A Trail of Mills

One explanation for the country saying "mean as an old dog" is that it derives from the irascible temperament of the Dogue Indians who once lived in Virginia.  The name Occoquan comes from a Dogue word meaning "at the end of the waters."

Occoquan, at the head of the Tidewater and the foot of the Piedmont region, was established as a milling community in the early 18th century.  In 1734 the Virginia Assembly chose Occoquan as the location for a public tobacco warehouse.

Though its early existence was industrial, it is now a picturesque artisans' community.  Ninety-seven retail shops sit within a four block square, designated a Virginia Historic District and included on the National Register of Historic Places.  Many of the artist-owners teach their craft as well as sell their work.  For example, at the Country Shop on Mill Street, Milly Lehto teaches quilting, sells a wide selection of fabrics and quilting supplies and advises the White House on the quilts they acquire.

At the Basket Case, you can learn to weave baskets or purchase locally made, creatively designed baskets.  Classes are given at the Occoquan Gallery and The Undertaking Artists' Coop.  The latter, originally a funeral home, is just one of several shops that, according to local lore, is haunted.  In the late evening brisk steps echo through deserted corridors.  Artists-in-residence call their unseen companion the conscientious undertaker.

The last Native American in Occoquan is said to haunt the Occoquan Inn, one of several dining spots.  A reflection of the tall Brave with long black hair is reported to have been seen in an upstairs mirror.  The Dogue Indians lived in harmony with the European settlers and this shadowy reminder is said to be a peaceful presence.

Most shops in Occoquan are open daily, but some do close on Monday.  For more town history stop at the historic Occoquan Museum on Mill Street, open June through September.  Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 P.M.  The museum is also open on weekends during April, May and October.

While in Occoquan, also plan on visiting Prince William County's attractive Visitor Information Center, located across from the riverfront at 200 Mill Street.  The center's staff will help with directions and information on attractions throughout the county and advise on accommodations and restaurants.  Hours are 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

Heading south on I-95 you will come to Potomac Mills (Exit 156 Dale City), billed as one of the world's largest value/outlet centers.  More than 220 manufacturer’s outlets, retail outlets and traditional discounters are found inside a 1.7 million-square-foot enclosed shopping center.  With prices 20% to 60% below retail and hardwood floors for easy walking through nine neighborhoods of discounts, Potomac Mills is the number one shopping magnet of Virginia.  Stores included are Nordstrom Rack, JCPenney Outlet, Spiegel Outlet, Macy's, Waccamaw, The Clearinghouse, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ann Taylor Factory Store, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Zales Jewelry Outlet, Barneys New York Outlet and IKEA of Sweden which claims to be the world's largest home furnishings retailer.  A food court with 15 eateries and movie theaters provide respite for shoppers.  Potomac Mills Mall is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 A.M. to 9:30 P.M. and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  For information call (800) VA-MILLS.

Leaving Potomac Mills, trade the excitement of bargain-hunting for a few hours of extraordinary beauty and soul-restoring quiet as you visit Leesylvania State Park, arguably the finest waterfront access point on the Potomac.  Here, at one of the state's newest parks, you'll find well-designed nature and hiking trails, excellent recreational facilities and provisions for all types of boating and fishing.  Here too, history buffs will discover the ruins of "Light Horse" Harry Lee's plantation home.  Lee, a renowned colonial soldier and Virginia statesmen, was also the forbearer of Robert E. Lee.

Directions: From I-95 north, for Potomac Mills take Exit 156 toward Dale City.  Then follow Route 784 west to Gideon Road (the first stoplight).  Make a right on Gideon, then cross Smoketown Road and turn into the Potomac Mills parking lot. For Occoquan continue north on I-95 toward Washington.  Take Exit 160, Route 123, which will take you into the historic town.