Being able to step back in time is a rare and memorable experience. The story of the Occoquan Historic District goes back to the early 1700s. Its location made it a natural place for commerce and industry, and as the decades turned into centuries, the riverside town of Occoquan witnessed the birth, infancy, and growth of a mighty nation. In its most important role, Occoquan’s grist and cotton mills led our young nation in automated technology and became a place where workers harvested river ice and built long boats and schooners.
When the Civil War broke out, the Occoquan post office was an essential communication gateway between the North and the South, but time and the elements would take their toll. A fire destroyed most of the town in 1916, silt slowly built up in the river, and when Route 1 was established a mile closer to the Potomac in 1928, growth shifted to Woodbridge. By the time Hurricane Agnes devastated Occoquan in 1972, it had already become a place frozen in time. Dedicated residents rebuilt the town to honor its past and remember its historical significance.
Today, Occoquan is a special place that retains the rare ambiance of days gone by, drawing visitors who marvel at its historical spirit and appreciate its present charm. Read below as our team at Koons Woodbridge Hyundai shares eight things you can see and do on your visit to the Occoquan Historic District.
Shop for Antiques, Treats, and Crafts
The Occoquan Historic District has many specialty shops you won’t find anywhere else, including decor and furniture stores, jewelry creators, photography studios, custom crafts and supplies, candies and teas, and antiques and vintage treasures. Download a Occoquan Historic District merchant map and spend the day visiting all the wonderful shops your heart desires.
Go on a Historical Walking Tour or a Ghost Walk
One of the best ways to take in the historical significance of Occoquan is to go on a self-guided walking tour. You can download a walking tour map and plot your own route through the district. The map highlights and explains hundreds of sites along Mill Street, Commerce Street, Union Street, and many more. And if your family is in a truly adventurous mood, you can go on an Occoquan Ghost Tour from spring to fall, or adults can participate in a Haunted Pub Crawl.
Enjoy Indoor and Outdoor Dining
You’ll find many amazing restaurants and cafes throughout the Occoquan Historic District or nearby, many of which have outdoor seating so you can enjoy Woodbridge’s warm weather months. A few of the places you won’t want to miss are Madigan’s Waterfront, specializing in seafood and steak, The Spot on Mill Street, a celebrated bistro and coffeehouse, and The Secret Garden Cafe, featuring American classics.
Visit the Waterfront and Boat Docks
There’s something relaxing about being near flowing water, and the Occoquan River is no exception. Strolling down the Occoquan Historic District’s docks along the waterfront will give you an appreciation of the natural beauty of the area and the river that made this a center of commerce and industry before our nation was born. Bring a picnic lunch, or find some great food nearby, and let the river currents wash away your stress.
Browse the Art Galleries
The beauty of art never gets old, and the Occoquan Historic District has several beautiful galleries that are a visual joy to walk through. Whether a serious collector or a casual browser, you can explore classical, contemporary, and folk art in the Occoquan art galleries along Mill Street. You’re sure to find something unique that’ll be the perfect accent in your home.
Treat Yourself to Some Personal Care
There’s always time to pamper yourself, and the Occoquan Historic District has several places that would love to serve you in that way — even if you have to break away from the family to do so. Whether you need a new hairstyle, some time at the spa, a yoga break, or just need your nails touched up, you’ll find delightful places to make you feel great about yourself in Occoquan.
Visit the Mill House Museum
Another pleasant way to learn about the rich history of the Occoquan Historic District is to spend some time at the Mill House Museum at 413 Mill St. The museum is in what’s left of the enormous Merchant’s Mill that a fire destroyed in 1924. It tells the story of Occoquan and has many amazing artifacts, tools, documents, and photographs from the past.
Catch a Music on Mill Concert
Occoquan is proud to provide free concerts in River Mill Park from late spring to early fall. If you check the Occoquan government website for the concert schedule, you and your family can plan a leisurely afternoon or a full day enjoying everything the Occoquan Historic District offers and end with a festive time of fun music in the park.
If you didn’t get to do it all when visiting the Occoquan Historic District, don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere, and you might even find special opportunities and events unique to each season. At Koons Woodbridge Hyundai, we hope you get the chance to enjoy many trips to this amazing part of history that’s right next door to us. And if the vehicle that takes you there and back isn’t quite what you’d like it to be, our wonderful team of experts at Koons Woodbridge Hyundai can help you with your automotive needs.
You Can Rely on Koons Woodbridge Hyundai
Koons Woodbridge Hyundai is the place to go when it’s time to trade in your old car for a vehicle you can depend on to improve your driving experience. Don’t hesitate to browse through our selection of new or pre-owned vehicles. We’re available to answer any questions you might have about service or financing. Feel free to drop by or contact us online. We’d love to help you find the right Hyundai for your needs.
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