This historic estate was the final residence of Gari Melchers, an obscure, but decorated, naturalist painter who enjoyed his heyday in the late 19th and early 20th century. This estate, overlooking the Rappahannock River in Falmouth, today hosts a museum covering the history of the estate and displays a gallery of paintings. The property also hosts walking paths.
Gravatt Entertainment books talent for all kinds of events. The local agency provides bands, comics and visual artists for balls and galas, birthdays and bachelor parties,concerts, festivals and corporate events. The office is in the Canal Office Suites, which you can find on the back side of the big Quarles building off of Fall Hill Avenue.
Need a good Halloween costume? How about some props for a production? Fantasy has you covered. This deceptively expansive shop, located near the intersection of Routes 1 and 17, offers a large selection of theatrical make-up, costumes, and accessories. Many costumes may be rented or purchased.
Tanya M. Richey Studio Gallery is a local gallery showcasing the work of Mrs. Richey, whose favorite subjects include scenes of Fredericksburg, whimsical paintings, garden journalings and images of China. In addition to showing and selling art pieces, the gallery holds classes for students interested in learning methods in a variety of mediums. Mrs. Richey can also be contracted for commission work; she designs and sends note cards, original gift items and provides artist consultations.
Valor Art and Frame is so much more than your typical art store. Valor is the type of place that is unique to Fredericksburg. It specializes in Civil War memorabilia from books, bullets, relics, reproduction flags and artifacts. Valor also has a large selection of military miniatures and prints. Custom framing is available here as well.
Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge No. 4 is located in historic downtown on Princess Anne Street. This is one of the most historic lodges dating back to 1816, with recorded members since 1752. "Freemasonry is the oldest fraternal organzition in the world today" and this lodge is considered the "mother lodge of George Washington". Check out the website for monthly meetings and outings.
Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts is an all-volunteer based and a non-profit organization designed to enrich the Fredericksburg community. It supports the arts through trips, classes, special events and programs. Art galleries feature local and national artists. Based out of the historic Silversmith House, this adds another layer of Fredericksburg history and culture to the center.
The Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center provides information relating the battle of Fredericksburg. It is situated at the base of Maryes Heights, a site of bloody and fruitless charges against entrenched Confederate troops along the Sunken Road. Inside the Visitor Center you will find a small host of exhibits on the battle, and the impact of the war on the surrounding community. The visitor center also screens a short film about the battle throughout the day.
Frame Designs, located on College Avenue, is nestled away in a quaint coral and blue house you can't miss. This custom-frame shop and art gallery houses everything from photo albums, shadow boxes, small and large frames, to art supplies and well-known pieces of art. Stop in to get your next masterpiece custom-framed or to check out the work on display.
The Rising Sun Tavern was originally built in the mid-1700s and became a bustling tavern in the late 1700s. Its original owner was Charles Washington, George Washington's brother. These days, the building serves as an interpretation of what a colonial tavern looked like back in the 18th century. Visitors can mingle with "tavern wenches" to a backdrop of colonial antiques, all while learning more about the history of Fredericksburg.
This small museum houses and interprets a collection of historical documents and archives on James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. Visitors to the museum, for a small fee, can tour exhibits relating to the life and impact of James Monroe. This museum is built upon the site where James Monroe maintained a law office between the years of 1786 and 1789.
This 18th-century building provides a living representation of colonial medicinal and herbal practices. The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop has a selection of the creatures and remedies needed to overcome illnesses in the 1700s, including leeches and crab claws. Visitors may also explore the herb garden in back.
The Shannon's Bar & Grille menu is composed of traditional American fare. Guests can sample a variety of dishes from surf and turf, each prepared with regional influence. Its breakfast menu offers such favorites as waffles, pancakes, french toast and Virginia sugar cured ham. This restaurant is located within the Fredericksburg Hospitality House hotel and conference center on Plank Road.