Hotel at a Glance: Wyndham Garden Manassas

Located a stone’s throw from Manassas National Battlefield Park, Wyndham Garden Manassas is in a convenient spot for exploring the historic region. Spend your days roaming the storied battlefields, or drive 5 miles into downtown Manassas to browse the museums and 19th-century buildings. There are plenty of things to keep you busy at the hotel as well: indoor and outdoor pools, a 24-hour fitness center with weights and cardio equipment, and free WiFi.

• Love is in the air: Choose the sweetheart’s package for romantic add-ons including a three-course dinner for two, breakfast in bed, champagne, and chocolates.
• In-room amenities: 32-inch flat screen HDTV, microwave, refrigerator, and complimentary bottle of water
• American cuisine is on the menu at Applegate’s Restaurant & Bar, which offers a breakfast buffet as well as casual dinner options such as burgers and pastas.
• Make a toast at Applegate’s weeknight happy hour, held from 4 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

Manassas, Virginia: Civil War Battlefield near Washington, DC

It was a pair of Civil War battles that put Manassas on the map, one in July 1861 and another a little more than a year later. To walk in the footsteps of the soldiers at Manassas National Battlefield Park, take a ranger-led tour or follow the hiking trails that loop around the battlefield. After the war ended, Manassas grew from a railroad junction into a thriving town. A stroll through its historical downtown leads you past preserved 19th-century buildings, including a train depot and a Romanesque Revival courthouse. You’ll also find the Manassas Museum, where you can learn more about the town’s history. 

Less than an hour away, Washington, DC, makes an educational day trip. The National Mall is a must-see for first-time visitors to Washington, DC. The mall stretches 2.5 miles east from the Lincoln Memorial, past the soaring Washington Monument, to the Capitol Building on the other end. Across the Tidal Basin, stop in to see the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, which features a series of waterfalls, sculptures, and inspiring quotes from the 32nd president. Another pillar of DC is the Smithsonian Institution, which encompasses 19 museums in total. The Smithsonian’s best-known museums are located along the National Mall, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum.

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