5 Reasons to Visit® Fredericksburg, Virginia
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit® Fredericksburg, Virginia Right Now
Sitting upon the falls of the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg, Virginia is home to four battlefields and is a vital destination to learn about American history. With an inescapable Civil War past, the downtown historic district is dotted with Colonial structures that remind us of the early settlers that developed a thriving inland frontier port for the tobacco trade.
Image courtesy of Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership
1. THE HIKING
The Government Island Trail is located in a historic 17th-century quarry, established just off the Potomac River on Aquia Creek in 1694. Full of rich, nationally significant history, the 1.5 mile trail crosses upon wooden boardwalks over tidal creeks, while providing beautiful water views and historical markers throughout the archaeological site.
Image courtesy of Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership
During George Washington’s Presidency, sandstone was mined from Government Island and used to build two of the nation’s most significant structures—the White House and U.S. Capitol buildings.
2. THE ART
Art is everywhere in Fredericksburg, Virginia. From street murals to galleries and studios to sculptures—Fredericksburg weaves a rich tapestry of public art that can be found throughout the region.
Image courtesy of Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership
Check out Ponshop for contemporary fine art, ceramics, clothing and handmade items from local and regional artists—as well as the Backdoor Gallery, which strives to support the community of artists and artisans, with a focus on younger and up and coming artists.
3. THE CUISINE & WINE
Situated in the heart of historic Downtown Fredericksburg, Cork & Table serves refined food in an intimate and elegant setting. The innovative menus have been designed around carefully selected wine pairings, drawn from the most dynamic winemaking regions throughout the world.
Whether you enjoy the astounding 6-course “Chef’s Tasting Menu,” a four course prix fixe menu or three course prix fixe menu, you can indulge on favorite dishes like Grilled Ahi Tuna, Sautéed Wagyu Filet Mignon with garlic shrimp and port wine reduction, as well as Organic Chicken Breast with brie and shiitake. For the lighter appetite, try one of their à la carte small plates or flatbreads. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
The restored 19th century gardens at the Belmont Estate complement the elegant Georgian style mansion. Take a stroll through Long Walk, a boxwood-lined walk which runs north to south on a terrace. Hand dug, it’s an expensive garden feature that signaled to visitors the important social standing of the estate and its owners. Georgian landscape design was based on symmetry and geometry, represented at Belmont in the four parterre beds on the south lawn; triangular beds edged in boxwood are filled with roses, annuals and tulips.
A wide variety of flowers are grown at Belmont Estate; in addition to perennials such as sedum, iris and peonies, there are a number of bulbs. Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths make for a spectacular spring show. Cosmos, old-fashioned hollyhocks, zinnia, ageratum, geranium, verbena and cleome brighten the gardens in summer. Landscape restoration is an ongoing process and Belmont’s volunteers are dedicated to preserve and protect the estate’s historic landscape.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Tucked away right outside of historic Downtown Fredericksburg and overlooking the Rappahannock River, you’ll discover the circa 1790s Gari Melchers’ Home and Studio at Belmont. The 18th-century National Historic Landmark is unlike most historic homes in Virginia, as it is not furnished with antiques that correspond to the house's origins. Rather, it is a snapshot of the international tastes and lifestyle of a famous American artist, Gari Melchers.
Image courtesy of Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership