Ceyda & Fawaz
Things To Do
Fredericksburg
Old Town Fredericksburg is an amazingly well-preserved and vital historic town. It was the boyhood home to George Washington and the most contested piece of real estate in the country during the Civil War, home to four major battles. Nearly 300 years of history, dating back to the city's founding in1728, can be traced while walking its streets. Beyond the history, though, Fredericksburg is a remarkable place to visit. The streets are lined with quirky boutiques and antique shops, and there is an absurd number of really amazing restaurants in town, from casual little holes-in-the-wall like Soup and Taco and Orfino, to more upscale dining at places like the Kenmore Inn, Renato's, and La Petite Auberge. In between, places like Foode, the Confident Rabbit, Castiglia's, Vivify, Fahrenheit 132, and scores of others ensure that there is something for everyone. There is also a very active farmer's market at Hurkamp Park that provides all sorts of fresh food and other goods from local vendors.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
This 18th-century building restored as the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop presents a vivid living history interpretation of Revolutionary-era medical practices. Leeches, lancets, and snakeroot are all found in this 18th-century doctor's office and pharmacy. Visitors can hear about the popular treatment of the day for a lady's hysteria or a medicine so potent that it would, according to one wealthy plantation owner "cheer a man with a bad wife." The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop is one of the Washington Heritage Museums and is within short walking distance of its other sites: the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern, and St. James' House. Please allow 45 minutes for your visit.
Chatham Manor
Chatham Manor is a bit of a mirror of US history. Built in 1771, its rise and splendor during the Revolution and beyond reveals the pride and glory of our early days of freedom. Likewise, its service to injured soldiers during the Battle of Fredericksburg helps us understand and grapple with our dark days. Ups and downs in the following decades are interesting to learn, and its last private owner bequeathed it to the NPS for great keeping so we all can enjoy it. More than a place, it helps us understand the past and contemplate our contributions to the present and future.
Kenmore
Built by George Washington's sister, Betty Washington Lewis, and her husband, Fielding Lewis, this beautiful, Georgian-style, eighteenth-century brick mansion reflects the pre-Revolutionary-War wealth and status of the Fredericksburg merchant.
James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library is dedicated to the study, interpretation and presentation of the life and times of the fifth President of the United States. Its mission is also to trace the social, political and intellectual influence of James Monroe and to present it within the context of his life through exhibitions, publications, scholarly presentations, community events, and educational programs. As an administrative unit of the University of Mary Washington, the museum contributes to a superior educational environment by serving as a cultural and professional resource for students, faculty, and staff. Reflecting the University’s mission and the personal values of James Monroe, the museum supports adaptive learning, personal achievement, responsible leadership, service to others, and engaged citizenship in a global and diverse society.
Old Town
A busy, historic district along the Potomac, Old Town is marked by cobblestone streets and 18th-century townhouses. George Washington slept at Gadsby’s Tavern, one of the many small museums in the area. Another is Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, opened in 1783. Indie boutiques and foodie spots line King Street, and there are open-air eateries by the river. The Saturday farmers' market has been operating for 260 years.
Great Falls Park
Explore one of the nation's first canals, see the Great Falls of the Potomac, enjoy a hike along Mather Gorge's dramatic clifftops, and explore the museum exhibits and park film in the visitor center. You can do all of these things and more at Great Falls Park. These pages have information that will help you plan your trip. Park hours are 7 a.m. until dark, every day. The three falls overlooks are located within a five to ten minute walk from the visitor center and parking lots. Trail maps are available at the visitor center and entrance station. Expect high crowds and delays entering the park on weekends and holidays when weather is nice. Please come early. Vehicle line to enter park begins around 10:30 am or 11:00 am. Wait time can be as much as 45 minutes to one hour. To expedite entrance payment, please have payment method ready before you reach the window. Exact change is preferred and helps shorten the entrance line by moving vehicles into the park more quickly.
United States National Arboretum
The United States National Arboretum is an arboretum in northeast Washington, D.C., operated by the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. It was established in 1927 by an act of Congress after a campaign by USDA Chief Botanist Frederick Vernon Coville
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Hundreds of aircraft and spacecraft are on display in two massive hangars, including a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay, and the Space Shuttle Discovery.
United States Botanic Garden
United States Botanic Garden (USBG), established by the U.S. Congress is 1820, is one of the oldest botanic gardens in North America. Through the Conservatory, National Garden, and Bartholdi Park, the Garden informs visitors about the importance and fundamental value and diversity of plants, as well as their aesthetic, cultural, economic, therapeutic and ecological significance. With over a million visitors annually, the USBG strives to demonstrate and promote sustainable practices. The U.S. Botanic Garden is a living plant museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. The Garden offers a variety of exhibits, tours, and programs for visitors of all ages.
