Looking for fun things to do in Fredericksburg, Virginia? It’s about an hour from Washington, D.C., but it’s worlds apart. I recently spent a few days exploring this charming city along the Rappahannock River. It’s a great day trip from Washington DC if you love exploring historical sites, river activities, and local restaurants.
Things to Add to Your Fredericksburg Itinerary
Fredericksburg is a growing city perfect for one day, a weekend, or a week. You won’t run out of things to do. Visiting during spring or summer is ideal for kayaking or reading a book while floating down the lazy river. Here are a few cool things to do in Fredericksburg.
Chatham Manor
Chatham Manor is my favorite attraction in Fredericksburg. It has served as a large plantation, a hospital during the Civil War, and later as a summer mansion for an elite Virginian family.
The Manor has done a decent job upkeep of its grounds. Its gardens look like something out of a fairytale, filled with Roman angels, sculptures, water fountains, and beautiful flowers.
The front of Chatham Manor overlooks the river and sits on top of a hill, making it perfect for sunsets.
I know that how a past plantation recognizes its role in history and its impact on enslaved people is important to history lovers such as myself. Although they have a plaque near the entrance that briefly explains the experience of enslaved people, there’s a lot of room for improvement and additional information.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
I caught Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop about 1.5 hours before they closed, and I’m so happy that I did. The customer service and talent of the performers/workers here are amazing. I highly recommend taking the group-led tour. It’s not very long, but the guide makes it very enjoyable.
I learned a lot of the various herbs and medications used centuries ago. The decor was a vintage lover’s dream. It’s a very small space but located in a busy area so you can walk a few meters to grab lunch.
Virginia Outdoor Center
I arrived at the Virginia Outdoor Center around 10 am, and parking was filling up quickly. Everyone was here to explore the outdoors, including fishing, yoga, and hiking. I saw tons of people carrying water tubes down to the river. Others had kayaks and canoes. Visitors can go alone or with a guided tour.
Paddleboarding is also a popular activity on the river. We spent a few hours looking at the marine animals in the river. The water was clear, and the riverbank was lined with gorgeous mimosa trees.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park is perfect for families with children. My nieces loved the obstacle courses and bumper cars, and I loved playing laser tag! It wasn’t super crowded, and unlike other similar attractions, families seemed to actually watch their kids. I had a great time and even saw adults playing amongst themselves. There’s dodgeball, basketball, and lots of trampolines to choose from.
Whether visiting during a rainy day or for a birthday party, you’ll love this place.
Fredericksburg Battlefield
Fredericksburg Battlefield. is a site that played a crucial role during the American Civil War. Visitors can explore the battlefield where one of the war’s most significant battles took place in December 1862. Visitora can enjoy guided tours, educational exhibits, and landmarks such as Marye’s Heights and the Sunken Road.
Walking trails and informative markers help bring the history to life, allowing visitors to learn about the strategies and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought there.
Fredericksburg Area Museum
The Fredericksburg Area Museum is located in historic Fredericksburg and does a great job of exploring the region’s rich history and culture. The museum has curated exhibits that showcase artifacts from the Manahoacs, Occaneechis, and Saponis groups native to the area. It also has items related to colonial times, Civil War battles, and more.
Kenmore Plantation
Visiting Kenmore Plantation is like walking back into the 1700s. Visitors can tour the restored mansion, which was the home of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis, the sister of George Washington. The guided tours give interesting details about the Lewis family’s life and the house’s architecture and furniture. Visitors can also walk through the well-kept gardens. Sometimes the plantation hosts educational programs and special events, such as reenactments and lectures, making it an interesting place to learn about history.
Things to do in Fredericksburg Conclusion
I hope this article helps you plan your dream itinerary to Fredericksburg. If you do, please leave a comment about your favorite thing on this list. If you plan on booking a hotel, check out Booking.com and have an amazing time!
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