Welcome to Fredericksburg
A historic old town surrounded by quiet, leafy neighborhoods.
Fredericksburg served as a frontier to colonial Virginia in the 1700s. Today the historic district in downtown Fredericksburg boasts over 350 historic buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It was also an important battleground during the American Civil War. Its colonial past and historic architecture mixed with today’s Southern charm and city amenities have been a big draw to new residents.
Fredericksburg runs along the scenic Rappahannock River. The city provides an easy commute to those working in Arlington, Fairfax, and Richmond. A commuter railway directly connects it to Washington, D.C. There are over two dozen neighborhoods with various housing options to fit any lifestyle. The most historic homes are in and closest to downtown. Newer single-family homes can be found in the surrounding neighborhoods, such as Falmouth and Leeland Station, which are just north of the river. South of downtown, larger homes offer a country-living appeal.
What to Love
- Well-preserved architecture dating to the 18th century
- Rich in culture and historical sites
- Large, spacious homes in quiet neighborhoods
- Big-city amenities with plenty of shopping and dining
- Easy commute to surrounding cities
Local Lifestyle
Fredericksburg is full of Southern hospitality, small-town country charm, and low-key urban appeal. It attracts a mix of professionals, college students, families, and even retirees. Because it serves as a bedroom community for those working in the surrounding cities, Fredericksburg is quiet and laid back. Downtown features trendy eateries and craft breweries and can get pretty busy and lively. The Rappahannock River offers outdoor recreation and water activities, which appeals to those who want a more active lifestyle.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Fredericksburg has a collection of chef-owned restaurants that adds to the area’s small-town appeal. Known for fine dining and European flair,
La Petite Auberge is one of downtown’s most popular restaurants. They specialize in French cuisine, regional favorites, and fine wines served in a garden-themed dining room. This has been a local mainstay since 1981.
For a social hour or a lively night out,
Sunken Well Tavern serves elevated pub fare and American comfort food, including hearty burgers, mile-high deli sandwiches, and homemade pies. They pride themselves on using locally-sourced ingredients. It’s a well-known neighborhood restaurant frequented by residents and out-of-towners alike. It gets pretty packed for weekend brunch and nights when they host trivia and live music.
The best shopping is in Old Town Fredericksburg, where the streets are lined with unique boutiques and specialty shops along with chic cafes, trendy eateries, and ultra-upscale steakhouses, including
Fahrenheit 132 and
Old Towne Steak & Seafood.
Things to Do
A beloved pastime, baseball fans can catch the
Fredericksburg Nationals at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. They are a minor league team affiliated with the Washington Nationals. The stadium has a 5,000-seat capacity and hosts events year-round, including during the off-season.
In the fall, the Virginia Cider Festival brings cider makers and vendors from all over the country. If you’re not a fan of cider, craft beers and wines will be available. There are also food trucks and live music throughout the day. Additional events, pairings, and tastings occur during Virginia Cider Week, which occurs later in the fall.
The 40-block historic district of Old Town Fredericksburg attracts tourists and residents to its historic buildings and charming storefronts. This area spans over 300 years of architectural styles, and you’ll find buildings preserved and upgraded to house art galleries, shops, and cafes.
For outdoor enthusiasts,
Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area features more than four miles of hiking trails spread out over 860 acres of natural habitat. The reservoir is also a great place for kayaking, fishing, and canoeing.
