What a fantastic day! I made a new friend, learned about our new community and clocked 6 miles…read more Not bad for a Sunday usually spent on the couch watching football. We clocked more than 3 miles walking the Rappahannock towpath greeted dozens of fur babies and fellow walkers, enjoyed fresh air, saw lots of beautiful birds and each made a new friend.

I'm down here in Fredericksburg for some work training and my hotel is basically at the start of…read morethe trail that takes you down the Canal Path. I decided that after a long, crappy day that I'd take a walk and I started down the path. From where I started down the path to my turnaround point (30 minutes) it was almost all down hill. You know what that means, right? By the time I made it back to my hotel this guy KNEW he needed to lose about 70 pounds before he tried this again! It was actually quite a beautiful walk, but it kicked my butt.

Chatham Manor is the kind of place that makes you slow your steps without realizing it--because it…read morefeels important. Built in the 1760s, this isn't just a historic home; it's a front-row seat to centuries of American history layered in one breathtaking setting. From its elegant Georgian architecture to the sweeping view of the Rappahannock River, everything about Chatham feels intentional, enduring, and quietly powerful. During the Civil War, this estate became Union headquarters after Fredericksburg and was transformed into one of the largest field hospitals of the war. Standing on the lawn, it's impossible not to imagine rows of tents and wounded soldiers stretching toward the river. Inside the house, history echoes--Clara Barton moved through these rooms tending the injured, Dr. Mary Walker broke barriers here with her fearless medical service, and Walt Whitman visited, absorbing the human cost of war that would later shape his writing. Few places can claim that kind of convergence of compassion, intellect, and resolve. What makes Chatham extraordinary is how alive it feels. This isn't a rope-and-glass museum experience. It's immersive, thoughtful, and deeply moving without being heavy-handed. The house, the grounds, the views--everything works together to remind you that pivotal moments didn't happen in textbooks; they happened in real rooms, with real people, making impossible decisions. Chatham Manor is beautiful, haunting, and awe-inspiring in the truest sense. If you love history that gives you goosebumps and leaves you thinking long after you leave, this place deserves a spot at the top of your list.

This is one of my favorite "hidden gems" in Fredericksburg. It's part of Fredericksburg National…read moreBattlefield Park and there is an informative display and film inside the manor house if you're interested in the history of the property. The standouts for me though are the gorgeous formal gardens and the amazing views across the river to historic old town Fredericksburg. There is no bad time to visit but early spring for cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips and dogwoods and late spring for Iris and peonies (and the early roses) are my favorite times to visit. Parking is free, the gardens are free and the museum is a suggested donation.

This park is one of those that has the look of a private property repossessed by the state. There…read morewere some ruins of old buildings, and the roads are a bit dodgy, but one thing that was looking spiffy was the entrance gate they've built in order to start charging a fee. It was still free when I stopped in, and I'd prefer it stay that way, particularly until they add some amenities (if they're going to do that). The result for those who stop in is something that can genuinely be called a beach, as well as various trails. It's a quiet section of river, good for taking a dip, and I am glad that it is open to the public.

My husband & I stumbled upon this park when looking for things to do in Fredericksburg. We will be…read morerelocating in the coming months & wanted to get to know the area! The park is pretty big. There are a ton of trails, picnic tables, playgrounds for the kiddos, & a stream that runs all the way through the park. It's a great spot to take family photos and to enjoy one with nature! We love taking our dogs & letting them play in the stream. We have only gone to the park during the fall/winter time, so I can only assume how busy it is in the summer. The trails are dog friendly & we always stumble upon a new trail when visiting (who wants to do the same trail over & over again? Not me!). If you bring the doggies, make sure to also pack a towel & some water. There is no dedicated water station for them. I can't recall if there are poop stations along the trails, so bring those too! I also recommend calling the park ahead of time to see if they are open. There are times after a heavy rainfall that the stream is too high to cross with a vehicle. In this case, you'll have to park on the outside of the park. Another big thing is you have to drive pass an apartment complex (kinda weird I know) in order to enter the park. Don't be alarmed though! You will definitely see the park entrance if you keep going. I give this park a 5 star because it never disappoints. There is always something to do & my fur babies love it. I will definitely be back & can't wait to check it out in the summer! If you are in the Fredericksburg area, go to Alum Spring Park & enjoy the beautiful nature views!

Great park and playground for kids. Beautiful streams and walking trails. Definite must visit in…read moreFredericksburg.

If you're into history, hiking the trail around Government Island is an interesting one. It's the…read moresite of a colonial-era quarry that the federal government later bought to use the stone to help build the U.S. Capitol and The White House. After driving 45 minutes from Southeast D.C. on a January Saturday, here's my experience. 1) Parking: There's a medium-sized gravel parking lot with empty spots often. On the edge of the lot is a porta potty. Near the trail head are signs talking about the area's history and directions on which path to follow. 2) Trail: The path leads to a boardwalk where people sometimes fish. Follow the boardwalk across the water to the island. Here, the trail wraps around the small island with a constant view of the water and its wildlife, including herons. 3) Markers: The trail is well marked with signs that talk about the quarry's history, how the stone was transported to D.C., etc. You can see the foundation of the old quarry and a historic marker.

Such a lovely trail to get some fresh air! Came here with my family + 2 pups. There are two parking…read morelots, one side for Aquila Harbour residents and the other side...not quite sure how people access actually. Small parking lot for a somewhat secluded trail. Dirt trail with a bridge to connect to the only side. My favorite thing is all the history you can stop and read throughout. Did you know George Washington was raised in Stafford county?! Great view of the inlet and there's even a few benches if you ever want to sit and rest. Trashcan & doggie poop bags at the entrance. Unsure how long it actually is (we've tried twice & got too tired to make it all the way to the "end"). Nice tree shade and bugs weren't a bother. AED located at halfway mark of the bridge.

Highly recommend lake Anna state park. 8 was thoroughly impressed by the staff that help direct you…read moreto cabins. The park,cabins, bathrooms, and beach are all kept in superb condition. The staff are working tirelessly throughout the day making sure everyone is safe and the ground kept clean. My only downside was the website is not user friendly at all! They could definitely use and upgrade. Otherwise highly recommend if you're looking for a weekend getaway in a cabin or campground.

This review is specifically about the Lake Anna State Park, not about the lake itself…read more We are regulars at this park, but were disappointed with our visit today. It's still the same beautiful park, with nice hiking trails, a public beach ($), fishing, picnic tables, etc. However, today's visit was FAR short of being a relaxing day in nature. We arrived by boat around 9:15 am on a Saturday morning. *There is a lot of ongoing vegetation restoration so many areas near the water that previously had been available for park goers are currently blocked off. *Even by 9:15 am, all of the picnic tables were taken by what appeared to be large groups. Some of those groups were BLARING music -- that we could still hear from the lakeside hiking trails. The swimming area was also PACKED with people. *Also, while the park is usually kept very clean, there were areas where some trash had accumulated. (For instance, there were 3 extra large, empty plastic bottles in the covered structure by the pond near the boat docks). *Finally, there were many (20?) park goers using the area near the boat docks for non-boating activities, making it potentially dangerous as boats and jet skis were coming in and out. There were people swimming in this area, while at the same time some Jet Skiers were teaching beginners how to ride. There was also a man teaching his two toddlers how to fish while sitting on the edge of the docks. Another group was sitting on the edge throwing sticks to their dog that was in the water. We will, of course, return to this state park, but will more likely visit on a weekday.

I called park police to report a tree down I was treated like I had done something wrong the tree…read morewas across the road branches everywhere my truck hi t a branch that was not visible on right side of road the female officer treated me like a criminal the male officer gave me a ridiculous ticket that I will be fighting in court I drive for a living and have 5 good points now this ticket could put my job I n jepordy my advice never call park police for help

Not a restaurant but a historic overlook of Fredericksburg from Robert E. Lee's command post…read moreduring the battle. Well worth seeing particularly in the fall when the leaves are down. Too many trees but you get the feel how Lee could just about see a good portion of both ends of the fields.. But I also used a quiet day in the winter to propose to my wife on this semi remote location after a hike to the top.

Cute little park by a pond. They have a children's play area and baseball field. Great place to…read morefish too!

Small park on a quiet road. There is plenty of parking. One picnic shelter is in front of main…read moreparking area. Behind are woods and to the far left a pond. This pond has a beaver dam in the middle! There is one sports field. There is a building with bathrooms.