Location: Spotsylvania
Top Things to do in Spotsylvania
- 1. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
- 2. Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
- 3. Lake Anna State Park
- 4. Dominion Speedway
- 5. The Rising Sun Tavern
- 6. Lake Anna Winery
- 7. Battlefield Fredericksburg
- 8. Wilderness Run Vineyards
- 9. Mattaponi Winery
- 10. Fredericksburg Visitor Center
10 Things to Do in Spotsylvania That You Shouldn't Miss
Spotsylvania Courthouse is a census-designated place (CDP) and the county seat of Spotsylvania County, Virginia, located ten miles (16 km) southwest of Fredericksburg. Recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau as a census designated place (CDP), the population was 4,239 at the 2010 census.
Restaurants in Spotsylvania
1. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 440 reviews
Reviewed By Alan S - Raleigh, United States
We drove through the park and read the numerous informative plaques along the way to learn about the battles that were fought. We were very impressed by the Civil War soldiers, the challenges they faced, and either overcame or succumbed to. It is a humbling history lesson and makes me appreciate all that our military do to serve our great country-past and present. United we stand!
2. Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Gari Melchers was an American artist who lived and painted at Belmont from 1916 until his death in 1932. Born in Detroit in 1860, Gari Melchers was a world famous portraitist and impressionist painter. He was headquartered in Paris, Holland, and Germany until World War I when he opened his studio in New York City and established his country home in Falmouth.In 1955, his widow, Corinne Melchers, donated the 27-acre Belmont property to the Commonwealth of Virginia to preserve and operate as an art museum and historic site. Her generous gift included the 1790s house, the artist's studio and contents, their personal furnishings, and more than 500 of Gari Melchers' paintings, the largest collection anywhere. Designated a Virginia and National Historic Landmark in 1966, Gari Melchers Home and Studio is administered by the University of Mary Washington. The buildings, gardens, and woodland trails are open to the public year round.Gari Melchers Home and Studio is one of just 30 of America's most significant artists' spaces included in the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Historic Artists' Homes and Studios consortium.Gari Melchers Home and Studio is home to the official Stafford County Visitor Center.
Reviewed By Heather F - Westford, Massachusetts
Amazing that one of the worlds most premier artist of his time, with a studio in NYC, ended up with a country house just across the river from Fredericksburg. Interesting house and gardens with trails in the woods. Amazing that the melchers left their property...MoreThanks so much for taking the time to write a review about your recent visit. We hope you return again soon!
3. Lake Anna State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 112 reviews
Lake Anna offers boating, fishing, hiking, and just all-around fun.
Reviewed By suzielocust - virginia
We are regulars there, we don't live far and we camp in our rv there regularly.The campgrounds are fine, big and spacious, large spaces, clean camp bathrooms but......
The beach area,OMG!!!! It's chaos.Hammocks everywhere,loud music everywhere,kids swimming everywhere,and I mean everywhere.The Fourth of July we actually had to walk off the sidewalk as people had their grills set up ON THE WALKWAYS.We launched our kayaks from the kayak area,3 guys with
fishing lines had to reel them in so we could we launch the kayaks.Enother camper said he had trouble getting his small inflatable boat in to shore due to the amt of kids swimming from the shores.The parking lots do fill up.When we came back from kayaking, we came to the larger paved boat ramp, looked funny but wasn't gonna fight my way through fishing lines again.Thety have a 3rd boat dock, wooden where theoretically you could come in,tie up your boat. There are kids swimming there too. I applauded the lady who screamed " clear the dock we are coming in" to a bunch of kids as she brought in her pontoon boat.The kids to their credit did scatter.Im sure sooner or later there's gonna be a horrible accident where a boat injures a kid not swimming in the designated swimming area. Anyway back to facts. I love the lake, it's a very busy lake, lots of power boats on weekends, lots of places to eat.The trails are nice.grounds nice, there are ranger programs ,very nice. We love the staff but......its just chaos on summer weekends.
R
4. Dominion Speedway
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Carl C
I have been a part of both the oval track and road course racing. The entire facility is brand-new and very well done. These tracks are extremely challenging, but fun to drive.
The staff is friendly, the facility is clean, the food is good.
If you are looking for a good place to race or someone who just likes to watch, this facility is a worth a visit.
5. The Rising Sun Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
While not serving food or drink since 1827, the Rising Sun Tavern Museum provides a lively interpretation of late 18th-century Tavern life. Charles Washington, George Washington's youngest brother, built this landmark in the 1760's as his private residence. After being sold outside the Washington family, the building was leased as a tavern in 1792. Operating as a stopover for travelers for 35 years in the bustling town of Fredericksburg, it was a popular diversion for travelers and locals alike. Today, costumed guides entertain visitors as though they have just stepped off their coaches into the late 18th-century life. See how bygone visitors slept, learn what they ate and drank, and immerse yourself in the now eccentric customs of historic travel and lodgings. The original 18th-century structure contains period furniture and artifacts.
Reviewed By Michael L - Fredericksburg, Virginia
Built by Charles Washington, George's younger brother, in the 1760s, this place screams authenticity. Costumed and very knowledgeable guides will open your eyes to the sometimes shocking realities of colonial American inns and taverns. The truth that's often ignored or glossed over in books and movies is brought front and center, and you'll leave grateful for the conveniences of today's modern motels and cocktail lounges. Great fun as well as educational.
6. Lake Anna Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By mike b - Chesterfield, Virginia
We enjoyed our tasting at Lake Anna, and Patty did a great job of presenting the wines. Their Merlot and Merlot blend were our favorites. They have a nice tasting room, and a very good gift shop area. We just did the tasting, but I think this would be a great place to spend some time with friends....and a bottle of their wine.
7. Battlefield Fredericksburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By Alan S - Raleigh, United States
We spent the afternoon driving along the Fredericksburg battlefield park and stopped to read the numerous plaques along the route. The lengthy Confederate defensive trench lines are still present and the many plaques note the events that transpired at the different locations and explain the battle well so that visitors can figuratively see the battle in front of them. You can imagine the Union forces slugging through a cold swampy area in December 1863 to breakthrough Stonewall Jackson's picket lines and momentarily overrun the defenses before ultimately being pushed back. Who knew that Civil War era cannon could fire a 30 pound cannon ball 2 miles? Great history lesson and there is even an interesting stone pyramid monument here.
8. Wilderness Run Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Wilderness Run Vineyards is a farm based vineyard and winery in that offers live music, events, wine tastings, and a beautiful scenery to enjoy, with it's sister company, 1781 Brewing Company, located on the same property.
Reviewed By Rick P - Fredericksburg, Virginia
I was fortunate enough to get invited to a Dinner in the Vines, hosted by Wilderness Run Vineyard and a local restaurant, they introduced a wine from South Africa that night as a tasting, the food was excellent and it was great to sit and eat amongst the vines and sip wine and chat with other like minded people. Hats off to these guys for doing these types of events. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE
9. Mattaponi Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Dawn W - Fredericksburg, Virginia
Stop #3 on the Wine Trolley! First time visiting this winery but have tasted their wines at a couple festivals. Loved their large mason jar sangria on a hot summer's day!
Their large, new tasting room is hidden behind the unassuming main home. They have a nice, wraparound porch with seating, a retail section with snacks and olive oil tastings, and a spacious, clean restroom.
The female owner (who shared that she is half Native America) oversaw our tasting and told us the story of growing the business. She has named many of the wines by combining some native words.
They specialize in award-winning, fruit-infused wines with flavors including blackberry, strawberry, blueberry and strawberry-blueberry blend. However, their whites and reds are also notable. I was particularly taken with the Wabamin and DeChaunac.
As if those wines aren't enough to please, they make an amazingly delicious chocolate strawberry wine. And before you grimace, I wasn't so sure either. But they really have found a successful balance in this wine... the two flavors truly complement each other. Just try it!
And to delight your taste buds, you can purchase cheesecake!! Currently, they only have plain cheesecake. The tasting sheet already includes suggested pairings of their wines with flavored cheesecakes, which they plan to offer in the near future. So, I'm already planning my return trip. ;-)
Looking forward to introducing others to the surprisingly diverse offerings at this winery!
10. Fredericksburg Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Jack L - East Syracuse, New York
The Visitor Center,
On arrival a ranger greeted & asked how he could help. sked & was given brochures & instructions to the battlefield, about 100 yards away. Not much time was spent at the center, skipped the 20 minute video of the battle. Met a total of three staff/volunteers. After touring the battlefield I stopped again to ask about a tall monument a short walk away. Two members checked books about the monument that was the Butterfield Fifth Corp Memorial.
At the rear of center is center's gravel parking lot. A gift shop is located here, with an attached one room restroom for all visitors, lock the door before using.
The Battlefield.
The self guided tour starts down a 1/2 mile gravel walkway with a rebuilt four-five foot stone wall. Along the way are detailed info stands, with weathered photo, painting & words of officers/ soldiers who fought in the battle. Only two monuments. First is the confederate SGT. Richard Kirkland Memorial. During the battle Sgt. Kirkland rose from his position to give water to wounded union soldiers laying in front of the firing line for two hours. Union troops seeing Kirkland's action held their fire to allow Kirkland to continue his mission of mercy.
The second monument is the 50 plus foot high Butterfield Fifth Corp Memorial that stands a short from the visitor center.
When a visitor reaches Hanover St., turn back to the Marye's Height Trail-on the right- walking up hill. On the hill top are more info stands, which is mostly the end of the tour. On the hills top a mulch path will lead a visitor to the Fredericksburg National Cemetery. Trail ends the bottom of a staircase at the Butter Corps Memorial.
Total time for both visitor center & battlefield-for my visit-was 2 1/2 hours, while most visitors for the battlefield would be 45 minutes. A visit to both sites is highly recommended. The best feature for a visit is NO driving.
TAGS
