Travel on I 95 today

— OCCOQUAN —

The sweet 18th century mill town of Occoquan is situated along the Occoquan River, a Potomac River tributary. Hop off I-95 at exit 160 and treat yourself to a glance back in time. The historic buildings house more than 100 art galleries and boutiques, and great dining.

Your first stop into town should be at Mom’s Apple Pie. It feels like a country general store and offers freshly baked treats. You might need to stop again on the way out of town. You know, to have a snack for the road.

Don’t Miss:

- Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant has deck seating perfect for warm weather and sunshine. (more dining)
- Step aboard for Boat Tours on the Occoquan River. Tours depart from Occoquan Regional Park in Lorton.

— TRIANGLE —

Triangle is the home of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and is a seven-mile hop-skip-jump from Quantico, which you’ve no doubt heard of if you watch any kind of prime time crime. Exit 150 is where you want to go. As you approach the exit, you’ll see an interestingly shaped building jutting above the trees. That’s the Marine Corps Museum, and it should be your first stop.

- The 12, 000-acre one-time World War II covert ops training ground now known as Prince William Forest National Park is tucked quietly away and feels a world away for those accustomed to the hustle and bustle of metro Washington, D.C. life. Among other things, this acreage was also a child relief camp during the Great Depression, a, the 1865 free African American community of, and the hunting and fishing grounds of . There are 37 miles of hiking trails, cabins, and even backcountry camping (hike-in/hike-out).
- Quantico National Cemetery is the final resting place of decorated war heroes, four-star generals, and famed Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima flag-raising photographer Louis Lowery.

— FREDERICKSBURG —

- The James Monroe Museum honors our fifth United States President. See pieces from the 1, 600+ collection and enjoy the galleries, garden and gift shop.
- Historic Kenmore Plantation and Gardens is a beautiful Georgian that dates to the 1770s. Take the tour and see the amazing plasterwork on the ceilings. You’ll be amazed at the intricate details. There’s something for kids, too! They can get hands on with a portion of “The Patriots Lewis: What Would You Give, ” an exhibit highlighting the decorative pieces of Kenmore.
- If you have an appreciation for artisans and their crafts, a stop at LibertyTown Arts is a must. You’ll likely come across the artists at work!
- Take a cue from the locals and eat where they eat. Try Mason-Dixon Cafe for lunch and follow it up with Carl’s Frozen Custard, a Fredericksburg institution dating to the 1950s.

— HANOVER —

Virginia is dotted with Founding Father history and Hanover is a key dot, if you will. Take exit 92 east on Patrick Henry Highway. That’s a give away, right? In this area you’ll find historic sites related to Patrick Henry, like Hanover Tavern, which was once owned by his wife’s parents and is one of only a few surviving colonial-period taverns. You can eat there, too!