Family Picnic and Game Night
First, snag a board game over at Puzzle Palooza Etc. (305 Mill St). Just next door, pick up candy, treats, or ice cream at Mill Street Sweets (305 Mill St). Then head right across the street to the Ballywhack Shack (304 Mill St) for drinks and freshly made sandwiches (we recommend the Cheesy Wheezy!). Finally, make your way to River Mill Park (458 Mill St) for a family picnic and game night in the park by the river.
DON’T FORGET: Camp chairs and blankets. Also, glass and alcohol are not permitted in the park, so leave those at home.
PRO TIP: Do this during Trivia Night (Sep 17, Oct 15, Nov 12) and let trivia be your game!
Treat Yourself Spa Day
It is time for some YOU time. Go ahead and plan a quiet day all to yourself in Occoquan. To start, schedule a relaxing and luxurious Aromatherapy Treatment Massage at Dansk Day Spa (danskdayspa.com). Head down the street to Curate (vagaro.com/curate) next for a brow waxing and tinting with owner Nicola. Then walk down to The Secret Garden Cafe (404 Mill St) and enjoy a peaceful lunch in the outside garden. Still need more you time? Head over to Angie’s Nails (206 Union St) for a pedicure and finish the day with a fresh cut and color from Good Hair Day (goodhairdaysalon.com).
DON’T FORGET: To book your appointments in advance.
PRO TIP: Turn your phone off and ignore the world for a bit. Occoquan is a great place to disconnect!
Plan a Romantic Date Night
There is no better place for a romantic date night! Whether it’s a 20 year anniversary or a first date, Occoquan is full of highly rated restaurants and romantic strolls. Start with drinks at Bottle Stop Wine Bar (311 Mill St), then head to Cock & Bowl (302 Poplar Alley) or Bann Thai (416 Mill St) for a meal. Afterwards, stroll over to River Mill Park and walk across the historic footbridge, take in the sunset views, or take a selfie at the LOVE sign. Not finished with the night? Head to the Taproom (301 Mill St) or Madigan’s Waterfront (201 Mill St) for drinks or live music!
DON’T FORGET: Virginia is for lovers!
PRO TIP: Most restaurants have their menus online; take a look before you come out!
Explore Shops With a Friend
Grab a friend and catch up while you shop! Get fueled up with a coffee at Grind N Crepe (301 Commerce St). Then stroll the historic district where you’ll find 40+ boutiques and shops filled with unique treasures. Be sure to visit Havana Boutique (125 Mill St) for new-to-you designer clothes, stop by newly opened Leaf & Petal (201 Union) for a free tea sample, get a chocolate pick-me-up at Nazbro Chocolates, and finally, browse the art galleries for one-of-a-kind jewelry. (See an expanded list of shops and galleries HERE)
DON’T FORGET: A handy tote to carry your goodies home (or pick one up while you’re here!).
PRO TIP: Town is bustling on weekends. Prefer a quieter pace? Visit us on a weekday.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Start your day out on the river. Bring your own kayak, canoe, or stand up paddle board and use our free accessible kayak ramp year round (under the 123 bridge), or rent from Penguin Paddling (203 Mill St) during the warmer months. A trip to Mom’s Apple Pie for a cup of hot coffee and fresh baked cardamom donut is next on your list. Afterwards, pull out that camera because the entire Town of Occoquan is a bird sanctuary, making it a great place to watch and photograph all types of fowl.
DON’T FORGET: Weather in Virginia can be unpredictable; come prepared.
PRO TIP: Head to one of the galleries listed on pages 14-15 of our Visitors Guide and purchase a photograph or painting of Occoquan birds or the landscape.
Spend the Weekend Instead
Why not spend the weekend with us? With great lodging options right here in town, it’s easy to take a few of these mini itineraries and turn them into a weekend getaway. Head to airbnb.com or vrbo.com to find great places to stay. See a list of lodging in our Fall/Holiday Visitors Guide (pages 14-15).
DON’T FORGET: You’ll be able to walk to most things in town, so bring those comfy shoes!
PRO TIP: Book things like spa appointments, workshops, or outdoor excursions in advance.
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