Blessings & Burdens

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Blessings & Burdens
Blessings & Burdens. We have so many wonderful blessings. God gives us air to fill our lungs, relationships to fill our souls, homes to shelter our bodies. He gives us the beauty of His creation. He gives us the ability to think and create and invent. And we thank God for our blessings, and pray that we always have eyes to see them and never take them for granted.

I think, though, that each blessing comes with a burden. God blesses us with finances that allow us to buy a bigger house, but now we spend more time cleaning and pay more in utilities. We have a new baby but now have sleepless nights. We build up savings but now feel the weight of responsibility for charity. We get accepted on a sports team but now miss time with our friends. We get a fantastic new job but now must put the kids in daycare. We quit our job so we can stay home with the kids but now we don’t have the finances to take a summer vacation.

Many of us would agree that the burdens that come along with our blessings are worth it because we love the blessings. We wouldn’t trade our newborns for anything in the world, so we deal with sleepless nights. We build up savings but discover how rewarding it is when we give cheerfully to those in need. We acknowledge burdens exist and might even complain or feel discouraged, overwhelmed, or frustrated, but the blessings are greater.

If blessings come with burdens, then I propose that burdens come with blessings. It’s harder to see these blessings because we don’t often realize them until we’ve walked through the burdens. We fail a test but stay after school for tutoring and discover a more effective way to study that helps us for the rest of our schooling. Someone backs up into our car, but because of our grace-filled response someone who doesn’t know Jesus attends church with you that Sunday. We go through a difficult divorce, but discover new strengths about ourselves and some weaknesses that need strengthening, and go on to coach others going through divorce. We lose a child to disease, but then go on to raise awareness and funds to bless other families going through a similar experience. A tornado wipes out a community, but then the helpers pour in and demonstrate the love of Jesus.

If every blessing has a burden, let’s have faith that God also provides blessings in the burdens we face. We might not see the blessings yet, but trust that they will come. God is love. God is faithful. He wants the best for His children. He wants to bless us, but also wants us to grow through the burdens. He wants us to rely on Him through the burdens. He wants to be our solid rock. He wants us to know Him so well that we are confident He works all things for our good, through blessings and burdens.

By: Nancy DeJesus

Blessings & Burdens

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, “thoughts of peace, and not of
evil, to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (WMB)

The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He guides me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.
Psalm 23:1-4 (WMB)

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in
everything, may abound to every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (WEB)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7 (WEB)

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those
who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 (WEB)

A View of Fredericksburg’s William Street 155 Years Ago

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WIlliam Street
A View of Fredericksburg’s William Street 155 Years Ago. In May 1864, Fredericksburg was to become, for a third time, the center of operations for an occupying army. The vast majority of the future city’s citizens had fled their homes and businesses as refugees just prior to the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. In the spring of 1864, most had not yet returned, and the region had already seen another battle rage over it in May 1863, as part of the Chancellorsville Campaign.

With the opening salvos of the Overland Campaign erupting in the Wilderness region of Orange and Spotsylvania Counties, 18 miles west of Fredericksburg, the need for a logistical hub brought thousands of Union army personnel again to its streets and buildings. Warehouses and churches once more became hospitals as close to 30,000 wounded soldiers were transported from the battlefields for treatment, and should they survive their wounds, eventual transportation to larger facilities in the north. Daily wagon trains carried supplies to the army over rutted dirt roads leading to the ravaged countryside.

This photograph, A View of Fredericksburg’s William Street 155 Years Ago, by James Gardner, shows the north side of the 300 block of Williams Street. At center we see a gathering of soldiers in front of the United States Sanitary Commission supply depot. The USSC was a civilian-run relief organization sanctioned by the federal government, established to aid the comfort and clean conditions of soldiers in camp and hospital. This depot in Fredericksburg occupied what is now
315 William Street. For many years William Street was also known as Commerce Street. Note the banner hanging across the face of the structure, obscuring the name of the commercial establishment it occupied,
“E.L. Heinichen, Agent for B. Heinichen”, one of several confectionary establishments in town.

Our second photo shows this same section of the street as it appears today. Some of the buildings retain their 19th century appearance, and others have been severely modified for adaptive reuse.

By: John F Cummings III

John Cummings is a visual historian and the author of three books on the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania region. He provides battlefield guide services, and research assistance to visitors. He has also written for several national and local magazines and newspapers, and provided historical research and commentary for four documentary films. He served on the former Spotsylvania Courthouse Tourism and Special Events Commission, and as chairperson of the former Friends of the Fredericksburg Area Battlefields, (FoFAB). Contact information is available on his blog at: http://spotsylvaniacw.blogspot.com/

William Street

A View of Fredericksburg’s William Street 155 Years Ago

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WIlliam Street
A View of Fredericksburg’s William Street 155 Years Ago. In May 1864, Fredericksburg was to become, for a third time, the center of operations for an occupying army. The vast majority of the future city’s citizens had fled their homes and businesses as refugees just prior to the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862. In the spring of 1864, most had not yet returned, and the region had already seen another battle rage over it in May 1863, as part of the Chancellorsville Campaign.

With the opening salvos of the Overland Campaign erupting in the Wilderness region of Orange and Spotsylvania Counties, 18 miles west of Fredericksburg, the need for a logistical hub brought thousands of Union army personnel again to its streets and buildings. Warehouses and churches once more became hospitals as close to 30,000 wounded soldiers were transported from the battlefields for treatment, and should they survive their wounds, eventual transportation to larger facilities in the north. Daily wagon trains carried supplies to the army over rutted dirt roads leading to the ravaged countryside.

This photograph, A View of Fredericksburg’s William Street 155 Years Ago, by James Gardner, shows the north side of the 300 block of Williams Street. At center we see a gathering of soldiers in front of the United States Sanitary Commission supply depot. The USSC was a civilian-run relief organization sanctioned by the federal government, established to aid the comfort and clean conditions of soldiers in camp and hospital. This depot in Fredericksburg occupied what is now
315 William Street. For many years William Street was also known as Commerce Street. Note the banner hanging across the face of the structure, obscuring the name of the commercial establishment it occupied,
“E.L. Heinichen, Agent for B. Heinichen”, one of several confectionary establishments in town.

Our second photo shows this same section of the street as it appears today. Some of the buildings retain their 19th century appearance, and others have been severely modified for adaptive reuse.

By: John F Cummings III

John Cummings is a visual historian and the author of three books on the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania region. He provides battlefield guide services, and research assistance to visitors. He has also written for several national and local magazines and newspapers, and provided historical research and commentary for four documentary films. He served on the former Spotsylvania Courthouse Tourism and Special Events Commission, and as chairperson of the former Friends of the Fredericksburg Area Battlefields, (FoFAB). Contact information is available on his blog at: http://spotsylvaniacw.blogspot.com/

William Street

Ellie’s Elves Shine Their Light In Our Community

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Ellie's Elves: Shine Their Light In Our Community

Ellie’s Elves Shine Their Light In Our Community. In February 1013, Carly and Richard Blaine embarked on a journey no person wants to take. Doctors diagnosed their beautiful two-year-old daughter Ellie with Pineoblastoma, a rare brain cancer. In the following months, individuals from across the globe came together to support the family and to shower them with love and prayers among many other gifts.

Ellie left this earth on December 22, 2013, and spent Jesus’ birthday wrapped in his loving arms where she will remain until joined by her parents and siblings in Heaven. However, Ellie’s story didn’t end when she joined her Heavenly Father. Her time here on earth inspired Joni Kanazawa to start Ellie’s Elves, a non-profit foundation to help cancer patients, their families, and any family in crisis.

Having experienced her own battle with cancer, Joni understood exactly what challenges the Blaine family and any family struggling with a cancer diagnosis experience. She brought the more than 1,500 people known as Ellie’s Elves together to ‘light the night for Princess Ellie’. People across the globe joined in, including individuals from Australia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. The candles lit the pathway to the celebration of Ellie’s life and her memory continues to light the way. In addition, candles were lit around the world in her honor by those who were unable to attend this event.

Today, Ellie’s Elves mission is to bring joy to individuals who are suffering from cancer and those who find their family is struggling in one or more ways. Ellie’s Elves Shine Their Light In Our Community. While many organizations focus on offering one or two services, Ellie’s Elves does it all. Whatever the family needs, Joni and Assistant Director Elizabeth Nast calls on the more than 3,400 Elves to see if anyone can be of help.

A young boy diagnosed with cancer only had a short time to live. Joni brought the elves together to create Whoville, his favorite part of the How The Grinch Stole Christmas movie, in his front yard. A smile overtook his face when he saw what had been done and that wasn’t all. Santa appeared to visit with him and share this special moment and the owner of a Lamborghini arrived to take him for a ride in his dream car. This is what Ellie’s Elves strives to do, bring people together to shine a light when things seem their darkest.

A young girl lost her father to cancer. The mom contacted Joni asking about a good place to buy the child a basketball hoop. Joni offered to ask on her page, and the mom was surprised to see she asked for a hoop to be donated rather than about the best place to purchase one. Not only was one gifted to this child, but it was delivered directly to the home on Mother’s Day. The mom and child arrived home from her basketball developmental league to find it in the front yard, a wonderful gift for both on what is meant to be a special day.

Another young boy lost his mother to cancer just days before his birthday. Ellie’s Elves wasn’t going to let him celebrate alone. Joni immediately started contacting people to help make the day special and to show him he was loved during a time when the family was grieving. The love and support the family received are sure to be a memory they will treasure for a lifetime.

Ellie’s Elves succeeds because many people with different talents come together to make things that might otherwise seem impossible happen. Cancer patients have enough bad things happening in their life. The organization works to show them the good that is still out there and in the form of thousands of people, many who have never met and don’t know the person or family they are helping. It’s about caring for others in a time of need and letting Ellie’s light continue to shine just as her smile lit up a room when she was here on this earth.

516 Project

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516 Project

Passion into Action

516 Project Ministry started with passion–a passion to help those in need, to put boots on the ground, skilled hands on projects in homes for families that need help. Most importantly, to share the love and hope of Jesus. 516 Project is passion evolved into action.

In November of 2015 the first work day was scheduled. 30 volunteers worked on 10 houses doing winterization projects, repairing drywall, cleaning up yards, patching leaky roofs, fixing leaking bathroom fixtures and painting. The day was so successful, we started praying about permanently establishing a year-round volunteer construction ministry based in Fredericksburg.

“All the pieces just seemed to fall into place. I talked with my wife and said that if this is not what God wants me to do then I don’t know what is,” Roberson said. “I have been involved in Christian-based ministries before, so I wanted to continue doing that. I wanted to bring the church to the community.”

516 Project is Born

After some research, planning, and help from a few local businesses, Roberson founded the non-profit construction ministry 516 Project, Inc. in February of 2016. The Bible verse Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven.” 516 Project assists local homeowners with home repairs that they either are not able to afford themselves or are not physically able to accomplish. The projects are funded through fundraisers as well as donations to the organization from churches, individuals and businesses.

“Everything that has happened has all been God’s work. When we come together and build a wheelchair ramp for someone that hasn’t had safe access to their home or replace a roof that’s been leaking, you can just watch the burden lift off their shoulders. You can literally see the joy and hope returning. I know this is something God wants us to do and keep doing,” Roberson said.

Ready to Help?

Now, in it’s 4th year, 516 Project is growing and filling many needs in the Fredericksburg region. 516 Project is volunteer operated. While much of the work is focused on home repair and construction type projects, there are opportunities for all skill levels and talents.

By serving you can be part of making a difference in the life of someone in need. 516 Project also relies on donations to purchase materials and tools needed to complete projects. You can sign up to volunteer or donate at www.516project.org or you can mail a check to 10908 Courthouse Rd. Suite 102148 Fredericksburg, VA 22408.

516 Project is a 501(c)3 non-profit so your donation is tax deductible.
Follow 516 Project on Facebook and Instagram @the516project

Fredericksburg is An Amazing Little Town

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Fredericksburg is An Amazing Little Town. As I prepare for my beach weekend and head down the road with hundreds of my closest friends (better known as traffic), I ponder about my little town. Fredericksburg is an amazing little town. Why am I even heading to the beach? Seriously, why? Everything I need is right here! Okay, maybe not waves, jellyfish, and surfing. But, Fredericksburg has a ri-vah! I can take beautiful morning strolls along the riverfront paths and enjoy nature at its best. Kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, and boating all all possible here in my little town. I don’t really need the beach.

If you have never taken a nature tour, enjoyed a fishing tournament, or participated in a night-time nature walk, I highly recommend it. Going out on the river and spending the day fishing can be so relaxing. The Virginia Outdoor Center or River Rock Outfitters will hook you up with a fun filled day on the river. Both self guided and a tour guide are available, you will enjoy the day out on the river. Watch the bald eagles flying around, the herons enjoying the sun, or the turtles and fish popping out of the water. How relaxing!!

Need some morning yoga? Yoga in the Garden is the place to be – sponsored by the Yoga Foundation of Fredericksburg in Downtown Fredericksburg. Enjoy the meditation and stretching to start your day off right! Jog along the many paths that Fredericksburg has to offer. Or visit the historical battlefields and landmarks and learn about our history. Not that energetic? No problem, enjoy a picnic in one of our many parks. One of my favorite is the farmers market. Whether during the week or weekends, stop by the farmers markets and get your locally grown, delicious fruits and veggies, jams and jellies, local honey and flowers.

Fredericksburg is know for downtown. There is nothing better than spending a day walking downtown , stopping at all the unique shops, finding treasures old and new, and enjoys some incredible food. Have you ventured into the antique shops or incredible used book stores? The history in this shops are amazing! The enjoyment continues into the night as musicians take to the streets and jam And, Fredericksburg First Night is always a hit.

Did I mention the food? Fredericksburg is An Amazing Little Town. Fredericksburg has the most amazing restaurants! You can find the biggest pizza slices ever, awesome hummus, chicken and waffles and so much more. Don’t forget the tacos! Don’t be shy to go into some of the higher end establishments. I find a new places to eat every day – I really need to get out more! I would be remiss if I don’t remind you to get ice cream.

Fredericksburg has many festivals and fairs as the warmer weather approaches us – Greek Festivals, Fairy Festivals, Wine Festivals, American Heritage and International

Festival, and so many more! Celebrate Virginia has their music series with national bands and did you hear? ….Baseball is coming to Fredericksburg! yep, our very own team! Play ball! Can’t wait for some seventh ending stretches!

I love that I can do it all here in Fredericksburg. It won’t disappoint you. So why am I heading to the beach? Good question.

By: Lee Chandler
Photo Credit: Doug Kerr

Spotsylvania Dog Park

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Spotsylvania Dog Park- an early beginning

Spotsylvania Dog Park. In 2011, a small group of Spotsylvania dog lovers banded together with the goal of building a public dog park for Spotsylvania County. The group realized that with approximately 28,600 dogs in Spotsylvania County the need for a dog park is great. Fundraising began with the hope to obtain land in a suitable location. The dog park volunteer group approached Spotsylvania county government, proposing building a dog park in Patriot Park. However, when cost estimates exceeded $200,000, the county government’s decision was to use the money for other recreational purposes. The very determined Spotsy Dog Park volunteer group was not deterred. They incorporated as a non-profit charitable group and the Spotsy Dog Park Committee was born

LAND DONATION

June 2015, Dollar General Stores generously donated 2.9 acres of beautiful land at 10601 Gordon Road ,designated specifically for the construction of a public dog park. Funds on hand were used for surveying, preparing a site plan, and clearing the property. The site plan was approved in 2017 and the Virginia Department of Transportation entrance permit was obtained in April 2018. Luck Stone, generously donated gravel for the dog park driveway and parking lot.

DOGS ARE WAITING TO RUN AND PLAY

Fencing is the largest expense of building a dog park and will cost close to $23,000. There will be two, almost half acre, large play areas with separate off-leash entrances. The perimeter fence will be five feet high, and have large gates for maintenance access. Spotsylvania Dog Park County water connection will be made once the $6,600 county tap-in fee is donated. The parking area will have 20 spaces, including a paved handicapped space. Approximately 25 percent of the fence cost has been raised. Nearly thirty thousand dogs living in Spotsylvania need a safe, well-supervised park where they can exercise and play. Not all dogs have access to a fenced yard. For those dogs, the Spotsy Dog Park is urgently needed.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Your donation will mean the world to Spotsy dogs who need a place to exercise. Donations can be made on Facebook to our “GoFundMe” page, or by mail to P. O. Box 42236, Fredericksburg, VA 22404. Donations are tax deductible. Spotsy Dog Park will be open to everyone. We would love to welcome you into our dog-loving volunteer group. Monthly meetings are posted in the Free-Lance Star and on Facebook. We meet the second Wednesday of each month at Salem Church Library from 7-9 pm, rooms 3 and 4.

Join us! If you have ever seen the wild joy of dogs in motion, leaping and galloping, you know why a Spotsy Dog Park will make this area a better place.

A Fredericksburg Family Caught in the Ravages of War

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John Henry Myer before the Civil War, as a young entrepreneur.

A Fredericksburg Family Caught in the Ravages of War, John Henry Myer before the Civil War, as a young entrepreneur.

A Fredericksburg Family Caught in the Ravages of War. John Henry Myer came to America to escape the turmoil of mid nineteenth century Germany. He would settle in Fredericksburg, Virginia in 1846. He began his professional life as a saddler. Interestingly, in 1852, he changed vocations, becoming a baker and confectioner, a switch that proved highly successful. He operated his business at 212 William Street which backed onto Market Square. The operation had an expanded kitchen attached to the rear of the building, and the Myer family residence were on the upper two floors. By the time of the Civil War he had three young children. Mary Elizabeth, John Jr., and Annie.

The approaching battle of Fredericksburg forced the Myer family to become refugees out in the Spotsylvania County countryside, west of town. The Union bombardment of Fredericksburg on December 11, 1862 left much of the downtown commercial area severely damaged or destroyed, but the Myer home amazingly survived. The overall devastation however, would no longer be suitable for his young family and by late April 1863, just days before the Battle of Chancellorsville, and yet another battle in the heart of town, Myer had finished negotiating the purchase of a sizeable farm near Spotsylvania Courthouse. It was an idyllic location, on a hill overlooking the Ni River.

As the spring of 1864 approached, two warring armies prepared to leave their winter camps, and John Henry Myer was conscripted into the 40th Virginia Infantry. His first taste of battle would be in the horrors of the Wilderness, and from there the fighting moved on toward Spotsylvania Courthouse, erupting just north of the village, along the Brock Road where it intersects Block House Road. As both sides shifted into position the 40th Virginia settled into a section of entrenchments now referred to as Heth’s Salient, a leg of works that dangled south of the larger, and more infamous, Muleshoe Salient.

By early morning of May 14, 1864, the Union army shifted men from its right flank to extend its left, in a plan to strike at the Confederate’s weakly held right flank just past the Courthouse. The weather however, conspired against this stealth maneuver, and the troops were slowed by mud they churned up as several days of rain had preceded the move.

Confederates occupying the Myer property were able to observe this slow, but steady stream of Union Blue heading up the Courthouse Road. The attack failed to materialize, and General Lee expressed little concern about the Union’s maneuvering. Union Army of the Potomac commander George Gordon Meade however was intent on having the observers driven from the hill top.

After a sweeping assault by a small contingent of Union infantry, the Confederates removed themselves.
Sadly, the Myer family were once again forced to leave their home as refugees. Tragically, the next day Union troops burned the home and outbuildings after the Myer caretaker had recklessly fired on retreating Union soldiers during a second, late day scuffle on the 14th. Undoubtably, Myer, entrenched still with his regiment less than two miles away, could observe the pillar of black smoke emitting from his home site. He was captured a week later near the North Anna River. He served as a POW until that December when he took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States and returned home. His postwar years are noted by renewed commercial success and civic duty as a member of the Fredericksburg Common Council. He passed away on December 5, 1909, a well-respected man in the community.

By John F. Cummings III

John Cummings is a visual historian and the author of three books on the Fredericksburg/Spotsylvania region. He provides battlefield guide services, and research assistance to visitors. He has also written for several national and local magazines and newspapers and provided historical research and commentary for five documentary films. He served on the former Spotsylvania Courthouse Tourism and Special Events Commission, and Friends of the Fredericksburg Area Battlefields, (FoFAB).

Contact information is available on his blog at: http://spotsylvaniacw.blogspot.com/

A Year of Yuletide

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Pamela Coopwood

A Year of Yuletide. Long after the holiday season is over, the gifts and givers are forgotten, the tree stored for another year; long after the last shred of tinsel is brushed away and the candles are relieved from their window sill vigils and the goodwill bell ringers have counted their stash, there remains on our sidewalks those whose needs remain. They still have their little cups and card board signs in hope that shards of goodwill remain even if accompanied by catty remarks and woeful glances. The homeless and disenfranchised of our community exist on the fringe of our society and every day, we have a choice to either turn our heads with closed hearts or extend a hand of compassion, realizing that life could have dealt us a similar fate if circumstances were different.

However, there are those in our community who dare to make a difference. They take time to extend not just a handout, but a warm welcome; to drop more than a coin but offer a haircut and a cup of hot soup; to give more than a drink, but a daily dose of compassion and care that extends beyond the seasons. They touch lives every day in whatever measures necessary, digging deep into their own resources, soliciting funds on behalf of their chosen charges and showing up on the coldest, wettest, hottest or darkest days. They are our communities’ unsung heroes that bring the spirit of holidays to the homeless and disenfranchised all year long. While there are others, I want to say thank you to a few on behalf of the many.

UnMasked has been a community resource since 2013. Its mission started in the heart of Crystal Vessel, owner of Xclusive Reflections beauty salon on Lafayette Boulevard. She saw an untouched need to reach out and help those exposed to hardships related to violence, displacement, physical or social abuses and other basic life depriving needs. She began by simply offering free salon services to the homeless and women effected by domestic abuse. Her outreach soon extended to the children affected by life’s circumstances and then, engaging her network of friends and family, she began sponsoring vision screening, feeding programs, loading backpacks filled with school supplies and cold weather clothing as well as gifts of personal hygiene products. Today, UnMasked is a 501c3 organization who regularly reaches over 200 members of these communities and on a case by case basis helps individual students and families recommended by schools, churches and other larger organizations. Thank you, Crystal, for seeking to reveal the true beauty of the person on the inside and elevate them to a higher level of self-confidence. Your demonstration of love in action, of being the hands and feet of compassion gives all of us a little hope of a brighter tomorrow.
Transitions4You is a small faith-based community program with operations which focus on communities that reside in hotels within Spotsylvania County. Envisioned in the hearts of Neal and Lisa Harris, their mission is to encourage and support displaced families and to assist them to gain stability in four main areas: Housing, Employment, Financial and Spiritual. Their motto: Empower. Equip. Reclaim. The Harris’ recognize that displaced families are not simply at risk but face a multitude of risk-factors which threaten their core identity and self-worth. They offer programs which empower families to reclaim their lives and move forward to a better tomorrow. Thank you, Lisa and Neal for seeing and being the eyes that really see and the ears that really hear the cry of the hopeless and then doing something so fearless and beautiful!

Both organizations reach deep into their own resources to care for their chosen populations. Each depends on the benevolence of those who say they would help if they knew how. Now that we know, we can! Let’s support their efforts. Let’s give generously so that they can continue as our hands and heart to these communities. Together, let’s make 2019 a year of Yuletide!
www.unmaskeduplifts.com
www.transitions4you.org

Pamela Coopwood, owner of The Planned Event/Speaking of Protocol, is an Ordained Minister who believes life is better we when we chose to see what God is doing and joins Him in that! She is always available to plan your next event, a cruise vacation and of course, to speak about Protocol!

My Little Town Has All I Need…

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My Little Town Has All I Need… When I moved to Fredericksburg 15 years ago, I knew Fredericksburg was a beautiful, historical town. but, I never had the pleasure of experiencing Fredericksburg because I was a prisoner of I95 and my daily commute. I found my weekends consumed with errands, laundry, and kids activities making it even more difficult to experience the city. I always assumed I needed to go Washington DC or Richmond for fun activities. What I found is that I was living under a rock and had no idea what I was missing.

This past year, I made time to experience our town. With so many amazing activities such as farmer’s markets, street festivals, and historical re-enactments, there is always something to do. I find walking around the incredible shops, cafes, bakeries, and coffee shops tucked away downtown is relaxing. I am a firm believer of shopping local and Fredericksburg will not disappoint you, from antiques to wedding dresses, to bath balms, the uniqueness of each store will intice you to return. The bakeries, coffee shops, and cafes – what can I say – ah-mazing! I can spend hours just waliking downtown and talking to the shop owners. The stories they have to share are absolutely fascinating. Fredericksburg has so much history and what better way to experience it, than from the locals. Fredericksburg is full of historical sites, landmarks, and re-enactments. You could spend an entire year just visiting the historical sites.

I also found there was so much more than Downtown. Mary Washington University runs amazing activities that are open to the public, such as their book series. The Fairgrounds and Parks and Recreations are always hosting fun family activities. Spring is just around the corner and all the outdoor events will begin such as the Easter Egg Drop, fishing tournaments, the river raft race and the Frisbee Tournament. There are also so many fun non-profit festivals supporting your favorite local charities – such as the Fairy Festival, the Mason-Frazier event (actually starts in Spotsylvania and ends in King George), many events for animals (dogs, cats, and horses), activities for veterans, and the Disabilty Reseource Center. If music is your thing, local establishments have live bands, experience Central Park’s Celebrate Virginia, or the local amphitheater. Plus, the Expo Center has activities almost every weekend.

Additionally, local distilleries, wineries, and tap houses will not disappoint with wine pairings and spirit tastings events for those over twenty one. There are always activities at several local wineries. Why would you not want to check them out?

The river offers many fun activities from picnicking and canoeing to hiking and fishing. Take a boat out and join nature. Enjoy the wildlife or watch the train as it travels through town.

Why does My Little Town Has All I Need… Here are my 5 favorite things to do:

  1. Festivals. I love attending the unique street festivals Fredericksburg has to offer. Shopping, music, and food all in one event.
  2. Horse and Carraige rides. I love the romantic tours. They are absolutely stunning during the holidays.
  3. Cafes: I love several of the cafes and coffee shops in downtown.
  4. Mason-Fraizer Ride. It is in honor of the men and women in our military who have died for our country. I am a big supporter of our veterans and love any event that I can support our vets.
  5. Canoeing down the river. The sites and getting back to nature is so relaxing.

I challenge you to spend one weekend a month experiencing all that Fredericksburg has to offer. I have made so many new friends and experienced so much culture, history, delicious food, and fun in the past year. Sadly, I have not event touched on the amount of amazing activities around town. Don’t take 14 years like I did to experience our little town. So watch out Washington, DC and Richmond, I don’t need to leave my little historical town, everything I want or need, is right here in the Fredericksburg area.

By: Lee Chandler