Many Americans plan a trip to Washington, D.C. — sometimes for work, pleasure, a bucket list adventure, or a weekend getaway. Regardless of why you might visit the nation’s capital, you have to find somewhere to stay.
Many prefer locations outside the city to get away from the traffic and prices. Bristow, VA, is one of those suburbs that welcomes guests traveling to the city.
However, Bristow isn’t just a convenient location for a hotel stay. Bristow has its own attractions and things to do to make your stay enjoyable.
Don’t skip all that Bristow has to offer. Let’s look at how you can do Bristow, VA, like a local. Maybe you’ll start planning your trip today.
Where Is Bristow, VA?
Bristow is located about 30 miles from Washington, D.C., in northern Virginia. It’s an unincorporated area with a postal area population of around 30,000. You can get to Bristow, VA, in numerous ways.
Virginia Route 28, Virginia Route 234, and Virginia Route 215 all connect Bristow to other parts of the state. The Manassas Regional Airport and the Broad Run/Airport Virginia Railway Express station also serve the area.
Because of its proximity to the nation’s capital, Bristow has grown exponentially over the last couple of decades.
Traveler’s Tip: Next stop — Centreville, VA! Here, you can enjoy a game of tennis at the park or take the family to Atlantis Waterpark.
What Is Bristow, VA, Known For?
One of the most well-known places in Bristow, VA, is Jiffy Lube Live, formerly known as Nissan Pavillion. The amphitheater can seat 25,262 guests: 10,444 in reserved seats and 14,818 on the lawn.
It opened in June 1995, and numerous artists have played here, from Kiss and the Village People to Jimmy Buffett and Rush. It also has a rich history, particularly during the Civil War era. You can visit battlefields and historical sites throughout the area.
7 Best Things to Do in Bristow, VA
One of the best features of Bristow, VA, is the variety of activities in the community. Whether you enjoy learning about history, tasting local cuisine, or playing in the outdoors, Bristow has something for everyone.
Let’s look at seven of the best things to do here.
1. Visit Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park
Address: Iron Brigade Unit Avenue
Why You Should Visit: At the corner of Iron Brigade Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way, you’ll find Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park.
This 140-acre historic site is where the Battle of Kettle Run and the Battle of Bristoe Station were fought during the Civil War.
Today, more than 2.7 miles of trails run throughout the park, open year-round and free of charge.
2. Tee Off at Bristow Manor Golf Club
Address: 11507 Valley View Dr. Bristow, VA 20136
Why You Should Visit: Bristow Manor Golf Club is a challenging 18-hole course and one of Golf Digest’s “100 Top Places to Play.” Twelve holes include water.
Over 7,000 yards of luscious fairways and greens make this one of the premier golf courses in the Washington, D.C., area.
Rates change depending on the season, time of day, and day of the week. A winter tee time before noon on a weekday will cost $49 without any discounts.
In contrast, a peak tee time in May before noon on a Saturday will cost $79 without any discounts.
3. Tour Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre
Address: 12229 Bristow Road Bristow, VA 20136
Why You Should Visit: The Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre is open from Friday to Monday. You can take tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
However, you can walk the grounds anytime during daylight. Tours cost $5 per adult, and children under age six are free.
On the property, you can visit five historic buildings: an 1822 courthouse, an 1822 jail, an 1880 church, an 1850 farmhouse, and a one-room schoolhouse that operated from 1929 to 1944. The Historic Centre also has a nature trail and an open space for picnics.
4. Give Sushi a Try at Aka Sushi
Address: 10474 Bristow Center Drive Bristow, Virginia 20136
Why You Should Visit: You’ll find Aka Sushi only eight minutes north on Highway 619 from the Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre. This is a delicious place to grab lunch after exploring the history of Bristow, VA.
You can go for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Aka Sushi offers various options from the sushi bar like Sashimi, Ika Sansai, Takosu, and more.
If you can’t make it for lunch, Aka Sushi is also open for dinner from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
5. Attend a Concert at Jiffy Lube Live
Address: 7800 Cellar Door Drive Bristow, VA 20136
Why You Should Visit: Check the events calendar at Jiffy Lube Live to catch your favorite artists in concert. The concert lineup stretches across genres from Tim McGraw and the Doobie Brothers to the Backstreet Boys and Josh Groban.
It has lawn, deck, and pit seats and rows of tiered seats in the main sections. Note that you can only bring clear tote bags on the premises.
Ticket prices vary from show to show, so make sure to check the calendar for the dates of your visit to Bristow, VA.
6. Play a Game of Laser Tag at LaserTag2You
Address: 39835 New Road Aldie, VA 20105
Why You Should Visit: Take a trip back to your childhood and book a game of laser tag. LaserTag2You is a unique family-owned business that brings the laser tag course and gear to you.
Or, if you prefer to go to a physical location, venture out to Pev’s Paintball & Airsoft Park for a 90-minute game.
Choose from different game modes like Capture the General, Freeze Tag, or King of the Hill. Once you’ve finished, you’ll have had a great time and a great workout.
7. Enjoy a Drink or Two in the Murlarkey Tasting Room
Address: 7961 Gainsford Court Bristow, VA 20136
Why You Should Visit: Murlarkey Distilled Spirits, established in 2014 by second-generation Irish-American cousins, is open Thursday through Saturday for special events and tastings.
If you want to learn how to make craft co*cktails, sign up for Papis’ Bootleg Boys Mixology co*cktail Class on the last Wednesday of the month.
Or if you want to learn more about the distilling process, sign up to attend a Day of a Distiller for an up-close and hands-on experience.
Stop in and enjoy the Irish culture and heritage at Murlarkey Distilled Spirits, the only Virginia distillery named one of the 25 Best Distillers in the United States by Travel + Leisure.
Bristow, VA, Is Worth a Visit
Bristow, VA, is worth visiting and not just because of its proximity to Washington, D.C. It’s worth visiting because of its own merit.
Tee off for a round of golf in the morning, grab sushi for lunch, head out to explore the local history, and end the night drinking a pint with some friends.
Or, if you have kids, play a game of laser tag in the morning and then attend a concert in the evening. You’ll have so much to do to enjoy your stay in Bristow, VA.
Don’t pass up exploring what this community has to offer just to do the “big attractions” of Washington, D.C. Have you started planning your trip to northern Virginia?
