Occoquan, Virginia and Occoquan Workhouse Arts Center

 

“Every genuine work of art has as much reason for being as the earth and sun.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is a charming riverfront town sits on the banks of the Occoquan River and was established by Nathaniel Ellicott in 1804. The name Occoquan originally came from the Algonquian Doeg Indian word meaning “at the end of the water.” The British Colonists settled here because they could rely on the river for transportation and fishing. In the 1700’s, the Anglo Americans colonist settled in town making it into a mill town and also built tobacco warehouses. Now this vibrant eclectic town is full of artsy stores, antique shops, indoor and outdoor dining, and businesses.

We headed to Occoquan with our friends, Steve and Erin who have lived in this area for years. We walked to Mill Street since Erin wanted us to check out her friends shop named Earth Additions. We walked in and we were warmly greeted by Jinny Lyons, the stores owner. It is a beautiful shop with so much to see. Jinny has been a collector of earthly goods for years and when her house overflowed with all her treasures, her husband suggested she sell some. She has brought her worldly treasures for all to see and enjoy. The store features fossils, rocks, minerals, crystals, gems, and so much more. This is a great shop to visit with reasonable prices. Her store is located upstairs and has great views of Occoquan River.  Check her out at https://earthaddictions.com. 

After that we walked down Mill Street past all the lovely townhouses that grace the street. The fancy brick sidewalk in front of the townhouses really added that extra flair. They are all beautifully built and painted in various colors. There were lovely shops on either side of Mill Street and many unique items like a large carriage stone that once graced the front of the Occoquan Hotel that was used to help travelers get in and out of their horse and buggy's. We also passed a Historic Carbide Bunker. That was used to store Carbide that was used to light the gas lanterns in town. It had to kept underground as it could explode easily.

  

We walked down to see River Mill Park. This is a one acre park with one of the iconic LOVE signs that Virginia is well known for. This park is used for events and has a pavilion, paved walking trail, and public restrooms.

Then we headed across the Nathaniel Ellicott Footbridge over the beautiful Occoquan River. We got to see the falls of Occoquan on the other side of the bridge and a foot path that is know as a great birding place. The whole town of Occoquan has been designated as a bird sanctuary.

Then we headed back to Mill Street where we stopped and had lunch at The Secret Garden Cafe. What a cute place. This building was built in 1840 and was first used by Dr. Hornbaker as a pharmacy. Then it went through many hands of ownership until now when it was converted into a restaurant. Outside to side door is a lovely secluded garden that was beautifully designed. It must be stunning in the spring and summer. Inside there was a fireplace as you entered and beautiful aged wooden floors. It was very cozy. The food was fabulous and the staff were terrific. This was a great stop.

After we left the town, we headed to the Occoquan Workhouse Arts Center that was once the Lorton Reformatory and Lorton Correction Complex that was once used by the District of Columbia. When we lived in Virginia, this was still the prison that was surrounded by a barbed wire fence. It was a scary looking place. The prison closed in 2001.

In 2008, the Workhouse Arts Center opened and offered affordable studio space to rent. This 55 acre center is dedicated to the arts and art education and has room for more than 80 artists. Along with rental studio space, actors can preform on stage, and students of all ages can take classes from dance to blacksmithing. Yoga, rowing, jazzercise, pilates, and even ballroom dancing are also offered here. There is a studio for piano instruction, voice, cello, and flute. During the summer months, they offer musical performances on the Quad and throughout the year, they have comedy nights and cabarets. What a change from the olden days at this site. This place is really something to see. What a fantastic change.

After that we headed back to our car. What a lovely town that we will visit again. I’m so glad our friends took us there. Till next time. Bye for now.