Fredericksburg has long drawn visitors for its history; as the boyhood home to George Washington and host to several Civil War battlefields where Southern grit and Northern ideals clashed. If history and antique shops are your thing there’s still plenty of that here but the past few years have brought a renewed energy to this small town. I’d been hearing a lot about Fredericksburg so on a recent weekend I paid a visit to see what all the buzz was about.
As with most small towns staying at a B&B is the way to go; not only do you get comfy digs but you also get to know the innkeeper, who is often deeply invested in the local area and can give great advice. My home for the weekend was the sunny Lavender Heights Bed & Breakfast, located a short 5 minute drive away from downtown Fredericksburg. This charming 4 bedroom inn features spacious suites and a tranquil garden where I could have easily whiled away an afternoon with a glass of wine and a good book.
First on the agenda was a trolley tour through town where I passed by Civil War Battlefields, B&B’s, and historic homes; this was the Fredericksburg I expected. Where was the new Fredericksburg I’d been hearing about? Turns out I was about to get my first taste at Spencer Devon Brewing Company. This is the brew pub we all want in our neighborhood-an inviting restaurant and bar with modern-rustic decor and creative bar fare. I grabbed a seat at the bar and perused the extensive beer menu featuring a number of German and Belgian-style brews made in house, deciding on a flight to sample what was on tap. My personal favorite was the Chalice Belgian Amber Ale which paired perfectly with one of the best burgers I’ve had- the truffled goat cheese burger was creamy, savory with a hint of heat from the tabacco spiced crispy onions. It was a delicious mess of a burger that goes great with any one of Spencer Devon’s drafts.
After dinner we wanted a sweet ending to the evening and there was one place we had to go-Carl’s Frozen Custard. This charming art deco ice cream stand has been churning out frozen custard focusing on the classics-vanilla, strawberry and chocolate are the only flavors you’ll find here. Featured on many “Best Ice Cream” lists with lines wrapped around the block Carl’s is a must for any summer visit to Fredericksburg.
The next morning we were off to an early start to meet the team at River Rock Outfitter. Situated in downtown Fredericksburg on the banks of the Rappahannock River owners Keith and April and the rest of the team at River Rock are eager to share their love of the outdoors. Whether you want to hit the trails on a mountain bike, scale a nearby cliff or explore the Rappahannock by paddleboard (or all three in the same day), Fredricksburg is poised to become the adventure capital of Central Virginia. We met with Bailey, our guide whose enthusiasm for all things outdoors was infectious, for a morning of stand up paddleboarding on the Rappahannock. Aside from teaching me a few new tricks( I SUP at home and even have my own board) she mixed in some good historical tidbits about Fredericksburg as well.
Did someone say bourbon? A.Smith Bowman has been distilling the South’s favorite spirit since 1935. I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to tour the distillery to find out how bourbon was made. From the two-story copper brew pot to the aging room heavy with the scent of oak and whiskey, I was fascinated learning about the history of bourbon and I can now proudly say I know the difference between the angel’s share and the devil’s cut. What we really came for was the tasting. Exceptionally smooth with overtones of smoke and oak, the single barrel John J. Bowman bourbon was the standout of the afternoon and would be perfect to use in the strawberry bourbon cocktail.
Fredericksburg’s charm and proximity to local farmers attracted Top Chef Joy Crump to put down roots at her eatery FOODE. Southern classics get a modern twist like shimp and grits with lemongrass and all-too-addictive pickled shitake mushrooms. Like any good Southern restaurant, the desserts at FOODE are amazing. Get the peach cobbler with spiced pecan crumble and thank me later.
What struck me the most during me short time in Fredericksburg is that this was a place that people truly loved to live. Throughout the day life was lived outside, whether it was joggers out for a run, families playing in the park or people enjoying the Rappahanock by SUP or kayak. Fredericksburg’s main street is lined with independent boutiques shops and art galleries; and while other towns this size seem to close up after 6pm, you can find many people out for an evening stroll or enjoying an open air concert. Fredericksburg surprised me in all the best ways and I’ll definitely be back.
More Fredericksburg Inspiration
Why Fredericksburg is Virginia’s most underrated city
I was graciously hosted by Visit Fredericksburg but as always all opinions are my own.
Stefan says
That is one sexy looking bourbon! Super cute pic of you rafting 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks guys!
Angela says
Who wouldn’t love small town charm, history, outdoor adventure AND alcohol-related fun!? Sounds like a great small town to add to our future road trip!
Brianna says
Fredericksburg is a super cute town with the nicest people!
Erika Bisbocci says
The food and beer scene seems fantastic! I’d love to try some of the Southern food with a twist at Foode or the custard at Carl’s. It is also nice that the area has some outdoorsy things to do as well!
Brianna says
You can never go wrong with Carl’s Custard.
JOHN NOEL, SR says
Started with Carl’s in 1972 with my Dayghter when visiting my home town. 44 years later, she cannot visit the remaining family members in Fredericksburg without a visit to Carls. I sometimes wonder if she is visiting the family or Carls.
Brianna says
As long as it keeps her coming home for visits, right?
Christopher Rudder says
I love these small towns with tons of history. I also love the fact that the bar was brewing Belgium and Germany beer. Both of which I love. Great post. Virginia eh. Maybe I should add it to my list.
Brianna says
So much to see with your southern neighbor lol.
Natasha says
There is so much history in Virginia that I need to explore. That Bed and Breakfast looks heavenly! I agree a glass of wine and a book is all you need.
Brianna says
I wish I had more time there, perhaps its time for a return trip?
Tamara says
Fredricksburg looks so cute, and I love that it has SUP- one of my favourite activities! Great guide 🙂
Brianna says
Thanks Tamara, you would love it there!
Brianne Miers says
I haven’t been to Fredericksburg since I was about 10, and we took a family vacation to see southern Civil War battlefields. I do remember it being a cute town, though, and I’m glad to see it is thriving. It seems that I need to go back now that I’m old enough to appreciate bourbon!
Brianna says
I think a few things have changed since then. Let’s raise a glass of bourbon to Fredericksburg!
jess says
I want to try SUPing! And, I love ice cream. This is great, since I have family in the area, now I have a place to visit nearby and be a tourist. Thanks!
Brianna says
There are so man fun ways to experience Fredericksburg!
Kirsten says
There are so many fun things to explore in Fredericksburg! I love the variety of experiences. I’ve never been to Virginia, so this looks like one more place to add to my list!
Brianna says
Virginia has so much for kids to explore!
Wandering Carol says
I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve never been to Virginia, and Fredericksburg sounds like a great place to visit. I’d love to see the Civil War Battlefields, but mostly I’d like to do some fun active adventures with Rock River Outfitters. I just find when you get out and active, you see a place from such a rich angle.
Brianna says
The people at River Rock are the best!
Brenda Tolentino says
Looks like Fredericksburg has great food and I would definitely enjoy learning all about the bourbon. My family and I love staying at B & Bs during our stays in small towns and Lavender Heights sound ideal! Will have to check out this great town soon.
Brianna says
So much in Fredericksburg for you and Bailey yo explore. Don’t forget to get a cone at Carl’s!
Mags says
I’ve heard a lot of buzz about Fredericksburg. I would love to visit and check out the history first hand. That picture of the rainbow is perfect! Awesome post.
Brianna says
Thanks Mags!
Annalisa says
Its wonderful to hear about people loving their lives there, Fredericksburg looks beautiful. Someone needs to bring frozen custard to Singapore!
Brianna says
Singapore has plenty of great food on its own I’ve heard 🙂
Justine says
Activities, shops, food… this town sounds like it’s got it all!! Those meals sound (and look) delicious…
Vicky and Buddy says
I’ve visited Fredericksburg a lot over the years since a good friend of mine lives in New Market which isn’t too far. If you get a chance, go back during the holidays; it’s beautiful!
Donna Tocci says
One of the great things about the historic district in Fredericksburg is that the buildings are, for the most part, original. So when they say, “George Washington slept here…”, he really did!
Brianna says
I loved seeing all the placards with the year homes were built. They just don’t build them like they used to!
Morgan says
This place is too cute! Small towns have so many quirks about them, and it seems like each one has a unique story and background. Glad to see you enjoyed your time in Fredericksburg! Thanks for sharing a bit of the adventure with us!
Brianna says
So glad you enjoyed it! I really do think small towns have a lot of charm.
Heather says
Whoever thinks that small towns don’t have plenty of activities obviously hasn’t visited this one! It looks like you had a lot of fun and made a lot of great memories. Thanks for sharing!