Exploring a New City:
I entered downtown Fredericksburg with a loose agenda – walk around to take a gander at the general area, sit at a café to rest and respond, and find a brewery or locally owned restaurant to end my day.
My first impression of Fredericksburg was the warmth of the flowery décor and creative window arrangements, several following a Halloween theme. The brick walkways were well constructed and crosswalks easy to follow, but there were some crowded areas where I needed my mask to pass through. This was most evident in the sidewalk areas that were turned into patios for dining purposes.
There are many chic, locally owned shops, antique stores, and restaurants along the main drag on Caroline Street. You can even get a tattoo, should you desire it!
Despite my intention to grab a quick bite before truly exploring, the anticipation of what lay before me won out over hunger. I walked up and down Caroline Street, and moved beyond into the neighborhood to see what was beyond the bustling city center.
When I returned, I was practically pulled into an antique shop by curiosity itself! The colorful clutter was overwhelming, with stacks and piles of odds and ends, everything from photos, to books, jewelry, clothing, dishes, furniture, and anything else you could possibly think of. I was mesmerized by the sheer mass of historical paraphernalia, much of it dating back to the Civil War. There were even bullets and buttons being sold as collector’s items!
After almost buying several items, I snuck out and moved on to another antique store, feeling the same overwhelming awe as I browsed the selection of baubles. I truly was looking for a little something to bring home as a birthday gift for Brandon, my partner, but I couldn’t make up my mind. I decided that I needed to get a bite to eat.
Choosing a restaurant wasn’t easy! There were so many tempting choices. However, the crowded make-shift patios did not seem appealing to me, as there were quite a few people squeezing through in an effort to bypass without making a fuss. It was rather uncomfortable, even as a passer-by. So many efforts took me to a rather surprising restaurant, J. Brian’s Tap Room.
The End of a Beautiful Day:
After lunch, it was time to head home. I made it back to the garage to be spared the parking fee, and cruised home in beautiful sunshine, hoping to return to Fredericksburg again very soon.
Visit downtown Fredericksburg:
Parking: 600 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Address: 706 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
https://www.virginia.org/listings/Shopping/HistoricDowntownFredericksburg/
Elle Christine Travels 