns getting facials, have no fear. Just around the corner is Angie’s Nails (AAPI women-owned small business) where you can get a manicure and pedicure, as well as fairy tinsel threaded into your hair.
If you are looking for something more active (no judgment here if you find your zen kayaking, hiking, etc.), you can rent kayaks or paddle boards from Penguin Paddling right on the Occoquan River. They have everything you need to get on the water, you just need to bring clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet and sunscreen.
After your spa appointments or kayaking (or both!), enjoy a leisurely stroll towards River Mill Park where you can see the Occoquan River cascading down rocks, fellow water lovers fishing and paddling, and get some fun photos with the LOVE sign.
Walk across the Hooe’s Ferry (at footbridge) for more trails to wander, or head back to your car. It’s been a busy day of relaxation and shopping, which means it must be happy hour!
Drive back to Haymarket to freshen up. If you have time, pop into MuLarkey Distilled Spirits for a cocktail. The distillery, known for its flavored whiskeys, vodka and gin, offers a full range of tastings and cocktails Thursday-Saturday. On the last Wednesday of the month, you can also sign up for a mixology class.
Less than 10 minutes from MuLarkey, and about five minutes from the hotel, you can grab a table for dinner at Maaza 29 in Gainesville. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by this little Italian gem on the side of a strip mall.
TIP: I have had more great food in strip malls lately then I can count. Never discount a place based on location.
The restaurant had a lovely patio on the side of the building, and the welcoming entry where you could simply enjoy a glass of wine and charcuterie with friends, or head into the main dining area for a full sit-down meal together.
While we were there the restaurant was hosting a wine-tasting event featuring Tuscan wines, and you could tell that everyone partaking was having a marvelous time learning about wineries that might not have been on their radar.
Maaza 29’s menu confused is very confusing at first though. As we scanned the menu we saw Italian dishes, but then a few French items, and an entire section of Ethiopian dishes. Was the restaurant schizophrenia or was something else happening in the kitchen?
We quickly learned that the chef was Italian Ethiopian, had been raised in Milan, gone to Le Cordon Bleu in France, and then brought the flavors of his combined heritage to Haymarket for all to enjoy.
And enjoy we did!
From the Venetian duck ragu over pappardelle to the arugula salad topped with perfectly blackened salmon, you’ll be stuffed before you can even finish.
If you need dessert you can head back into the Red House Tavern, or if you have time before they close, you can pick up ice cream from Cookies and Cream. For those looking for more to do around town, The Farm Brewery at Broad Run has drinks, live music, and my favorite– axe throwing.
Either way, make sure you get some sleep tonight because there is more pampering tomorrow!
Day 3: Haymarket + Manassas
Wake up at your leisure. Today you are enjoying breakfast with friends before you go to Woodhouse Day Spa in Gainesville, VA.
Walk across the street from your hotel to Hidden Jules Cafe. You order at the counter and can do takeaway or sit inside or on the sunny patio (umbrellas provide shade as needed).
There are plenty of pastries and egg dishes, but I am always excited when a fresh fruit smoothie is on the menu, and theirs was just how I like mine made- berries and chia seed. Nothing fancy, no added sugars or ice cream, just a healthy, vitamin-packed way to start my morning.
After you have had your fill of coffee, carbs and smoothies, drive 10 minutes to the Woodhouse Day Spa for your spa treatment(s). This is a more traditional day spa, one where you will change into a robe, enjoy tea, water or champagne in the lounge while you wait for your service to start, and rest after your treatment is over and to wait for your friends.
I highly recommend the 80-minute deep tissue massage. My massage therapist listened to my concerns (shoulders, back and hips), and worked on those knots that come from sitting at a desk writing all day.
He was also able to stretch out my psoas muscle, a muscle that got messed up while I was pregnant with my youngest, so it has always caused me problems.
While a 50-minute massage is nice, you can barely scratch the surface or find relief when it is over and done with just as you start to melt. You and your friends will be happy when your massage is over and you are a puddle of relaxation when you find each other in the lounge after your melt-worthy treatments.
Now that you are rested, drive over to The Farm Brew Live Campus to have lunch at The Black Sheep: whiskey + wine + noshery. The Pepino Paradise (elderflower liqueur, lime juice, cucumber basil syrup, sparkling wine) is the perfect post-spa cocktail, but the fennel Greek salad with salmon added on top is what will always bring me back to this restaurant and entertainment complex in Manassas, VA.
Once lunch is finished, it’s time to say goodbye to your friends, as you probably need to head back home or continue with your journey.
If you are headed back towards D.C. you can stop at the Manassas National Battlefield Park on your way back to the city for a last-minute hike or history lesson on this Civil War battlefield.
I like to stop at Battery Heights, a small turn-off from the road that is usually quiet. You can simply enjoy sitting on a bench for a bit and looking out over the hills.
Others may be on their daily run or hiking through the fields, but if you just need a spot to sit and contemplate or do a little journaling, this is the perfect place to visit.
Are you ready to start planning your visit to Prince William County, Virginia? There is more to this county than you could ever imagine.
This post is in partnership with Visit Prince William County VA. As always, my opinions are my own; when they aren’t you will be the first to know.
Things to do in Prince William County VA
If you have more time or want a little more variety to add to your stay, here are a few things you should check out while you explore the area.
- Potomac Mills Mall, 2700 Potomac Mills Cir, Woodbridge
- Penguin Paddling, 201 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District
Historic Manassas Farmers Market
- Address: Historic District, 9024 Prince William St, Manassas, VA
This amazing farmer’s market takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays. You can pick up loads of fresh produce, plants, and other locally-made products, at great prices compared to the city farmer’s markets.
- Address: 8954 Burwell Rd, Nokesville, VA
The farm has a seasonal produce stand and yoga (sometimes goat yoga, but check their website before you go).
Girls’ Getaway Weekend Itinerary Resources
Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn Haymarket | DETAILS, 15001 Washington St, Haymarket, VA
Prince William County Restaurant Guide
Coffee Shops
- 1971 Coffee Shop, 15125 Washington St Suite #112, Haymarket, VA
- Crossroads Cafe, 15001 Washington Street, Haymarket, VA
Restaurants
- Hidden Jules, 14950 Washington St, Haymarket, VA
- Red House Tavern, 15001 Washington St, Haymarket, VA
- Giuseppe’s, 15120 Washington St, Haymarket, VA
- Zandra’s, 14600 Washington St #146, Haymarket, VA
- Parrando’s, 15125 Washington St # 100, Haymarket, VA
- Byblos Restaurant, 6850 Piedmont Center Plaza, Gainesville, VA
- Rockwood, 7505 Iron Bar Ln, Gainesville, VA
- The Bone, 8045 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville, VA
- Blue Ridge Sea, 15704 Lee Hwy, Gainesville, VA
- The Farm Brew Live Campus, 9901 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA
- The Black Sheep Restaurants, 9901 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA
- The Secret Garden, 404 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District, VA
- Ballywack Shack, 304 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District, VA
- Third Base Pizza & Frozen Custard, 202 Commerce St, Occoquan Historic District, VA
Wineries and Distilleries
- The Winery at La Grange, 4970 Antioch Rd, Haymarket, VA
- The Winery at Sunshine, 15850 Sunshine Rdg Ln, Gainesville, VA
- Murlarkey Distilled Spirits, 7961 Gainsford Ct, Bristow, VA
Desserts
- Cupcake Heaven at Haymarket, 6630 Jefferson St, Haymarket, VA
- Cookies and Cream, 14650 Washington St, Haymarket, VA
Virginia Day Spas
Haymarket
- Ash Salon and Spa, 14945 Washington St, Haymarket, VA
- Tranquility Day Spa and Salon, 15125 Washington St #304, Haymarket, VA
Gainesville
- Woodhouse Day Spa, 8114 Stonewall Shops Square, Gainesville, VA
- Mystic Flow Wellness Center, 6884 Piedmont Center Plaza, Gainesville, VA
- New You Med Spa, 7482 Limestone Dr, Gainesville, VA (pre-consult required. No walk-ins.)
Occoquan
- Curate, 302 Mill St, Occoquan Historic District, VA
- Dansk Dayspa, Miracle Inch Loss Wrap (212 Commerce St A)
- Angie’s Nail Salon, 206 Union St Unit 102, Occoquan Historic District, VA
- Emerald Nail Spa, 202 Washington St Unit 101, Occoquan Historic District, VA
