Day Tripping - DC Metro
Fredericksburg, Virginia
                                 
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Fredericksburg
Items of Interest: Antiques, Restaurants
Home Decoration, Historical Sites
(Located halfway between the two
Civil War capitals of Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Va.,
Off Interstate 95)


To quote from the town's web site - "The Fredericksburg Area offers an ideal blend of past and present."

Fredericksburg is a city with a split personality - it is the sprawl that defines it along Routes 1 and 3 and it is the small historic town defined by the blocks near Caroline Street on the Rappahannock River.

If you're into "Big Box" America, head to the Rt. 1/Route 3 area, but if you want to return for a day to the charm of small town America, go to the historic district off of Caroline Street.

There are many antique shops here, and they really vary in variety and quality. Most of them are sources of collectibles rather than "true" antiques (if collectibles are what you want - hog heaven!).

The "most authentic" (in our opinion, of course) antique shop is Beck's Antiques on the south end of Caroline Street, near the Visitor's Center.

At Beck's (owned and operated by a recent mayor of Fredericksburg), you will find quality, period antiques and a walled showcase of interesting silver, porcelains, and small art works.


On an earlier visit (July, 2004), Beck's had several Sampson porcelain pieces, including a small Chinese Export styled tea caddy (made by Sampson) and a wonderful period Empire classical-style sofa. Book collectors, especially those who collect history texts and Virginiana, will delight in the collection here.


During our most recent visit (November 7, 2004), we succumbed to the lure of another Sampson piece (to add to Tom's fairly extensive collection) - the tea caddy - and made the purchase we didn't make in July. And this was not the first purchase we've made at Beck's. Each time, there was complete satisfaction with the quality of the merchandise and the service. For a look at a portion of Tom's Sampson porcelain collection, please Click Here.

Another shop worth checking out is the Pavilion, a good source of home decorations, furnishings, cards, and "whimsical" items.

It's very difficult, if not impossible, to leave Pavilion without making a purchase.

On this trip,we found great chutney, olives, a tea towell (for a gift), and a Mottahedah porcelain serving bowl. Owner Ann Smith and clerk Pamela Edwards made us feel welcome and assured that we will return.

Walking along Caroline Street and its cross streets, you will find shops specializing in Civil War art, Irish goods, Virginia items, books, and many other specialty interests.

Stop at Goolrick's Drug Store (see photo at top of page) for a real, nostalgic drug store experience.

Click on Photo for More Images
Pavilion Shop & Garden Center
(Click Here for (Interior Photos)



Lunch Outside at Sammy T's on November 7, 2004
Lunch Outside at Sammy T's
On a Gorgeous November Day
(Photo by Ron Patterson)
Sammy T's Restaurant
801 Caroline Street

For a taste treat, have lunch at Sammy T's Restaurant, where the menu items never fail to please.

While at Sammy T's, try their vegetarian chili and the Bean & Grain Burger (a mixture of chick peas, rice, onions and seasonings, grilled and served on a multi-grain roll with lettuce, tomato), my (Ron) personal favorite.

Their soups, sandwiches and entrees leave you satisfied - also select from a super variety of beers.

Hints - the onion rings are superb and menu servings are generous.

Our Rating (Five Chefs is Highest)



Fredericksburg is said to contain more authentic 18th Century buildings than Colonial Williamsburg. Many are open to the public.

As time allows, visit St. James House (open during Virginia Garden Week and again in September), Kenmore (the Lewis family plantation), Mary Washington House (the mother of George), the Apothecary Shop, Rising Sun Tavern, and Ferry Farm (another G. Washington connection).

There is also a whale of a lot of civil war history here with fine battlefield tours. Check out the "Tourism" link below.



Greyhound Owners Treat their Rescued Dogs with Ice Cream in Downtown Fredericksburg - Click on  Photo for Larger Image
Greyhound Owners Treat
Their Pets with Ice Cream.
Owners Rescued These Beautiful Dogs
Click Here for Rescue Information
(Photo by Ron Patterson
Downtown Fredericksburg - November 7, 2004)

Click Here for Larger Image



Fredericksburg Area Tourism
Fredericksburg's best guide to local history
And surrounding Fredericksburg area attractions.