OMA $1,000 Shopping Spree

Tomorrow, December 12th, 2009 at 3PM is the Occoquan Merchants Association's drawing for the $1,000 shopping spree.
Tickets have been handed out to customers starting in November and tomorrow one lucky winner will get a gift certificate for $1,000 to be used in various participating OMA shops!

If you didn't participate this year, keep checking back for other awesome OMA sponsered events and activities to win gift certificates and prizes.

Forget about the mall and shop Occoquan for a friendly shopping experience and unique Christmas gifts for those special loved ones! Late night Saturday Shopping through December-- most shops are open til 7/8PM.

Occoquan Town Blessing

Come join the residents and merchants of Occoquan for the town blessing. It is being held at the church tonight, December 6th at 6PM. Free refreshments at Madigan's Waterfront Restaurant following the blessing.

Santa Came to Town!

(Mayor Earnie Porta and Santa)

Yesterday, Santa arrived in his little red sleigh!

Did you miss him? Well don't be sad,

you'll have another chance to see him and all your little kids will be glad!

Join Santa in Occoquan on December 12th, 2009

For BREAKFAST with SANTA at
the Pink Bicycle Tea Room

First Seating 8:30 am

Second Seating 10:00 am

Kids (2-12 years) $7.00

Under 2 Free

Adults $10.00

Reservations are a must.
For reservations please call 571-334-7357 or 703-499-8809

Last year was booked! So call now!!

Art on the Occoquan- Artwalk in Prince William County

Art on the Occoquan is an artwalk event with over a dozen local artists to meet and greet!
Some artists will be doing demos, and there will be complimentary food and drinks available at some locations.

The artwalk is being held on a late night second Saturday shopping night so expect alot of the shops to still be open.

So come, have dinner, SHOP, meet some great local artists, and stroll the streets of Occoquan!

Occoquan River Fest recap and Upcoming Events

Did you see Historic Occoquan on the front page of the News & Messenger?
Denise at Off the Beading Path has a copy in her store, or you can check out the article online at: http://www.insidenova.com/

I wasn't able to take photos of the Festival since I was working diligently :-), but Bryan from historicoccoquan.com took some wonderful photos and they will be posted on his site very soon! http://www.historicoccoquan.com/ keep checking back!

I wanted to take this time to remind you about one of our biggest upcoming events, our annual Spring Arts & Crafts Show! it will be held in the streets of Occoquan on
June 6-7th rain or shine. There will be no Farmer's Market that weekend.
To find out more information about the Craft Show, please visit online HERE
Expect to find some great things! Most of the businesses will be open that weekend so bring $$ and expect to spend the day...or weekend :-)

2nd Annual Occoquan River Festival 2009

April showers bring May.....Festivals!

Occoquan is having its 2nd annual Occoquan River Festival next weekend, May 2nd! (Rain date May 3rd)

All of the Occoquan river communities will be participating in a day packed full of events!

Start your Saturday off at the Occoquan Farmer's market (8am-12PM).

Then peruse the streets of Occoquan for sidewalk sales, and multiple craft demonstrations.

The Grand Opening of Royal Confections (on Mill St. by Glory Be) as well as the new Lemonade Stand (where the old "Snack Shop" was) is also happening. Royal Confections has some amazing homemade fudge you'll regret not trying.

There will also be live musicians placed all around town. We have some GREAT musicians this year and you will have to check them out! Some of the musicians include, Heather Renee', Derelict Dog, Urban Scientific, Jim Gilliam, and MORE.

Horse drawn carriages rides will trot around town, and there's also a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids.

Water taxi's will take you to other locations for the festival, which include a classic car show AND MORE!

Seriously people, I mean it when I say there will be a whole day's worth the things to do during the Festival. :-) Please join us for a relaxed, mostly free, family day out to Occoquan.

All photos were taken around the Historic Town of Occoquan-- the Gazebo and the courtyard of the Garden Kitchen.

The Occoquan Bride- Perfect places for all your bridal needs.

Money is tight, but that doesn't mean that you can't still pamper yourself as a bride! Occoquan has many wonderful, AFFORDABLE places for all your bridal needs.

Start your bride's day out at LaBella Bridal Boutique located at 201 Union St., Suite 201. If you're looking for personal one-on-one attention and a large selection of gowns-- LaBella is the place for you. LaBella has been dressing brides and bridal parties for over 15 years! Their elite selection and excellent service has kept brides coming back. Their staff goes out of their way to ensure that you look your absolute best on your wedding day. They are by your side from your very first visit until that special day comes. Let LaBella pamper and dress you from head to toe.

Please call for your personal appointment-(703)-494-2929

About 20% of LaBella's items are consignment; perfect for the penny-pinched bride.

Also, receive a free veil with your purchase of any bridal gown!

LaBella has a wide selection of prom and homecoming gowns, 20% off!

Looking for a romantic and quaint place to take your bridesmaids for a girl's day out? Then check out the Pink Bicycle Tea Room located on 303 Commerce Street.

The Pink Bicycle Tea Room (http://www.pinkbicycletearoom.com/) serves afternoon tea in a warm and romantic environment. Adorn yourself with one of their many tea hats! The Pink Bicycle Tea Room also offers delicious lunches, pastries and catering. It is the perfect setting for bridal & baby showers, birthday parties of all ages, or any get together. You're guaranteed to love the host, tea, and company!

Reservations are highly recommended. Please contact Lisa at: (703) 491-5216

Still searching for something for your bridesmaids? Check out Brambles (http://www.bramblesstudio.com/) line of wedding jewelry made by Praha Jewelry Designs. Brambles is located at 307 mill Street. Praha jewelry is handmade from pearls, sterling, and semi-precious stones at a very affordable price! Stop in the store to get a look it yourself.

This article only features a few, but don't forget to check out other great bridal destinations like:

*Dansk Day Spa-A unique Scandinavian experience (703) 492-1991 http://www.danskdayspa.com/

*Vanida's Nail and Skin Care

Manicure, pedicure, facial, massage therapy, microderm abrasion, oxygen treatment, training.(703) 492-9346

*My Bodyoga Spa

Massage, skincare, yoga, wraps, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, workshops, Spa parties, nutrition.

(703) 494-9642

*Off the Beading Path

Make your own bridal jewelry!

http://www.offthebeadingpath.biz/

There are also many picture perfect locations around Occoquan. Like the waterfall by the biking path, the Mansion, and the gazebo surrounded by pink blossomed trees!

Fall in LOVE with Occoquan

Historic Occoquan, Virginia is the perfect place to take your sweetie this Valentine's Day weekend. Why? Well let me just tell you some of the few things some of the town shops have to offer!

The Garden Kitchen (http://www.gardenkitchen.com/) is having a special 3 course Valentine's Dinner with wine. Please contact the restaurant for more details!

Speaking of wine-- after your meal stop in next door to Tastefully Yours (http://www.tastefullyyoursva.com/) to try their lovely selections of wines during their special wine tasting on February 13th.

Guys-- are you still looking for that perfect (and affordable) personal gift for that special girl? WOW her with something you made yourself! Denise at Off the Beading Path (http://www.offthebeadingpath.biz/) is having special "Guy's Only" beading classes to help you make something unique. Classes are on February 6th, 8th, and 12th and are only $10 plus materials. Please make reservations and contact Off the Beading Path through phone or email.

These Valentine's Hotspots are all located on Mill Street.

Also, take some time to stroll through Occoquan and get a view of the gorgeous river by the town's gazebo. It's romantic and sure to encourage a kiss....or two. :-)