CITY SPOTLIGHT:

Your Guide to Fredericksburg

bridge in Fredericksburg

Know Before You Go: About Fredericksburg

Map out your journey to Fredericksburg and explore the role it played in the country's history.

It seems that every grassy, shady pocket of the mid-Atlantic and South harbors some sort of deep history lesson, but Fredericksburg crosses eras with important sites from the Revolutionary and Civil wars and points in between. Some Virginians find the region so alluring and affordable that they commute 55 miles to the nation's capital from this city along Interstate 95. See for yourself what makes this city so attractive as you make your way through time in this historic city.

Mid-Atlantic Muggy

For all of the weather surprises that pop up in the mid-Atlantic, Fredericksburg is fairly consistent. Expect a muggy few months in the summer, as temperatures can climb into the 90s. Bundle up in the winter, when lows can dip in the 20s as snow coats the area. Rain can fall any time of the year, but pay attention to weather reports if thunderstorm warnings are issued; tornadoes have occasionally made an appearance here.

History Comes Alive

The quiet meadows and groves in this area of Virginia belie the bloody history that made them infamous. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park stands in silent tribute to tens of thousands of Civil War casualties on four battlefields—one of them is the Fredericksburg Battlefield. The visitor center here can guide you through self-tours of the other battlefields as well as help trace your Civil War ancestors. To step even further back in time, drop by the Mary Washington House, which George Washington bought for his mother in 1772. Skip ahead a few presidents and visit the James Monroe Museum for exhibits on the president and diplomat as well as a gift shop for all your Monroe souvenirs.

History Pays Big

The two biggest employers in Fredericksburg deal in education and health care—the University of Mary Washington and Mary Washington Hospital. But the Civil War also brings business to the city. Growing tourism revenue is due in part to history buffs coming to check out re-enactments and heritage sites.

Hit A Ride With Fred

If you need public transportation to get around town, keep an eye out for FRED, the city's bus route, which also shuttles commuters to the Virginia Rail Express, or VRE. Greyhound and Amtrak both stop in Fredericksburg as well. If you're hopping a plane to get here, you can take your pick of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to the north or Richmond International Airport to the south. Hop onto Interstate 95 for a straight shot to Fredericksburg, but traffic coming to and from Richmond and the nation’s capital will be less brutal depending on the time of day.

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Things to Do in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is home to 40-square-block Historic District and plenty of family activities.