Occuquan

After visiting Gunston Hall yesterday we drive on to Occuquan, a small historic village, settled by Europeans in the 18th Century but named by Native Americans. It is on the banks of the river of the same name, a tributary of the Potomac and is in Prince William County.

We had lunch on a terrace by the river and then explored Mill Street, the main street of the village.

Rockledge Mansion, at the end of the street, was built by the person who built Gunston Hall.

Amongst the little shops was the most extensive Christmas shop that I have ever seen..

Each tree in the shop - there must have been fifty at least - was themed.

We were drawn to the Christmas cats.

Also to the seaside tree...

The Downton Abbey tree was unexpected!

A curiosity was a tall brick house with an extraordinary barrel window...

..and a wrought iron grid over a brick enclosure which appears to depict a lamplighter - Occuquan still has its original gas lamps.

We debated for some time over lunch why this little cruise boat was labelled 'site-seeing tours' as opposed to 'sight-seeing tours' and which was the most logical..