Stafford’s Staycation Destination
Spend three days taking in your home in Stafford, Virginia.
Day One
Stretch your legs and take in America’s Historic Stone Quarry, the source of the Aquia stone used in Colonial times, and to build the US Capitol and the White House, among other structures. Government Island is 17 acres of natural wildlife preserve with a 1.5-mile boardwalk and trail and interpretive signs revealing Native American through early 19th-century area history. Nearby is the Valley Forge of the Union Army at the Stafford Civil War Park with miles of walking and hiking trails past cannons, campsites, and Civil War fortifications. Both attractions are free!
Tucked near the Widewater area, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery is your destination for bistro dining and sampling award-winning wines in a beautiful Mediterranean-styled villa with a courtyard. Reservations are currently required and can be made on their website.
Check into your lodging for the evening at exit 133, an excellent central point for your adventure. Choose from two newly remodeled, modern properties:
Mention your plans to attend a show at nearby Riverside Center for the Performing Arts for a discount on your booking!
Day Two
Rested and ready for more fun? After breakfast at the hotel, head over to Impressionist Gari Melchers Home and Studio and prepare to be swept away to another time. Enjoy one of the nation’s few artist studios open to tour, visit Belmont, the elegant 18th century home, and learn of a love story for the ages, stroll the manicured gardens with expansive views and walk the woodland trails down to the lovely Rappahannock River. Give yourself time to enjoy it all! Just below Belmont is historic Falmouth, with a visit to the charming Amy’s Cafe to meet your needs for snacks, drinks, or lunch. Falmouth beach is just a few more steps from their deck, with a view of Fredericksburg across the Rappahannock River.
A show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts is a centerpiece of any visit to the area. A live professional musical production done safely provides the best in entertainment. Riverside was named 2019 Theater of the Year by Broadway World! Dinner is available for purchase before the Broadway quality show, a memorable way to cap off your day. Reservations are required and can be made on their website.
Day Three
Is it Sunday? Then brunch at 6 Bears & a Goat Brewing Company is what’s on tap! Veteran-owned and a local favorite, 6B&G prides itself on a simply better brew and restaurant. Bring your discs to play their putting disc golf course. Stafford’s treasures have just begun to be revealed in the last two days, but if you must get home today, there is only one more choice to make: Chatham Manor or Ferry Farm?
The mid-1700s plantation Chatham Manor overlooks Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock River and was the source of the Civil War Union bombardment. The house tour and gardens encompass much of the history of the area and are a favorite destination of photographers. George Washington’s Ferry Farm will fill in everything you didn’t know about growing up in the early 1700s.