OCCOQUAN, Va. — Occoquan is one of the prettiest painted places in America.
The Paint Quality Institute for the third time since the 1990s has reviewed historic downtown areas that use and ranked them on what unique paint schemes they use to express the town. The national competition is called the “Prettiest Painted Places in America,” and more than 200 historic districts, main streets, and downtowns are competing in the competition.
In a periodical newsletter to residents, Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta said he’s pleased his town was nominated. He also thanked the Prince William County tourism board, Discover Prince William and Manassas for submitting Occoquan in the competition.
“We are thrilled competition officials recognized this beautiful hidden gem along the Occoquan River,” Discover Prince William & Manassas Executive Director Ann Marie Maher said. “The merchants and residents of the community work hard to maintain their historic buildings and charm and it’s one of the reasons why thousands come to visit Occoquan annually.”
It’s a busy time for the small town along the Occoquan River in Prince William County. Occoquan last weekend welcomed thousands to one of its two annual craft fairs.
Other pretty painted town finalists include downtown Bowling Green, Ky; Gulf Shores, Ala.; Historic Oakwood in Raleigh, N.C.; Key West, Fla.; Old Louisville, Ky.; Old Town Alexandria, Va.; Paducah, Ky.; Selma (Ward 3), Ala.; and Historic Downtown Smithfield, Va.
After the first Prettiest Painted Places in America competition was held in the 1990s, another was held in 2000. This marks the third time the competition has been held.
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The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is your destination for all arts and culture activities in Northern Virginia. Find a concert, play, poetry reading, or exhibition in your neighborhood—many events are free and family-friendly!
Are you part of a performing arts group, school, or cultural organization? You can add your events and classes, too. The ArtsFairfax Events Calendar is free and easy to use.
Your attendance at local arts events supports small businesses in our community and the art makers who help make Fairfax and its surrounding region so vibrant. With the ArtsFairfax Events Calendar, you can stay curious and stay local to plan your next arts adventure!
Go Ape, America’s leading aerial adventure park provider, is proud to unveil a revitalized experience across its iconic Zipline & Adventure Parks. This refresh goes beyond physical upgrades; it reflects a renewed mission to foster meaningful connections between people, nature, and self.
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As access to public outdoor spaces becomes more limited, Go Ape steps in to bridge the gap with immersive, inclusive, and wellness-focused adventures for individuals, families, and groups.
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Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
