In June 2016, the Global Traveler and Trazee Travel teams traveled by car, train and plane to Prince William and Manassas, Virginia, for their annual staff conference, blending business with local history and leisure.
While reviewing the state of the business and planning for the year ahead, the group also explored the region’s highlights. Based at the conveniently located, business-friendly Courtyard Manassas Battlefield Park, the team used the hotel as a base for outings across the county.
For a strong dose of history, the group visited Manassas National Battlefield Park, the site of two Civil War battles at Bull Run. The Confederate victory at the Second Battle of Manassas in 1862 temporarily shifted the momentum of the war. During the visit the park was also marking the yearlong centennial celebration of the National Park Service. Another engaging historic stop was Ben Lomond Historic Site, a plantation that served as a Confederate field hospital after the First Battle of Manassas.
The conference gatherings and social events were hosted at two distinctive local venues that provided ample meeting space and memorable tastings. The Winery at La Grange operates from a restored 1790 manor house and produces a range of quality wines. KO Distilling, a craft distillery that opened to the public in 2015, welcomed the group for tours and samplings.
Dining highlights included a visit to Grafton Street, a locally owned Irish pub in the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center known for its broad selection of beers, cocktails and wines and a menu of fresh, hearty dishes. Jirani Coffee House was another favorite: a unique community hub where artists, bakers and small businesses gather to connect over specialty coffee, pastries and light fare.
Between historic sites, distinctive local venues, excellent dining and convenient accommodations, Prince William and Manassas, Virginia, offer a well-rounded destination for history, business travel, recreation and culinary discovery.