Where the North and South fought during the Civil War, the small town of Fredericksburg is rich in America’s famed history, from fascinating museums to art galleries. The charming Virginia town is also home to an array of hiking trails and antique shops.
Things to do in Fredericksburg
History buffs will want to explore Military Park, which sits in the town center and commemorates four major battles in the Civil War. Hike back through America’s history on a guided walking tour of the park before exploring the open-air exhibits that include slave cabins and artillery positions.
Battlefield Fredericksburg is a well-preserved area that was once the battle site for the Washington D.C and Richmond County showdown. Explore the grounds with a park ranger to learn about how the town shaped the Civil War.
For an educative morning, head to the James Monroe Museum to learn about the fifth president of the United States. This small museum is set in Monroe’s old law offices and houses some of his belongings, artifacts depicting his life and an informative library.
Downtown Fredericksburg has an active arts community and is home to multiple contemporary galleries, music venues and fine-dining eateries. Head to the Art First Gallery to view artwork by local artists, before dining on scrumptious steaks and fresh seafood at Sedona Taphouse.
Getting around Fredericksburg
Shannon Airport-EZF is a 10-minute drive from the city, which is also serviced by the Amtrak train. Downtown Fredericksburg can be explored entirely on foot, while bike hire and public buses are also available.