What Old Town Boutique Has Not 1, But 20 Christmas Trees?

The holidays are a big deal in Old Town Manassas, so much so that shop owner Joanne Wunderly has not one, but 20 Christmas trees erected, decorated and ready to go in her gift shop, The Things I Love. 

"Our 2013 theme is 'Christmas in Virginia' and we have 20 trees—each with a different theme—Virginia Vineyards, Farms, Bay, Horse Country, Mountains, Ski Slopes, Manassas ..."Wunderly said in an email to Patch.

"Many customers tell me that visiting the shop has become part of their Christmas tradition.  Small Business Saturday was spectacular and we are looking forward to the Merry Old Town weekend coming up."

The Old Town Business Association, of which Wunderly is president, is planning an Old Town Merchants' Open House on from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8

The event is free and many of the shops will offer refreshments to customers.  Additionally, Dizzy Pig Barbecue owner Chris Chappell will be serving up samples and sauces in front of Opera House Gourmet during the open house.  

Sunday's open house is part of A Merry Old Town, a weekend-long event that begins with the lighting of the Manassas Christmas Tree on Friday at 5:30 p.m. at the Manassas Museum, followed by the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. and  the open house on Sunday. 

Read more about The Things I Love: Old Town Boutique the Place of Mothers' Dreams