Fredericksburg VA: One Day Is Not Enough

Last Updated on May 27, 2022 by Editor

WHY GO: Travelers making a pit stop in Fredericksburg VA on their 3 hour drive between Washington DC and Williamsburg VA are often disappointed. Not because the town isn’t worthy of their time. It’s that they have not allotted enough time to this soaked-in-history place.

Ask a local about the appeal of Fredericksburg VA, and you’ll most likely hear the word “layers,” as in, “there are so many layers of history and approaches to this town, it’s impossible to summarize in a sound bite.”

Fredericksburg was established in the early 1700’s, at the end point of navigation on the Rappahannock River from the Chesapeake Bay. It was a thriving port city, and the boyhood home of George Washington.

In 1738, George Washington’s father, Augustine, moved his family to land across the river. A ferry, in a location now marked “Washington’s Ferry,” took him back and forth from home to Fredericksburg.

George lived here from age six. Both his mother, Mary Washington, and his sister, Betty Washington Lewis owned Fredericksburg homes, now open to the public for tours.

Civil War History Abounds

There were four major Civil War Battles in the area, as Fredericksburg was in a strategic location. It was 50 miles from both the Union base of Washington DC and Confederate Richmond VA. The Rappahannock River served as a natural barrier between the two.

The three Church spires that Civil War soldiers could see while marching into town still stand. They remain the highest points on the Fredericksburg skyline.

Now, though, instead of soldiers, the town teems with culinary artists, boutique inns, and fine independent shops. Fredericksburg draws celebrities to its classy, professional dinner theater, and is home to one of the best small-batch bourbon distilleries in the country.

So, don’t make the mistake that many Williamsburg-bound travelers make. Plan to stay a few days. You’ll be happy you planned ahead.

Fredericksburg is on our list of 20 Surprisingly Romantic Getaways in VA. Check it out if you wish to explore the state further.

Looking for someplace dreamy outside of Virginia? Check out our 150 Best Romantic Getaways in the Northeast US (Virginia to Maine).

Things to Do in Fredericksburg VA

TOUR: Trolly Tours of Fredericksburg VA

Just in town for a couple of hours? This 75 minute trolly tour will give you a quick overview of the town’s history, leaving you wanting for more. You’ll just have to come back for a few more days. Tours Mid-May to Mid-Nov, four tours per day: 10:30 am, 12 pm, 2 pm and 3:30 pm Mid-Nov – Mid May, tours 11 & 1:30, $20pp. 

TOUR: Hallowed Ground Tours

If you have a full day to explore Fredericksburg VA history, you’ll want to enlist the formidable skills of Scott Walker, “Tourmaster.” He will custom-design an itinerary for your preferred timeframe (both in real time, and in the historical sense), and weave stories about the area so adroitly, you’ll come away with a visceral sense of Fredericksburg history.

I was most interested in the Civil War Tale of Stonewall Jackson’s Arm. So, Walker took me on a thrilling “timeline tour” of this very strange episode in history. I stopped into the following attractions with him, but  you can visit each on your own.

VISIT: Chatham Manor

This homestead is notable for having hosted three Presidents – Washington, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Built in 1770’s for William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, it was owned by Horace Lacy during the Civil War when Lincoln came to call.

Like all large homes and buildings of the day, Chatham became a Civil War hospital. This is where Mary Edwards Walker, the second female medical doctor in the country, and first to receive a Medal of Honor, healed the war wounded.

Walt Whitman also served as nurse here. His poem, The Wound Dresser, draws graphically and poignantly on this experience.

While the war was raging, Fredericksburg VA was a dangerous place to be.

So Horace Lacy moved out of town to a relatively modest farm home he called Ellwood Manor. This would prove important in the tale of Stonewall Jackson’s amputated arm.

Civil War Graffiti

The view from the terrace – across the River into Fredericksburg – hasn’t changed much, and it’s worth the short jaunt just to see it.

Chatham’s last owner, General Motor’s Executive, John Pratt, improved the house and grounds. The decorative musical-note iron fence he had constructed, spells out “Home Sweet Home.”

When the National Park Service took over the mansion, other important interior elements were discovered and preserved. The most photographed is Civil War graffiti on original plaster walls – etched by members of the 30^th Infantry. Open daily 9-4:30, free.

VISIT: Battle of Chancellorsville NHP and Visitors Center

One hundred thirty thousand Union soldiers faced off against 65,000 Confederates during 2 ½ weeks in May 1863. Who won? Not the obvious side.

Smack dab in the midst of the four-year war, this battle featured celebrity General “Stonewall Jackson” (see Manassas), and General Robert E. Lee. The two hatched a plan to outfox an army more than twice the size of theirs.

As you make your way through the park, you’ll find remnants of a past industry. Augustine Washington came to Fredericksburg because he knew that there was iron ore all around – a “cash crop” smelted locally in iron furnaces, some of which can still be found intact.

Tons of trees were felled to fuel the smelters, clearing land for farming. But this area wasn’t cut.

These uncut tangles of foliage were referred to as the “wilderness.” It served as a good place for Confederate troops to hide while advancing on their opponents.

While Lee pretended to diddle on the main road with a few thousand soldiers, fooling Union officers into believing those were his only men, Jackson marched his line of 30,000 soldiers twelve miles around the vulnerable Union flank.

This strategy resulted in the second bloodiest day in Civil War history – with 21,000 casualties in one day (vs. 23,000 at Antietam) – and a Confederate victory.

Stonewall Jackson’s Fateful Day

It also proved fatal to Stonewall Jackson who was shot by his own men while on nighttime reconnaissance. Walk the path to the place Jackson was wounded, then spend some time in the Visitor’s Center, which tells the tale of this important and deadly battle.

Jackson, barely alive, was loaded onto a bumpy wooden ambulance. Accompanied by his personal Chaplain, Beverly Lacy, Horace’s brother, he ended up at a field hospital on what is now Route 3/Plank Rd. There, Jackson’s arm was removed. (There’s actually a plaque that marks the spot of “Jackson’s Amputation” on Route 3).

Lacy, knowing that his brother’s place, Ellwood Manor, was just up the hill, decided to bury the great man’s arm in a marked grave, rather than have it thrown unceremoniously on a heap of other discarded limbs. Jackson later died from his injuries.  Open daily 9-5, free.

VISIT: The Grave of Stonewall Jackson’s Arm at Ellwood Manor

If the home is open, stop in. But otherwise, you can find the headstone for Jackson’s Arm past a hedgerow path and down into a field to the right side of the house.

WALK: Around Downtown Fredericksburg VA

Fredericksburg VA is saturated with Black history. A Slave Auction Block remains on the corner of William and Charles Streets, a sad reminder of a thriving business.

The diary of the enslaved John Washington recounts Union Soldiers standing on the far side of the Rappahannock River, calling to Black men and women to cross to their freedom. “A most memorable night it was when the soldiers assured me that I was a free man,” he wrote on April 18, 1862.

TOUR: Rising Sun Tavern

In costume, current manager Jo Atkins, channels Elizabeth Frazier, the wife of the first tavern keeper, John, who died, leaving Elizabeth to run the place.

Built in 1760 for George Washington’s youngest brother, Charles, the home was turned into a Tavern in 1792 and operated as one until the 1820’s.  It then became a private residence.

Atkins stays in character through an illuminating, entirely entertaining 45-minute tour of the only prosperous tavern in Fredericksburg at that time. It was a place where ladies could enter and “not loose their reputation.” Safe in their own sitting room, women could “repair damages to their appearance after a bumpy 50 mile carriage ride.”

You’ll learn the origins of many weird words and phrases. For example,  “drink like a fish” originated from the fish stamped at the bottom of “stirrup cup” tankards. And “Here’s looking at you” was based on the fact that bottoms of many mugs were made of glass, allowing imbibers to see their companions even while drinking. Open March – Oct. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4, Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 11-4, Sun 12-4, $7 adults, $3 kids.

TOUR: Mary Washington House and Kenmore Plantation

Both the Mary Washington House (built by George for his Mom in 1771 Open March – Oct. Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4, Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 11-4, Sun 12-4, $5 adults, $2 kids) and Kenmore Plantation (home of sister Betty Washington) are located in Fredericksburg VA and are open for tours.

The façade of Kenmore still bears a cannonball. March through October: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 
Sunday, Noon to 5:00 p.m. $10 adults, $5 kids.

TOUR: James Monroe Museum and Library

Standing on a lot once owned by Monroe, this museum houses his artifacts and papers.

TOUR: Belmont – the Gari Melcher Home and Studio

Purchased in 1916 by American Naturalist painter (contemporary of John Singer Sargent) Gari Melcher, this home and studio is perfect for art historians looking for an alternative to Civil War history. Open Thurs-Tues 10-5, $10.

TOUR: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

Did you know that that authentic bourbon must be a) from the USA, b) 60% corn, and c) aged in brand-new charred oak barrels?

After a one-hour tour in this repurposed cellophane plant (FMC closed in 1970’s), you’ll know all there is to know about the history of this company and the distilling and aging process. And of course, you’ll get to sample the goods.

Master Distiller, Brian Prewitt, presides over this small-batch distillery. In the distilling room, stare up at two massive copper stills – “George” and “Mary.” Mary is the “workhorse.” George, with its coiled piping, looks like something Willy Wonka and Captain Nemo would have dreamed up.

Of course you can purchase bottles of Vodka, Gin and Bourbon in the gift shop. But my favorite souvenir was a bag of bourbon-soaked charcoal ($5, small bag), which had flaked off inside of charred oak barrels during the aging process. It makes for the perfect barbecue enhancer. Open Mon-Sat 10-4. Free tours on the hour.

SHOP: Sugar + Spruce

Owned by aesthetician, Crystal Wellman, Sugar + Spruce makes buying natural colorful scented soaps, lotions and bath products a blast.

SHOP: Old Town Fredericksburg VA

You won’t find one franchise store in Old Town, which is a boon to window shoppers everywhere. This part of town is so compact, you can emerge from Mary or Betty Washington’s house, say, and within seconds be trying on a one-of-a-kind dress.

Actor Sally Struthers (who stays in Fredericksburg while performing at the Riverside Center) is partial to The Kitchen at Wittingham, a home and kitchen goods store. “It’s got amazing windows – Bob used to do the windows at Saks in NY,” Struthers gushes. “Bob Wittingham is my litmus test for taste.”

DO: See a Show at Riverside Center

This is not your grandma’s dinner theater. Book a seat and you may very well see Sally Struthers vamping it up on stage. Broadway actor, Patrick A’Hearn, named Producing Artistic Director of the theater in 2014, launched the original Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber in Jan/Feb of that year, garnering a “huge response.”

Lately, A’Hearn has been pushing the envelope on traditional dinner theater fare, with Spamalot, Steel Magnolias, and  9 to 5, starring an hilariously bawdy Sally Struthers. Tickets $73 with dinner (served by the cast members), $53 show only.

WALK: Government Island/Stafford

It’s about a 20-minute drive north on I-95 to the “Freestone” Sandstone quarry that supplied the building blocks for the White House and our country’s Capitol Building.

Once an island (now silted in), a wide navigable creek encircled Government Island. It was thus easy for quarrymen to load ships that would float out to the Potomac River and then on to DC.

In full production from 1791 – 1795 and then after the War of 1812, Government Island has been preserved as a nature park. There’s a 1 ½ mile loop on boardwalks and easy paths, perfect for bird watching.

Along the way, you’ll see remnants of quarried rock, scored by pick-marks, end pieces or “spoil stone,” and gorgeous river vistas.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Fredericksburg VA

EAT/LUNCH: Goolrick’s Pharmacy

• Sadly, Goolrick’s has been closed

Open since 1867, go for the old fashioned grilled cheese or egg salad sandwiches and great malts. And yes, it’s still an operating neighborhood pharmacy.

EAT/DINNER: Foode

Pronounced “foodie” this unassuming counter service spot serves some of the best meals in the region.

Throw cardiac worries to the wind and savor a slice of Pimento Cheese Toast. The Pan Roasted Trout and Herb Marinated NY Strip  are but two phenomenal choices on the menu. Even the Roasted Cauliflower, with crème fresh and puffed faro, is a revelation. Menu changes weekly.

EAT: Locals love

La Petite Auberge – a standard, Kybecca – Asian influenced and great cocktails, Basilico for Italian, and the Irish pub, Park Lane Tavern.

TREAT: Carl’s Ice Cream

A tradition in these parts and still family owned. Soft serve frozen custard in a walk-up stand – Carl’s is cash only and a summer favorite.

Best Places to Stay in Fredericksburg VA

STAY: 1890 Caroline House

Right at the edge of the cute-boutique section of town, this beautifully decorated three-room inn balances 1920’s chic with 2020’s kick.

Room one – with crown moldings, bay window, black and white pallet, high tech jet tub, glass shower, wrought iron bed, gas fireplace, mirrored vanity desk, dark walls and sparkling crystal chandelier, could be one of the most popular on a “House Design” tour.

Sister property, the Richard Johnston Inn (see below),is a block away. Breakfast is an extravagant affair. Dine on the likes of Asparagus Crepes with Hollandaise Sauce, Lemon Eggs Over Potatoes and Peppers – or anything you prefer, really. $250-$300 per night includes welcome snacks, complementary bourbon, and three course gourmet breakfast.

STAY: The Richard Johnston Inn

This second luxury inn also puts you at the center of Historic Fredericksburg. Guests staying here and at the 1890 Caroline House will be treated to a phenomenal breakfast in the stately dining room. Rooms and suites from $165-$250 include three course gourmet breakfast.