Jodi & Ryan
Things To Do
Historic Downtown Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg’s historic downtown includes over 350 original 18th and 19th century buildings within a 40-block loop. Ride the streets in style in Fredericksburg’s Olde Towne horse-drawn carriage or tour Fredericksburg’s Civil War battlefield on a shuttle bus. Check out this article from Southern Living in 2022: https://www.southernliving.com/travel/virginia/things-to-do-in-fredericksburg-va
Hyperion Espresso
Hyperion Espresso is the best place to start your morning before exploring! If you're sitting outside, take a look to your left and you'll see the steeple of the church where we're getting married.
Carl's Frozen Custard
Carl's is the best frozen custard this side of the Mississippi! Continuously operating since 1948 and still using the same machinery. Ryan's favorite treat is the chocolate malted.
Chatham Manor
Chatham Manor is a Georgian-style mansion home completed in 1771 on the Rappahannock River, opposite Fredericksburg. It was for more than a century the center of a large, thriving plantation, and the only private residence in the United States to be visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. During the American Civil War, it was a strategic site overlooking Fredericksburg. It briefly served as Union headquarters, and later as the major Union hospital during battles for control of the strategic Virginia city en route to the Confederate capital. Saved from total destruction as the 20th century began by a series of wealthy American owners, Chatham was refurbished and became a showpiece. The estate was willed to the National Park Service in 1975 and now serves as a peaceful place to walk the grounds, have a picnic, and learn about Fredericksburg history.
George Washington's Ferry Farm
Ferry Farm (also known as the George Washington Boyhood Home Site) is the name of the farm and home at which George Washington spent much of his childhood. George was six when the family moved to the farm in 1738. He inherited the farm and lived in the house until his early 20s. Washington's mother lived in the house until 1772, when she moved to downtown Fredericksburg, and the farm was sold to George's friend Hugh Mercer.
Castiglia's Italian Restaurant
Castiglia's has brick oven pizzas and Italian classics. Great rooftop deck!
Foode
Foode is one of our favorites and is preparing the meal for our rehearsal dinner! Chef Joy Crump, who has been on Top Chef, co-owns this farm-to-table American restaurant. The beautiful setting in the historic National Bank building completes this upscale dining experience. Try to sit in the vault if you can! There's also patio and bar seating.
Pimenta
Pimenta is a casual Jamaican spot, try the curry chicken.
La Petite Auberge
La Petite Aubrerge is a nice French restaurant, great stop for lunch on the patio.
Fork 'n' Biscuit
Fork 'n' biscuit has a good, hearty breakfast and serves brunch all day. Give yourself time and be patient, it's packed on the weekends. Recommend sitting on the back patio. Try the bloody mary!
Rebellion - Bourbon Bar
This welcoming restaurant and bar offers a casual, seasonally rich, and locally sourced menu. They boast over 170 varieties of bourbon, whiskey and spirits. It is home to the oldest bar surface in the city and is housed in a 188-year old building. Downstairs you'll find a cocktail bar in the "Old Armory", their reimagined concept of the many hidden armories that supplied the colonies during the American Revolution.
Amy's Cafe
Just around the corner from Gari Melchers Belmont (reception site) is Amy's Cafe. This is a popular neighborhood eatery situated in a 200-year-old building in historic Falmouth, on the banks of the Rappahannock River.
Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop
This small museum was a pharmacy founded by Hugh Mercer in the mid-18th century. Mercer was a Scottish soldier and physician who participated in the Seven Years' War and American Revolution. He initially served with the Jacobite forces of Bonnie Prince Charlie, and with the British forces during the Seven Years' War, and later became a brigadier general in the American Continental Army and a close friend to George Washington. Mercer died as a result of his wounds received at the Battle of Princeton and became a fallen hero as well as a rallying symbol of the American Revolution. The building that housed Mercer's apothecary has been restored to demonstrate 18th Century medical treatments. It also includes a small exhibit on Mercer's life and contributions to the American Revolutionary War.
Kenmore Plantation
Historic Kenmore, built in the 1770s, was the home of Fielding and Betty Washington Lewis. Betty was the sister of George Washington. Their mother, Mary Ball Washington, was buried on the grounds, which she had liked to visit. Lewis descendants sold the house and property in 1797 after Betty Washington Lewis' death. A memorial was erected in 1894 at the Mary Ball Washington gravesite. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970. Daily tours are available of the estate and grounds.
Ristorante Renato
Old school red-sauce Italian spot, a favorite of the Chandlers. When you arrive, order a Cafe Diablo for your desert - dinner and show!
Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg
Start your visit with a ride on the trolley, and get an overview of all Fredericksburg has to offer. Then you will have a better idea of where you want to eat, shop, and explore. During your 75-minute guided tour of the downtown Historic District and the Fredericksburg Battlefield, you will experience the past, present, and future of a city so rich in history and teeming with monuments, markers, and attractions. Enjoy the many unique shops and restaurants still operating in buildings hundreds of years old!
Eileen's Bakery & Cafe
Eileen's has breakfast sandwiches, quiche, and pastries in the mornings. For lunch, they have sandwiches, soup, and salads. Satisfy your sweet tooth with their homemade pastries and cookies. Jodi recommends the egg salad and chicken salad sandwiches.
Antique Court Of Shoppes
Jodi's favorite antique store downtown! Also check out the antique mall across the street.
Whittingham's
Whether you are looking to decorate your home, outfit your kitchen, find the perfect gift, Whittingham's is the place!
Monkee's of Fredericksburg
Monkee's is the bride's favorite shop downtown, full of well-known and quality brands. Women's clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Du Jardin Home and Garden
Du Jardin is a beautifully curated and woman-owned home and gift shop. On the expensive side but fun to browse!
Latitudes Fair Trade Store
Latitudes specializes in unique, high-quality, handcrafted and fairly-traded products from around the world. Great stop for gifts, jewelry, and unique treasures!
FORT to-go
The cutest children's store! Unique, sensory-rich toys for the little ones in your life.