Why I Love Fredericksburg, VA?

I think I found the perfect place to live!  I know what you’re thinking, “You live in Fredericksburg, there’s nothing perfect about Fredericksburg.” I know, I know, I grew up in Fairfax and used to think the same thing.  When I decided to go to Mary Washington College, I really thought I was heading to the “country”, and there wasn’t going to be anything to do.

That brings me to the first great thing about Fredericksburg (FXBG): the University of Mary Washington is outstanding and right in our backyard.  Have you walked down the main campus walk?  If not, you need to! It is beautiful with amazing architecture, and it is just refreshing to see all of the optimistic students with their bright futures ahead of them.  Mary Wash provided me with an excellent education, and I met my amazing wife. I definitely won the college lottery with her!

FXBG is also truly the perfect location. We are sandwiched in between our state capital, Richmond, and our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. You are only an hour or so from both (depending on traffic!). They each provide endless amounts of entertainment. We are two and half hours from Virginia Beach and just a couple of hours from the mountains.  I feel you can take a day trip (or weekend if you’re lucky) to do just about anything you want.

I’m not really a history buff, but if you are then you already know that FXBG is one of the most historic locations in our country.  I am actually really excited about relearning all of Virginia’s history through the eyes of my daughters as we take them on “field trips” to all of the places they are learning about in school.  Here is a quick guide to FXBG’s history.

While you are on your “field trips” with your kids or future kids, you should take advantage of some of the great local parks and farms in FXBG area.  A few musts are Alum Spring Park, Loriella Park, Pratt Park, Miller Farms, and Braehead Farm. The list goes on and on and you can check out some of my other favorites here.

FXBG is also becoming a great stop for anyone looking for craft beers.  Here is a list of some of the best breweries for you to check out.  I would also check out the Fredericksburg Brew Exchange to fill up your growler with your favorite beer or cider.  There are also a bunch of great wineries in the area.  My favorite right now is Wilderness Run Vineyards, they have great free events with a variety of live music.

After all the beer and wine you are for sure going to be hungry!  FXBG has a bunch of great places to eat.  You will definitely be satisfied with anything you get from Foode, owned by Top Chef’s Joy Crump.  If you are looking for some variety, check out our favorite Downtown restaurant, Bangkok Cafe.  El Pino is your go-to stop for Mexican, great prices and great food.  You also can’t leave FXBG without trying the up and coming Sprelly, providing you with gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  No matter where you choose to eat, you have to end the night at the famous Carl’s for amazing old-fashioned frozen custard.

These are just a few of the reasons why I love living in Fredericksburg and I think you will love it too!  What are some of your favorite things about FXBG?

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Jay Parrish | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Elite
Cell: (540) 735-5564 | www.movetofred.com | jay.parrish@movetofred.com