History and heritage in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a place of huge historic importance, being the site of major skirmishes in the Civil War. Since the 1970s the downtown area has seen somewhat of a revival with a strong sense of community, thriving art and music scene and a burgeoning population of residents. Many have packed up and left the big city in search of something more peaceful, while there are also all the students from the University of Mary Washington. When you stay in a Fredericksburg vacation rental, you can enjoy fascinating museums, historic landmarks and a nearby wilderness for hiking, biking and kayaking.
George Washington's boyhood home
If you're looking for something a little more historical, Fredericksburg has some fascinating sites to explore. The University of Mary Washington has been voted one of the most beautiful campuses in the country and is well worth a visit. If you're interested in presidential history, consider a visit to Ferry Farm, the boyhood home of George Washington, or his sister's house, Kenmore Plantation, which she shared with Fielding Lewis. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary, located near to Fredericksburg vacation rentals, is an impeccably restored 18th-century pharmacy with costumed guides.
Rustic adventures near Fredericksburg
Many of the city's outdoor activities are centered around the Rappahannock River. It's easy to rent a kayak or canoe near your Fredericksburg vacation rental and launch it into the river for a peaceful afternoon's paddle downstream. Alternatively, you can lace up your hiking boots for a walk along the river's banks and the canal where you can see the old locks and the Embrey Dam. In recent years, cycling has become much more popular and the newly paved Heritage Trail that hugs the river's edge offers spectacular views.
Fredericksburg welcomes visitors all year round
The busiest, and hottest, time to visit Virginia is the summer. If you plan to visit during July and August, book up your Fredericksburg vacation rental early to avoid disappointment. Outside of these months, the spring and fall weather can still be delightful, though somewhat changeable. The days are often bright and sunny, and the Virginia fall foliage is in full color making it particularly scenic. Winters in Virginia are cold and typically bring plenty of snow. But that's no bad thing. This white landscape of snow and ice can be used as a playground for many adventurous outdoor sports.
Songbirds and bald eagles
Just northeast of the city lies the Crow's Nest, a nature preserve next to the mighty Potomac River, made up of tidal wetlands, steams, riparian and thousands of acres of mature hardwood forest. It's easily reached by car from your Fredericksburg vacation rental, and when you're there you'll have the opportunity to spot much wildlife including more than 60 species of migratory songbirds. The park's creeks are the spawning grounds for short-nose sturgeon, but what most people come for is the large population of nesting bald eagles which often circle overhead on the morning thermals.
Traveling to and around Fredericksburg
The nearest airport is in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located 44 mi (70.8 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD), which is 44.9 mi (72.3 km) away.
If you'd prefer to travel by train, you can make your way to Fredericksburg Station.
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