The Best of Summer in Occoquan!

Find the BEST of everything historic downtown Occoquan has to offer this summer:

Outdoor Drinks

Whether it's the reason for the trip or a quick stop while strolling the shops, grabbing a drink outside is a mainstay of summers in Occoquan. Head over to the Mill Street Draft Garden (200 Mill St) for the best in local brews. Their casual yet comfortable setting is the perfect spot to enjoy some live music and tasty tacos.

The expansive river views at the Madigan's Waterfront (201 Mill St) tiki bar simply can't be beat! Watch the kayakers and boats while enjoying a glass. Then in the center of town, Bottle Stop Wine Bar (311 Mill St) has award-winning wines by the glass and bottle and a shaded patio, perfect for people watching. 

Town-wide Events

There's a lot to do in Occoquan through the year. Here are a few upcoming town-wide events:

• Trivia Night in the Park (June 19, July 17, August 21, September 11)

• Sounds of Summer (June 27)

• Town-wise Sidewalk Sale (July 11)

• National Night Out (August 4)

• Swords, Brooms & Magical Beasts (August 9)

• Fall Arts & Crafts Show (September 26-27)

For a full list of events, including art classes, workshops, book clubs, special brunches, exhibitions, and more, go to page 4 or visitoccoquanva.com/events!

Breakfast & Brunch

Could it be our favorite meal of the day? Absolutely! Start your day with an espresso at Ballywhack Shack Cafe (126 Commerce St). Take it to go or stay in, but be sure to come hungry because you won't want to miss these breakfast sandwiches! Zorba's Grill (201 Union St) boosts an impressive traditional Turkish Breakfast on the weekends starting at 8am. The platter includes eggs and a variety of meats, cheeses, olives, jams, and pastries.

Cock & Bowl (302 Poplar Aly) will steal your heart with their gaufres sucrees (sweet waffles) with your choice of homemade sweet topping. For a classic, local favorite head to The Secret Garden Cafe (402 Mill St) for shrimp and grits or amazing french toast!

Kids & Families

Families will love the toys and hefty book section at Tiny Supply Co. (125 Mill St), curated for babies up to elementary age. For the creative puzzles in your clan, head to Puzzle Palooza Etc. (305 Mill St) for puzzles and games for all ages. If you have more time, don't miss Paint Your Heart Out (125 Mill St) where kids and their adults can paint their own pottery. 

For a bite to eat, we recommend family-friendly Mill Street Draft Garden (200 Mill St) with its yard games and room to roam. The kid's burger or chicken fingers are always a hit! Zorba's Grill (201 Union St) makes a mean grilled cheese sandwich and the patio area is tucked in between shops right in the center of town. The pasta dishes on the kids menu at The Secret Garden Cafe (402 Mill St) and D'Rocco's Restaurant (301 Mill St) are always a crowd pleaser as well!

Don't miss the waterfall and river views from the Nathaniel Ellicott Footbridge in River Mill Park (458 Mill St) or watching the ducks, geese, and kayakers from the Town Dock (205 Mill St).

Date Night

You deserve a night out! Impress your date with a charming outing in historic downtown Occoquan. The brick sidewalks, riverfront strolls, quaint architecture, and vibrant restaurants, shops, and galleries make it the ideal place to disconnect and have a little fun.

Visit D'Rocco's Restaurant (301 Mill St) for a romantic Italian meal complete with handcrafted cocktails and a charming atmosphere. Perfect for a seated meal or a drink and appetizers at the tastefully appointed bar. Thai Ghang Waan (416 Mill St) has an intimate and stylish dining room and patio, perfect for quiet conversation. While newer to the Occoquan scene, Thai Ghang Waan is quickly becoming a town favorite for it's friendly servers and amazing dishes. 

Bottle Stop Wine Bar (311 Mill St) is an elegant choice, both for it's ambiance and contemporary American cuisine. Stay for a full meal or take a seat at the bar and enjoy a glass of wine or a creatively crafted cocktail. And The Secret Garden Cafe (402 Mill St) is a long-time local favorite featuring tasty bistro fare and a gorgeous outdoor garden seating area, sure to impress your date! 

Before your table is ready, browse one of Occoquan's many art galleries and see what inspires you! Local Colour (408 Mill St) is conveniently located between Secret Garden Cafe and Thai Ghang Waan. The Loft Gallery (313 Mill St), Art a la Carte (310 Mill St), and Artists' Undertaking (309 Mill St) are all centered on the same block as Bottle Stop, D'Roccos, and Riverside Pizza Cafe. And Laura Jones Fine Art (125 Mill St) is located next door to Madigan's Waterfront and Mill Street Draft Garden.

Style & Fashion

Start the summer in style with a new frock or accessory from one of Occoquan's premiere boutiques. Urban Posh Boutique (203 Washington St) has fresh and contemporary clothing, shoes, and accessories. UPB is always on trend and brings new styles into the shop weekly! Right next door is The Salty Beach Boutique (203 Washington St), a cozy shop with sun dresses, jewelry, and everything you need for your beach trip or staycation. 

Off the beaten path, but well worth the short walk is To Bee (308 Poplar Aly) which features handmade clay earrings and artisan gifts. Ask about their custom workshops! And if you are looking for designer eye wear, you must stop by Occoquan Optical (125 Mill St). Appointments are required, so call ahead! Molly & Olly's (301 Commerce St) supplies brand name clothes and shoes for the whole family.

Down on Mill Street you can discover an eclectic mix of international apparel, jewelry, and accessories at So Bohemian (310 Mill St). Across the street you'll find formal wear and bridal designs at Labella Bridal Boutique (313 Mill St) as well as the area's popular alternations studio. Next door you can browse unique, funky finds at Elements (313 Mill St).

Live Music

Restaurants in Occoquan host a variety of talented local musicians, who are a great accompaniment to the bites and brews you love. Head to Mill Street Draft Garden (200 Mill St) and Madigan's Waterfront (200 Mill St) throughout the summer for live music. 

On Saturday, June 27 at 7pm, grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to River Mill Park for a free concert from the 257^th Army Band during Sounds of Summer (458 Mill St).

History

The Mill House Museum (413 Mill St) is a small museum with big impact. With free admission, the building is open everyday except Wednesdays from 11am-4pm. Roam the room which was once the administration building for a large mill complex, dating back to the 18th century. Managed and curated by the Occoquan Historical Society, the volunteer docents can talk to you about artifacts on display and the history of the town.

For a self guided option, the town's Historical Marker Trail can be found on kiosks at the museum or Mamie Davis Park (205 Mill St), on page 23 of this guide, or on our website at visitoccoquanva.com/history.

Self Care

It's never a bad season to get pamper and take a moment for yourself. Occoquan's premiere spas and treatment services will having you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated in no time!

For the best facials, visit Curate (302 Mill St), Forever Young (206 Mill St), or Dansk Day Spa (212 Commerce St). For massage and body work, we recommend ASM Wellness (312 Poplar Aly), Evidi Massage (300 Ellicott St) and Occoquan Family Chiropractic (303 Union St). 

If you are looking for experienced nail salon, head to Angie's Nails (206 Union St) and Emerald Nail Spa (202 Washington St). And if you're in need of a trim or a full style change, visit popular Salon ALO (125 Mill St) and Good Hair Day (308 Mill St)!

Group Reservations

Heading out with a group can be a lot to coordinate, especially on a weekend. Here are our recommendations for restaurants where you can make a reservation in advance, making your group outing a little easier!

• Bottle Stop Wine Barbottlestopva.com or 703-494-1622

• D'Rocco's Restaurantdroccositalian.com or 571-572-3087 

• Madigan's Waterfrontmadiganswaterfront.com or 703-494-6373

Sweets & Treats

For a coffee, sandwich, or a gluten free baked good on-the-go, head over to Ballywhack Shack Cafe (126 Commerce St). Located in the same building, just a few feet away, is the bakery of your dreams, Golden Plum (126 Commerce St). Owned by the daughter of the previously occupied Mom's Apple Pie Bakery, Golden Plum has a delectable assortment of pasties, treats, breads, and of course... pie!

Down on Mill Street we have you covered in the chocolate department, with two shops making treats right here in town. Nazbro Chocolates (309 Mill St) specializes in handmade fudge and chocolate covered fruits and nuts, and dipped treats. Potomac Chocolate (304 Mill St) is one of the oldest bean-to-bar makers on the east coast and has handcrafted gelato, drinking chocolate, and stunning bon bons, in addition to their chocolate bars.

For a cool summer frozen treat, grab an ice cream at Mill Street Sweets (305 Mill St) or Baba & Me (201 Union St). We recommend a stroll through one of our parks or the boardwalk with that cone!

For Your Home

Shop Americana designs and classic antiques for your home at Glory Be (305 Mill St). For beautiful french inspired antiques, artwork, jewelry, and gifts, head to VanEch Studio (125 Mill St). While finding your perfect piece, you are sure to be inspired by owner Niki VanEch's expert interior design style.

The artwork at Sincerely Yours Stained Glass Studio (214 Commerce St) is not to be missed. Handmade by owner Barbara Perry (who also teaches classes!), the shop has been open since 1992 and is well worth the visit. A block down is Leaf & Moss (312 Commerce St) where you can find Prince William County's only houseplant shop. Their knowledgeable staff will help you find the perfect plant pairing for your home (even if you don't have a green thumb!).

A home isn't complete without your signature scent. Head over to Hello Jackson Home Fragrance Company (201 Union St) for hand-poured wickless candles, room sprays, diffusers, and more. And for fresh flowers to brighten up any room, Brandon's Flowers (203 Union St) has a wide selection of florals and can create a custom bouquet or arrangement, perfectly styled to your taste.

Gifts & More

For you or for someone else, the shops of Occoquan have imaginative, locally sourced, and truly unique gifts! Leaf & Petal (204 Washington St) has 100+ loose leaf organic teas to choose from. Buy a bag or ask for a cup to go. There's even a sample of the day to try out. Gift & Gather (307 Mill St) is a hostess gift mecca, but don't forget their wide range of modern jewelry, baby gifts, and provisions. 

For funky and fun gifts, plus a huge selection of Occoquan hats, shirts, stickers, and more, head to Occoquan Outfitters Souvenir Shack (304 Mill St). Then down the street at Hitchcock Paper Co. (125 Mill St) you will find a curated selection of cards, stationery, journals, and pens. 

Jerry's Occoquan Jewelers (306 Mill St) is one of the oldest shops in Occoquan, celebrating it's 50th year in 2026. Here you'll find classic, original, and exclusive pieces for both men and women.

For crystals and metaphysical essentials, we recommend the varied and well stocked shops: Fix O'Whimsy (201 Union St), Organic Allure (202 Union St), and Earth Addictions (125 Mill St)! And for unique vintage treasures, fit for every man cave, you have to stop by Man Overboard (310 Mill St)!