A love letter to Fredericksburg
We chose Fredericksburg for its history, its walkability, the river that bends through downtown, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding Virginia countryside. Late April delivered exactly the spring weather we’d hoped for — sunny afternoons, cool evenings, dogwoods just past peak.
If you’re ever in the area, here are the spots we love and recommend.
Where guests stayed
Most of our weekend guests stayed at one of two places:
- The Publisher — a boutique hotel in downtown Fredericksburg, walking distance to dinner, drinks, and most of the historic sights.
- The Inn at the Old Silk Mill — the actual wedding venue, with rooms upstairs from where we got married.
Both made the weekend feel like one continuous gathering.
The places we loved
If you’re ever in town, these are the spots worth your time.
Historic attractions
- Rising Sun Tavern — colonial-era tavern museum (highly recommended)
- Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop — colonial medical practice and pharmacy
- Mary Washington House — home of George Washington’s mother
- Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park — Civil War battlefields
- Fredericksburg Area Museum — local history (free admission)
- Kenmore Plantation & Gardens — 18th-century mansion
- Historic Downtown Walking Tours — charming historic streets
Local dining
- Fahrenheit 132 — upscale American cuisine
- Brock’s Riverside Grill — waterfront dining with river views
- Ristorante Renato — authentic Italian fine dining
- Orofino — modern Italian cuisine
- Capital Ale House — craft beer and pub fare
- The Alpine Chef — perfect for a drink before catching the Amtrak
- Benny Vitali’s — classic Italian-American
- Foode — farm-to-table American cuisine
Nearby wine country
- Multiple wineries within 30 minutes of Fredericksburg, including Potomac Point Winery, where we held our Sunday “wine down.”
Looking for the photos? They’re all on the Recap page.