Correcting the MYTH About Your Kids and Your Family History

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Time Sorters | pocketwatch
Learn about correcting the MYTH About Your Kids and Your Family History. It has been a loud and extended cry over the past 2-3 years that “Your Kids Don’t Want Your History!”. This prolonged warning, which verges on the edge of a doomsday style prediction, is, frankly, wrong.

I, too, have heard the many stories of rejections of the beloved family items by the next generation from friends, colleagues, and of course my own clients. It’s something that cuts across all social levels and is shored up by nearly 20 articles over the last five years from revered sources such as the New York Times. The latest trends of younger generations sorting through material items to determine true worth for the space they occupy and embracing the joys of minimalism, also seems to support the issue.

And yet, I want to let you know that what is being said/shared/propagated isn’t an accurate assessment of the situation. While it is true that thoughts and feelings about family heirlooms – in whatever form have changed as the population has shifted from the Baby Boomers to subsequent generations, those changes aren‘t: a) always a bad thing; b) as “cut and dried” as we are being led to believe; c) set in stone or irreversible.

Nothing hits home to more people than a crisis. Manufactured or real, it gets our attention and sets us on a task to determine what must be done to make it stop. But let’s look at what is really happening before we follow the growing lament of this supposed catastrophe.

Currently, we are at an historic point of having two generations alive and retired at the same time. In times past, one generation retired, passed along their worldly possessions and died while the next was still in their prime of life. This life-cycle worked okay up to and including the Greatest Generation. At the time, there wasn’t that much to pass along and there was a practical reuse aspect that was appealing. The Post-WWII period, with its rampant consumerism, national optimism, innovations, and the advent of the suburban home, fostered the accumulation of things in quantities never before seen and we had larger
places to store it all. However, the fact that the next generations are realizing that there isn’t an
actual purpose or need to having all of these things, and that a good life is more than the gathering of stuff, might be seen as a necessary reversal of a bad trend that really has not served us well on many levels. It may, in fact, be more of a natural correction to excess than a blatant disregard for family history.

However, besides the fact that it isn’t an all bad situation, saying the next generation doesn’t want your stuff is itself a misleading idea. It also hits a strong emotional trigger for most of us. As humans we like the idea of being remembered. We see the items we collect as points on a timeline that demonstrate our existence and, we hope, helps later generations recall this fact. The error we make is in determining what items will tell that story. Everyone imbues items with memories – but seldom do we select the same items to hold those recollections. I may get misty-eyed when I see a particular dish, or memories of grandma may reside in a wooden spoon or apron. Others who were present in the same time and space might place their memories into different items. As older adults, we mistakenly assume we know – from all we have amassed – what things will tell the next generation about our place in history. The better route is to talk about family history with younger generations and understand what items mean the most to them, then, help ensure they obtain those items – if indeed they want them. The stories on their own just may be enough.

Learning more about correcting the MYTH About Your Kids and Your Family History. Finally, if you want to successfully give, or leave, something for someone, it is imperative that you share the story associated with a particular item. A piece of jewelry, a painting, or that HUGE armoire that hasn’t moved from its spot in 30 years, all have a story embedded into it, which is why you want to pass it on. Don’t expect others to have that same deep feeling for that item if you don’t bother telling them why it matters to you – you are part of its story.

As mentioned above, just taking things because your family has left them for you is no longer practical – and perhaps never was. Why not help your family make decisions they won’t regret later and tell them why things are important to you? While it won’t guarantee they’ll take it, you may discover that the item isn’t as important as the memory and can agree to let it go. Regardless of what happens to that 24-piece formal china set with accompanying cut-glass goblets, you will have captured your family history and successfully marked your place in it for generations to come.

Dealing with family history items can be confusing and stressful. We are here to help. Reach out to us if you need assistance or have questions.
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A Stately Mansion Turned Hospital During the Civil War

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A Stately Mansion Turned Hospital During the Civil War
By John F. Cummings III

Brompton, the former Mayre Mansion is a stately mansion turned hospital during the Civil War. It stands atop the western heights that overlook the old city of Fredericksburg. Along these heights, extending into a five-mile front, Confederate force dominated the scene, despite going against a Union force nearly twice its size on December 13, 1862. Roughly 17,000 casualties would come out of this battle. In the aftermath, facilities to treat the wounded of both sides was badly needed. Brompton became a hospital for the Confederates who would continue to hold this ground. In May 1863, Confederates once again held the heights temporarily, during the Chancellorsville Campaign. One year later, Union forces would occupy and utilize Fredericksburg as a vast hospital center during the first weeks of the Overland Campaign. The wounded were transported some fifteen miles from the Wilderness battlefield, west of town, and ten miles from Spotsylvania’s fighting ground to the southwest. The following images illustrate Brompton’s use as a Union hospital in May 1864.

The Mayre mansion survives today as a stately mansion turned hospital during the Civil War. Although bearing visible scars of battle on its walls, it serves as the private residence of the president of the University of Mary Washington, which shares the heights as its campus. Not open to the general public, the house and grounds are occasionally made available for tours and academic study. The University of Mary Washington has one of the finest Historic Preservation departments in the United States, and many of its graduates have gone on to exceptional careers with the National Park Service, and other fine institutions.

A Stately Mansion Turned Hospital During the Civil War
Wounded Union soldiers recuperate under a giant oak near the house. This remarkable tree has survived over a century and a half since the taking of this image credited to Mathew Brady and Company. These soldiers were injured during the fighting around Spotsylvania in May 1864.

A Stately Mansion Turned Hospital During the Civil War
Photographer James Gardner’s view of the home’s front porch shows treated soldiers recovering from their wounds. Former Confederate rifle pits cut across the lawn in the foreground, a reminder of the battles fought on this ground December 1862, and May 1863. A large pediment was added to the façade of the home in postwar years, but a precise date is unknown.

A Stately Mansion Turned Hospital During the Civil War
In April 1866, a Union surgeon, Dr. Reed Brockway Bontecou, brought a photographic entourage with him a year after the war’s end, to tour and document the battlefields around Fredericksburg. Bontecou was the chief surgeon at Harewood Hospital near Washington, D.C. This view shows the many pockmarks left by bullets and artillery shell fragments in the December 1862 battle.

A Stately Mansion Turned Hospital During the Civil War
Another James Gardner photograph shows soldiers seeking shade as they recover on the north lawn of the Maryre property. Rooms on either end of the main entrance hall served as operating theaters where men with wounded limbs often faced amputation. Removed limbs were often put out an open window where they collected in a pile for later removal. The open window, at left of center, is in one of the rooms used for surgery. In recent years, it has been used as a music room for the University president’s family.

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 for the former Friends of the Fredericksburg Area Battlefields, (FoFAB).

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

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

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National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is June. Alzheimer’s disease is devastating – not only for the more than 5.7 million Americans living with the disease, but also for the more than 16 million family and friends serving as caregivers. The caregiving needs for someone living with Alzheimer’s are extensive and increase over time – on average four-eight years following a diagnosis. Many family caregivers juggle competing priorities including work and other family responsibilities. These caregivers are stretched thin. Many are overwhelmed. Most
could use help.

Here in Virginia, there are 465,000 family caregivers. During November – National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month – the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes and honors Alzheimer’s caregivers and asks all greater Fredericksburg residents to reach out and lend a hand.

Take time to support a caregiver you know. Run errands, help with a household chore, give caregivers a break by spending time with the person with dementia, and educate yourself about the disease – the more you know, the easier it will be to help. Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more and how to get involved. These small gestures can make a big difference and offer well-deserved support to those who give so much.

Free 24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900 | alzorg/care

National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Know the Ten Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease

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Know the Ten Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease
Know the Ten Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease. One of the most common myths surrounding Alzheimer’s disease today is the belief that it is a normal part of aging. But Alzheimer’s is more than memory loss — it’s a progressive and fatal disease that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain, affecting an individual’s ability to remember, think, plan and, ultimately, function. “Dementia” is an umbrella term used to describe changes in a person’s memory, thinking and behavior. There are many possible causes of dementia, but 60 to 80 percent of all dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a list of 10 warning signs to help people understand the difference between normal aging and common signs of possible dementia. These signs are:

  1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life, such as forgetting recently learned information.
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems, e.g., trouble keeping track of monthly bills.
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks, such as driving to a familiar location or organizing a grocery list.
  4. Confusion with time or place. A person living with dementia may sometimes forget where they are and how they got there.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. The person may have problems judging distance and determining color or contrast, causing issues with driving.
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing; forgetting names or calling everyday objects by the wrong name.
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. Most people misplace things now and then, but someone living with Alzheimer’s may put their keys in unusual places and, even after finding them, have no idea how they got there.
  8. Decreased or poor judgment, such as when dealing with money.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities, even hobbies that used to bring joy.
  10. Changes in mood and personality. A person may become easily upset when out of their comfort zone.

This list is intended to be a tool to help identify unusual changes in a person’s memory, thinking or behavior — it’s important to note that this list does not constitutes a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you have questions or need more information, contact 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org.

ABOUT THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION GREATER RICHMOND CHAPTER
The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Richmond Chapter was established in 1981. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through the promotion of brain health. In Virginia, 140,000 individuals live with Alzheimer’s, including 26,000 in the 24 counties and 5 cities served by the Greater Richmond Chapter. The chapter serves persons with any dementia disease, not just individuals with Alzheimer’s, and one hundred percent of our programs and services are offered free of charge. Last year, the Greater Richmond Chapter assisted more than 6,000 neighbors and answered over 2,100 Helpline calls from individuals seeking information and resources, wanting tips for caregiving, or those just needing someone to listen.

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