Fredericksburg, Virginia is a city with colonial roots, modern flare, and a whole lot of history. Mary Washington, mother of George Washington, spent her final years here, and it was a pivotal location during the Civil War. Today, the city pays homage to its rich history with museums, parks, and tours. The walkable downtown is the jewel of the city and is full of eateries, local shops, colonial architecture, historic charm, and a train station. Read on for a guide to Fredericksburg, Virginia that highlights where to shop, where to eat, what to visit, and just how to get there.
How to Get There
Amtrak
Travelers can take trains from Newark Penn Station to the Fredericksburg Station in under five hours with the quickest trip taking only 4 hours and 33 minutes. Direct service between Newark and Fredericksburg is either on the Northeast Regional or Carolinian. Booking in advance with Amtrak is the best way to ensure the cheapest ticket and a roundtrip journey from Newark to Fredericksburg can cost just $78.
Driving
From Essex County, a drive to Downtown Fredericksburg, is roughly 290 miles and about 5 hours and 15 minutes. The quickest journey will take one from New Jersey through Delaware and Maryland, and depending on your route, possibly Washington D.C. Major rest stops and welcome centers along the way include Deepwater Visitor Information Center located at I-295 North Exit 2B Mile Marker 2.5 in Deepwater, New Jersey and the Biden Welcome Center located at 530 John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway in Newark, Delaware. Rest stops are a must in case you need a bite to eat or a bathroom break.
Flying
There are no direct flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Fredericksburg, but the next best thing would be flying into Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA). From DCA one can rent a car and drive about an hour south to Fredericksburg. Another option is using the train. One can take the WMATA Metro from the Ronald Reagan International Airport using the Yellow Line toward Huntington or the Blue Line toward Franconia-Springfield. Take either line to the King Street Old Town stop. From the adjacent Alexandria Union station, travelers can continue south using Amtrak on either the Northeast Regional or Carolinian. The Virginia Railway Express (VRE) is a regional transit option similar to NJ Transit. To get to Fredericksburg using VRE, make sure you’re taking the Fredericksburg Line Southbound. Both Amtrak or the VRE will take passengers to Fredericksburg Station, located right downtown.
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Where to Stay
Airbnbs
Numerous historic and modern spots in Downtown Fredericksburg are listed on Airbnb. The Delightful Tiny Cottage in Historic Downtown, hosted by Shawn, is amazing. This 230-year-old cottage can fit up to four guests, and has two fireplaces, witch steps, a loft, WIFI, and an amazing TV setup. There are numerous other Airbnbs in the downtown with historic charm that can accommodate anywhere between one to nine guests.
Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District | 620 Caroline Street
The Courtyard by Marriott Fredericksburg Historic District is located in Downtown Fredericksburg and right across from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center. This hotel has free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, an indoor pool, laundry, a digital check-in, and more. Rooms include either King or Queen beds and some also have sofas.
Richard Johnston Inn | 711 Caroline Street
The Richard Johnston Inn is an 18th-century Inn, constructed in 1770 by architect John Taylor, one of the original signers of The Declaration of Independence. In the 1800’s, the building was home to the Mayor of Fredericksburg, Richard Johnston. The space has seven guest rooms and two suites. A delicious breakfast is included in one’s stay and served in the dining room.
1890 Caroline House | 528 Caroline Street
The 1890 Caroline House is located a block away from The Richard Johnston Inn, where complimentary parking is available. The Caroline house was built by Robert Walker Adams, a Fredericksburg City Treasurer. This gorgeous Victorian-esque home features three rooms: the Sawyer Scott, the Luke Henry, and the William Riley Suite. The 1890 Caroline House provides complimentary Wi-Fi and daily housekeeping.
Things to Do
Christmas Parade
The Fredericksburg Christmas Parade held every December runs along Caroline and Princess Anne Streets. Done, rain, shine, or snow, the parade is free to attend for the public who are encouraged to dress for cold weather and wear walking shoes. In 2024, the parade will be held on December 7th, starting at 5:30PM.
First Friday
For the last 30 years, Fredericksburg’s First Fridays have been bringing the community together and showcasing the town to visitors. This event takes place on the first Friday of every month. There are live performances and a trolley loops through the arts and business district providing free transportation to numerous restaurants, galleries, and shops which are open later than usual. The downtown also has a Sip and Stroll from 5PM to 9PM.
Where to Eat
Agora Downtown Coffee Shop | 520 Caroline Street
Agora Downtown Coffee Shop is a charming shop on Caroline Street in a home built in 1787. It serves coffee, lattes, espressos, chai, affogato, smoothies, Irish coffee, and so much more. For a sweet treat, Agora serves up muffins, cookies, macarons, scones, and biscotti. For something more filling, the menu includes a Caprese Sandwich, a Curry Tuna Sandwich, a Tofu Scramble Burrito, and oatmeal. There is a seating area in the rear of the establishment as well as a dog-friendly outdoor patio.
Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant | 324 William Street
Castiglia’s is a family-owned restaurant serving a variety of Italian and American favorites. This family-friendly, casual dining restaurant has both a rooftop with great views, and a bar. Eats include pizza by the slice or by the pie, calzones, salads, sandwiches, pasta, chicken entrees, and appetizers like fried calamari, shrimp tacos, bruschetta, and shrimp scampi. MG recommends the Margherita pizza made with hand-tossed crust, Pomodoro sauce, Buffalo mozzarella, basil, and EVOO, it is truly worth it.
Eileen’s Bakery + Cafe | 1115 Caroline Street
Eileen’s Bakery + Cafe is located in an old church built in the 1830s. Pastries are available all day, lunch includes meats and fresh bread, and there are a variety of salads to choose from. On Thursdays, this spot showcases “Teatime on Thursday”, serving a lovely selection of tea sandwiches, scones, desserts, and fruit.
Foode | 900 Princess Anne Street
If one is to eat anything when they visit Fredericksburg, it is Foode’s Buttermilk Biscuit and the Pimento Cheese Toast. Foode is a delicious restaurant serving brunch, lunch, and dinner and is located along Princess Anne Street in an old bank. Other dishes include steak tacos, a black bean burger, a buttermilk waffle, and the chorizo hash, which we at The Montclair Girl highly recommend ordering. The interior is gorgeous, sporting a fireplace, bar, and breathtaking wood floor. Guests can even dine in the old bank vault which has a penny-lined floor, so make sure to ask to sit there.
Orofino | 1006 Caroline Street
Orofino makes fresh authentic Italian food made with the best ingredients from Italy. The menu includes classics like Caprese, Lasagna, Arancini, Margherita pizza, and Calamari Fritti. Orofino also has gluten-free options for its pasta and pizza dishes.
Jus Pop’n | 300 William Street
Jus Pop’n, owned by Carolyn Gipson, dishes out delicious snacks to appease discerning taste buds. This gourmet popcorn shop has immense flavor options including Wasabi, Chocolate Mint, Buffalo Ranch, Old Bay, Dill Pickle, Strawberry Cheesecake, Kettle Corn, and our favorite, the Caramel Apple. Check out all the flavors here.
Italian Station | 620 Caroline Street
Since 2017, the Italian Station has been serving handcrafted beverages, savory lunch and breakfast selections, desserts, and pastries. Handcrafted beverages include lattes, americanos, tea, cold brew, and smoothies. Savory selections feature the Italian Arancine, Panini Pizza, and Cornetti Sandwich, and for a sweet treat, the Italian Station has cannolis, gelato, and numerous cakes like tiramisu, peanut butter, dulce de leche, and key lime.
Tapa Rio | 1101 Sophia Street
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The name Tapa Rio meaning “top of the river” is derived from the restaurant’s location and panoramic views of the Rappahannock River. Here the Acosta family blends the flavors of Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Chile to create delicious tapas, pizzaiolo, pasta, paellas, and sweets. MG recommends the Patatas Bravas, Croquettes, Insalata Caprese, and for dessert, the Chocolate Pot. This spot is great for a romantic evening and has both inside and outside seating along the river.
The Alpine Chef | 200 Lafayette Boulevard
Enjoy authentic German cuisine, daily specials, brunch, bread, and more at The Alpine Chef, located in a historic train station. The expansive menu features dishes like Frikadellen, Swiss Raclette, Schweinshaxe, Pretzels, Pfeffersteak, Jagerschnitzel, and Jakobsmuscheln. Homemade sides include spätzle, green beans, bratkartoffeln, potato pancakes, creamed corn, and more. We suggest trying as much as you can, especially the beers.
Where to Shop
Fort To-Go | 900 Caroline Street
Fort To-Go carries a variety of children’s toys. Fort’s founder is a pediatric occupational therapist and specially selected developmentally appropriate pieces for the shop that can be played with joyfully and elaborately, with which children decide the direction of their play. Items include dolls, wagons, animals, blocks, and more.
Latitudes Fair Trade Store | 806 Caroline Street
Latitudes Fair Trade Store has a variety of ethically sourced goods that are perfect for gifts and a little something for yourself. Visitors can find rings, bags, chapstick, chocolate, clothing, soaps, jewelry, candles, and so much more here. There are two other storefronts in Virginia located in Staunton and Warrenton, as well as the option to shop online.
The Fredericksburg Antique Mall + Clock Shop | 925 Caroline Street
The Fredericksburg Antique Mall + Clock Shop is a great spot for all things antique and vintage. Throughout the two-floor store are rooms that have been curated with immense attention and detail. Visitors will find numerous items from furniture to dressers and everything in between like dishware, jewelry, signage, clothing, toys, and art. Shoppers might even find New Jersey-related items like postcards and license plates.
The Made in Virginia Store | 920 Caroline Street
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The Made in Virginia Store is the perfect spot to get your Commonwealth fix. Since 1988, this store has been sourcing its products from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay to the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Its curated collection of Virginia-sourced items is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors and culture of the state. Pickings include brands like Route 11 Potato Chips and souvenir-type items like mugs, sweatshirts, hats, and stickers. Shoppers can also find hot sauce, salsa, syrups, bacon, salt water taffy, and honey.
Wren + Sparrow | 807 Caroline Street
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Wren + Sparrow aims to foster a community spirit of appreciation and respect for nature, increase awareness of native and migratory birds in the area, and provide resources to individuals interested in pursuing birding as a recreational activity. This local business carries quality bird seed, bird feeders, and a variety of accessories to enhance your backyard birding experience.
Historic Spots
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center | 1013 Lafayette Boulevard
The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought in December 1862 in and around Fredericksburg. Several Essex County residents even partook in the battle. Some perished and are either buried at Fredericksburg National Cemetery or in Essex County. The conflict is remembered as one of the most one-sided battles of the war, with Union casualties more than twice as heavy as those suffered by the Confederates. Today, Fredericksburg’s Battlefield serves as a park with a driving route and walking trails that provide a variety of options for exploring and connecting with the history of the battle.
Fredericksburg Area Museum | 907 Princess Anne Street
Guests can explore the history of Fredericksburg’s area at the Fredericksburg Area Museum through exhibitions, programs, events, and collections highlighting Native American artifacts, African American history, the Civil War, and more. The museum is open daily from 10AM to 5PM, except for Wednesdays.
Fredericksburg Visitor Center | 706 Caroline Street
The Fredericksburg Visitor Center is open daily from 9AM to 4PM and open until 8PM on the first Friday of the month for First Fridays. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Easter. The staff here are your local experts and can answer all your questions about local history and attractions. This spot also has Fredericksburg and Virginia-themed items for sale.
Trolley Tours | 706 Caroline Street
MG highly recommends taking a historic Trolley Tour of Fredericksburg. Trolleys depart from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center located at 706 Caroline Street. For a 75-minute tour of the downtown, tickets cost $25 for adults, $22 for military, and $10 for children.
Mary Washington House | 1200 Charles Street
The Mary Washington House is where George Washington‘s mother, Mary Ball Washington, resided towards the end of her life. Today, it is an 18th-century period historic house museum operated by Washington Heritage Museums. It displays 18th-century furniture and Mary’s personal possessions. Tickets range from $4 to $10 per person.
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Mary Washington Monument Site | 1500 Washington Avenue
This monument was dedicated to Mary Washington, mother of George Washington, on May 10th, 1894, more than a century after her death. In 1789 Mary’s daughter, Betty Lewis, buried her somewhere on a property she and her late husband owned. It is reported to be near the sandstone outcropping known as Meditation Rock. In the 1830s, construction of a previous monument began but was never completed, and by the late 1800s, it was unsalvageable. It was not until the property was advertised for sale in 1889 that people came together to fundraise for a new monument.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop | 1020 Caroline Street
Built in roughly 1772 the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop is a museum of medicine, pharmacy, and military and political affairs. For fifteen years Dr. Mercer served the citizens of Fredericksburg with medicines and treatments of the time and his patients even included Mary Washington. Dr. Mercer left his practice to join the Revolutionary Army and died as a Brigadier General at the Battle of Princeton.
