Have the cold days and long nights tapered your workouts to
a Netflix marathon? REI, the outdoor retailer who started a new American
tradition to #OptOutside on Black Friday, is challenging us to seize the day on
January 28 and go “All Out” for 2017.
Whether your penchant is for hiking, cycling, or running, Prince William
County has a bounty of parks for winter play, plus nearby breweries to warm you
up from the cold. As they say in Norway,
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” So throw on a puffy
jacket and pom-pom hat and hit the trails.
Brewery Stop-Brew Republic Bierworks
You’ve walked in the footsteps of our founding father, now
enjoy one of his favorite beverages.
Try the Mother Ship-an amber ale featuring
American-grown barley and hops. It sure to please the loyalist of patriots.
A mixture of pine and old-growth hardwoods, this urban oasis
features 444 acres with 5.1 miles of multi-use trails popular with hikers,
trail runners, horse riders, and mountain bikers.
Brewery Stop-Tin CanBrewing
You may feel like a native after shredding the trails
through the Virginia Pines, but you need to eat your weight in peanuts before
you can claim residency.
Try Vaughn’s Peanut Butter Porter-an English-style dark ale
brewed with peanut butter, of course. Welcome to the Old Dominion!
Narrating the story of the First (1861) and Second (1862)
Battle of Manassas, the National Park features over 40 miles of interpretive
hiking trails with opportunities for short or extended treks through forests
and over streams.
Brewery Stop-Heritage Brewing Co.
The sacrifice for freedom is the foundation of this
country’s history and it is our legacy to respect and impart those accounts
with future generations.
Try Freedom Isn’t Free IPA-an American pale ale generously
hopped with Summit, Cascade, and Liberty hops.
One of Northern Virginia’s best kept secrets; this 15,000
acre National Park features 37 miles of hiking trails through fragrant woods
and trickling streams. The scenic drive
offers a challenging 12-mile loop for road cyclists, and the gravel fire roads
offer 9.2 miles of off-road adventure.
Brewery Stop-Ornery Beer Company
Prince William Forest is home to many animals, including
black bears, so be aware and keep your distance. Although, a good bear fight
story would be a hit at the bar.
Try Caged Animal Bock-a malty German-style bock lager sure
to warm you on a cold day without any scratches.
