If you’re competing at Gar-Field High School, Woodbridge is one of the easiest, lowest-stress places to base your show weekend. You get the essentials close by—reliable hotels, major grocery options for meal prep, and straightforward highway access—without the intensity (or price tag) of staying closer to downtown DC.

This guide is built for competitors first (food control, rest, timing), with a few smart options for families and support crews who want something to do without derailing the schedule.

Where the show is

• Gar-Field High School (venue): https://gar-fieldhs.pwcs.edu/

Best hotels (competitor-friendly)

If you can, prioritize a room setup that supports meal prep, extra fridge space, and calm logistics.

• Top pick (kitchen + extra fridge space): Residence Inn Potomac Mills Woodbridge
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Woodbridge Potomac Mills
• Hampton Inn Potomac Mills/Woodbridge
• Courtyard Potomac Mills Woodbridge
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodbridge

Show-weekend flow: things to do (without blowing up the schedule)

These are all easy wins for support crews—and low-effort options for competitors who want to stay calm, keep steps reasonable, and avoid long drives.

1. Potomac Mills Mall (last-minute needs + easy errands)
   Great for quick pickups like extra meal containers, a hoodie, toiletries, and anything you forgot at home. https://www.simon.com/mall/potomac-mills
2. Historic Occoquan (quick change of scenery for the support crew)
   A charming waterfront area with shops and an easy strollable layout—nice when you want to get out without committing to a big plan. https://historicoccoquan.com/
3. National Museum of the Marine Corps (half-day, high-impact outing)
   A strong option for families who want something meaningful without spending the whole day driving into DC. https://www.usmcmuseum.com/
4. The Rose Gaming Resort (adult-friendly downtime)
   Best saved for after pre-judging—or once the competitor is done for the day and back in recovery mode. https://www.therosegamingresort.com/
5. Neabsco Creek Boardwalk (gentle movement + fresh air)
   A simple boardwalk walk that feels like a mini nature reset—great for a few photos without overdoing it. https://www.pwcva.gov/department/neabsco-creek-boardwalk
6. Workhouse Arts Center (calm, interesting, and not exhausting)
   Galleries, studios, and a creative campus vibe—perfect when you want something chill and different. https://www.workhousearts.org/

Places to eat & drink (competitor-first + support crew approved)

Competitors: your best move is keeping food predictable and timing tight. Support crews: you still deserve a real meal.

• Wegmans (easy meal prep + reliable grab-and-go)A clutch stop on arrival day—protein options, prepared foods, and quick meals without a restaurant wait.https://www.wegmans.com/stores/potomac-va
• Don Seba’s Taqueria (local Mexican when the crew wants flavor)A solid “real meal” option that feels more mom-and-pop than chain.https://donsebastaqueria.com/
• Bar J (Occoquan) (fun, local-feeling, celebratory energy)Great after finals or for a relaxed dinner the night before show day.https://www.bar-jchili.com/
• DOK KHAO Thai Eatery (easy dinner near the Wegmans/Alamo area)Convenient, flavorful, and simple when you want something different without a long drive.https://dokkhao.com/
• Sushi Jin Next Door (light, shareable, low-stress dinner)Ideal when the crew is craving sushi and you want to keep it easy.https://sushijinnextdoor.com/
• Bourbon and Fig (Tacketts Mill / Lake Ridge) (a “night out” option)A nice change of pace for a post-show celebration without heading into DC.https://bourbonfig.com/
• MOD Pizza (fast, customizable, crowd-pleaser)Great for families who need an easy, no-fuss meal between errands.https://locations.modpizza.com/usa/va/woodbridge/13800-smoketown-rd

Competitor logistics: quick tips that save your weekend

• Choose the right room setup: If available, prioritize Residence Inn for the kitchen + extra fridge space.
• Treat the room like a prep station: Water, meals, supplements, and a simple cleanup plan.
• Do the grocery run right after check-in: Don’t wait until later when timing gets tight.
• Build in a traffic buffer: I-95 and local roads can be unpredictable—pad time for check-in, tanning, athlete meetings, and call times.
• Backstage kit reminder: Wipes, a small towel, bands, easy-to-digest snacks per your plan, plus backups of anything you can’t replace quickly.

Want preferred partner perks (when available) + the best rates?

For show weekend, I strongly recommend Residence Inn (full kitchens + extra fridge space make peak-week meals and family logistics dramatically easier). To access the best available rates and preferred partner perks when offered, book here.