Tatum & Charles
Things To Do
Historic Downtown Fredericksburg
Just 12 miles from Fawn Lake, downtown Fredericksburg is a must. This walkable 40-block historic district is packed with beautifully preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, unique boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and over 55 chef-owned restaurants. A few favorites to check out: Five Chophouse & Bar — Located inside The Publisher Hotel, serving elevated steak and seafood with Southern charm. Fahrenheit 132 — A farm-to-fork steakhouse named one of the 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S. Benny Vitali's — Named one of the best pizza spots in Northern Virginia. A must for a quick slice. Carl's — A beloved frozen custard shop that's been satisfying sweet tooths since 1947. Hyperion Espresso — A cozy coffee shop with creative lattes and gorgeous views of the downtown skyline. Stroll along Caroline Street, explore the shops, grab a bite, and soak in the charm. You'll see why we love it here!
Day Trip to Washington, DC
The nation's capital is just about an hour north and absolutely worth a visit! You can drive or hop on the Amtrak from Fredericksburg Station — it's a scenic ~1 hr 20 min ride straight into DC's Union Station, with tickets starting around $13. Once there, the possibilities are endless: The National Mall — Walk among iconic monuments including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and WWII Memorial. Smithsonian Museums — From the National Museum of African American History & Culture to Air and Space, all free admission. The Capitol & White House — See the heart of American government up close (tours may require advance reservations). Georgetown — Charming cobblestone streets with amazing restaurants, boutiques, and waterfront views. Old Town Alexandria — Just across the river, with gorgeous shops, dining, and a beautiful waterfront boardwalk. Whether it's history, food, or just exploring, DC makes for an unforgettable day out!
A. Smith Bowman Distillery
Spirits lovers, this one's for you. Just five minutes from downtown Fredericksburg, A. Smith Bowman is Virginia's oldest distillery, producing handcrafted bourbon since 1934. And they're not just old — they're award-winning, taking home "World's Best Bourbon" two years in a row. The distillery offers free guided tours on the hour where you'll see their copper stills (affectionately named Mary and George), learn how their small-batch spirits are made, and finish with a tasting of their award-winning lineup — including bourbon, gin, rum, and their fan-favorite Caramel Bourbon Cream. Don't skip the gift shop — you can often find bottles like the coveted John J. Bowman Single Barrel that are hard to get anywhere else. Whether you're a bourbon connoisseur or just curious, this is one of the best experiences the area has to offer. Cheers!
Virgina Wine Country
Local Wineries Virginia wine country is right in our backyard! Here are some favorites: Hartwood Winery — One of the earliest wineries in the region, producing award-winning Virginia wines in a welcoming, relaxed setting in Fredericksburg. Lake Anna Winery — A family-owned gem in Spotsylvania with estate-grown wines and a beautiful lakeside atmosphere. Their Concerto red is a must-try. Wilderness Run Vineyards — A pastoral farm winery in Spotsylvania with tree-canopied seating, country wines, and French-style vintages. Eden Try Estate Winery — A serene 12-acre estate between DC and Richmond with beautiful grounds, walking paths, and sustainably crafted wines. In Culpeper, don't miss Mountain Run Winery, a charming family farm winery with multiple "Best in Virginia" award winners, or Old House Vineyards — Virginia's first tri-fecta winery, brewery, and distillery. Follow the Spotsylvania Wine Trail for a full day of sipping and scenery!
Shenandoah National Park
For nature lovers, a day trip to Shenandoah National Park is a must. The Thornton Gap entrance on US-211 is about 1.5 hours from Fawn Lake and drops you right onto Skyline Drive — a stunning 105-mile scenic byway along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With 75 overlooks offering jaw-dropping views of the Shenandoah Valley, you don't need to drive the whole thing to be wowed. A few highlights: Dark Hollow Falls — A short, popular waterfall hike perfect for all levels Big Meadows — A visitor center, lodge, and wide open meadows great for a picnic or a stroll Hawksbill Summit — The park's highest peak at 4,051 feet with incredible panoramic views The speed limit is a leisurely 35 mph, so take your time, soak in the scenery, and keep an eye out for deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Pack a picnic, lace up your hiking shoes, and enjoy one of the most beautiful drives on the East Coast!
Local Breweries
Local Breweries The area has an amazing craft beer scene! A few favorites: 1781 Brewing Company — A historic farm brewery in Spotsylvania serving farmhouse ales with locally sourced ingredients. 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Co. — Veteran-owned brewery and restaurant founded by Coast Guard and Navy retirees. Voted Best Local Brewery 8 years running. Adventure Brewing Co. — Dog-friendly local favorite near downtown Fredericksburg with a laid-back vibe. Spencer Devon Brewing — A gastropub pairing craft beer with elevated pub fare in downtown Fredericksburg. Strangeways Brewing — Known for experimental and boundary-pushing brews. Over in Culpeper, check out Beer Hound Brewery, the town's first micro-brewery, and Far Gohn Brewing, a cozy German-themed tavern with craft beer, homemade pizza, and zero pretension. Want to make a day of it? Grab a Fredericksburg Area Beer (FAB) Trail passport, collect stamps, and win prizes!
Culpeper
About 30 minutes from Fawn Lake, the charming town of Culpeper is one of Virginia's hottest dining destinations and well worth the drive. With a walkable downtown full of boutiques, galleries, and a thriving food scene set against a backdrop of Blue Ridge Mountain views, it's the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Places to check out: It's About Thyme — A beloved European-style restaurant with a seasonally inspired menu and cozy atmosphere. Grass Rootes — A farm-to-table gem serving creative takes on comfort food with locally sourced ingredients. Far Gohn Brewing — A German-themed tavern brewery with craft beer brewed on-site and homemade pizza. Raven's Nest Coffee House — Locally roasted coffee, pastries, and a relaxed vibe perfect for a morning stop.
Monticello
History buffs, this is your day trip. About 1.5 hours from Fawn Lake in beautiful Charlottesville, Monticello is the hilltop home of Thomas Jefferson — third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence. It's one of only a few residences in the country designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of the house to see Jefferson's original books, inventions, art, and furnishings. The architecture alone is stunning — Jefferson designed it himself over 40 years, complete with the iconic dome. Explore the beautifully restored gardens, grounds, and Mulberry Row, where powerful exhibits tell the full story of the plantation and the lives of the enslaved community. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring. Tickets are timed, so we recommend booking in advance at monticello.org. While you're in the area, Charlottesville's downtown is full of great restaurants, wineries, and the University of Virginia — also designed by Jefferson and also a UNESCO site!
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
History buffs, this is your day trip. About 1.5 hours from Fawn Lake in beautiful Charlottesville, Monticello is the hilltop home of Thomas Jefferson — third U.S. President and author of the Declaration of Independence. It's one of only a few residences in the country designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a guided tour of the house to see Jefferson's original books, inventions, art, and furnishings. The architecture alone is stunning — Jefferson designed it himself over 40 years, complete with the iconic dome. Explore the beautifully restored gardens, grounds, and Mulberry Row, where powerful exhibits tell the full story of the plantation and the lives of the enslaved community. Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring. Tickets are timed, so we recommend booking in advance at monticello.org. While you're in the area, Charlottesville's downtown is full of great restaurants, wineries, and the University of Virginia — also designed by Jefferson and also a UNESCO site!
George Washington's Ferry Farm
Just across the Rappahannock River from downtown Fredericksburg, Ferry Farm is where a young George spent his formative years, from age 6 to 20. This is where the legends began, including the famous cherry tree story. The highlight is a guided tour of the reconstructed Washington house, built right on top of the original foundations using 18th-century building techniques. The best part? Since everything inside is a reproduction, you're encouraged to sit on the furniture, open cabinets, and handle objects, making it a uniquely hands-on experience. The Visitor Center features fascinating colonial and Civil War artifacts excavated on-site, plus windows into a working archaeology lab. After your tour, walk the 60-acre grounds down to the river, explore the gardens, and enjoy the same views George grew up with. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for students. Grab the combo ticket ($25) and visit Historic Kenmore too, the home of his sister Betty, right in downtown Fredericksburg.
Chatham Manor
Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Rappahannock River with panoramic views of Fredericksburg's skyline, Chatham Manor is a stunning 1771 Georgian mansion with a guest list unlike any other. It's the only private residence in the U.S. known to have been visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Clara Barton and Walt Whitman also walked these grounds as Civil War hospital volunteers. During the Civil War, the manor served as a Union headquarters and field hospital. Inside, five rooms feature exhibits on the estate's rich history, and you can still see graffiti carved into the walls by soldiers. Outside, explore the beautifully restored colonial gardens, the historic terraces, and "witness trees" that stood during the war. The best part? Admission is completely free. The grounds are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It's a quick visit but an unforgettable one — especially for the views alone.
