Occoquan Historic District Among America's 'Prettiest Painted Places'

Occoquan's Historic District is a finalist in the 2012 national "Prettiest Painted Places" competition hosted by Paint Quality Institute. 

“We are thrilled competition officials recognized this beautiful hidden gem along the Occoquan River,” Discover Prince William & Manassas Executive Director Ann Marie Maher said. “The merchants and residents of the community work hard to maintain their historic buildings and charm and it’s one of the reasons why thousands come to visit Occoquan annually.”

The small town is one of 10 finalists featured from the southeast region of the country.

"Other southeast region finalists include downtown Bowling Green, Kentucky; Gulf Shores, Alabama; Historic Oakwood in Raleigh, North Carolina; Key West, Florida; Old Louisville, Kentucky; Old Town Alexandria, Virginia; Paducah, Kentucky; Selma (Ward 3), Alabama; and Historic Downtown Smithfield, Virginia," a Discover Prince William & Manassas release read. 

Twelve national winners will be announced this month, out of 60 finalists across the nation.

"The search for America’s prettiest painted places began in the Spring when the Paint Quality Institute called for nominations and received almost 200 from historic districts, neighborhoods and Main Streets across the country," the release read. 

Before 2012, Paint Quality Institute held two Prettiest Painted Places competitions, one in the 1990s and another in 2000.