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Having a workday lunch can break up the monotony of long days at the office. Most people look forward to getting out of the office for lunch to refresh and enjoy the middle of the day. Fortunately, there are many delicious restaurants to choose from if you work or live in the Woodbridge area. Here are the best lunch spots to eat at in Woodbridge, VA. Not Your Average Joe's Not Your Average Joe's is located at 15101 Potomac Town Place. It is a New American style cafe with a wide selection of updated options. It serves all meals of the day including brunch on Sundays. The selection that you can choose from at Not Your Average Joes's is extensive so there is something for everyone. If you can't get out of the office, you can order online. Plus, it takes Sunday brunch reservations. Kabob Zone Kabob Zone is located at 1403 Old Bridge Road. It offers a refreshing change from the usual lunch places and is quick and easy to eat. The portion sizes are large as well, so there may be leftovers for later. There are a variety of options to choose from and the staff can help you make a choice. There is an equally impressive selection of sauces and sides to go with your kabobs. Kabob Zone delivers to the local area so not getting out of the office is not a problem. The Secret Garden Cafe Another place that you may want to try is the Secret Garden Cafe. It is located at 400 Mill Street. It is a cafe off the beaten path that serves light breakfast and lunch options. The Secret Garden is located in a renovated home that used to belong to the town pharmacist. It has a secluded atmosphere that is great for relaxing and unwinding from the workday. The menu includes a variety of international options including Korean style braised short ribs and Mediterranean bruschetta. Dixie Bones Dixie Bones is a southern style BBQ place at 13440 Occoquan Road. It specializes in BBQ sandwiches stacked high and surrounded by sides. The BBQ Pork Sandwich is a customer favorite, and the cornbread is one of the best side options. It is a good place to stop by and pick up lunch when you need a quick trip out of the office. If you want to do something nice for your coworkers, you could have Dixie Bones cater lunch. The catering selection is extensive and it will all come to you so you don't have to leave the office. Whether you're having a great week or a long one, the solution is always going out for a nice lunch to treat yourself. The restaurants featured on this list work well whether you plan to dine alone or with your co-workers. Try out one restaurant each week until you feel that you've found some of your favorites. Image by Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

The area around Manassas, Virginia, is steeped in history and played a significant part in the Civil War. Here are some of the important historical sites in the City of Manassas and the surrounding area. Manassas Battlefield Park The Manassas Battlefield Park commemorates First Battle of Manassas in July 1861, which was the first major battle of the Civil War, and the Second Battle of Manassas in August 1862. These are also known as the First and Second Battles of Bull Run. At the time, the area wasn't much more than a railroad crossing, but it was considered a strategic location. The park covers over 5,000 acres and serves to preserve the history of the battles and offers many outdoor activities. Ranger tours are available seasonally, or you can take a self-guided 20-mile driving tour. For those interested in nature, the park features woodlands, meadows, and streams providing habitat for many animals. Over 40 miles of trails enable you to visit key areas of the battlefields. Mayfield Fort In 1861, Confederate soldiers began the construction of 12 fortifications to defend the strategic railroad lines at Manassas Junction. Mayfield Fort was occupied by Confederate soldiers until March 1862 when they were withdrawn to aid the defense of Richmond. Subsequently, the fort was taken over by Union troops. At the site, you can see the remains of the earthworks and replicas of the Quaker guns the Confederates left to disguise the removal of their artillery. Eight interpretive markers provide information along the Civil War Trail. Educational and living history events are held at the fort. Hopkins Candy Factory Located within the Historic District is the former Hopkins Candy Factory. It was constructed in 1907 to replace the previous factory which was destroyed by a fire. You can see a free exhibit detailing the history of the building and its architect and visit the Center for the Arts there. Liberia Plantation The plantation house known as Liberia was referred to simply as the Brick House by the Weir family who built it. The family grew grain and vegetables for commercial sale with the labor of 90 slaves. They also raised cattle, sheep, horses, and hogs. During the Civil War, the house was used as a Confederate headquarters and military hospital. With the advance of the Union troops, the family was forced to flee south, and the house fell into Union hands. After the conflict, the Weir family returned but couldn't regain their previous prosperity. The house is undergoing restoration and is now open for tours and special events. The Manassas Local Historic District The historic district of the City of Manassas covers around 2.5 square miles of the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods. It features more than 300 buildings which are of architectural or historic significance. Architectural styles vary from Italianate, Queen Anne, and Second Empire styles to American Foursquare and Craftsman styles. A little exploration around the Manassas area will uncover many historic markers and provide a sense of life in the past. Image by David is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Craft beer and brewpubs are on the rise as people discover different types of beer and move away from the mass-produced stuff. Fortunately, in and around Woodbridge there are some great breweries in Woodbridge, VA where you can sample a wide variety of beer. Here are four of the best. Brew Republic Bierwerks Located in Potomac Town Place, Woodbridge, the Brew Republic tap room offers a stylish, modern atmosphere and a warm welcome. While you sample the beer choices, you can play board games or join in with the regular events, such as trivia nights, beer and food pairings, radio bingo, flight nights, growler hours, and more. With eight core brews, many seasonally rotated beers, and limited-edition offerings, there is always a great selection. There are six different styles on tap at any one time which are served in 4- or 12-ounce glasses. Along with your beer, Brew Republic has an extensive menu with snacks, appetizers, and small-plate meals to satisfy your appetite. Water's End Brewery Water's End Brewery, located in Dillingham Square, Lake Ridge, is simply furnished and has a cool vibe. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to run through the beer options for you. The owners are also servers, so the standard of service is high. You can even sign up for a brew club membership which gets you some merchandise, benefits, and discounts. The beer varieties include golden ale, IPA, stout, red ales, Belgian style, and ginger flavored ale. Flights of beer are served in 6-ounce glasses. Water's End offers some snacks, but you are welcome to take your own food or order delivery from one of the local restaurants. Forge Brew Works The Forge Brew Works taproom is set up in a unit in an industrial park in Lorton. It features long tables, barrels with table tops, and standing and sitting space at the bar. The lack of decor is made up for by the owners and staff who provide friendly and helpful service. The regular live music creates a great atmosphere. The Forge has 12 brews, most of which are always available on tap. They are not overloaded with IPAs like some breweries, and German and Belgian style beers are prominent. The flagship beer is Blonde Conviction which is an easy-drinking Belgian ale. There is no kitchen so you can order food from the menus provided by local restaurants. Fair Winds Brewing Company Another industrial unit in Lorton houses the Fair Winds taproom. The place is simply decorated and there is plenty of seating. When the weather permits, there is an outdoor seating area. You can play board games and there is regular live music. Fair Winds brews around 27 different beers and there are usually 12 available on tap. When you get hungry, a rotating variety of food trucks are usually on site. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. These Woodbridge area breweries feature very different atmospheres but, most importantly, an awesome selection of beers for you to enjoy with your friends. Image by theNerdPatrol is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Woodbridge, Virginia, is a beautiful destination with a lot of green parks to enjoy. Check out a few of the best parks to visit this spring. Leesylvania State Park This 556-acre park runs along the beautiful Potomac River and offers many recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and a playground. You can also rent kayaks or hike along the serene fitness trail. Leesylvania State Park is a great place for history lovers and families alike. The Leesylvania State Park is a National Historic Landmark and was once home to the Lee and Fairfax families. You can enjoy several historical sites and artifacts within the park. Captain John Smith even visited this area in 1608 during his voyage of discovery. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge This small, one square acre park is an impressive refuge that is made up of mostly wetland habitat with some meadows and an abundance of wildlife. When visiting the Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, you might catch sights of Osprey, Bald Eagles, and even River Otters. There are hiking trails that run through the refuge which are great for photography and birdwatching. The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is in a great location, offering a quiet retreat from the nearby busy city life. Mason Neck State Park Just a few miles away in Lorton, Virginia, is Mason Neck State Park. Mason Neck State Park is also on the Potomac River and offers guided canoe trips, a children's playground, picnic areas, and paved multi-use trails. There are wetlands, ponds, and open water fields that make Mason Neck State Park a great place for wildlife observation. Many visitors have even spotted bald eagles. Pohick Bay Regional Park Also in Lorton, the Pohick Bay Regional Park offers endless entertainment for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The Pohick Bay Regional Park is home to the Pirate's Cove Water Park which includes water slides and splash pads. There is also an 18-hole golf course for the adults and a mini golf course for the children. Pack a picnic and enjoy one of the picnic shelters within the park. Rent one of the cabins or campsites for an exceptional camping getaway. You can also rent a canoe or kayak or launch your boat and spend the day fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Burke Lake Park Burke Lake Park is in Fairfax, Virginia, and is just a short drive from Woodbridge. This 888-acre park is perfect for exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Check out one of the upcoming special events including Campfire Saturdays or take a ride on the miniature train or carousel. You can also enjoy a cold treat in the ice cream parlor or play a round of mini golf after tackling the fitness trail. Burke Lake Park has been listed as one of the top 10 fitness trails in the country. Whether you enjoy bird watching or fitness trails, these parks have something for everyone. With so many outdoor areas in the Woodbridge, Virginia, area, you are sure to find a place to enjoy this spring. Image by Virginia State Parks is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Because of the state's close proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is well-known for its oysters. Whether you prefer fried, steamed, or broiled oysters, you are sure to find in the Woodbridge, Virginia, area. These are a few of the best places you can try Virginia oysters. Dale Seafood Dale Seafood has been a top seafood destination in the Woodbridge area since 2001. Just a few of the items you will find on the menu include fish & chips, scallops, soft shell crabs, crab cakes, and of course, Virginia oysters. Most of the delicious seafood menu items are available year-round. In addition to the fresh-tasting oysters, make sure you also try one of the popular side items at Dale Seafood including the hush puppies or the crab sticks. Stop by for lunch to enjoy one of the daily lunch specials from Monday-Friday. Bistro L'hermitage Bristo L'hermitage is a French-inspired restaurant located right in Woodbridge. On the menu, you will find all of the traditional French dishes including the Filet de Vivaneau, the Coquilles St. Jacques, and the Filet Loup de Mer. Make sure you also try the Friture d'Huitres at Bristro L'hermitage which is crispy oysters served with avocado mousse and saffron aioli. Complete your authentic French dining experience with one of the delectable dessert items including the Creme Brulee or the Fruits Rouges Gratines. Tim's Rivershore Restaurant & Clubhouse Tim's Rivershore Restaurant has been a local favorite for over 20 years. It offers beautiful Potomac River views, fresh food, and an overall entertaining experience. Try the fried Rivershore platter which includes a crab cake, fish, scallops, oysters, and shrimp and clam strips. You can also order the platter broiled or steamed. Additional items on the menu worth trying include the pulled pork BBQ sandwich or the New York Strip steak. Tim's is also family-friendly with a child-approved menu with items like grilled cheese and popcorn shrimp. Tim's also hosts some of the most exciting events along the Potomac River including the monthly Full Moon bonfire parties and a Memorial Day weekend pig roast. Sunny's Seafood and Deli Sunny's Seafood and Deli might be easy to miss based on its small location. However, once you try the tasty seafood dishes, you will never forget about Sunny's again. They serve some of the freshest fish in all of Woodbridge including catfish and whiting. Sunny's also has mouthwatering fresh oysters available. If you can't decide which menu item to order, try one of the full platters. The platters come with your choice of fried fish and a side of either French fries or kimchi coleslaw. Other sides worth trying include the collard greens or the hush puppies. With friendly service, a cozy dining room, and large portions, what more could you want? Virginia locals have many choices when it comes to seafood and fresh oysters. Each of these seafood restaurants serves some of the best oysters around. Try each one for yourself and see who deserves the best oyster title. Image by Quinn Dombrowski is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

The Woodbridge area is full of fun and interesting things to see and do. The hard part is choosing between them. If you need some help, though, here are some events that we're definitely not going to miss. Ballyshaners St. Patrick's Day Parade — March 2 The Ballyshaners have been putting on the St. Patrick's Day parade for Alexandria for almost 40 years and they know how to celebrate the occasion. The parade is free for you and your family and gives you the chance to see and hear bagpipes galore, as well as floats from numerous other groups. The St. Patrick's Day parade you can't miss is in Alexandria on King Street between Alfred and Lee Streets. It starts at 12:30 p.m. Ujamaa Book Festival — March 30 This book festival is a great way to explore the world of African-American literature. Peruse through the selections of best-sellers, and discover new authors and ideas in their African-American unique and classic literature sections. You'll also get a chance to look through and buy fantastic art and apparel. The festival will be at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel on 5000 Seminary Road in Alexandria. It will last from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 30. Admission is free. DC Beer Festival — April 20 This is the perfect event for you craft beer aficionados. Get the chance to try some new craft brews and sip on some old favorites as you enjoy the many food trucks, lawn games, and DJs. This festival is too much fun and is not to be missed. The Beer Festival will last from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. General admission tickets start off at $45. Festival of Colors — April 28 Looking for something different? Make sure you make your way to the Festival of Colors. This is a fun occasion for the entire family. Throw color on everything and everyone as you enjoy international food, DJs and performers, drinks, and shopping while the kids take part in the kids' activity area. The Festival of Colors will be noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 28 in the Bull Run Regional Park Special Event Center in Centreville. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival — June 1 If you're a fan of tacos, beer, and tequila, then this is the event you need to VIP for. The Taco, Beer, Tequila Festival will have over 20 taco vendors selling over 40 tacos, and the margaritas and beer will be flowing. If you grab the VIP ticket, you can enjoy unlimited wine, beer, and cider tastings. There will be live music as you enjoy the area's best taco trucks and vendors. This festival will last from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at 802 National Harbor Blvd. in National Harbor. Tickets start at $34 and sales end April 1. This is a 21 and up event. As you celebrate the warmer season, remember to be safe and act responsibly. Take some time to explore these and all the other awesome events our area has to offer. Image by Maciek Lulko is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

To best take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. You deserve a soothing day at a spa to reenergize after the winter weather you've been fighting through. Relax, rejuvenate, and restore at these great spas near Woodbridge. Massage Green Spa If you're looking for a great deal on a spa visit, check out Massage Green Spa. This spa specializes in massages and they have many types: Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, reflexology, and more. This is the perfect way to get more relaxed and focus on your general wellness, pain and stress management, and functional mobility. Massage Green Spa has special introductory rates on their one-hour full-body massage, facial, and infrared sauna. They also offer couples massages, hot stones, and aromatherapy. Enso Day Spa As stylish as it is relaxing, Enso Day Spa is the perfect place to become one with nature and yourself. They have it all — a hair and nail salon, facial and massage rooms, a botanical relaxation room, a cedar sauna, travertine steam room, and more. Sign up for one of their Valentine's Day packages for couples or one of the other great deals they have throughout the year. They have several different types of massages: from Swedish to Sports, and hot stone to reflexology. If you have a special day coming up or just want to refresh your skin, hair, and nails, they offer everything you might need at great rates. Risana Day Spa For all your beauty needs, you can't do better than Risana Day Spa. They offer hair, bridal, and nail services performed by certified technicians that know what they're doing. One visit to Risana and you'll see why so many people go to them. They offer permanent makeup and eyelash extensions, so you can look ready for a night on the town for days. Sign up for a hair wax or take advantage of one of their great packages, which includes massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more. Each package comes with complimentary desserts and drinks to bolster the spa experience. You can really get a full day spa experience at Risana and leave feeling like your best self. Sanctus Therapeutic Massage & Bodyworks Get the ultimate relaxation experience at Sanctus. Their masseuses are always training in the latest techniques and practices to offer their customers a full massage experience that's hard to find anywhere else. Their list of services shows their dedication to their craft of rejuvenation and relaxation. Sign up for a spa, deep tissue, foot, pregnancy, hot stone, sport, or couples massage and leave Sanctus feeling like a whole new person. Sanctus also offers body wraps, salt exfoliation, facials, and much more. Take advantage of their seasonal specials and packages to get the best price on your spa day. Take some time for you, so you can keep going strong. If you have others spas you like to go to, let us know. We're always looking for the next best day of relaxation. Image by Zenspa1 is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

Whether you are looking for a sweet ending after a night out on the town, or just want to find a place to indulge your sweet tooth, there are plenty of options to choose from in the Manassas, Virginia, area. From cakes to cookies, to pies, you can find what you are craving at one of the Manassas area bakeries listed below. Soul Cakes by Tonya Soul Cakes by Tonya is the place to enjoy made-from-scratch treats made from the high-quality ingredients from the area. The full-service bakery offers a wide range of menu offerings which include a variety of cupcakes, cookies, cakes, bread puddings, and pies. They also provide custom desserts for any special occasion. The shop is located on Jefferson Davis Avenue. When stopping in, be sure to try out the shop's famous pound cake, which is how they got their start. Don't forget to pair it with locally roasted Cervantes Coffee. Castro's Bakery Located on Potomac Mills Road, Castro's Bakery has been operating since 1983. The bakery specializes in pastries, cakes, and baked goods from El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, South America, and North America. All are made with the highest-quality ingredients. You can place your order for a custom cake either in person or on the phone. Some of the popular favorites that the bakery offers are Napoleons, fresh fruit cakes with custard filling, and Tres Leches. Bellash Bakery At Bellash Bakery their passion is all about delivering quality and passion for baking in each and every bite. Bellash Bakery opened to the public in 2015 and has an extensive menu that offers everything from tarts to mousses, to cupcakes, to pies, to pastries. Anything your palate could hope for, you can find at Bellash. While everything on the menu is sure to satisfy, some of the must-try items to order include tiramisu, cannolis, Oreo mousse, eclairs, fruits tart, and caramel Napoleon. The Lemonade Bakery The family-owned and operated Lemonade Bakery is located on Main Street and specializes in fresh cakes and baked goods that are allergy-friendly. Their products are completely free of eggs, nuts, and peanuts. Since their products are allergy-friendly, all their treats are safe for consumption in schools. If you want a custom cake order, you will need to call two weeks in advance. The bakery offers shipping services to anywhere in the U.S. and also provides delivery in the Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and parts of Maryland. The bakery prides itself on the ability to make delicious and fun treats for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their dietary needs. Dolce Amore Sweets The Peruvian roots of the family-owned Dolce Amore Sweets show through in the unique made-from-scratch offerings they create with artistic quality. The bakery offers a wide range of custom cakes, traditional cakes, classic Peruvian desserts, cupcakes, Empanadas, and Alfajores. You can call or email your order in or stop by to pick up some of their popular treats at many of the restaurants or coffee shops that carry their sweet creations. You can also pick up your favorites at the Farmer's Market. No matter what your sweet tooth is craving, you can find something to satisfy it at one of the Manassas area bakeries listed above. Image by sayo ts is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0