Dumfries, VA

In 1690, a settler named Richard Gibson decided to build a gristmill along Quantico Creek in today's Dumfries. This creek was discovered in 1608 by John Smith, along with a Powhatan village. This village could be the tribe with which 14-year-old Henry Spelman, who arrived to Jamestown in 1609, lived after he was given to the Native American tribe by Captain John Smith in exchange for their creek-side village. Smith needed the village to accommodate new Colonists.

Soon after Gibson established his mill, Scottish settlers arrived and established tobacco farms. Quantico Creek proved to be ideal for shipping purposes, and the tobacco- and cotton-based economy flourished. Eventually, the tobacco farming caused erosion, and the creek became filled with silt. The Town of Dumfries -- named by John Graham after his hometown of Dumfries, Scotland -- was officially established in 1749, making it the oldest town in Virginia.

In 1787, Alexander Henderson moved to Dumfries. Henderson was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1738 and moved to Virginia in 1756, where he served with the Virginia militia during the Revolutionary War. He built a home that still stands -- Henderson House. The house was built around 1750 by Daniel Carrol Brent and originally contained 10 rooms. Henderson purchased the house around 1790. One of Henderson's sons, Archibald, was the longest-serving Marine Corps commander and is known as the "Granddaddy of the Marine Corps."

Another fascinating historic site, the Weems-Botts House, was built around 1749 and today serves as a house museum. The Weems-Botts Museum was once the home of Mason Weems, the first biographer of George Washington -- he wrote the story of a young George Washington and the cherry tree. The other owner, Benjamin Botts, served as Aaron Burr's attorney when he was on trial for treason. After moving to your Dumfries apartment, be sure to tour this house museum -- it's supposedly haunted.

Travel along Main Street and you'll discover the Williams Ordinary. This historic building is believed to have been built around 1765 by James Wren. During the Civil War, this tavern was used as the Confederate headquarters. Today, it is a private residence. Williams Ordinary was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.

This is Marine country -- so be sure to stop by and explore the National Museum of the Marine Corps, situated on 135 acres just south of Dumfries, next to Marine Corps Base Quantico. The museum features interactive exhibits and artifacts in a 120,000-square-foot structure. The Quantico National Cemetery is another must-see destination, first used in 1775 for Navy operations.

Casual and quick describes most of the restaurants in Dumfries. A local go-to favorite, Dumfries Cafe, serves breakfast and lunch in a tiny, diner-style atmosphere. Padrino's is the local pizza joint, and they also have a cocktail lounge. For sushi, head just outside the neighborhood to Mandarin Court.

Travel about 20 miles south of Dumfries to Fredericksburg for more dining options. Here, you'll discover Sammy T's, Foode, Bistro Bethem, Mercantile, and Benny Vitali's. Since Fredericksburg is a terrific historic city with terrific shops, museums, and more, spend the day and have lunch at Hyperion Espresso, a sidewalk coffee shop. Head here in the evening to enjoy hotspots like Spencer Devon Brewing, Capital Ale House, and the Colonial Tavern.

With I-95 bordering Dumfries, getting around is as easy as jumping on the highway. If you prefer mass transit, a bus system with access to the Metro allows you to get to DC without driving. With its wide sidewalks and picturesque landscape, walking is another great option for getting around.

Prince William Forest is an amazing park to have as your backyard. This 15,000-acre park features 37 miles of hiking trails and 21 miles of bicycle trails. It is the largest park in the Washington DC metro area. Other activities include camping, picnicking, and fishing. The park contains several historic sites, including the remains of Colonial-era mills and the South Fork Quantico Creek Bridge.

Nearby Leesylvania State Park is another fascinating destination. This park is located along the Potomac River and covers 542 acres. This park includes five hiking trails, a playground, an accessible fishing pier, boat launches, a visitor's center, a 20-station fitness trail, and concessions. This park is on the National Register of Historic Places and was the home of the Lee and Fairfax families.

Located in Dumfries, Merchant Walk is home to the historic Weems-Botts Museum as well as a bandstand named in honor of William Grayson. The park, which once served as the site of Civil War encampments and burials, now hosts Revolutionary and Civil War reenactments, parades, antique shows, and other events. The park contains a gazebo, a picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits, and more.

Apartments in Dumfries average around $1,361, while homes are priced slightly below the Virginia average. Buying a house in Dumfries will set you back about $172,000. The state average is higher at about $239,000.

Quantico is the largest employer in the area. Others include United Mine Workers, American Systems, Engility, DCS Corporation, and Serco.

The Potomac Mills Mall in nearby Woodbridge is home to more than 200 stores. Anchor stores include Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Bloomingdale's-the Outlet Store, JCPenney, Saks Fifth Avenue-Off 5th, and Costco. Stores include Tommy Bahama, the North Face, True Religion, Vera Bradley, Nine West Outlet, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Fossil, and many more.

For quick, local trips, Dumfries is home to the Dumfries Plaza Shopping Center, which includes a Rite Aid and the Todos Dumfries grocery store. The Triangle Shopping Plaza includes a Dollar General, Ace Beauty and Fashion, and several specialty shops. Several locally-owned shops and other businesses are located along Main Street. The Town of Dumfries Farmer's Market is also located on Main Street. The market features fresh produce, baked goods, and other items and is open on Saturdays from 8 am until noon.