Walkable Downtowns - Outer Northern Virginia

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

It doesn't seem like an arts and craft show is what the OP is looking for. When I think of Occoquan, I think of Christmas shops, afternoon tea, smelly candles and doilies.

Which is why I haven't recommended Middleburg. While the village is 100% walkable, including all amenities one would need, there is no nightlife.

[tgbwc]

Of those mentioned I would go with Manassas. My wife and I still have places we enjoy from when we lived in PW County and still try to go to when we are out that way.

Dining | Categories | Historic Manassas | Page 2

[Badger21]

Another vote for Old Town Manassas. Make sure you hit up Monza for happy hour!

[stpickrell]

Manassas is closest to your job, assuming your job's in Gainesville. I'd go with that.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Have you ever been to Occoquan during one of their festivals? I have, due to work, and would never attend one of these voluntarily. I imagine living there during these festivals is not pleasant. Besides, if working in Gainesville this is not the easiest drive for a commute.

I threw the idea out there because OP specifically mentioned living on the Occoquan River. It's always better to look at all your options and eliminate those you don't like rather than miss an option only to find out later that it would have been a good choice.

To answer your question, yes, I have been to their festivals. It was voluntary on my part, and I enjoyed it. But living there during festivals may actually be more pleasant than visiting as you can walk to the festivities, or stay in your house, or escape for the day if it's not your thing. People who don't live in Vienna often complain about the traffic and congestion on 123. Living in town, however, it never bothered me because I walked most places or stayed on the residential streets if I needed to drive. Same idea.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

It doesn't seem like an arts and craft show is what the OP is looking for. When I think of Occoquan, I think of Christmas shops, afternoon tea, smelly candles and doilies.

I suggested it because the OP said:

"****The ONLY exception to walkable area would be a rental property backing to the Occoquan River, Goose Creek etc..not sure if that's really a think up there tho."

[Bigfoot424]

I do like the Town of Occoquan. It does get busy on weekends and traffic can be an issue but it is a nice little town.

[Twin02]

Old Town Manassas has my vote as a walkable town with great restaurants
And shops along with affordable housing options.