Last month I went on my first sales conference with my team to Prince William and Manassas, Va. Although we had an itinerary, I had no real expectations of what I would be experiencing during the week.

It sounds extremely cliché, but I really was pleasantly surprised. I’m not a huge history buff but I’m certainly very interested in it. The area did not disappoint. First evening’s dinner was at Potomac Shores Golf Club’s Tidewater Grill in Dumfries, Va. Superb dinner with crab cake salad, limoncello aperitif and delicious short rib dinner followed by perfectly sweetened ricotta flan cake. I arrived at my hotel exhausted from traveling but well-satisfied with our gourmet dinner.

On the first morning of the conference we were hosted by The Winery at La Grange and welcomed by a delicious breakfast spread by Duck Donuts.  I have never seen so many great options for gourmet donuts. I had to limit myself to one and not be too naughty. Annie’s Kitchen Table provided us yummy wraps and sides for everyone.

That night the team had cocktails at Tin Cannon Brewing before heading to Grafton Street for a much-deserved dinner after a long day of presentations. I don’t know about everyone else, but my Jack Daniels’ burger was to die for. On the second day of our conference we had a mouthwatering breakfast by Jirani’s Coffeehouse. Everything was top-of-the-line gourmet: bagels, quiche and muffins. It was as tasteful for the eyes as it was for our stomachs.

On to lunch for the day … I know it sounds like all I did was eat, but what can I say? This chick loves to eat. Travinia Italian Kitchen and Bar didn’t disappoint one bit. Great spread of salads, meat balls, chicken Parmesan and, of course, perfectly done pasta. On our last night we traveled to a cozy side of town for dinner at Bottle Stop Wine Bar. This place has an extensive wine menu and incredible tapas. My personal favorites were deviled eggs and salmon. On our third and last day, Tom and Suzie’s Bagels fresh bagels welcomed us in the conference room. We needed these fresh baked goodies to carry us for the first half of our busy day. Oh, and they were exactly what the doctor ordered. Before we all left to head back home, an incredible lunch was provided by Birch. Birch is the first farm-to-table concept in Prince William County. Founded by a family with farming roots, they use local, organic produce and meats to bring freshness and quality to every meal. Offering unique and healthy dishes from pigs in a blanket to bison sliders, their goal to entice customers to “eat with all their senses” is not hard to reach.

Yes, you guessed right. I picked up my workouts as soon as I arrived home. All great spots to check out while taking in lots of Civil War History.

— Banu Yilmaz, advertising director