Chef-driven restaurants, unique retail and eclectic events combine for contemporary fun in this historic Virginia destination
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA–MAY 2025–Fredericksburg, Virginia, has a distinctive downtown with a surprisingly diverse and contemporary mix of businesses amid a beautifully preserved historic district. It has become a favorite location for couples to enjoy a getaway. Downtown lodging options range from historic inns to boutique hotels. The city’s outstanding chefs create memorable meals in venues that range from fun and festive to intimate and romantic, including courtyard and rooftop locations. Exploring the retail shops and attractions is a fun outing as the brick-lined sidewalks and notable landmarks come alive in this welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor spaces, along with riverfront views, are just steps away. All this, coupled with a variety of special events and an inclusive spirit, set the stage for the perfect couple’s escape.
On the banks of the Rappahannock River, Fredericksburg is located midway between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. Interstate 95 and U.S. Routes 1 and 17 pass directly through the city, as does Virginia Route 3. It’s also easy to reach via rail, as both Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express provide frequent, convenient service to downtown Fredericksburg.
To see all that downtown has to offer, Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg (601 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-898-0737), Olde Towne Carriages (706 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-0094) or Fredericksburg Model-A Car Tours (620 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 989-239-9160), are great ways to not only get acclimated to the business district but also gain an introduction to the area’s historic sites and nearby spaces for outdoor fun. The most accessible of these is located where the city meets the river, at Riverfront Park (701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401; 540-372-1086). The park has views of the Rappahannock River and plenty of open spaces for enjoying it. For couples who want to hit the trail, the three-mile Canal Path and Heritage Trail loop is the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely scenic outing together.
There are options for quenching any thirst here. Fredericksburg is among USA Today’s “10 Best Small Town Beer Scenes 2025.” This recognition celebrates the amazing local breweries here that have made this a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts. This is also the place to come for bourbon. A. Smith Bowman Distillery (1 Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22408; 540-373-4555) is Virginia’s oldest and most award-winning distillery, making hand-crafted spirits since 1934. The historic distillery offers complimentary, guided tours. Considered among America’s best bourbon bars, Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen (309 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-681-1969) is located in a nearly 200-year-old building and features the oldest bar surface in the city and an impressive spirits list, along with a “whiskey inspired” Southern American menu. At the Ironclad Inn (1200 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-7622), the tasting room and courtyard provide the perfect setting to enjoy the family-made bourbon from Ironclad Distillery.
Wine lovers will find their Zen at the Curio Wine Bar (209 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-870-5566), where there are 60 wines on tap, or just outside of town, enjoying a tasting at Eden Try Estate Winery (6818 River Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407; 540-786-0037).
With more than 40 chef-owned restaurants, Fredericksburg has an amazing variety of dining experiences. There are casual options like enjoying the rooftop terrace with a spectacular view at The Sky Bar (324 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia; 540-373-6650), then heading downstairs to enjoy the classic Italian specialties at Castiglia’s. The Sunken Well Tavern (720 Littlepage Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-370-0043) features locally sourced produce in its assortment of Gastro Pub fare. The tavern also serves up a sense of community, welcoming patrons to enjoy the work of local musicians and artists.
While the regional farm-to-table American cuisine of Executive Chef Joy Crump at FoodE (900 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-479-1370) is refined, it is served in a comfortable atmosphere created in a downtown historic landmark. Harry’s Sidecar (1002 Winchester Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-203-2503) is a combination of intimate space and lively atmosphere. The menu includes a curated wine list and variety of craft cocktails and craft beers along with seasonal grilled entrees.
There are places for a more upscale, romantic experience, as well. The family-owned La Petite Auberge (311 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-2727) serves fine French and regional cuisine and features an extensive wine list. At Cork & Table (909 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-479-1291) the dinner menu is a curated experience with three- or four-course fixed price chef selections, with wine pairings to complement each course. For an amazing al fresco dining experience, Ristorante Renato (422 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540) 371-8228) specializes in authentic, homemade Northern and Southern Italian cuisine.
For an evening of entertainment, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts (95 Riverside Parkway Fredericksburg, Virginia 22406; 540-370-4300) brings the best in performing arts, including local productions and the best of Broadway. In addition to a show, there is always a slate of downtown events from which to choose.
Approximately 60 shops and stores line the streets, including galleries and studios showing exclusive fine art exhibits and a mix of artworks by local and regional artists. Art First Gallery (824 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-7107) is an artist-owned co-op gallery. Exhibits are either member exhibitions or a featured artist showcase and change monthly. Nearby, LibertyTown Arts Workshop (916 Liberty Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-7255) is a 13,000-square-foot gallery with nearly 60 local craftspeople and artists. Here, more than 27 active studio spaces provide an environment for artists to create, show and teach. The gallery spaces include the work of potters, woodworkers, welders, blacksmiths, painters and more.
There are also boutiques, antiques and a variety of specialty stores to explore. The unique selection of cards and gifts at Duly Noted (714 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-940-4442), the souvenirs and snacks at the Made in Virginia Store (920 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-731-2030) and the metaphysical tools and colonial knick-knacks at The Dragon’s Den & Treasures (1002 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-513-9358) attest to the variety of retail shops here. This is also the place for those who love thrifting, as nearly a dozen shops offer can’t-be-beat deals.
Throughout the year, annual events give visitors even more reasons to get away for a couple’s or group escape. Sports fans will love the thrill of Fredericksburg Nationals Opening Day as the FredNats, minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals, kick off their season. Film lovers will want to come for the Fredericksburg Film Festival, which showcases more than 40 independent films and presents panels, workshops and social events. And from the 3.1-mile Semper Fred 5K to the challenging two-day Marine Corps Historic Half, Fredericksburg is the perfect setting for runners to take to the course. The Annual Fredtoberfest in October is filled with great craft beer, delicious food and fun activities for all ages. Festival goers can enjoy beverages from more than 40 Virginia craft breweries, cideries and meaderies.
That is only the beginning. Fredericksburg rounds out its calendar with events ranging from the Mac & Cheese Festival in April and Tacos and Beer Festival in May, to the FXBG Summer Wine Festival and Virginia Bourbon and Beer Festival in August.
Where to stay
Fredericksburg has a variety of lodging options downtown, from well-known branded hotels to one-of-a-kind properties.
The Publisher, Fredericksburg: A Tribute Portfolio Hotel (711 William Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-518-2624) is a boutique hotel that sits on the former site of Fredericksburg’s newspaper.
Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District (620 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-369-9321) offers downtown convenience and well-known service and amenities.
Ironclad Inn (1200 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-371-7622), built circa 1793, is a former Colonial brick private residence with nine bedrooms, each unique and individually furnished. The Tasting Room & Bourbon Bottle Shop is the central hub of the Inn, serving the house bourbon, cocktails and a menu of light snacks each evening.
Richard Johnston Inn (711 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401; 540-899-7606) is an award-winning inn that offers seven beautifully appointed guest rooms and two suites. One of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence, architect John Taylow, constructed this distinct, upscale 18th-century Inn in 1770.