Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC: Get Off the Beaten Path in Woodbridge, VA

Whether you’re a lifelong resident, visiting, or new to the area, there are many unique destinations in and around Woodbridge, Virginia. There’s a little something for everyone, from wildlife refuges and state parks to historic sites and shopping centers. Our Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC team invites you to get off the beaten path in Woodbridge, Virginia.

Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Reserve is found where the Occoquan and Potomac meet. This refuge is home to many migratory birds as they seek an escape from the bustling city life around them. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service started this refuge in 1998 to provide a natural habitat for endangered species and migratory birds. It offers forest, grassland, and marsh habitat for various waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is home to 77 species of damselflies and dragonflies, 79 species of butterflies, and over 200 species of birds.

You can enjoy the sanctity and peace of this one-square-mile refuge when you visit 13950 Dawson Beach Rd. in Woodbridge. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 1 through September 30, closing at 5 p.m. the rest of the year.

Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park is a 556-acre park located at 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive in Woodbridge. They are open to the public from 6 a.m. to a half-hour after sunset Monday through Friday, opening at 5 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This state park is found on the tidal shores of the Potomac and is registered with the National Register of Historic Landmarks. In 1608, Captain John Smith came through the area on his discovery voyage. Leesylvania has many water and land activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.

You’ll find a universally accessible fishing pier so everyone can enjoy casting the day away.  Leesylvania also has a visitor center with a gift shop, boat launch, a boat storage area, store, and snack bar. You can even rent a kayak or canoe to get out on the water for the day. There’s also a 20-station fitness trail for those who want to add a little something extra to their hike.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site

As one of the oldest residential structures in Prince William County, the Rippon Lodge Historic Site opened to the public in 2007. The lodge is registered on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a member of the Historic House Museum Consortium of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. The consortium comprises over 40 house museums across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

You can take a virtual tour of the Rippon Lodge Historic Site online, but the in-person tour is much better if you’re in the area. Tours are available year-round at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. The lodge grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, and you can make reservations to enjoy a special luncheon while visiting the Rippon Lodge Historic Site. Lunches are served either picnic style or indoors and are very popular with visitors.

The site is 43 acres of formal gardens, walking trails, and the Atkinson and Blackburn Family cemeteries. The house’s history began in 1747 when Richard Blackburn built the home. Take your time to enjoy the grounds, gardens, trails, views of the Potomac, and bird watching during your visit to the Rippon Lodge Historic Site at 15520 Blackburn Rd. in Woodbridge.

Potomac Mills

Potomac Mills, Virginia’s largest outlet mall featuring over 200 stores, is located at 2700 Potomac Mills Circle in Woodbridge. While you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities in this mega outlet mall, there are other things to do, as well. ZavaZone is a multi-attraction indoor adventure park located in Potomac Mills. At ZavaZone, you can enjoy the ninja course, zip lines, ropes course, and trampolines from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

AMC Potomac Mills 18 is also found inside the outlet mall, featuring 18 screens and a concession stand with a fantastic selection. You can enjoy boneless wings, chicken tenders, artisan pepperoni flatbread, bacon chicken mac, a bacon ranch burger, a chipotle chicken melt, and more. They also have a warm brownie sundae, mega milkshake, fries, and onion rings. Of course, you can still get freshly-popped movie theater popcorn, candy, and sodas for your movie enjoyment.

Potomac Mills is also home to several excellent restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory, Bahama Breeze, Crafty Crab, and Mezeh Mediterranean Grill. Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Cinnabon, Candy World, Starbucks, and Komma Tea can provide you with the energy needed to shop until you drop. There’s a taste for just about every palate or craving at Potomac Mills.

Round 1 Amusement & Bowling is another great place to visit inside Potomac Mills. You and your family can play arcade games or billiards, bowl a few games, or sing karaoke at this state-of-the-art entertainment center. They also have an extensive concession stand with salads, wings, pizza, and ice cream. Round 1 is open from 10 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, closing at 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

If you’re looking to spend some time shopping at Potomac Mills, you’ll find stores such as American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Coach New York, Game Stop, HUGO-Hugo Boss, and Michael Kors Outlet. The mall also has places to get your hair and nails done, jewelry stores, shoe outlets, furniture, and home decor. There’s nothing you can’t find at Potomac Mills. They also have a children’s play area with free activities for the little ones.

Woodbridge is a beautiful place to visit or live, with lots of spots to spend a few hours or an entire day. If you need a new vehicle to get you to these sites, stop by to see us at 14530 Jefferson Davis Highway in Woodbridge. Our Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC sales team would be happy to show you around or set up a test drive of one of our high-quality vehicles on the lot.

Great Blue Heron by Andy Morffew licensed with CC BY 2.0

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