Location: Stafford
Top Things to do in Stafford
- 1. Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park
- 2. Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont
- 3. National Museum of the Marine Corps
- 4. Potomac Point Winery
- 5. Prince William Forest Park
- 6. The Rising Sun Tavern
- 7. Government Island
- 8. Battlefield Fredericksburg
- 9. Stafford Civil War Park
- 10. Fredericksburg Visitor Center
Top 10 Things to do in Stafford, United States
Stafford is a census-designated place (listed as Stafford Courthouse) in and the county seat of Stafford County in the northern part of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. The population of Stafford County as of the 2010 United States Census was 142,003. It lies 10 miles (16 km) north of Fredericksburg, approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of metropolitan Washington, D.C., and about 60 miles (97 km) north of Richmond, the Commonwealth capital. The Marine Corps Base Quantico is located north of the community. Stafford Courthouse is located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 1, and Courthouse Road.
Restaurants in Stafford
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. National Museum of the Marine Corps
Overall Ratings
5 based on 965 reviews
The National Museum of the Marine Corps is a lasting tribute to U.S. Marines--past, present, and future. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the image of the flag-raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 120,000-square-foot structure. World-class interactive exhibits using the most innovative technology surround visitors with irreplaceable artifacts and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action. Admission and parking are always free.
Reviewed By tedthefed2 - Grand Rapids, Michigan
Its FREE!!!
This was my 2nd time going! It is just plain awesome even if you have no ties to the USMC. Plan on a day. It is in a timeline format and you work your way around and up through history. Talk to the people in the Green Shirts as various stations! We got our own little history lesson on Iwo Jima and the actual flag that was flown there. There is a art gallery up stairs done by Marines!
The museum is expanding too to include more Iraq and Afghanistan wars history. We got a "sneak" preview...took a wrong turn...LOL
Also...try the Rifle Range!
4. Potomac Point Winery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By Crystal C
I've been a few times this year. One time I went there was a wedding occurring, it was just beautiful!! Another visit was for murder mystery dinner, that was amazing! We had a wonderful time. I'm not a drinker so anyone can come and enjoy a wonderful lunch. This is slightly costly for the average folk but its worth it!!
5. Prince William Forest Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Park that offers campsites and recreational programs for families and children.
Reviewed By Mark R - Lewis Center, Ohio
The Visitor Center is informative and the staff is helpful. There is a very nice Scenic Drive that is about 9.5 miles. The roadway is one way for much of the drive to allow plenty of space for bikers and hikers. There are camping areas and plenty of parking locations along the drive.
6. 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.
7. Government Island
Overall Ratings
4 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By TGM-2 - Stafford, Virginia
If you're looking for a low stress place to get away from the hectic pace of northern VA, take a stroll through the park's woodlands, boardwalks and natural trails. Along the way you will observe aquatic and native plants, birds and other wildlife. The 1.5 mile trail is easy to navigate and parts are handicap accessible. This former quarry was used to provide sandstone for construction of our U.S. Capitol and White House. It's a place in history you should visit!
8. 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.
9. Stafford Civil War Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Mfclingan - Hagerstown, Maryland
We saw the signs and decided to check this out. We were seriously starting to wonder if the signage was wrong as we drove through a new development...but at the back of a long road there was the park. It is very pretty! It tells of history. My only complaint was that the trails were not well marked. We were on a trail that was not on the map....the maps didn't give the 'color of the trails' and at one point we were following the red markers and the red markers were on two side by side trees and one marker said red straight ahead and the other one said red to the left. Hmmm....not sure! At another point all of a sudden on a big hill without any new trail joining the path we started seeing a yellow trail marker. The park isn't big enough to get lost in (at least we didn't...everything leads back I think)....but the trails would be much better if they were marked and mapped correctly!
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.
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