So I took a job in Colonial Beach, VA and Fredericksburg is my nearest city of a decent size and stuff to do. Any comments on the area or suggestions on what to do?

2/5/2012 8:26:25 PM

Lots of civil war historic attractions of course, and Washington's birthplace just South of Colonial Beach is worth a visit once - I've driven the backroads between Fredericksburg and Montross a few times for work - it's pretty area

There's a brewery in Fredericksburg, Blue & Gray, but for the most part their beer is subpar - they have a brewpub that I've never been to. A. Smith Bowman distillery is also in Fburg, and they make some decent stuff. Haven't spent much time there otherwise.

Prince William Forest Park just north of there is a really nice place, good trails, and even some semi-backcountry camping.

2/5/2012 8:40:26 PM

Lived there, hated it. Terrible drivers and the civil war hasn't ended according to them. Die in a fire fredericksburg.

2/5/2012 10:20:27 PM

Everyone I ever knew there just went to DC when they wanted to do anything.

2/6/2012 1:15:24 PM

traffic jams.

2/6/2012 1:32:19 PM

this is sounding good!

2/6/2012 8:38:57 PM

hahaha, i grew up there. it's my hometown. i love it.

tons of history, if that's your bag. if not, there's still a lot to do.

what are your interests? I can recommend some restaurants if you want me to... there are some hidden gems in that area.

Don't waste your time going to Prince William County, btw. Dale City, Dumfries, Potomac Mills, blah blah... it all sucks hardcore. The people get more vapid the further north you go.

That said, there still is a high contingent of "Frednecks" in the area, so be on the lookout. They mostly hang out in Spotsylvania and King George these days though.

2/7/2012 12:36:54 AM

^Cool. I've spent a couple days here now and it seems like a pretty cool town, despite the morning traffic (granted, this was around the retail shopping hell off of I-95).

I found a great house in Colonial Beach, but i'll see myself coming here a good bit. I visited the Park Lane Tavern (formerly the Fredericksburg Pub, apparently) last night and the bartender there was a pretty cool guy. Obviously, I'll be drinking a lot I do like history too, so those suggestions would be appreciated.

It's no Raleigh to me, but it'll do for now

2/7/2012 11:24:17 PM

Wow. The place is terrible, and nova is a shit hole. More north = dc = tons of shit to do

Who likes suburbs?

2/7/2012 11:49:34 PM

Quote :

"I found a great house in Colonial Beach, but i'll see myself coming here a good bit. I visited the Park Lane Tavern (formerly the Fredericksburg Pub, apparently) last night and the bartender there was a pretty cool guy. Obviously, I'll be drinking a lot I do like history too, so those suggestions would be appreciated. "

Plenty of places to grab beers. The biggest selection is going to be at Capital Ale House on Caroline Street downtown. Plus, Mondays used to be dollar-burger night. Dunno if they still do that, but it was very popular for awhile. Caroline Street overall is a pretty interesting place. John Paul Jones used to live on the second house on the right, and the Rising Sun Tavern, where George Washington and other revolutionary folk drank, is about a mile down on the left - but it's a museum now and not a functional tavern.

As far as Civil War stuff, the battle of Chancellorsville took place in that area, and the battlefields are still there. There are a ton of fields still around out Route 3 towards Locust Grove, with Cannons still on the ground, and trenches still visible. Definitely worth a visit. I'd check out the Visitor's center on Caroline St. to get pamphlets and directions to all the different places. There's a ton of stuff. Oh, and Stonewall Jackson was shot and killed just south, and you can visit those grounds.

Then, for shopping, there's Central Park, which is simply massive now, along with Spotsylvania Mall next door. Every chain restaurant you can think of is there, and basically every chain store. If you're into UFC, WWE, or sports in general, Bailey's Pub & Grill is the best place to watch them. Good crowds, low cover charges for pay per views, and the food and drinks aren't too bad. If you're a runner, there's a great shoestore in the back of central park called "VA Runner." Great staff there.

And finally, the best BBQ in town is BBQ Post 401, which is on Rt. 3 towards downtown, not far from 95. Good stuff, and you can smell the smoke from the road.



As far as who wants to live in the suburbs, it's not so bad. Fredericksburg still has a fair amount of rural areas surrounding it though. It's hardly a metropolis. Besides, urban living isn't for everybody.

[Edited on February 8, 2012 at 2:03 PM. Reason : .]

2/8/2012 2:01:15 PM

The fact that you can sum the place up in 3 paragraphs says it all. All that historical shit gets checked off really quick. Malls are for teenagers

Anyway, this is irrelevant. Dude already took the job

2/8/2012 10:42:50 PM

Thanks for the comments again. I wouldn't consider Fredericksburg a suburb of DC, since it has its own suburbs...but maybe the concept of a "suburb" is a little different around the DC metro area. But, you're right that its irrelevant at this point.

Does "The 'burg" (i've heard this enough already) have a "bad" area(s)??

2/9/2012 1:07:32 AM

Yeah, but the only bad area is the neighborhood behind Central Park over past Wegmans on Fall Hill avenue. You'll know immediately because the sidewalk ends, and there's nothing but DIY carwashes and basketball courts with no nets. Driving through isn't a problem, but it's not a good place to walk through. Lot of cops too, so if you do drive, the speed is like 25 and they ticket over 30, so just be mindful.

Oh, also, next to James Monroe HS near Mary Washington Hospital is the free clinic, and down from there is a homeless shelter. These areas aren't really bad, but there is some petty crime that takes place.

Really, the most trouble you'll get is from redneck types coming out of bars who have had too much to drink, and marines looking to prove their manhood to all of their friends. They all tend to gravitate towards Buffalo Wild Wings and a place called Q Ball Cafe (a billiards place) over next to the mall.

[Edited on February 9, 2012 at 10:40 AM. Reason : .]

2/9/2012 10:38:04 AM