Discover art & history in Occoquan

Just show up! You don't need tickets.

I have a friend who grew up in Woodbridge and says there is nothing to do down in that part of the world. But even she admits that Prince William Forest is a cool National Park and that the historic town of Occoquan — and the nearby Workhouse Art Center — are rare gems.

Occoquan is an especially fine place to go on a sunny day in winter, as it is uncrowded and features many cozy places to enjoy a warm fire and a cup of tea.

One excellent way to take in Occoquan is the annual chocolate walk, every weekend before Valentine’s Day. James loved the free chocolates they handed out at every business, and I enjoyed having an excuse to wander into each of the shops to get a feel for the town. It would be weird for a bald man to walk into a hairstylist to just look around, but on the chocolate walk (where you have to get your chocolate passport stamped)… totally not weird!

Occoquan also hosts a number of art galleries.
Occoquan also hosts a number of art galleries.
Rockledge, the seat of the industrialist Ballandine family, towers over Occoquan.
Rockledge, the seat of the industrialist Ballandine family, towers over Occoquan.
Occoquan also includes a lovely river walk, with waterfalls and a footbridge over the Occoquan River.
Occoquan also includes a lovely river walk, with waterfalls and a footbridge over the Occoquan River.

Workhouse Art Center

Across the river from Occoquan is the Workhouse Art Center, which is like a zoo for artists.

James stands outside one of the many gigantic galleries in Occoquan’s Workhouse Arts Center.

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