occoquan: Occoquan (VA) A Step Back to Another Time - 08/28/09 04:28 PM
Most people zooming across the Occoquan River on Route 123 or driving south on interstate 95 aren't thinking about the history of our area. Hidden among all of the mega subdivisions and marinas on the Occoquan River in Prince William County is the historic Town of Occoquan. The town's history can be traced back to the indigenous Native American Dogue Indians who inhabited much of the Occoquan River area. The Town of Occoquan growth as a settlement began in the 18th century as a mill town. It was prospering by 1765 with a grist mill, tobacco warehouses and foundry. As one … (4 comments)
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occoquan: Occoquan Coffee House-Come for the Coffee Stay for the Show - 08/01/09 08:20 PM
The Occoquan Coffee House is exactly where you would expect it to be, in the historic Town of Occoquan in Prince William County VA. Conveniently located at the corner of Commerce Street and Washington Street anyone looking for a cup of coffee to go with their morning commute will find it easy to get in and out. When you come inside the Occoquan Coffee House you will quickly figure out that this is not your usual chain coffee shop where you will see the same décor in every one. Instead you would have to describe the décor as eclectic. There is … (9 comments)
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occoquan: Town of Occoquan-History amidst the Hustle of Prince William County - 06/25/09 06:07 PM
Most people zooming across the Occoquan River on Route 123 or driving south on interstate 95 aren't thinking about the history of our area. Yet hidden among all of the mega subdivisions and marinas on the Occoquan River in Prince William County is the historic Town of Occoquan. The town's history can be traced back to the indigenous Native American Dogue Indians who inhabited much of the Occoquan River area. The Town of Occoquan growth as a settlement began in the 18th century as a mill town. It was prospering by 1765 with a grist mill, tobacco warehouses and foundry. As … (0 comments)
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occoquan: Back to the Future- Water Taxi’s in Prince William County - 05/05/09 08:22 AM
It doesn't take a genius to realize that even after spending billions on road projects in Northern Virginia that traffic is often still at a standstill on both major and secondary roads. Throw in a rainstorm, snow or an accident and commuters can spend hours just sitting and waiting.With the hot lane construction and the new Tyson Corner rail project the landscape continues to change along our roadways. Yet at the same time the Potomac River with access points from DC south into Virginia sits virtual unused. Cities like Seattle, Chicago and NY support water transportation as a way to get … (8 comments)
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occoquan: Occoquan River Festival-Hot off the Presses - 04/16/09 05:15 PM
As an member of the Occoquan River Communities Festival Committee I am pleased to share with you the updated Occoquan River Festival flyer from our meeting last night. As anyone who is involved in the planning of an event knows changes happen all the way up until the day of an event. This event is no exception. The dedication of small group of individuals lead by John Houser, Director of Occoquan Regional Park once again will make this an event worth attending. Mark your calendars for the 2nd Occoquan River Festival on May 2, 2009. Occoquan River Festival as of April … (2 comments)
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occoquan: Historic Occoquan (VA)-Mom's Apple Pie Company and General Store - 02/09/09 04:22 PM
The smell of pies baking is not coming from my house. That is the good news for my friends and family The even better news is that we only have to go a few miles away from our home in Belmont Bay to the historic town of Occoquan to find Mom's Apple Pie Company and General Store.
All of the pies at Mom's are made fresh with local ingredients. You can actually find someone peeling apples in the kitchen and you have your choice of the traditional two crust apple pie or the brown sugar crumb topping. Even though the store … (8 comments)
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occoquan: Occoquan River Festival 2009-Mark Your Calendars Now! - 09/16/08 02:06 PM
As strange as it may seem in today's busy world you have to get out announcements about upcoming community events early! So here it is hot of the presses. Occoquan River Festival -May 2, 2009
Last night the founding members of the Occoquan River Communities met at Belmont Bay to discuss our plans for next year's festival. The festival is just one part of what the Occoquan River Communities is all about but it is the largest group event encompassing all of the communities in one day. Under the leadership of John Houser from Occoquan Regional Park, the overall event manager last … (0 comments)
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occoquan: All Aboard-Virginia Rail Express In Eastern Prince William County - 09/09/08 03:34 PM
When the VRE first began operations along the I-95 corridor in 1992 there were questions as to whether the lack of housing near the train stations would derail the long term plans for the commuter rail. Now with new communities growing up along the commuter rail line and the rising price of gas more and more commuters are discovering the advantages to hopping on the VRE for their commute to the city or stops along the way.
The southern stop in Prince William County on I-95 corridor tour is the Quantico Station. Located within the gates of Quantico Marine Corps Base … (2 comments)
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occoquan: Grab a Ticket to Ride the Virginia Rail Express from Lorton & Belmont Bay (LOCALISM FEATURED) - 08/19/08 11:43 PM
When the Virginia Rail Express (VRE) first began operations along the I-95 corridor in 1992 there were questions as to whether the lack of housing near the train stations would derail the long term plans for the commuter rail. Since that time a new supply of "whistle stop" towns has sprung up close to the tracks including Lorton Station and Belmont Bay. The train has also made the older community of the Town of Occoquan take on a new life as well.
Lorton Station was built around the Stream Valley Park a 100 acre site that is dedicated to the founder … (10 comments)
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occoquan: The Painted Ladies of Occoquan Virginia - 08/18/08 07:22 AM
What do you do when you need to put new homes in a historic town setting? In some areas builders just throw them up and disregarding the integrity of the neighborhood. In Occoquan, the town planners, the builder, the architects and a Victorian color expert sat down and for months hashed through a plan that would create new homes that fit in with the setting of the old town.
The result is Gaslight Landing townhomes on the "main" street of historic Occoquan. My first post about Gaslight Landing was in July 2007 when the development was just breaking ground. Now the … (2 comments)
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occoquan: The Washington Business Journal Likes Us and So Will You - 08/16/08 06:43 AM
The latest edition of the Washington Business Journal (WBJ) has named Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan River Communities in the top 13 communities to watch in the DC Metro area in the future.
Having recently posted about New Urbanism in Northern Virginia it was interesting to see the WBJ cover some of the same thoughts expressed in my post. Stating that Gen X and Gen Y buyers are looking to finding live, work and play neighborhoods with good transportation options to Washington DC.Occoquan was selected due to its historic charm and it's location between Fort Belvoir and Quantico. In addition to the … (4 comments)
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occoquan: Take a Seat on the Deck at Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant - 08/13/08 12:46 PM
We have had picture perfect weather the last few days in Northern Virginia and it seemed like a good time to escape and enjoy a few moments on the Occoquan River. So we headed over to Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant to have a leisurely lunch on the waterfront deck.
Madigan's in located in the historic Town of Occoquan just off I-95 and Route 123 in Prince William County. It is one of those hidden gems in the area that many people drive right by without even knowing it is there. Madigan's has a prime spot in town right on the Commerce Street … (4 comments)
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occoquan: Mom’s Apple Pie and General Store in Occoquan Virginia - 08/05/08 08:17 PM
The smell of pies baking is not coming from my house. That is the good news for my friends and family The even better news is that we only have to go a few miles away from our home in Belmont Bay to the historic town of Occoquan to find Mom's Apple Pie Company and General Store.
All of the pies at Mom's are made fresh with local ingredients. You can actually find someone peeling apples in the kitchen and you have your choice of the traditional two crust apple pie or the brown sugar crumb topping. Even though the store … (8 comments)
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occoquan: A Crazy Day on the Occoquan River - 07/27/08 09:39 PM
Despite a torrential downpour that hit the Occoquan River Festival in the early afternoon everyone who helped plan and participate in the event will call it a success.
The American Spirit sailed into Belmont Bay right on time and there was a line waiting to take off on the first water taxi to Occoquan Regional Park at 11 am. By 1 pm the Children's Science Museum had counted 250 visitors through the interactive trailer.
Now I will have to say that if I didn't know it already it was reinforced today that trying to hold down a canopy with a metal … (4 comments)
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occoquan: No Pirates Allowed on this Cruise To Belmont Bay - 07/08/08 03:14 PM
On July 27th at 8 am the sixty-five foot American Spirit Schooner will set sail from Old Town Alexandria to Belmont Bay in Woodbridge as a part of the Occoquan River Festival. A few months ago I penned a post about the planning for the Occoquan River Festival through the new Occoquan River Communities committee made up of local businesses and residents along the Occoquan River. After months of hard work the Occoquan River Festival is gearing up for its big debut.
The American Spirit Schooner will be docking at the Belmont Bay Marina around 11 am. The boat will be open for FREE … (3 comments)
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occoquan: Traffic Jam on the Occoquan River - 05/06/08 08:00 PM
If you thought a traffic jam on 95 South was hard to handle then consider what happens when you put 200 boats on the Occoquan River at one time. This weekend is the annual blessing of the fleet to be held at Belmont Bay in Prince William County. The more than 200 boats scheduled to participate in the ceremony will be led in a procession by a fireboat from the Prince William Marina, pass under the Route 1 overpass and by the blessing boat docked at the Belmont Bay Marina.The blessing will be lead by the minister from Cranford United Methodist Church … (5 comments)
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occoquan: Occoquan River Communities New Plans and Plenty of Excitement - 03/05/08 11:09 AM
A new committee has been formed crossing Fairfax and Prince William County boundaries to promote the Occoquan River Communities. As a member of the committee I can tell you to mark your calendars for the upcoming Occoquan River Festival scheduled for July 27, 2008.Plans are underway to create an educational and recreational event to promote knowledge of the Occoquan River and the local waterways. We are working on a number of activities to give families the opportunity to enjoy what our natural environment has to offer. We are fortunate to have participation from the Lorton Arts Foundation, Occoquan Regional Park, Town … (3 comments)
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occoquan: A Busy Weekend on the Occoquan River - 09/28/07 04:09 PM
A few days ago I mentioned that this is the weekend for the fall Occoquan Arts and Crafts Festival. In addition to this popular event you can also head over to Belmont Bay on Sunday at 3 PM and take in the Army Blues Jazz Ensemble at the marina. This 18 piece orchestra is a real treat to listen to. Not only will you get the chance to hear great Jazz but you can enjoy the view of the boats in the marina and the Occoquan River rolling by.
I hope you will get a chance to take in one or both … (3 comments)
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occoquan: Fall Occoquan Arts and Crafts Fair - 09/26/07 05:47 PM
It is time for the fall Arts and Crafts Fair in historic Occoquan in Prince William County VA. This event always draws huges crowds due to the quality of vendors and crafts offered. Don't try to drive to town. The narrow one way streets are blocked off starting at 7 am on Saturday-even the post office closes-and stay closed until the event ends on Sunday. You can grab a shuttle bus from a number of different locations around the area including the old Hechingers Park and Ride Lot. If you want to get out and enjoy the great weather we are … (3 comments)
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occoquan: Wandering Around Prince William County - 08/10/07 03:23 PM
In previous "Out and About" Blogs I have told you a little bit of Historic Occoquan and some of the new developments within the town borders however the Occoquan River has a number of interesting Prince William communities along its banks. The name Occoquan comes from the Dogue Indians and means "the end of the water". The Dogue Indians lived along the banks of the Occoquan and were among the first Indian Tribes that the European settlers encountered after landing at Jamestown.
For home buyers who are looking for property that is not the usual Prince William County colonial then you might … (3 comments)
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