Things to Do IN Fredericksburg VA
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
A small and family owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery balances time-honored traditions with innovation and creativity to produce award-winning, hand-crafted spirits. Stop by for a tour, Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to stop by the gift shop too. www.asmithbowman.com
Chancellorsville Visitor Center
Staffed by historians and brimming with exhibits and a treasure-trove of books, the Chancellorsville Visitor Center is situated within the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. It’s the perfect place to learn more about the area’s history and is the starting point of the Chancellorsville History Trail. www.nps.gov
Christian Youth Theater Fredericksburg
Christian Youth Theater of Fredericksburg is an affiliate of the largest after-school theater arts training program in the nation. Students build confidence in drama, dance and voice classes, with the chance to learn the technical side of theater too, such as lights, staging, make-up and more. Exciting camps and classes are available as well. www.cytfredericksburg.org
Civil War Battlefield Tours
Enjoy a customized tour of important sites and battlefields in Spotsylvania and Stafford counties, from behind the wheel. Civil War battlefield tours are offered by Hallowed Ground Tours, which creates customized experiences based on each person or group’s special interests. www.hallowedgroundtours.com
Craft Breweries
Sip a cold Polar Roller Red IPA at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, one of four flagship brews that’s always a great pour and permanent offering. At Capital Ale House, find a long and satisfying selection, from stouts to IPAs and imports. Adventure Brewery delivers freshly brewed beer, featuring a wide range of flavors, including seasonal and specialty beers. www.6bgbrewingco.com, capitalalehouse.com and adventurebrewing.com
Dominion Raceway & Entertainment
Dominion Raceway & Entertainment boasts three motorsports tracks, an outdoor venue for concerts, a 10-acre retail center and a 33-acre commercial space. It is also ideal for corporate events, birthday parties and gatherings of large groups. www.dominionraceway.com
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Commemorating four major battles in the American Civil War, the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park explores the lives and contributions of those who marked this historic era. Hike the battlefields, or take a self-guided driving tour of these hallowed grounds. www.nps.gov
Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
One of the most important painters of his time, Gari Melchers’ Georgian-style frame house dates to the 1790s and is resplendently restored. The home contains some 1,600 paintings and drawings by the artist and displays rotating exhibitions of his work from throughout Melchers’ career. garimelchers.umw.edu
Ghost Tours
With so much history amidst the sites of multiple Civil War battles, it’s no wonder that ghosts still prowl the city. A guided candlelight tour includes plenty of tales about those who fell in the bravery of battle. Those who like to dabble in history and have a good scare can check out Fredericksburg Haunting Tours, Phantoms of Fredericksburg and Wicked Woods Haunted Forest. www.visitfred.com and www.historyexperiences.com
Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center
Get fit and have fun at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center. There’s something for all ages at this state-of-the-art 76,000 square foot facility that houses a 50-meter competition pool, a 25-yard recreation pool, a warm-water wellness pool, a group exercise studio, fitness floor and a full-size basketball court. For those on the go, there’s even a full-service cafe. rousecenter.com
LibertyTown Arts Workshop
The LibertyTown Arts Workshop is a creative showcase for nearly 60 local artisans. There are potters, wood workers, welders, blacksmiths, oil painters, pastel artists, water colorists and fiber artists that create and show their works on-site. The 13,000 square foot gallery offers art classes for all ages and in all mediums. libertytownarts.com
National Museum of the Marine Corps
The National Museum of the Marine Corps spans 135 acres in tribute to U.S. Marines. Adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, world-class interactive exhibits surround guests with a collection of artifacts. www.usmcmuseum.com
Rappahannock River
Known as the country’s longest free-flowing river in the eastern U.S., the sparkling Rappahannock River spans more than 180 miles, from the Potomac to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enthusiasts enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking and more. www.visitfred.com
River Rock Outfitter
Got a love for the great outdoors? Learn from the best at River Rock Outfitter, then hit to road, trail, water, etc. The shop, located in downtown Fredericksburg, offers rentals seasonally. In addition, the shop sells gear for all types of activities. The adventure starts here. riverrockoutfitter.com
Riverside Center for the Performing Arts
What started out as a dinner theater in the late 1990s has grown to even more. The Riverside Center for the Performing Arts now offers live music, a children’s theater, summer camps, special art and music events, as well as an event space. This venue is an arts destination for the whole community! www.riversidedt.com
Stafford Civil War Park
In 1863, the Stafford Civil War Park was the site of the largest Union Army encampment of Union soldiers anywhere during the war. Following the Battle of Fredericksburg, these soldiers sought a place to recover from battle. Today, the 41-acre site preserves artillery fortifications and hut sites. Guests are welcomed to tour the grounds where interpretive signs and maps await.
www.visitfred.com
State Fair of Virginia
From racing pigs to rodeos and sporting events, fun and thrills never end at the Virginia State Fair, which begins every September in Caroline County. Demolition derbies, logger demonstrations, concerts and even auctioneer competitions are part of the festivities. Best of all, there’s an endless stream of thrilling rides and irresistible food.
www.statefairva.org
“Stonewall” Jackson Shrine
Visit the site where General Thomas Jonathan “Stonewall” Jackson died during the Civil War. Today, the shrine is part of Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Military Park. www.nps.gov