woodbridge final

Our first stop of this tour is the Occoquan Bay National wildlife Refuge. Situated right where the Potomac river meets the Occoquan river, Occoquan Bay offers over 4 miles of scenic walking trails and is open-year round.

This area is often frequented by visitors who enjoy nature and animal photography due to the vast diversity of species that live here including North American River Otters and Ospreys. A great place to bring your binoculars and bird watch is at the photo blind overlooking Marumsco creek, here you’ll see plenty of waterfowl grazing and flying overhead.

Just make sure when you visit to only take photos and leave only footprints.

Take a right up at Jefferson Davis Highway.

On your right we will see the Woodbridge VRE Train Station. The Virginia Railway Express, or VRE for short, is a commuter rail serving outlying towns from Northern Virginia into D.C.

This station also offers connections to Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line which serves the Northeast Corridor making stops in high traffic cities such as New York and Boston. So whether you’re taking a daily commute or a weekend getaway, the close proximity of this train station will make travel seamless.

Did you know the VRE’s existence saved 1 billion dollars in cost associated with highway widening?

Make sure to take a right on Prince WIlliam Parkway up ahead.

On your left we will be passing Lancaster Park. This cute little park offers basketball courts, volleyball nets, a playground as well as a picnic area complete with charcoal grills. This is a great place for an afternoon stroll or weekend picnic.

Continue down Prince William Parkway.

Welcome to the largest outlet mall in Virginia, Potomac Mills, located on your right. Potomac Mills has over 225 stores as well as an 18-screen AMC movie theatre. Enjoy high-end retailers at outlet prices such as Bloomingdale’s-The Outlet Store, Nordstrom Rack and Neiman Marcus.

Thinking of sprucing up your home or making a new home office? Head over to Ikea! They offer everything you could need to furnish your home and the best part is their easy to build furniture is flat packed, so you can leave with your furniture the same day you pick it out. Just make sure to stop at their food court on the way out for some Swedish meatballs.

If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite, just along the way is Silver Diner, a DMV area favorite!. Started in 1989, Silver Diner embodies both the retro-feel and nostalgia of diners while adding health-conscious and locally sourced food to their menus. Enjoy an indulgent breakfast like apple-pie stuffed french toast or hearty coconut quinoa pancakes after a long day of shopping.

On your right we will be passing the Campus of Northern Virginia Community College - Woodbridge or better referred to as NOVA. NOVA is Virginia’s largest public institution and the second-largest community college in the United States. NOVA is known for its diverse range of academic offerings, offering over 120 degrees at both the associate and certificate level.

The first classes at Woodbridge were offered in 1972 and has rapidly grown since its humble beginnings. Now the campus has four academic buildings, sports fields and the Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training.

Continue down Neabsco Mills Road.

Here on your left is Rippon lodge, one of the oldest houses remaining in Prince William County. Rippon Lodge was built in 1747 in the colonial area by Richard Blackburn. The home's proximity to the port town of Dumfries made it a perfect location for him and his son, Thomas, to export tobacco, wheat and other commodities.

He and his son were prominent figures in politics as well as his son serving in the local militia during the Revolutionary War. Most notably his daughter married George Washington’s Nephew.

In 2007, The Rippon lodge opened its doors to the public. Here you can see and learn about the rich history of the home and its owners from 1747 to 2000. Here you can enjoy guided tours as well strolling through the gardens and trails.

Did you know Rippon Lodge has its very own bee sanctuary?

On your right we will be passing Nebasco Regional park. Nebasco Regional Park comprises 300 acres of natural forest and wetlands. Take a walk on the Nebasco Creek boardwalk, open in 2019, the boardwalk allows hikers and visitors to walk through the wetlands to see the rich natural scenery and wildlife.

A great aspect of this park is it is mostly wheelchair accessible, so even those in wheelchairs can enjoy and be up close to nature. The marshland is home to many beautiful and breathtaking animals such as Blue Herons, beavers and egrets.

Continue down Rippon Boulevard.

Our last stop of the tour is the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1979, Featherstone provides a sanctuary for 325 acres of freshwater tidal marsh and upland forest. This land is vital for migrating birds that use it as a stop between migrating patterns.

Some notable birds that nest here are Golden-Winged Warblers,hooded mergansers and even Bald Eagles. The Creek is built for public access but the only access point currently is for non-motorized boats. So take advantage of this little slice of silent and undisturbed paradise.

That concludes our tour of Woodbridge, Virginia. If you liked what you saw and want to know more give Guy Allen a call at 571-722-2337 or send him an email at guy.allen@exprealty.com.

Thanks again for taking a tour with UCPlaces!