(Fredericksburg, Va., February 19, 2009) – With warm weather on the horizon, it’s time to pack away the winter coats and snow shovels, and head outdoors to experience springtime treasures. Experience outdoor adventure, historical commemorations and springtime holiday traditions in the Fredericksburg area. Delight in Irish culture during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Feel the warm breeze as you enjoy a day on the water. Honor the heroes of the Civil War amid the glow of flickering candles. The following story ideas are centered around the Fredericksburg area’s spring events and travel options. To plan your travel now, visit www.visitfred.com. For more information or to request a press visit, please contact Mary Douglas at mdouglas@boomyourbrand.com.
Experience the Great Outdoors in Fredericksburg area parks and waterfront areas: Head out to Lake Anna State Park and enjoy a day of boating, fishing and picnicking. Boasting more than 2,000 acres and 8 ½ miles of lakefront, Lake Anna State Park greets visitors with hiking trails, swimming areas and a boat launch. Lake Curtis, located in Stafford County, has an ample population of largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish to lure anglers in for a day of fishing. Perhaps the largest attraction in the area, the Rappahannock River also offers plenty of opportunities for enjoying Mother Nature – fishing, canoeing, nature trails and hiking.
Step into Springtime Celebrations:Celebrate spring with a variety of holiday celebrations. Don your green attire and test your luck o’ the Irish during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations held throughout the area. Blue & Grey Brewing Co.’s 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade promises fire trucks, classic cars, marching bands and Irish dancers. After the parade, enjoy authentic Irish cuisine and sink your teeth into corned beef, cabbage and potatoes. Indulge in an Easter brunch at Potomac Point Winery and embark on a traditional Easter egg hunt.
Honor the Fallen Soldiers of the Civil War: This spring marks the 145th anniversaries of the Battles of Wilderness and Spotsylvania, two of the most notable conflicts in Fredericksburg’s Civil War history. Marking the first clash of the Civil War’s most famous generals – Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee – the Battle of Wilderness claimed more than 30,000 men. Shortly thereafter, the Union and Confederate armies continued battle at the Spotsylvania Courthouse. Visitors are invited to join the National Park Service in a weekend-long commemoration of the event. On Memorial Day weekend, the Fredericksburg National Cemetery will hold the annual Luminaria, when local boy and girl scout troops will light more than 15,000 candles, one for each American soldier buried at the cemetery.
Experience the Beauty of Fredericksburg Area Gardens: The brilliant colors of crocuses, magnolias, roses and tulips are a springtime staple in the Fredericksburg area. The area boasts magnificent gardens located at a number of popular historical attractions, including Kenmore, Belmont, Ferry Farm and Chatham. A participant in Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, Fredericksburg will welcome visitors to tour the gardens of Westmont, a charming private neighborhood tucked away in downtown Fredericksburg.
The Fredericksburg Area, which includes the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania and Stafford, is a classic blend of modern life with small town charm. The area is conveniently located along I-95, between Washington and Richmond and is unlike any other in America. The city of Fredericksburg features a variety of chef-owned restaurants, numerous art galleries, a wide range of specialty shops, and one of America’s most authentic, historic downtowns. Stafford is host to George Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm and Belmont, the residence of famous artist Gari Melchers. Spotsylvania is not only the site of 4,400 acres of Civil War battlefields; it is also boasts the beautiful Lake Anna Winery. The Fredericksburg Area rests on the banks of the picturesque, pristine Rappahannock River. For more information, visit www.VisitFred.com.
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