Our Fredericksburg Field Trip

In July, Justin and I dogsat for his parents in Fredericksburg for a week. I was excited because I had never been to Fredericksburg as a “tourist,” always to just visit family. So we gathered our cameras, walking shoes, and fanny packs and explored Fredericksburg for all its worth.

First stop, Ingleside Winery (what better way to start a vacation than with a lil’ wine?). We took a quick tour around the grounds and then savored several of their wines that they bottled on location. The plantation was beautiful and very peaceful—it was hard to leave.

Next, George Washington’s birthplace—we actually came across this National Monument unexpectedly. At the entrance, a miniature version of the Washington Monument welcomed visitors. The actual house Washington was born in was burnt down. However, an outline of the foundation can still be seen. Most of the land was for livestock and the Rappahannock River was practically in the back yard.

Our third stop, Stratford Hall: the home of the Lees; the birthplace of Robert E. Lee. Both the Great House and gardens were beautiful. It was interesting to learn about the different entrances of the house and how each one had a purpose. For example, those who were of a lower-class than the Lees could not enter in the two main entrances; they had to enter through a side door that led straight to the office.

The fourth stop, Kenmore Plantation. George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis, lived in this home with her husband Fielding Lewis. The outside of the house was actually pretty simple in design. However, rooms that guests were entertained in were amazing. Gorgeous plaster designs adorned the ceilings and walls, all designed by “the stucco man,” and colorful wallpaper brightened the rooms.

Of course, we made our way to Mary Washington’s home. Bought by her son George, she moved there when she was 64 and lived there until she was 81. We walked along the stone wall in the Fredericksburg Battlefield and visited the statue “The Angel of Marye’s Heights.” Next, we stopped by the Rising Tavern—found out that you didn’t have to pay to send out your mail, you had to pay to be able to read it! And got grossed out at Hugh Mercer’s Apothecary shop (where we learned all about how they amputated limbs).

Our last stop was Potomac Point Winery (of course it was another winery!). It was so relaxing there, I wanted to stay another whole week. We sat back, sipped our wine, and marveled at all the places we saw in just a few days. It was a perfect way to end our elementary school field trips.