(Fredericksburg, Va., April 8, 2009) – In today’s tough economy, experiencing the Fredericksburg area’s age-old treasures has just become even more friendly on the wallet. From April through July, travelers who present a valid D.C. Metro Card will receive a 50% discount off the purchase of a Timeless Ticket, your guide to the Fredericksburg area’s finest historic landmarks, offering one-time admission to many of the area’s attractions.

Many more travelers are taking advantage of close-to-home destinations and enjoying a great vacation right in their own back yards. For Washington D.C. area residents, the Fredericksburg area is an ideal day-trip or weekend destination, with great value and exciting attractions located just 50 miles south of the nation’s capital. The incredibly discounted Timeless Ticket is now only $16 for adults and $5 for students (ages 6 – 18). Children age five and under are admitted free. One child is included free with each adult ticket. Normally, the pass sells for $32 for adults and $10 for students.

The best part is, the Timeless Ticket never expires. For those who don’t have a chance to see all the attractions in one visit, the Timeless Ticket is still valid for future visits.

The Timeless Ticket includes admission to the following historical sites:

Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center

Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop in Fredericksburg

Rising Sun Tavern in Fredericksburg

Mary Washington House in Fredericksburg

James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library in Fredericksburg

Historic Kenmore in Fredericksburg

George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm

Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont in Stafford County

The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, with locations in all three jurisdictions

“Our region boasts a fascinating living history – from the early roots of our nation’s leaders to the raging conflicts of the Civil War,” Karen Hedelt, manager of tourism development for the Fredericksburg Tourism Partnership said. “By offering a discounted Timeless Ticket, our regional visitors can enjoy a more cost-effective visit to these historical attractions and experience first-hand the stories of our region’s past.”

The tickets will be sold exclusively at the downtown Fredericksburg Visitor Center, the Stafford Visitor Center at Belmont, and both Spotsylvania Visitor Centers, at Massaponax and Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Visitors can also call 1-800-654-4118 for ticket information. Without the Timeless Ticket, separate admission fees would total $52 in adult admission fees if paid separately.

Also scheduled for spring is Celebrate Virginia Live, a concert series that will present nationally renowned performers in the genres of rock, jazz, country, alternative and more. Performances will be held Friday evenings in the Celebrate Virginia development area of Fredericksburg. Proceeds from the concert series will benefit Connor’s Heroes Foundation, aimed to cure childhood cancer.

The Timeless Ticket was introduced by the Fredericksburg Museums Council, a consortium of area museum professionals cooperating to improve programming and increase visitation to area cultural institutions. The Timeless Ticket theme is derived from the “Timeless” branding used by the Greater Fredericksburg Tourism Partnership. For more information, call 1-800-654-4118 or visit www.visitfred.com.

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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