Fredericksburg, Virginia Itinerary: A Journey Through Time

3-Day Itinerary for Fredericksburg, VA

Delve into the captivating essence of Fredericksburg, Virginia, where every corner resonates with the echoes of history. This meticulously crafted 3-day itinerary invites you to wander along its charming streets, tracing the footsteps of George Washington and witnessing the remnants of the Civil War’s devastation. From the profound legacy of America’s founding father to the poignant reminders of past conflicts, and the ongoing journey towards social justice, Fredericksburg offers a profound exploration of the nation’s narrative within just a few days.

Historic buildings house many of the stores on Main Street in Fredericksburg.

Enjoy These Fredericksburg, Virginia Attractions and More:

Mary Washington House
Historic Kenmore
Downtown Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center
Brock’s Riverside Grill
Virginia Credit Union Stadium
Fredericksburg Area Museum
and plenty more!

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Bus Historic Kenmore in Virginia

Fredericksburg, Virginia DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 of Things To Do in Fredericksburg, VA

Get to know George Washington by visiting the homes of his mother, Mary Washington, and his sister, Betty Washington Lewis, both of whom called Fredericksburg home.

Visit the Mary Washington House; Purchased by Washington for his mother in 1772, this home is a simple frame house where she spent her last 17 years. Her English-style garden has been restored and the house contains some of her prized personal possessions as well as many fine period pieces.

Next, explore Historic Kenmore, the elegant historic Georgian-style brick mansion of George Washington’s sister, Betty, and her patriot husband, Colonel Fielding Lewis. The mansion is known for its ornate plasterwork ceilings and the Aesop’s fable theme in the dining room overmantel is said to have been suggested by Washington himself.

At midday, enjoy lunch in Downtown Fredericksburg. Visit the 40-block historic district with brick lined sidewalks, boutiques, specialty and antiques shops, art galleries and chef owned/independent restaurants.

In the evening visit A. Smith Bowman Distillery, Virginia’s oldest distillery. Winner of multiple awards for their spirits, groups to the area can experience a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the production of hand-crafted spirits. A. Smith Bowman products will be available for tasting and purchase.

Downtown Fredericksburg farms Virginia

Day 2 of Attractions in Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg region was the scene of four of the most devastating battles of the Civil War. Nearly 110,000 casualties occurred in the Battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House. During the war, possession of the city changed hands seven times.

Visit the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center and take a guided walking tour along Sunken Road. Here Confederate troops, securely positioned behind the famous stone wall, dispatched more than 8,000 Union soldiers during the Battle of Fredericksburg. The walk includes dwellings standing during the battle, a monument to the humanitarian acts of a Confederate soldier, and the National Cemetery where 15,000 Union soldiers are buried Inside the Visitor Center, explore exhibits that portray a soldier’s life during the war, including camp life, religious life, food, medicine, amusements, uniforms and equipment, transportation, communications, and the impact of war on civilians.

After touring the Battlefield, enjoy lunch overlooking the Rappahannock River at Brock’s Riverside Grill, enjoy American steak and seafood with a southwestern flair. There is no shortage of tasty entrees to satisfy all cravings.

Next, stop at Chatham Manor. Chatham was an important Federal headquarters and communication center during the Battle of Fredericksburg. It was also a hospital where Walt Whitman and Clara Barton assisted the surgeons. Not to be missed is the graffiti from the Civil War Soldiers. Union artillery from this vicinity blasted the city to cover the engineers building the pontoon bridges.

Conclude your day with America’s pastime at the Virginia Credit Union Stadium, home of the Fredericksburg Nationals. The Fredericksburg Nationals’ season runs from April to September. Group outings at the ballpark are a perfect way to enjoy an exciting night of entertainment!

Civil Rights Trail Freedom Riders Historical Marker

Day 3 in Fredericksburg, Virginia

Today, delve into Fredericksburg’s diverse history of activism and the ongoing journey toward social justice.

Begin your day with a guided tour of the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail, now a part of the United States Civil Rights Trail. This trail tells the stories of the local Civil Rights movement and highlights the role of Black residents in the city’s history. Created through a partnership between the City of Fredericksburg and the University of Mary Washington’s James Farmer Multicultural Center, this trail includes sites where Black people created educational, housing, and business opportunities in the midst of Jim Crow era segregation, as well as buildings where people protested racial segregation in the 1950s and 1960s.

Visit the Fredericksburg Area Museum, which showcases exhibits on local history, art, and culture, including artifacts from the colonial era to the present day. Make sure to visit the museum’s newest exhibit, A Monumental Weight: The Auction Block in Fredericksburg, VA which explore the historical and emotional significance of this complex object.

Conclude your visit with a farewell lunch at The Alpine Chef Restaurant, located in Fredericksburg’s historic 1910 Train Station. Specializing in modern and old-world German cuisine, enjoy family size portions that are so large you will be sure to leave pleased. You may even catch a train rumbling by as you enjoy your meal in the old station waiting room.