Fredericksburg is a beautiful city that perfectly blends a rich history with modern charm, making it an ideal place to live or invest in. From strolling through historic downtown and visiting Civil War battlefields to enjoying boutique shopping and diverse dining, there’s always something to explore.
For tourists and residents alike, Fredericksburg, VA delivers a lifestyle full of culture, community, and convenience.For investors, this lively atmosphere translates to steady rental demand.
The city's appeal attracts students, military families from nearby bases, young professionals, and retirees seeking a balanced pace of life. Its strong local economy, access to major highways, and growing population make Fredericksburg a smart choice for long-term investment.
Whether you're looking to settle down or expand your real estate portfolio, Fredericksburg offers the kind of vibrant lifestyle that keeps both renters and buyers interested year-round. Here are eight one-of-a-kind things you can do in Fredericksburg:
1. Explore Historic Landmarks
The city of Fredericksburg played a significant role in early American history. It was the boyhood home of George Washington and a key site during the Revolutionary War.
The city gained even more prominence during the Civil War, serving as the location for several major battles, including the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862.
Today, the Fredericksburg Historic District offers visitors a chance to walk through centuries of American history, with over 350 well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll have to visit the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park.
You can also explore the Sunken Road, Ferry Farm, the Mary Washington House, and the Fredericksburg National Cemetery, the final resting place of over 15,000 American soldiers. If you're short on time, you can take one of the multiple guided tours offered to make the most of your time.
2. Tour a Working Distillery
Ever wondered how bourbon whiskey is made? You can learn it by touring Virginia’s oldest distillery. A. Smith Bowman Distillery has been open since 1935, right after the Prohibition ended, but didn’t move into Fredericksburg until 1988.
Today, you can tour this historic landmark for free to learn how their world-renowned spirits are made.
3. Explore the Local Arts Scene
Fredericksburg has a lively arts scene, which is exemplified by the abundance of stunning art galleries downtown.
Some of the most popular galleries in the city include Art First Gallery, Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont, the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts, Meyer Fine Art, and UMW Art Galleries.
Additionally, you can dive further into the local arts scene through First Friday, a monthly event that aims to highlight the craft of a wide variety of art galleries, studios, shops, and restaurants located in the city’s historic downtown.
4. Practice Outdoor Sports
Fredericksburg has ample things to do for those who like to stay active. There are numerous parks in the city, including Hurkamp Park, Memorial Recreation Park, and Riverfront Park, all perfect for spending a day outdoors with friends or family.
Moreover, you can hike through any of the trails along the Rappahannock River and Motts Run Reservoir. Alternatively, you can fight off the heat by canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding in any of the rivers, ponds, and reservoirs of Fredericksburg.
5. Enjoy Family-Friendly Activities
There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fredericksburg.
Popular attractions include:
Kings Dominion: A 280-acre amusement park with over 60 rides, multiple shows, and a 20-acre water park.
Reclaim Arcade: A one-of-a-kind entertainment venue that blends together modern games and vintage arcade games.
Fun Land: A premier indoor/outdoor amusement park with 18 exciting rides and attractions such as laser tag, go-karts, rock climbing, mini golf, a roller coaster, bumper cars, and an arcade.
Sky Zone: A trampoline park fit for all ages. Your kids will be able to enjoy multiple attractions, from zip lines and swings to a fun ninja warrior course!
6. Enjoy Live Theatre and Music
Fredericksburg is home to multiple theatre and performing arts companies, including ArtsLIVE!, the Fredericksburg Symphony, Fredericksburg Theatre Ensemble, the Riverside Center for the Performing Arts, and Stage Door Productions.
There is a wide variety of plays and musicals for theatre enthusiasts to enjoy. Moreover, there is a lively music scene, with multiple venues that host open-mic and small concerts with local artists.
7. Explore The Fredericksburg Area Beer (FAB) Trail
Are you a beer enthusiast? You’re in luck because there are numerous craft breweries across Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas.
You can get a FAB Trail Passport and take a self-guided tour of the breweries in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. It might take you a day or two, but you’ll be able to taste some of the country’s best handcrafted beer.
8. Explore the Local Food Scene
Are you a foodie? Fredericksburg won’t let you down! The city’s food scene is a delightful mix of historic dishes and culinary innovation.
Downtown boasts chef-driven spots like Foode, known for its farm-to-table cuisine, and La Petite Auberge, which offers refined French-American dining in a cozy setting.
Casual favorites include Sammy T’s, MasonDixon Cafe, and Billiken’s Smokehouse, serving everything from comfort breakfasts to Southern BBQ classics.
With local markets and food festivals, like the Summer Restaurant Week, Fredericksburg offers diverse and high-quality dining that satisfies both residents and visitors alike.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re planning to move to Fredericksburg or are simply passing by, you’ll find that there are plenty of things to do in this lively city.
As the site of many historic events, there are multiple museums and historic landmarks to visit. Moreover, the city has a vibrant culture and arts scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters. And don’t forget about its many parks and recreational spots!
Want to learn more about what Fredericksburg has to offer? Contact us at KRS Holdings today for a more comprehensive guide to the city!