With its pastel earrings, woodland-themed accessories, and shelves full of colorful handmade creations, To Bee is more than just Occoquan’s new gift shop — it’s a deeply personal tribute to love, loss, and artistic resilience.
Owned and operated by artist Thalia Wyatt, To Bee officially opened in May after a whirlwind journey that began with a chance sighting of a vacant storefront last fall. The charming two-room space on Mill Street now houses both her shop and a working clay studio.
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OCCOQUAN, Va. – A charming new boutique is now open in Occoquan’s historic downtown.
To Bee, located at 308 Poplar Alley, welcomed shoppers during its grand opening weekend on May 10–11, 2025. Owned by Thalia Wyatt, the shop features handmade candles, custom earrings, and curated gifts—many crafted by Wyatt herself. Guests can also join “Master Salons,” creative workshops led by Wyatt’s mother, Alma, to make their own one-of-a-kind treasures.
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OCCOQUAN, Va. – Leaf & Petal is welcoming customers to its new location at 204 Washington Street after celebrating a grand re-opening on Friday, May 23, 2025. 🌿
The shop has moved just around the corner from its former home at 201 Union Street, affectionately described as a “sweet little shop.” The new space carries a bit of local history — it’s where Ogle Harris began selling ice cream and later opened the Ogle Harris & Son grocery store in the early 1900s.
According to a congratulatory announcement by town Mayor Earnie Porta, Leaf & Petal has thoughtfully reimagined the space to include cozy seating areas both inside and outdoors, giving visitors even more reason to stop by, linger, and enjoy the charm of downtown Occoquan.
OCCOQUAN, Va. – A downed tree and a blown transformer caused road closures and power outages in the Town of Occoquan on Friday evening, prompting a quick response from town officials and utility crews.
Around 7 p.m., a public safety alert from the Town of Occoquan announced that Tanyard Hill Road was closed in both directions between Old Bridge Road and Union Street due to fallen trees. At the same time, a power outage hit the Route 123 traffic light, and drivers were urged to steer clear of the area.
Initially, officials thought the fallen trees caused the outage. But Mayor Earnie Porta later explained that the real culprit was a blown transformer on the Fairfax County side of the Occoquan River. The clarification suggested repairs might wrap up faster than first expected.
During the disruption, town police updated Google Maps and Waze with the road closure, helping guide drivers around the blocked section.
By 8:30 p.m., the town shared that Tanyard Hill Road was back open and full power had been restored. Traffic signals, including the one at Route 123, were expected to be functioning again.
No injuries were reported, but officials are reminding residents to avoid storm-damaged areas and report any remaining issues. The fallen trees come as the region received several inches of rain earlier in the week.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, drivers in Woodbridge can expect some long-term changes and temporary traffic headaches as construction begins on major improvements at the I-95 Exit 160 interchange with Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard).
The $76 million project aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and pedestrian and bicycle access. Among the most noticeable changes will be the removal of the current northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95, replaced by a signalized left turn. Crews will also widen the southbound Route 123 ramp to I-95 from one to two lanes and add a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists between Annapolis Way and Devil’s Reach Road.
VDOT says drivers should expect daytime and overnight lane closures throughout construction. Single-lane closures are already underway on Route 123 and southbound I-95 for clearing work and will continue for the next two weeks. Sidewalks along Occoquan Road may also be closed, with pedestrians directed to use posted detours.
A public “pardon our dust” meeting is planned for this summer, with more information to come. Construction on the southbound I-95 bridge over Occoquan Road is expected to wrap up in late 2027, with the full interchange project set to be completed by late 2028.
VDOT urges all travelers to be extra cautious in active work zones and to stay alert to changing traffic patterns. Updates are available at 511Virginia, through the 511Virginia app, or by calling 511.
OCCOQUAN, Va. – Plans to extend the popular Occoquan Riverwalk have hit a major roadblock after Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed $1.2 million in state funding that town leaders had counted on to move the project forward.
The veto was one of 37 line-item cuts to the bipartisan budget recently passed by the General Assembly. Governor Youngkin justified the cuts, totaling $900 million, as necessary due to "short-term risks as President Trump resets both fiscal spending in Washington and trade policies."
Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta shared the news in a statement to residents, expressing disappointment but also gratitude to Delegate Briana Sewell for championing the project in Richmond. “I look forward to working with her as we continue to seek economic development support for this important town and regional effort,” Porta said.
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OCCOQUAN, Va. — Occoquan will host a series of events this weekend aimed at connecting residents with local volunteer opportunities and celebrating the arts.
The Occoquan Volunteer Fair will take place Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to noon at Town Hall. The open-house-style event will feature representatives from the town government, Visit Occoquan, and nonprofit organizations. Attendees can learn about ways to get involved in community events, environmental cleanups, historical preservation, gardening projects, and board service. No RSVP is required, and refreshments will be provided.
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OCCOQUAN, Va. — Two new historical markers have been installed in Occoquan, highlighting little-known aspects of the town's early economic and environmental history.
Funded by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), the markers are located near the Mill House Museum and Mamie Davis Park. The project is part of a broader effort to add interpretive signage along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs through the town.
One marker, titled "Economic Development in Occoquan and its Dependence on Enslaved Peoples," explores the town’s industrial origins, including the establishment of the Occoquan Furnace and Forge in the 1750s. It specifically acknowledges the significant, but often overlooked, role enslaved laborers played in the town's economic development.
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OCCOQUAN, Va. — A series of notable developments unfolded at the April 15, 2025, Occoquan Town Council meeting, including a leadership change and updates to the town’s ongoing budget planning.
Councilwoman Nancy Freeborn Britain, who was elected to the Town Council in 2022, formally announced her resignation, citing a new career opportunity that will take her to Staunton during the workweek. Britain was recently hired as the Program Director for a master’s degree program at Mary Baldwin University, where she will oversee 120 students and serve as a department chair.
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Tucked away in a charming cottage near historic Occoquan, Bistro L’Hermitage offers an authentic French dining experience that transports guests straight to the heart of Provence. Its warm lighting, classic French bistro décor, and intimate atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a special celebration.?
Curated Three-Course Menu
Starter:
Gratine des Hâlles
A rich French onion soup topped with gruyere crouton offers a comforting beginning to your meal.d
Main Course:
Magret de Canard RĂ´ti
Succulent roasted duck breast served with Israeli couscous, green beans, red cabbage, and a cherry thyme sauce showcases the chef’s mastery of classic French flavors.
Dessert:
Crème Brûlée à la Vanille de Tahiti
A traditional Tahitian vanilla crème brûlée with a perfectly caramelized sugar crust, providing a sweet and satisfying end to your dining experience.
Ambiance & Experience
Bistro L’Hermitage is renowned for its refined yet welcoming ambiance. The cozy, elegant space allows guests to relax and enjoy a memorable meal, making it an ideal choice for romantic dinners or quiet evenings. The attentive service and beautifully set tables enhance the overall dining experience.
Details
Location: 12724 Occoquan Rd, Woodbridge
Reservations: Recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Call (703) 499-9550.
Share Your Experience!
Have you dined at Bistro L’Hermitage? Please share your favorite dishes and memories in the comments below or tag us in your photos on social media using #DateNightPLN. Your insights could be featured in our next spotlight!
