Manassas, Virginia - A great destination for Educational Tours
Posted on Mon, Feb 20, 2012 @ 09:14 AM
It was hard to believe I was just 30 miles outside the nation’s capital. 
When I stepped onto the grounds of the Manassas National Battlefield Park, everything was quiet, serene. I looked out to the countryside and envisioned the men marching up the hill for battle and could feel the ghosts of those who spilled their blood on this land. I was standing on hallowed ground, the site of two Civil War battles.
The battlefield is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Civil War. Prince William and Manassas have numerous historic sites like Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre, the Manassas Museum and Ben Lomond Historic Site that help tell the story of the soldiers, the slaves and the families that lived more than 100 years ago. When visiting these sites, the history I learned in school came alive. They are perfect attractions for educational, student or group tours.
Not a Civil War history buff? Let me tell you, there is something for everyone in Prince William and Manassas.
To learn about the Marines, I visited the National Museum of the Marine Corps. There, I got to do everything from land a helicopter in Vietnam to pilot a plane in World War II. The interactive museum is another great destination for student or group tours. It is also a great location to have a school performing ensemble prent a concert in their lobby
If you are looking to get away with your girlfriends or spend a romantic day with your loved one, visit the picturesque streets of Old Town Manassas and historic Occoquan. The quaint main streets allow you to step back in time and visit mom-and-pop shops and restaurants that offer unique gifts and exquisite food.
While the historic districts of the community offer great, unique stores, Potomac Mills provides visitors with more than 200 outlet shops and eateries. The indoor mall that includes an IMAX theater is a perfect destination for a tour group looking for a bargain.
After I finished shopping, I visited the new Hylton Performing Arts Center. When I pulled up to the facility I was amazed at its beautiful exterior, which features a nine-story copper-covered tower. The venue hosts both local and national, dance, music and theater groups. Bring a theater class here for an evening of entertainment or host an event in its grand foyer. In addition, what a great location for a music festival or performance music clinic.
If you are planning a group tour for people who love the outdoors, Prince William and Manassas have places like Leesylvania State Park and Prince William Forest Park where you can camp,fish, canoe and hike. Tours can also be booked with Rivershore Charters- a passenger boat that cruises the Occoquan River. Or, come during baseball season and take in a Potomac Nationals Game-the Washington Nationals’ Class A minor league team.
With the help of Discover Prince William & Manassas, VA, the region’s convention and visitors bureau, I was able to take in all that Prince William and Manassas have to offer. This is an excellent destination for group tours, class trips or educational tours.
