With a 40-block Main Street District, Historic Downtown Fredericksburg is a destination with broad appeal to anyone from history buffs and art lovers to outdoor adventurers or food and drink enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for an upscale weekend getaway, a family-friendly day trip, or a city that’s perfect for solo travelers, Fredericksburg delivers with a wide array of historical attractions, trails, museums, shops, and restaurants.
Stay
For a stylish stay, The Publisher Hotel is a luxurious destination where you can rest, relax, and rejuvenate. The name of the hotel speaks to the history of the building that once served as home to the Free Lance-Star Newspaper, and its elegant interior, adorned with publishing-influenced accents, reflects its storied past. Gorgeous chandeliers offset calming dark blue decor throughout the halls, the rooms are outfitted with pristine white furniture and linens, and any guest will appreciate the incredible scent and luxe quality of the adage brand lotions, washes, and haircare products. Many of the rooms in the hotel also offer balconies with beautiful views of the town and surrounding areas.
Guests looking for an upscale meal will be equally impressed by the hotel’s Five Chophouse & Bar, which offers a comfortable yet high-end ambiance with top-notch service. Known for meats, the restaurant has multiple cuts of steak as well as elk, with options for various preparations and sauces. Expertly prepared seafood, chicken, and pork dishes are also available. Pair any of the dishes with a well-executed cocktail, craft brew, or fine wine from the restaurant’s curated list. Looking for a morning meal? Stroll down from your room for straightforward breakfast favorites or level up with an elevated dish like crab cakes Benedict, which is sure to kickstart a day of exploration.
Visitors with a goal of being transported to the past can also look to Ironclad Inn, a cozy stay in the heart of town. The 1793 private residence owned by Fielding Lewis’ father was previously the Kenmore Inn. In 2023, Kara King took over the property, marrying hospitality with her family’s Ironclad Distillery brand to form a Bed, Breakfast, and Bourbon destination with the goal of bringing family hospitality to Fredericksburg. With nine quaint and comfortable rooms and halls adorned with pieces from local artists that are available for purchase, this inn is an ideal starting point for a lover of all things local. Bourbon enthusiasts can also settle down in the loungy bottom level or the adjacent courtyard for Ironclad Distillery-based flights or cocktails alongside dishes like the incredible smoked trout dip from esteemed chef Blake Bethem.
Dining and Drinks
With over 40 chef-owned restaurants, there’s no shortage of spots for a quality meal in addition to those at The Publisher Hotel and Ironclad Inn. For another upscale dining destination, consider Orofino. The restaurant features an ongoing offering of Italian classics (including gluten-free options) as well as a rotating monthly menu that takes diners on a tour of various regions of Italy. Looking for more steak? Step into Fahrenheit 132 for a special occasion meal.
Fredericksburg also boasts a number of unique casual-style restaurants -- there are no national chains within the historic downtown area. For breakfast, try Eileen’s Bakery & Cafe, housed in a beautifully adorned former church built in 1833. At lunch or dinnertime, pop into Harry’s Downtown for a variety of American-style dishes, including impeccable burgers and flavorful shrimp and grits. Or, stop by Sammy T’s in a historic building dating back to 1805 for a variety of sandwiches and entrees, many of which have a Mediterranean twist.
If you’re on the search for more historic architecture to pair with your meal, FoodE (headed up by James Beard Award-nominated Joyce Crump) fits the bill. Dine under soaring ceilings, or even in a bank vault -- it was once the Historic National Bank Building. In the mood for a river view? Savor small plates at the riverside Tapa Rio. And if sushi is what you’re seeking, don’t miss out on the authentic ambiance and spunky service at Osan Japanese Restaurant.
For wine enthusiasts, Curio Wine Bar & Tasting Room is a can’t-miss, with 60 self-serve WineStations that offer customized pours. Meanwhile, beer lovers who are up for a brief drive (or ride service trip) will appreciate Strangeways Brewing’s 100-foot bar with 36 craft beers on tap, all with plenty of interesting oddities lining the walls.
History
For those not already familiar with Fredericksburg, no introduction to the city is complete without a ride with the Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg. Hop on the trolley for 75 minutes to view the town and its history. Impeccably narrated by the utmost of informative guides like Heidi Bass, the tour takes visitors past destinations that range from the Hugh Mercer Apothecary, The Lewis Store (one of Virginia’s oldest commercial buildings), the City Dock, and markers that show the height of the 25 foot flood in 2018 and the 42 foot flood of 1942 to numerous war-based historic sites. The tour is the perfect starting point to map out later on-foot travels.
With such an extensive background, the city is an American history enthusiast’s dream come true and offers numerous options for studying the area’s early days. Numerous options for exploration abound, but some standout options include the city’s Civil Rights Trail, Mary Washington House, and Historic Kenmore, which offers an authentic glimpse into the past through its thorough tours.
Historic Downtown
For those on the lookout for fun finds and interesting shops, Caroline Street is the place to stroll. With plenty of antique shops and thrifting opportunities, this main thoroughfare (and its intersecting roads) has no shortage of opportunities to uncover a hidden gem. Visitors can also peruse a plethora of clothing boutiques, home goods shops, and book stores. And if you’re an animal lover or looking for a unique way to entertain little ones, stop into Possum-bilities, a two-story shop that offers not only plenty of funky gifts and other goods, but also the opportunity to meet possums, snakes, and other interesting critters.
Art lovers also have plenty to embrace in Fredericksburg. For local artwork as well as a place to create your own, Ponshop is the place to visit. Artists Gabriel Pons and his wife Scarlett have curated a collection of various forms of art in their shop, but have also formed a Creative Cafe in the space that offers the opportunity for creators of all skill levels to craft in the form of drawings, embroidery, suncatchers, earrings, and more in-house with their art kits. Other arts venues worth a visit in town include LibertyTown Arts Workshop, Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, and Sophia Street Studios.
Outdoors
If outdoor-based adventures are on your agenda on a trip, Fredericksburg is sure to not disappoint. With over 18 miles of pathways and trails, many along waterways, it’s easy to bike and hike through the area. The Rappahannock River also offers plenty of water-based activities, including canoeing and kayaking. Want to combine those with live entertainment? Try stopping into Mott’s Run Reservoir for its ongoing “Concerts by Canoe” events.
Finally, any walk through Historic Downtown Fredericksburg necessitates checking out the otters around town. Throughout the area, spot the locally made bronze otters and scan the QR code to learn more about the area, its rich history, and the people that make the city what it is today.
Whether you’re looking for an upscale weekend getaway, a family-friendly day trip, or a city that’s perfect for solo travelers, Fredericksburg delivers with a wide array of historical attractions, trails, museums, shops, and restaurants.
With such an extensive background, the city is an American history enthusiast’s dream come true and offers numerous options for studying the area’s early days.