Overview

The Chevrolet Colorado here at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC is a pickup truck that is designed to perform well in challenging environments around Woodbridge, VA. The Chevy Colorado is available with a variety of additional features and packages that improve its performance. Equipping the Chevy Colorado with the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine opens up an immense amount of capabilities for the Chevy Colorado.

Off-Road Packages

The new Trailer Boss Package adds a variety of interesting off-road features to the new Chevy Colorado. Equipped on the Chevy Colorado LT and Chevy Colorado Z71, the Trailer Boss Package adds a one-inch suspension lift kit, underbody skid plates, and red tow hooks to the trucks. The new Chevy Colorado ZR2, however, is already equipped with many off-road features, such as wide fender flares and a lift kit.

Towing

The Chevy Colorado is a smaller truck model but offers impressive towing performance for its size. Equipped with its 2.8-liter four-cylinder engine platform, and proper towing equipment, the Chevy Colorado can tow up to 7,700 pounds.

Finding a new place to work out in Woodbridge is one of the healthiest life choices you can make, and that’s why we love sharing our favorite Woodbridge workout places with other members of the community. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast looking to change things up or ready to try out a gym for the first time, there are plenty of excellent workout opportunities available. With this guide from Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, we’ll help you understand the benefits of starting a workout program and help you find your next workout spot today.

If you’ve been considering starting up a new workout program, there are many excellent reasons to try. Getting in shape can help you feel better during the day, sleep better at night, and be more productive in your daily activities. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people. So, find an option below that sounds great to you and give it a try!

CrossFit Woodbridge

Getting in shape through CrossFit exploded onto the scene in the late 2000s and has only gained popularity in the years since. CrossFit has bloomed for a reason because its classes work for participants of all ages, body types, and because of the strong community that builds within a gym.

When working out at CrossFit Woodbridge, every day is its own new challenge. CrossFit uses a constantly varying schedule of dynamic workouts, which may push your speed one day and your endurance the next. CrossFit also has a variety of class styles to choose from. In addition to traditional CrossFit workouts, you can seek out personal training, weight lifting training, or nutritional advice. They even have CrossFit kids for younger students looking to get in great shape in a fun way.

DivaFit

The staff at DivaFit are ready to help you get in shape in a variety of fun and interesting ways. From traditional yoga to aerial fitness to pole dancing classes, there is no shortage of options at DivaFit. Whatever your interests are and whatever your fitness goals, you’re sure to find something that will work for you.

With so many different fun options available for you to try at DivaFit, you’re bound to find something that you absolutely love. Each style of class provides its own unique challenge, but the one thing that every one of them has in common is that they’re an excellent workout that will help you build your health to new levels.

Leesylvania State Park

Just because you want to get in better shape and start living a healthier life doesn’t mean you have to enroll in a formal gym experience. Getting outside and getting in exercise on your own can be an excellent way to work on your personal health and fitness. There are a few places better for that in Woodbridge than Leesylvania State Park. With five trails you can hike and bike and many beautiful sights to take in while doing personal workouts, you can enjoy fresh air while getting in shape at the park.

My BodYoga

Yoga classes are an excellent way to practice mindfulness while getting in shape. Many first-time students underestimate the physical workout a yoga class provides because classes look peaceful from the outside. While it’s true that yoga is relaxing, it’s also a fantastic workout for your entire body that can get you in the best shape of your life.

Whether you’re an experienced participant or have never tried yoga before, there’s an option for you. While experienced students may choose a more advanced class and more complicated moves, beginners can benefit from the teaching provided by My BodYoga staff. You’ll learn how to strike different poses and develop the health and flexibility you need to do so with ease the more you practice in class.

Onelife Fitness

If you’re interested in a traditional gym experience, then Onelife Fitness may be just what you’re looking for. As a chosen brand for Virginia locals looking to avoid the national fitness chains, Onelife Fitness has everything you need to get in shape.

For many individuals looking to get in better shape, a traditional gym still remains the best fit. With so many fitness options available, you can tailor your approach to your own unique needs and preferences. Onelife Fitness in Woodbridge also offers a variety of studio classes where you can get in great shape while having fun and meeting new friends. Class options at Onelife Fitness in Woodbridge include boxing conditioning, high-intensity interval training, cycling, and barre, so you can find a class that fits your interests.

Trident Martial Arts

Training in martial arts is an excellent way to get in shape while also learning valuable new skills. At Trident Martial Arts, you can learn Brazilian jiu-jitsu, muay thai, and self-defense while getting fit. Martial arts schools are also a great way to meet new friends, as you form strong bonds on the mats while training with the partners on your team.

One of the best things about training at a school like Trident Martial Arts, which offers classes in more than one discipline, is the variety it provides to you. While both a Brazilian jiu-jitsu class and a muay thai class will get you in great shape, the way they do it is very different. At Trident Martial Arts, you have the freedom to try different arts and find the one that fits you best, or spend time in all of them to get the most well-rounded fitness plan around.

Here at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, we believe in improving our local community, and that’s why we provided this guide on getting fit in Woodbridge. What do you think of our list? Do you have a favorite gym that we left off? We would love to hear from you, so reach out or leave a note in the comments to tell us what you think about our list and what your favorite places to get in shape near Woodbridge are.

Image via Flickr by Angelos Konstantinidis

Driving a vehicle that comes already equipped with the latest in automotive tech is increasingly important for drivers of all ages. For a vehicle that’s sure to satisfy your demand for technology, a visit to Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC in Woodbridge, VA to check out the new Chevrolet Equinox is definitely in order.

increasingly important for drivers of all ages. For a vehicle that’s sure to satisfy your demand for technology, a visit to Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC in Woodbridge, VA to check out the new Chevrolet Equinox is definitely in order.

Whether you want up-to-date connectivity, cutting-edge safety, or both, you can have it in your new Chevy Equinox. The Chevy Equinox makes staying on top of errands and other critical tasks easy by offering access to Amazon Alexa and Chevrolet Marketplace, and you can opt for the myChevrolet app for help with remote vehicle security, maintenance reminders, and more.

If that’s not enough, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless connectivity thanks to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility that are now standard Chevy Equinox features. You can link your device to the onboard control system and listen to your favorite music, make hands-free calls and utilize other important information on your device.

Buick Encore vs. Encore GX

The Buick Encore has long been one of the best-selling subcompact crossover SUVs Buick has to offer. So why should you take a look at the GX model? What does it have to offer? To put it simply, it’s an entirely new vehicle. While the Encore and the Encore GX share a name, they’re different enough to stand on their own merit. They’re both compact SUVs made by Buick, but they offer a variety of different features that make them each truly unique. Let’s take a deeper look into each vehicle to see which model is the right fit for you and your family.

Space Inside and Out

At 171.4 inches, the newest Encore GX is about three inches longer than the previous Encore model. Those three inches, together with the 1.3 inches of added width, increase the interior cargo space from 18.8 cubic feet to 23.5 cubic feet. Fold the rear seats down and your space doubles to 48.4 cubic feet in the Encore, while the GX boasts a roomy 50.2. The wheelbase in the GX model is also 1.6-inches longer, which results in a bit more leg and shoulder room inside the cabin.

Under the Hood

The Encore comes equipped with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that gives off 138 horsepower and 149 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic engine gets up to 25 mpg in the city and up to 30 on the highway. The Encore GX has a 1.2-liter turbocharged engine offering 137 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

The GX is also available in a 1.3-liter turbocharged engine that boosts the horsepower to 155 with a torque of 174 pound-feet. While both engines are quite similar in performance, the GX does beat the Encore in the gas mileage category, getting 30 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

Style and Design

The Buick Encore maintains the classic, subdued look of a family SUV,  while the GX’s clean modern lines and winged black mesh grille is a sportier affair. The Encore has six exterior color options to choose from, ranging from a traditional Ebony Twilight Metallic to a flashier Cinnabar Metallic or Dark Moon Blue Metallic. The GX has nine exterior color choices, as well as three interior options for its five cloth and leatherette seats. Both models offer premium lighting with LED daytime running lights, and each comes with a power moon roof to keep the fresh air flowing.

Technology

The Buick Infotainment System comes standard in both the Encore and the Encore GX and includes a variety of built-in technology (such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). The Encore GX adds in in-vehicle apps such as Alexa Built-In™ to keep you connected wherever you go. The Connected Navigation System will seamlessly guide you to your destination, which appears clearly on the full-color touchscreen display.

The myBuick mobile app is available for both the Encore and the GX. The app keeps you up-to-date on what’s going on under the hood, showing you everything from tire pressure to real-time diagnostics. The GX comes with a wireless smartphone charging dock and an optional rearview mirror camera. These features give you a wider, unobstructed view behind you while you drive. In addition to making the driving experience more comfortable, the rearview mirror camera also enhances the vehicle’s safety, providing a full view of objects close to the bumper that may otherwise have been overlooked.

Safety Features

Safety features are in abundance in both Buick Encore models, though the GX offers a few extra modern conveniences to enhance your experience. Both are equipped with 10 airbags, which are spread throughout the vehicle to protect you if a collision does occur. Four-wheel anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and a full security system are standard in both models. The Encore GX includes the Buick Driver Confidence package that provides a long list of driver-assist technology built with your safety in mind.

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Intellibeam® auto high beams, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Automatic Emergency Braking are all featured in the GX’s Driver Confidence package. The Encore has two safety packages of its own which feature options such as a blind-spot monitor, forward collision alerts, lane departure alerts, and parking sensors.

Buick Encore Trims

The Buick Encore is available in a base model trim and a preferred trim. The Safety Package and Safety Package II are only available with the Preferred trim, along with a remote start system and carpeted floor mats. Both trims come standard with a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drivetrain, and the Preferred trim has the option of all-wheel drive.

Buick Encore GX Trims

The GX comes in three trim options: Preferred, Select, and Essence. The extensive list of driver-assist features that comes with the Buick Driver Confidence package is available with all three of the GX trims. Select adds on the change lane assist with blind-side alert, and Essence includes an automatic parking assist option. The Select and Essence also offer heated front seats and a panoramic moon roof.

Each trim offers a choice of a standard 1.2-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.3-liter option going from 137 horsepower to 155 horsepower. The Preferred and Select come with halogen exterior lighting while the Essence offers LED front and rear lamps. No matter which trim you choose, there are a variety of add-on package options, including a Cold Weather Comfort Package, Sport Touring Package, Safety Package, Advanced Technology Package, and a Convenience Package.

Find the Right Encore for You

Whether you are in the market for a comfortable family SUV or a sleek sporty vehicle to drive around town, an Encore or Encore GX could be the right fit for you. Come to Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC to have the knowledgeable and friendly staff guide you through the many options available to create the perfect vehicle for you and your family. Go online to check out the inventory or come down to the dealership to test drive your next Buick Encore or Encore GX today.

Image via Flickr by truckhardware

Running your own boat can be a worthwhile activity that lets you have fun on the water with your friends and family. If you live in a cold weather climate where you need to remove the boat for winter, or if you do not have your own slip, then you need to know how to tow your boat and safely launch it. This ensures you remain safe on the road and protects your boat from damage to keep it in operating condition.

How to Haul a Boat

Hauling your boat from storage to the water is a crucial skill as a boat owner. Follow these steps to safely tow your boat to the water for launching:

  1. Check your truck’s limits: Before loading a boat up for towing, it’s important to ensure that the truck you use can handle the load you attach to it. Choosing a reliable and powerful option like a GMC Sierra or Canyon ensures you have the required towing capacity to safely tow your boat to and from the water.
  2. Assess your tongue weight: Another important check before towing your boat is the tongue weight capability. This ensures that when you connect your boat, it remains safely attached throughout the towing process to avoid disconnection.
  3. Connect your boat: After confirming that your truck can handle the weight of your boat and trailer, secure it and double check all connections to ensure that the boat and trailer are secured prior to pulling out.
  4. Adjust your mirrors: When connecting your trailer and boat to the back of your GMC truck, you need to account for your new field of vision. Adjust your mirrors in order to provide a view of your trailer and neighboring lanes so you can operate safely on the roads.
  5. Stay at safe speeds and distances: When you attach a trailer and boat to the back of your GMC Sierra you are also changing the weight that you are in control of behind the wheel. This means it takes longer to slow down when you apply the brakes, so travel at slower speeds and maintain longer follow distances on the road to provide yourself with ample space to slow down and stop when needed.

How to Load Your Boat in the Water

Once you’ve made it to the water, it’s time to get your boat off of dry land. Launching a boat requires careful driving in order to get your boat into the water and keep your truck dry. Here is what you need to do when it’s time to launch your boat:

  1. Schedule an appointment if needed: When using a crowded or popular boat launch, it may require you to schedule an appointment to put your boat into the water. This ensures there is a spot in the schedule for you when you arrive.
  2. Get a guide: Having a partner to help you guide the boat as you back into the water makes it easier to control and aim your boat. A guide can show if your direction is correct or needs adjustment, and let you know when you have backed the trailer up far enough to begin launching the boat off of the trailer.
  3. Approach in a straight line: When launching your boat, the more straight of an approach you take when traveling down the boat launch, the better. A straight delivery allows you to get your boat into deep enough water while keeping your truck as far up the launch as possible so that it stays safe and dry.
  4. Attach a bow line: In order to maintain control of the boat, it’s important to attach a bowline from your winch to the boat. This prevents the boat from drifting when it reaches buoyancy and separates from the trailer. Ensure that the line is secure on both ends before you lower your boat into the water in order to avoid potential damage to your boat.
  5. Lower until you reach buoyancy: In order to float the boat and remove it from the trailer, you need to submerge enough of the trailer that the boat reaches its buoyancy level. although the exact distance will vary by your boat, a good estimate is when roughly 2/3 of the trailer has reached the water. You should not back up your truck so far that it is beginning to go underwater.
  6. Drive the boat out:Once your boat has gained buoyancy you can unhook the line. Slowly and carefully back your boat out of the trailer and the boat launch and begin operating it in the body of water.

How to Remove Your Boat from the Water

Correctly removing your boat from the water is just as important as getting it in. Here’s how to load your boat back onto the trailer when it’s time to go home:

  1. Submerge the back of the trailer: In order to reload your boat onto your trailer successfully, you must first back it into position. As with launching the boat, attempt to back your trailer down as straight as possible and drive until the back of the trailer is underwater so that you can float your boat up, but the front wheels and truck remain on dry land.
  2. Approach slowly: When pulling your boat into the boat launch and up to the trailer, approach slowly. New drivers are encouraged to turn off their engine and drift the final approach in order to avoid accidentally propelling your boat too far and causing damage.
  3. Attach a bow line: Once your boat is close enough to attach the bowline, connect it to the boat and engage your winch in order to draw the boat forward and into position on the trailer, securing it in place snugly.

Sell Your Old Car to Buy a Truck with Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC

If you have a car or truck you want to sell or trade, we have you covered. The professionals at Woodbridge Buick GMC can help you find a new or used truck to replace it that’s ready to haul your boat as well as any other tasks you lay ahead of it. If you’re in the market for a new or used truck, get in touch with us or come out to see us today to learn how we can help.

Image via Flickr by Stephen Momot

If you’re like so many of us, you’re likely craving a getaway right about now. Sometimes, though, you don’t want to travel far to get your escape from day-to-day stresses. Fortunately, you’ll have plenty of options for a great staycation right in Alexandria.

Whether you want a quiet setting to work on a project, a luxurious stay complete with spa treatments, or just a change of scenery from your own home, our city has plenty of places to check out. Let the team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC get you started with this list.

The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection

Get away without going far with a stay at The Alexandrian Old Town Alexandria, Autograph Collection. This stately hotel puts you right on Old Town’s historic streets. You’ll stay steps from Alexandria’s vibrant, scenic waterfront, making the perfect base for exploring landmarks, restaurants, and boutiques just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.

Of course, when you just want to relax, this hotel has you covered. Indulge in southern hospitality from the moment you step inside the chic lobby. You can make use of a 24-hour fitness center or grab a glass of wine in the gorgeous outdoor courtyard. Time for a meal? Make sure you stop by the hotel’s restaurant, King & Rye, serving up Southern American cuisine. They make the meals here from scratch using seasonal ingredients sourced from regional farmers, butchers, and other makers. Complement your meal with bourbon or whiskey to complete the picture.

When it’s time to unwind, you’ll love the comfortable rooms and suites. The pet-friendly rooms boast plenty of amenities, and they’re decorated to reflect the charm of the area’s heritage. If you’re looking for an authentic escape right in Alexandria, you can’t go wrong with a staycation here.

Kimpton Lorian Hotel & Spa

Treat yourself to the ultimate escape at the Kimpton Lorian Hotel & Spa. This popular spot exudes laid-back luxury, right from the heart of Old Town. This is the place to go when you need a break from the bustle of daily life complete with rest, relaxation, and a whole lot of pampering.

The hotel’s location close to Washington, D.C. makes it a great place to stay if you want to build some city adventures into your local getaway. This hotel is also the only hotel spa in Alexandria, so it’s really a unique and amazing urban retreat. You’ll love the laid-back, West Coast-inspired vibes, charming alfresco spaces, and more. Get a meal at Brabo, the hotel’s restaurant serving a range of dishes that take their cues from French and European cuisine. Choices like hand-cut pasta, seasonal seafood, slow-roasted tenderloin, and an wide array of wines and cocktails make for a memorable meal.

The highlight here is the soothing spa, the place to visit for a range of treatments. The five treatment rooms here host massages, facials, waxing, and scrub sessions, and there’s also a fitness center, eucalyptus steam rooms, and showers on site. In other words, no matter how you define pampering, you can count on the Lorian Spa to deliver.

Morrison House, Autograph Collection

Whether you’re looking for a great place to put the finishing touches on your own work of literature or just want to bask in literary heritage, you’ll want to check out Morrison House, Autograph Collection. This boutique hotel takes bed-and-breakfast style to the next level. Alexandria’s only AAA Four Diamond Hotel, Morrison House blends seamlessly with its Old Town surroundings thanks to the Federalist mansion style it celebrates. It also makes a sophisticated place for your staycation escape.

The quiet, peaceful setting expertly combines old and new touches to deliver the perfect surroundings if you’re seeking out refined luxury. The formal decorations in this historic hotel find a balance with its friendly, approachable service. In-room comforts like floor-to-ceiling windows, luxurious tufted sofas, and fireplaces are just the start. From the cozy Study Bar to the spacious living room known as The Parlor, this hotel boasts plenty of elegant details that elevate any staycation.

If you’re looking for even more space for your DIY writing retreat (or quiet day of relaxation), go for the Publisher’s Suite. This suite includes perks like a small living room and tons of space to make your local vacation even better.

The Prince Suite at Prince Street Inn

Seeking a staycation with more homey touches? You can’t go wrong by booking a stay at the Prince Street Inn, especially in the Prince Suite. This new space in Old Town brings historic charm together with contemporary details for a relaxing stay in Alexandria.

Amenities include a kitchen where you can cook your own meals, flat-screen TVs for entertainment, and fast Wi-Fi so you can stay connected whether for work or fun. There’s also an on-site laundry room to take the guesswork out of longer staycations in town. You’ll find the Prince Suite on the second floor of the structure, up one flight of stairs.

The unique setting also makes an ideal base for exploring Alexandria. Stroll along King Street Mile to browse boutiques, then check out the waterfront and its public art. Old Town’s red brick sidewalks create a picturesque setting for a walk outdoors when you want some fresh air. All in all, when you need a reboot from daily life, a stay here can offer the perfect staycation in town.

That wraps up Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC’s list of amazing places for a staycation in Alexandria. Do you have a must-visit place for a local getaway we missed? One that locals looking for a place to relax are sure to love? Drop us a line so we can add your recommendation!

Let Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC Take Care of Your Staycation Transportation

Time to change up the vehicle you’ll use to get around Alexandria during your staycation? You can count on Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC. If you want to trade or sell your car, get an estimate at our dealership so you can get back to planning your relaxing time in our city knowing you have the right car to use when you want to explore.

Image via Unsplash by senudi

Getting ready to hit the open road and seek out a new adventure? Before you leave Woodbridge, VA, there are a few things to do that will set your road trip up for success. You can stay safer by keeping these tips from Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC in mind.

Is your vehicle road-worthy? Has it had an oil change recently? Do the tires have enough tread and pressure? These are the questions to ask yourself before leaving. Getting an inspection done by a mechanic can help give you extra peace of mind.

As always, buckling up and staying off of your devices is crucial. Distracted driving can be deadly. Get plenty of sleep the night before you leave so that drowsiness is not an issue. Plan to stop every few hours so that you can wake up by stretching your legs and getting some fresh air.

Woodbridge has lots of no-frills brunch restaurants that feel fancy enough for a special day, but they have a great menu for any occasion. Take-out, delivery, and in-house dining are all possible. Here are nine great options for Saturday or Sunday brunch around the city.

The Harbour Grille

Sunday brunch at the Harbour Grille is a great way to power your body. Steaks and eggs are prepared and served fresh. Order eggs any style, Country Benedict, or French toast with whipped cream. Most brunch items have home fries as accompaniment. Shrimp and grits, chicken, and waffles also feature in their brunch menu. You can also try out various appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, and mini cakes. Waiters are very accommodating to your requests. Come alone or with loved ones and enjoy brunch until 2 p.m. inside or on the outdoor deck. After brunch, visit their outdoor lounge and get ready for live music that starts at 4 p.m.

Charbroil Brazilian Steakhouse

Sunday brunch at Charbroil is one for the books. Not only do you get to enjoy a hot meal, but one made from delicious Brazilian meats. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a unique steakhouse experience.  You can also order omelets, roasted pineapple, or waffles. Regular brunch items like hash browns, French toast, yogurt, and cereal are plentiful. On the cold side, you can enjoy fresh fruit and salads. Specialties include a chocolate fountain, Italian pasta station, and top sirloin steak. You don’t need to make reservations. Just show up alone or with family and savor their brunch cuisine. Their atmosphere is great, and the wait and kitchen staff are friendly and attentive.

Not Your Average Joe’s

It’s where locals and hungry tourists go for a good brunch and a warm welcome. Not Your Average Joe’s has a broad menu that’s filled with innovative creations and classics with their own unique twists. You can have cornflake-crusted French toast that’s crunchy on the outside but tender on the inside or a club sandwich with scrambled eggs and goat cheese. Try out their ham and egg pizza with shredded cheddar toppings. Meals are made from scratch right in their kitchen under the direction of a talented chef. Have a food allergy? No problem, they’ll whip up something tasty and healthy for you. Brunch is served every Sunday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. 

The Secret Garden Café

If you’re looking for fresh, homemade cuisine and desserts from family recipes, head over to The Secret Garden Café. They have been around since 2013 and have a wide brunch menu. Take a seat in the cozy interior or walk to the secluded outdoor area and place an order. 

You can have pan-seared shrimp with roasted corn salsa and cream sauce or a cheddar breakfast sandwich with coffee. Breakfast Salmon, Monte Cristo Sandwich, and Hanger Steak and Eggs are other items in their brunch menu. All of their dishes are prepared fresh using quality ingredients. Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30p.m.

Eleni’s Greek Taverna

For years, Eleni’s Greek Taverna has served authentic Greek and American dishes to hometown regulars and visitors. Walk-in for a quick bite or sit down for a proper meal. You’ll enjoy generous portions of both worlds. Choose from an array of American staples or explore their Greek specialties. Burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups – they’ve got them all. Basic starters include grilled octopus, cheese saganaki, pan-fried Greek meatballs, zucchini fritters, mozzarella sticks, and grilled sausage served with pita bread. If you can, try out their various omelets served with home fries and toast. Here the emphasis is on the three F’s: Freshness, Family, and Friendliness.

Grind N Crepe

It’s all in the name. Grind is a family-owned coffee shop, located at  301 Commerce Street in the Occoquan Historic District, that serves sweet and savory crepes. Try out their nutrient-packed Coconut Mango Bowl that contains acai sorbet topped with banana, mango chunks, coconut shavings, and a drizzle of honey. American sandwiches are a crowd’s favorite, and you can wash it down with their white mocha or hot tea.

Brickmakers Café

If your idea of having brunch is sitting at a casual waterfront restaurant and chowing down hamburger patties or a Chicken Salad Sandwich, head over to the Brickmakers Café. Get a spot at the banks of the Occoquan River and order their favorite local dishes. Then, wash it down with freshly squeezed juice or coffee.

Bistro L’Hermitage

Come and discover a hidden French gem that stays true to its slogan. Bistro L’Hermitage is a charming place to start your weekend. Brunch features soups, entrees, hors d’oeuvres, salads, various desserts, and sweet cocktails. They also have some excellent side dishes. Come by from 11:30 a.m. and enjoy their flavorful dishes until 2:30 p.m.

Farm Cafe

Farm Cafe completes our roundup of top breakfast restaurants in Woodbridge, Virginia.  They have a rich breakfast menu that includes egg and cheese sandwiches, buttermilk packages, French toast, and omelet platters served with home fries. Try out their hot corned beef hash and wash it down with hot tea, cafe latte, or Cappuccino. If you prefer a meaty breakfast, order your choice of bacon, bologna, sausage, or turkey meat.

This list of top brunch restaurants in Woodbridge is brought to you by Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC. If you feel we didn’t feature your favorite top spots, drop us a line, and we’ll add it to our list.

Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC

We have a huge inventory of new and preowned vehicles to suit your liking, needs, and budget. Our friendly sales team will listen to your criteria and provide you with fantastic options that are both economical and stylish. If you have questions or need something specific call us at (833) 394-4692 and speak to our trained specialists. Want to sell or trade-in your old car this summer? Start Your 2 Minute Appraisal Online. Our free trade-in tool gives you a fairly accurate estimate of how much your vehicle is worth.

Image via Pixabay by Keltra89

It is not uncommon for drivers to find that their car payment is too high to comfortably fit into their life in Woodbridge, VA. If this is happening to you, you may be considering trading in the vehicle for something less expensive. Another option is to seek a refinance deal that lowers your monthly payments. The team at Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC can help you decide which is a better fit for you.

Trading in your car lets you have the excitement of getting something different to drive. You can find a more affordable option for your life. Trading in your vehicle is most effective when you are getting more for it than you currently owe.

Refinancing allows you to keep your current car. Most buyers who refinance are after either lower monthly payments or a shorter loan term. Make sure you are paying attention to both of these factors. A lower monthly payment may not be worth it if you are extending the length of your loan by years.

Located just 20 miles south of Washington, D.C., and nestled on the shores of Occoquan Bay, Woodbridge, Virginia, is a beautiful community in Prince William County with a long and fascinating history. Whether you live in the area or you’re just visiting, you’re sure to learn something new when you read on to discover the unique local history of Woodbridge.

Woodbridge Before European Settlement

Archeologists believe ancient hunter and gatherer tribes first settled in the Woodbridge area as early as 9,500 B.C. However, they have performed very little research on these first inhabitants because they believe most of their original sites are now underwater and impossible to access.

Around 1500 A.D., the Doeg people, which were one of the Algonquin tribes, settled on the eastern shores of the area and created prosperous villages. At that time, the land would have had deep creeks that drained into the Potomac River. The shoreline of the creeks and river would have been excellent fishing spots. The tribe members were good farmers and would have also hunted the buffalo that roamed through the forests and hills.

Along with the Doeg people, a tribe of nomadic hunters known as the Manahoac also lived in the western portion of Prince William County. Members from other tribes would often travel to the area to search for more hunting grounds and to trade with the Doeg.

Europeans Arrive in the 1600s

Visits from the earliest European explorers haven’t been fully documented. It’s believed several Spanish Catholic missionaries passed through in the late 1500s. However, the first documented European exploration occurred in 1608 when Captain John Smith sailed up the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers. He initially landed in an area that’s now part of the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

Over the next several years, Captain Smith led numerous expeditions through the area. He eventually published a map of the region in 1612. This map and his descriptions of the region excited other Europeans, who started to explore the area even more.

Thomas Burbage received one of the first land grants in the area in 1653. This grant included approximately 3,000 acres ranging from the Occoquan River to Neabsco Creek. Around 1663, Martin Scarlet purchased some of this land from Burbage and built Deep Hole Plantation. Later, in 1692, the George Mason family obtained about 534 acres, which would become present-day Woodbridge.

The Mason Family Settles in Woodbridge

The Masons were a prominent family in the Woodbridge area for several generations. The patriarch, George Mason, was one of the authors of the Bill of Rights and constructed Gunston Hall in Mason Neck, Virginia, between 1755 and 1759. Today, you can still purchase tickets to tour this 18th-century Georgian mansion and its surrounding grounds to learn more about the Mason family and the country’s revolutionary history.

Thomas Mason, the youngest of George Mason’s sons, eventually inherited the land from his father. Thomas constructed a plantation on the land and operated a ferry that crossed the Occoquan River. The Mason family owned the land until 1851. At that time, Thomas Mason’s eldest son, Gerard Mason, passed away. The family sold the land to Samuel Troth for $2,000. This sale brought to a close the nearly 160 years of Mason family land ownership in the Woodbridge area.

Woodbridge Gets Its Name

Although the Mason family sold their land, their legacy lives on in the area’s name. To make it easier for people in the area to cross the Occoquan River, Thomas Mason built a ferry. He charged 4 cents a person and horse for people to use his ferry. His competition, John Hooe, started another ferry service in 1791 in Occoquan. In response, Thomas had a wooden bridge constructed between 1796 and 1797. The bridge crossed 105 yards of water, and Thomas charged 6 cents a person and horse for people to use it.

Although Hooe tried to retaliate by building his own bridge near where his ferry operated in Occoquan, it seems as though this bridge was never finished. The community would eventually get its name from Mason’s wooden bridge. Unfortunately, you can no longer see this historic structure. In 1807, a violent rainstorm washed away the bridge, and the Mason family had no interest in rebuilding it.

The Area’s First Courthouse

When Prince William County was developed in 1731, a courthouse for the area was needed. At that time, the rules stated that the courthouse had to be constructed in the center of the county. The community of Woodbridge was centrally located. Although few records of this first courthouse remain, it’s believed it was situated on the waterfront where Belmont Bay is presently located. Historians also believe the courthouse complex contained stocks, a pillory, and a prison.

This courthouse continued in operation until Fairfax County was carved out of Prince William County in 1742. While the center of Prince William County moved to Dumfries at that point, Manassas now serves as the county seat.

Woodbridge Continues to Grow

During much of Woodbridge’s history, the area was home to plantations and farms. During World War II, dairy farms were popular in the area. However, after the war, dairy processing techniques changed, and smaller farms weren’t able to keep up with the new technology. As the families retired, they sold their land to developers. 

One notable example of this trend is Featherstone Farm. This 440-acre was once owned by Frank Chambers. In the early 1940s, Chambers sold his land for development. From this farm, Marumsco Woods, Willowbrook, Featherstone Terrace, and Featherstone Shores were formed. 

Today, Woodbridge continues to grow rapidly. Its close proximity to Washington, D.C. has made it a popular suburb of the nation’s capital. Extensive development of commercial buildings, townhouses, apartments, and new homes support the people who call Woodbridge home.

At Koons Woodbridge Buick GMC, we love exploring the fascinating history of our area. We hope you enjoyed a look at the local history of Woodbridge. Please be sure to contact us and let us know about your favorite part!

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*Image via Flickr by Judy Gallagher