Dogs Are the No. 1 Customer at This New Bakery in Fredericksburg

There’s a new bakery in Fredericksburg — but it’s not your typical dog-friendly bakery. At Hound & Crumb Dog Bakery + Café, the dog is the customer. The new spot officially opens on Saturday, November 14. Don’t expect to find coffee and sandwiches on the menu...

What Causes a Heat Pump to Get Stuck in Heating or Cooling Mode?

The first cold morning of the season arrives, and you switch the thermostat from cool to heat. The outdoor unit starts. Air comes through the vents. But instead of warming the house, the rooms seem to get colder. Later, you try switching modes again and get the same result. The equipment is running, yet it seems unable to change direction.

PHOTOS/WATCH: Veterans Day in Fredericksburg

Fresh Brews and Fresh Perspectives

Provided by City of Manassas Economic Development Department. A new coffee shop is brewing up something special at 9836 Liberia Avenue! Founded by three local entrepreneurs who just happen to share a love for their home country of Nepal and a background in engineering, Kajin Sara serves creative specialties like Coconut Matcha Cloud and Salted Caramel Matcha alongside traditional espresso drinks, locally sourced pastries, and a welcoming space for gathering. In fact, the coffee shop is named after Kajin Sara Lake in the Himalayas, a place described as “a destination above the noise.”

The Hard Work And Spirit Osbourn High School Cheerleaders Bring!

Cheerleading is a sport that has been around for many years. Cheer has gotten more and more popular over the years at Osbourn High School, causing many girls and even some boys to try out for the team. Cheer is a hard sport that needs lots of dedication and hard work put into it. The cheerleaders have practice every day from 3:40 to 5:30, working on their performances and perfecting their stunts. The fall season and competition team had tryouts on August 3rd, 4th, and 5th, and they’ve been working at practice every day since.

After 26 seasons, Nathan's Dairy Bar in Manassas under new family ownership

Nathan’s Dairy Bar, at 8948 Mathis Ave. in Manassas, is entering a new chapter. The ice cream shop announced the transition to new family ownership in a Nov. 8 Facebook post, welcoming longtime family friends as its new owners after 26 seasons in business. The families will continue working together through a partnership to help ensure a smooth transition while maintaining the shop’s traditions, ice cream quality and customer service, according to the announcement. “For 26 seasons, Nathan’s Dairy Bar has been more than just an ice cream shop,” the post stated. “It’s been a place where memories are made, friendships are formed, and generations of families have gathered for something sweet.” The business was founded in 2001 by Manassas resident David Hutton, who named the shop after his son, Nathan, according to the business website. Nathan’s specializes in soft-serve ice cream, offering a variety of flavors and sherbet options. The shop also changes its featured flavors twice a week and promotes special offers through its Facebook page. In its announcement, the families thanked customers for their support over the past 26 seasons and expressed their commitment to continuing the business’s legacy. “New Family, Same Sweet Tradition!” the post stated.

Shops At Waldorf To Celebrate Christmas And Hanukkah Together At ‘Light Up The Season’ Free Black Friday Event

WALDORF, Md.– The Shops at Waldorf Center, an open-air power center located just minutes from the Capital Beltway in Waldorf, Maryland (www.theshopsatwaldorfcenter.com), invites the community to a “Light Up the Season” celebration honoring the diverse holiday traditions of Charles County. This free, family-friendly celebration will feature a...

Manassas City Council approves Center Street rezoning, paving the way for new apartments, parking garage

A proposal for over 160 apartments and a new public parking garage in Old Town Manassas is moving forward. The Manassas City Council voted 3-1 Monday to advance the project along Center Street through a rezoning from industrial and commercial to planned city center. The first-reading vote followed public comments from residents both supporting and opposing the development at the former Manassas Ice and Fuel Company, or MIFCO, site, which the city purchased for over $3 million last year. Those opposed to the development raised concerns about increased traffic near schools and downtown, potential costs to taxpayers, unanswered questions about the city’s financial obligations and whether the proposed buildings would diminish Old Town’s historic character. Some asked the council to delay the decision or consider a smaller project. Supporters argued the development could attract more visitors, increase foot traffic and bring additional customers to downtown businesses. Others said the underused property needs redevelopment and that the project could contribute to the city’s economic growth. MLG Construction Management submitted the unsolicited development proposal under the Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act in September 2025. The council approved an interim development agreement May 11, and the city later initiated the rezoning process.

The Winter GUIDE Is Here: Charles County Rolls Out Seasonal Events, Programs And Sports Leagues

LA PLATA, Md.– The Charles County Recreation, Parks, and Tourism winter edition of The GUIDE is now available online. You will find seasonal special events, various programs for youth, teens, and adults, sports clinics and leagues, and more. Online registration is happening now for all programs. For additional information, please feel free to contact us at 301-932-3470 or online at www.CharlesCountyParks.com.

Disney’s Frozen Brings the Magic of Arendelle to Manassas

Get Your Tickets Today! Almost all shows are SOLD OUT online!. Actors Theatre at the ARTfactory presents the full-length Broadway musical at the Hylton Performing Arts Center Nov. 20 to 29. When newly crowned Queen Elsa accidentally unleashes her hidden powers, trapping Arendelle in an eternal winter, her fearless younger...

Seton girls basketball learns from a college coaching legend

Harry Perretta knows how to lighten a moment. During a break at Seton’s two-hour girls varsity basketball practice Tuesday in Manassas, he asks a player what she should do first if she ever played for him. She mentions a play they just ran. It’s a good answer, but not the one Perretta is looking for. Perretta tells her any player must first pay attention. Then, with a storyteller’s perfect cadence who knows his audience, he explains why, pointing to a banner of Saint John Paul II on the far wall of the gym. “When he talks about religion, he’s infallible,” Perretta said in reference to the former Catholic pope. “And when I’m inside these four lines and I’m talking basketball, I’m infallible.” The comment draws laughter from those nearby. Then, comes the topper. He walks off the court and quietly says to one observer with a smile, “How’d you like that one?” Of course, Perretta doesn’t really think he’s infallible, but when he’s on the basketball court and teaching, players and coaches would be wise to listen to him. Not because of quick one-liners. But because he knows a little something about coaching basketball. For 42 seasons, Perretta led the

History on the rocks: FAM turns museum pieces into cocktails

Some assignments are harder than others. This one sent me to two downtown restaurants to watch two talented bartenders at work, then drink what they made, all in the name of local history. I did it for you, dear reader. My excuse for a midday cocktail (OK, two) is FAM-TINI,...

Visitor Center exhibit showcases Patawomeck Tribe’s literal roots

For David Jett and his fellow Patawomeck tribal citizens, the objects on display in the Fredericksburg Visitor Center this past Friday held dual meanings. “Where others see a poplar tree, we see a bark basket or a dugout canoe,” he said. “Where others see pine needles as an annoyance to sweep off your porch, we see a basket.”

🛍️ Local Holiday Shopping Guide - Supporting Local Businesses

Be sure to bookmark this guide and check back as you plan your holiday shopping!. Local Businesses We Love Black Friday Small Business Saturday. The holiday season is the perfect time to show some love to the local businesses that make our community special! ❤️ From unique gifts and family experiences to delicious treats and services that make life a little easier, our local businesses have so much to offer.

Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Local Specialty Secondary High School Programs

Fredericksburg high school specialty programs offer students an opportunity to do much more than just meet graduation requirements. For Fredericksburg students, it’s an ideal time to explore their interests and possible career paths or challenge themselves academically. Explore academic and career interests. Local options include technology at ATI-UMW, advanced...

Where to Find Santa in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania & Stafford

The holiday magic is already in the air, and guess who’s making his list of stops around town? That's right – Santa Claus!. From festive tree lightings and holiday parades to special visits, breakfast dates, and photo opportunities, Santa is already making his rounds through Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. Whether your little ones want to share their Christmas wishes, snap a photo, or simply say hello, we've rounded up places and times to catch the jolly old elf this holiday season. Grab your calendar, bundle up the kiddos, and get ready for a little Christmas magic!