WHERE TO LIVE:

Personally, we lived on base and we LOVED it! My husband went to EWS (Expeditionary Warfare School) so we were only there for 10 months but we had the best experience - we met several friends who have lived on base for many years and also enjoyed the convenience to work.

If you want to live off base, I suggest Dumfries (5min north), Stafford (15min south) or Woodbridge (15 min north). Dumfries is very close so you will not have to deal with traffic like you would in Stafford or Woodbridge. A benefit of living in Stafford or Woodbridge is the location of restaurants and shops. Both are great places but dealing with DC traffic wasn't worth it to us.

PLACES TO EAT:

Pizza - If you want to stay on post, I recommend Sam's Inn. Off base, definitely Zibibbo 73 in Stafford - the best, most authentic Italian pizza in the area.

Burgers - If you're willing to drive, Big Buns in DC is so good! Nearby base I would recommend Wayback Burgers in Woodbridge.

Sushi - On base, Tokyo Japanese Restaurant is located right in Quantico. They have several options and are very quick. Off base, we would always go to Umi in Stafford - it's so good and the prices are great!

Steakhouse - Firebirds offers several delicious wood-fired meals the whole family will be happy with.

Our favorite restaurant - Just across the street from Firebirds in Woodbridge, Dok Khao has the best Thai food. With several options from mild to super spicy, you will be sure to find something you love.

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WHERE TO GROCERY SHOP:

Commissary - This commissary is easy to get to, especially if you live on base. They have a fresh sushi bar daily and during the holidays, they have amazing prices on their pumpkins and poinsettias.

Publix - After living in several different areas of the country I feel like I can confidentially say this - this is the best grocery store! Publix has a wide variety of fresh food while making sure they don't break the bank.

Wegmans - Several people in the area go here. We thought it was a little pricey (when you can get the same exact items at Publix) and it always seemed to be busy so if you go, I recommend going during the week.

Shoppers - We only went here once and were pleasantly surprised on how clean it was. If it wasn't for Publix, this would be our main grocer.

EXPLORING THE AREA:

Hiking - Prince William State Park has several different trails to explore. Our favorite trail was Laurel Loop Trail, it's pet friendly and goes along a small river that our dogs love swimming in during the summer.

Water Sports - Pontoons, kayaks and paddle-boards are a must in the summer. Potomac Boat Rentals is located in Woodbridge and has a variety of activities to choose from.

National Aquarium - This is the best aquarium I've ever been to. The variety of fish and interaction exhibits are amazing. Not only that, the area around the aquarium is so fun - it's right off a pier with several restaurants such as Hard Rock Cafe, UNO Pizzeria and Grill and Fogo de Chão.

Downtown Fredericksburg - 25 minutes south of Quantico, Fredericksburg has amazing charm. With over 350 original buildings from the 18th and 19th century, you can explore the town on their Trolley Tours or Traipse Walking Tours.

National Museum of the Marine Crops - Located a mile outside the Main Gate, this museum has exhibits inside and outside. You will be amazed at the history and will find it difficult to spend less than 3 hours there.

HISTORICAL LANDMARKS:

Mount Vernon - This is George Washington's house and it's a MUST SEE! Only 30 minutes north of base, you can tour his estate inside and out. You do not have to have a scheduled tour to visit but I definitely recommend doing it. With the scheduled tour, you can go inside his home and learn so much about his personal and professional life.

Lincoln Memorial - If you can visit this memorial, I highly suggest you do. You will be in awe standing next to the marble figure - I also recommend reading about the history of the marble chosen to create the memorial - it's fascinating.

Capitol Hill - The Capitol is something many of us have seen in pictures but you are able to get up close and personal with the building - you will see several great details that went into making the building. If you can, go around Christmas time, it's breathtaking.

Battlefields - If you enjoy history, you definitely need to visit the Antietam Battlefield - this is the bloodiest battle on US soil. The history is unreal. You may also be interested in the Chancellorsville Battlefield - this is where Stonewall Jackson was shot (by his own troops) and it's a lot closer than Antietam.

Harper's Ferry - This adorable town has several shops and cafes in their original 19th century buildings. You can also enjoy see where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet and tour the town.