ABOUT THE FREDERICKSBURG AREA LODGING DINING ACTIVITIES STORY IDEAS IMAGES

Karen Hedelt
Tourism Development Manager
Fredericksburg Area Tourism
khedelt@fredericksburgva.gov (540) 372-1216

Mary Douglas
BCF
mdouglas@boomyourbrand.com (757) 497-4811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Downtown Fredericksburg, a Unique Sense of Place
Leave behind "Everywhere U.S.A." when you visit Fredericksburg's 40-block historic district, which offers something for everyone: rich architecture, structures from the colonial and Civil War eras, tree-lined, brick sidewalks, and over 100 unique specialty shops.

• Antique dealers and specialty shops offer friendly, personalized service.
• A thriving artist's community, with galleries and monthly exhibit openings.
• Carriage and trolley tours with knowledgeable guides imparting local history.

Local Boy Makes Good: George Washington's Hometown
The father of our country spent his formative years in the Fredericksburg area, from 1738, when he was six until he began his first job as a surveyor at age 17. Values he learned in Fredericksburg carried him through his remarkable career. Today Fredericksburg offers numerous heritage tourism sites directly associated with Washington:

• The Mary Washington House purchased by Washington for his mother.
• "Kenmore," the home of Washington's sister Betty and her husband Fielding Lewis.
• "Ferry Farm," the Washington farm across the Rappahannock River from Fredericksburg.
• The Rising Sun Tavern, originally built as a home by Washington's brother, Charles.
• The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, frequented by Washington.

Fredericksburg Area: Crossroads During the Civil War
Midway between the capitals of Richmond and Washington, DC, Fredericksburg's location was the site of prominent action during the Civil War. Four major battles were fought in and around Fredericksburg. Thousands of soldiers were encamped in the area during winter months.

• Noted Civil War historians are on the staff of the Fredericksburg-Spotsylvania National Park.
• The Park Service emphasizes the impact of the war on Fredericksburg's citizens through seasonal guided walking tours.
• Many museums in the area, such as the Civil War Life Museum and White Oak Museum, showcase a vast collection of relics such as canteens, bowls and weapons such as bayonets, mortar shells and swords. Visitors can also explore the life-size, hand-dug replicas of soldiers' winter huts recovered from Stafford encampments and sites around the Fredericksburg Area.
• The newly-restored Sunken Road is the scene of one of the Civil War's most vicious battles. It is the location of one of the war's most famous stories of humanity known as the Angel of Marye's Heights.
• Wounding of "Stonewall" Jackson at Chancellorsville with his arm buried at Ellwood Manor and the "Stonewall" Shrine at Guinea Station.

Food & Wine In and Around Fredericksburg
Since colonial times, Virginians have taken advantage of a climate favorable for growing grapes, hops and corn, building a thriving libations industry. And where there's drink, there's food—from rustic taverns to today's unique offerings, including an AAA four-star restaurant.

• Numerous wineries, a distillery and a brewery are located in the region, offering tours, tastings and events.
• One-of-a-kind chef-owned restaurants, some with more than two decades of experience, dot the area.
• America's oldest continually operating soda fountain, Goolricks, operates in downtown Fredericksburg, offering creamy milkshakes and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Carl's Frozen Custard, a Fredericksburg Landmark
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Carl's Frozen Custard has been a Fredericksburg destination since its opening in 1946. The art deco building, with its pink and green neon signage, is a step back in time.

• Custard flavors are vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.
• Serving shakes, malts, cones and sundaes, and also offering frozen custard by the quart to take home.
• Carl's opening on Valentine's Day each year is eagerly awaited.

The Rappahannock River Shaped early Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg's location on the fall line of the Rappahannock River shaped its development. As a colonial "gateway to the west," Fredericksburg was a bustling port town, shipping out tobacco and other agricultural products in exchange for manufactured goods. A national scenic river, today the Rappahannock affords numerous recreational opportunities.

• The City of Fredericksburg, a stern paddlewheeler, offers seasonal lunch and dinner excursions.
• Canoe and kayak rentals are available from several local outfitters.
• Fishing is abundant, enhanced by seasonal runs of shad, herring and bass.

Ghost Stories abound in Historic Fredericksburg
With its rich and colorful history, it's no surprise that Fredericksburg has amassed its share of ghost stories. Experts on psychic phenomenon have recognized Fredericksburg as the nation's most haunted city for its size. Ghosts are so much a part of Fredericksburg that Ghost Walks and tours are held each Halloween.

• Over 17,000 Civil War soldiers died violent deaths in and around Fredericksburg.
• Ghosts are not only soldiers, but include women and children.
• The playful phantom at the Rising Sun Tavern is a former tavern keeper.