Fredericksburg, Virginia: Historic Sites, Local Eats, and Riverfront Views

Washington Heritage Museums manages four historic properties in Fredericksburg, which represent significant parts of American history as they relate to the life of George Washington, the first president of the United States.

At St. James’ House, built on land once owned by Mary Washington, visitors can see antique furniture in one of the oldest frame houses still standing in Fredericksburg, and in the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, they can learn about the doctor who treated patients - including Washington’s mother Mary - there.

At the Mary Washington House, visitors can explore the home that George Washington bought for his aging mother, and in the Rising Sun Tavern, which was built by his younger brother Charles, guests can see original woodwork in the place that once served travelers in the 18th and early 19th centuries.

1300 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, Phone: 540-373-5630

The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center is a historical museum that celebrates the cultural history of Fredericksburg and the surrounding region, particularly communities connected by the Rappahannock River.

The area is well known for some of its more grand roles in history, particularly the Civil War, but the Central Rappahannock Heritage Center takes care to document the smaller aspects of life: marriages, love letters, local court cases, personal photographs, and other keepsakes and belongings that help to paint a full picture of life and culture in the region throughout history.

900 Barton St #111, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, Phone: 540-373-3704

Built in the ornate and elegant Georgian style, Chatham Manor is more than just a beautiful piece of architecture. This house, which was finished in 1771, has seen a lot of history in its long life, including a slave rebellion in 1805, and actively took part in history as the site of a Union Headquarters and subsequent battleground during the Civil War.

The war left the beautiful manor desolate, its walls and floors stained with blood and graffiti and its grounds burned and deforested by the armies who camped and fought there.

In the early 20th century, Chatham was finally restored to its former glory, and today, visitors can wander the grounds, gardens, and outbuildings at their leisure. The house itself is closed to the public.

120 Chatham Ln, Fredericksburg, VA 22405

When traveling with family or small kids, Central Park Funland is absolutely a must for the itinerary. With 40,000 square feet of indoor attractions, including laser tag, bowling, arcade games, a climbing wall, bumper cars, carnival rides, and a virtual reality video game called Hologate, Central Park Funland is great no matter what the weather.

There are also plenty of outdoor attractions, like go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, and more carnival games, making this place perfect for a day of excitement for all ages.

There is a cafe with food, snacks, and drinks, and guests can opt for wristbands that allow unlimited fun within the entire adventure park.

Fun Land of Fredericksburg, 1351 Central Park Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, Phone: 540-785-6700

Attractions for Couples

Located in the old Town Hall and Market House of historic Fredericksburg, which was built in 1816, the Fredericksburg Area Museum works hard to collect and preserve the history of the region, and teach that history to its visitors, whether they be residents of Fredericksburg or guests to the area.

The collection at FAM spreads across thousands of years of history, from the Native Americans who called the region home to much more recent events, like Fredericksburg’s role in the Black Lives Matter movement.

The museum has a host of permanent and temporary exhibitions, which rotate on a seasonal basis, and often hosts events for the community.

907 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, Phone: 540-371-3037

The Battle of Fredericksburg took place on December 11-15, 1862, as a failed attempt by the Union Army to cross the Rappahannock River in their attempt to capture the Confederate capital of Richmond. The arrival of Union pontoons took longer than expected, so General Robert E. Lee had time to fortify his ground.

The result was not so much a battle as it was a total massacre. Visitors to Fredericksburg often take time to visit the site of this bloodshed, which belies its violent history with its tranquil, tree-lined grounds.

The visitor’s center at Fredericksburg Battlefield contains a sizeable museum with artifacts and history from the Civil War, a short documentary about the battle, and a bookstore/gift shop.

1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

More than 15,000 Union soldiers were laid to rest in Fredericksburg National Cemetery, men who gave their lives in battles fought in the area between Washington DC and Richmond, which was hotly contested during the Civil War.

And of those 15,000 bodies, less than 2500 were ever identified. Today, the grounds of Fredericksburg National Cemetery are a peaceful place, where visitors can visit monuments to those who fell fighting for the Union in the Civil War in Marye’s Heights, and also view the graves of soldiers and veterans who were buried in Willis Cemetery until 1945.

The National Cemetery is open daily from dawn until dusk, and is part of the national military park.

1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 72401, Phone: 540-373-6122

Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania National Military Park serves as a memorial to the four major battles that were fought in the region during the Civil War, including Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, The Wilderness, and Chancellorsville, and the soldiers who died in the fighting.

Inside the park are also four major buildings that had significance during the Civil War: Chatham Manor, the house where Stonewall Jackson died, Ellwood Manor, and Salem Church.

There are two visitors centers within the park, at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, which contain exhibits and information about the park, and during the summer season, guided walking tours around the parks and battlefields are offered.

1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Recommended Activities for Families

Using lots of fresh, local ingredients, Eileens Bakery and Cafe hand makes all of their breads and pastries daily.

Visitors can enjoy a hearty breakfast of quiche, breakfast sandwiches, or baked goods, or a delicious lunch of homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches on fresh bread at Eileen’s Bakery and Cafe.

Many others go to Eileen’s for their delicious coffee and espresso drinks, which they can take with them on the go or enjoy in the cafe with a tasty sweet baked good.

1115 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401, Phone: 540-372-4030

Gari Melchers was a prominent painter of landscapes, portraits, and murals, who lived during the late 19th and early 20th century.

Melchers was already a well-known and successful artist when he purchased his home - the Belmont Estate - in Falmouth, Virginia, a place where he could escape the start of World War I and paint for the joy of it.

When Melchers’ wife died in 1955, she left the home and all of its contents to Virginia, making the Gari Melchers Home and Studio one of the most complete examples of a historic artists’ home and work in existence.

Today, the Belmont Estate is a beautiful and historic house that is available for touring.

224 Washington St, Falmouth, VA 22405, Phone: 540-654-1015