FREDERICKSBURG, YOU’ve Changed… and i love It!
Back around 2003 or so my parents bought a house in a newly developed neighborhood in Falmouth Va, I just called it Stafford.
I was just going into high school and remember not being super stoked on moving there as I was coming from a more populated, Woodbridge Va. I fel the usual, “I’m never gonna see my friends again” or “man, we moved to the country! 😭”
After starting school it wasn’t long until I made friends and they hipped me to the Downtown Fredericksburg area. I mean it was cool to see OG spots like Carl’s Frozen Custard & Goolrick’s Pharmacy but still there wasn’t much for a 14 year old... unless you liked civil war antiques.
But that was then, boy have things changed! Over the years, I have seen the area basically develop before my very eyes. From witnessing friends open up shops to a major hotel chain be constructed right on Caroline St. That is when I knew things were changing for the better.
Now days you can drive into downtown and see the changes almost immediately. From the growth of the Mary Washington’s campus [UMW] to the people seen walking around downtown, it’s a whole new vibe and I’m here for it!
While I have personally moved from the area my parents still live in that same house. So anytime we come back to visit we make it a point to swing downtown and peep the changes. This most recent trip was a little different as Visit Fred brought me back home to show off the area I grew to love. AKA we lived like tourists in the city I grew up and it was great!!
We started off by checking into the very hotel downtown that changed the landscape, the Courtyard by Marriott. From there we set out for grub...first stop, the food truck turned brick & mortar restaurant, Juan More Taco where my wife and I both got a trio of tacos with matching margaritas. Cause what are tacos w/o margs?!
Of course its not the only spot we ate…there is so much food here now! Other grub from our trip worth mentioning:
Sammy T’s which has been around since the 80’s
FoodE- owned by Emmy Award Winning Top Chef, Joy Crump.
Mason Dixon Cafe- Kelly has a way with food but also a way with turning overlooked spaces into GOLD!
Pimenta- A newer Jamaican restaurant flexing their muscles with authentic flavor!
Hyperion Espresso- The oldest and one of the best coffee shops in town... and so many more!
With full estomagos, [that’s stomachs in Espanol], we dove head first into some serious exploration. You ever live somewhere and drive by places hundreds of times and never go in? Well let’s just say that was the theme of this trip! Like the Belmont. The Home and Studio of American Artist Gari Melchers. Or the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, where we leaned about leech bloodletting.
One thing I can say I appreciate more as an adult is the history in Fredericksburg. For everywhere you turn it seems there’s some type of story. Which is why we chose to hop on Gracie for a guided Trolley Tour!
Let’s not forget the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds where for years there have been tons of events, from food truck rallies to the Fredericksburg Brewfest. I think my wife and I are the only people to go to a beer fest and sample more pickles from Bad Ass Pickles and nut butters from Sprelly than the beers!
All in all, I’m in love with where Fredericksburg is headed. It’s very refreshing to be able to walk down the streets and see such diversity! In the people, the stores and especially the restaurants. Growing up here I just knew the area was destined for greatness it was just slightly untapped is all.
If you are looking for an area full of history, beautiful architecture, incredible and inviting walkability and a wide range of cuisines to choose from [Bavarian, Jamaican, Mexican, Thai, oh my!] then Fredericksburg is a must come see... go Fredericksburg, Go!
