Located between Richmond and Washington D.C., Fredericksburg is a great local escape for discovering history, fine or casual dining, outdoor recreation, shopping or quiet walks through a vibrant downtown, all while staying on a budget. Fredericksburg’s neighbors, Spotsylvania and Stafford, are united by history, proximity and people, and round out the trip with an added mixture of attractions.

Our first day of travel to Fredericksburg included an elegant dinner at La Petite Auberge, a chef-owned French restaurant known for using seasonal and regional produce. The snap beans were crisp and the sliced tomatoes were just right, however, it was the cauliflower soup I liked the best. Arrive before 7:30 p.m. to enjoy a four-course meal including dessert for only $23. Be prepared to loosen your belt, but not your wallet.

The following day was spent taking in the historic side of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford, each with its own unique history. The spotlight was on the Civil War, the various notable battles and the life and times of that period. Civil War history enthusiasts will recognize the four major Civil War battles of Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania. Dramatic films, shown at the visitors centers, give you a chance to learn facts and figures of the Civil War as well as the devastating effect it had in this area and around the country. Park Ranger Janice Frye at the Chancellorsville Visitor Center showed us a pictorial representation of the battles, and you could walk to where these battles actually took place. In my mind and with the help of displays in the visitor center, I could almost hear the cries of the soldiers and the threat of death for so many who fought in these battles. This was such a contrast to the now calm and scenic area, where I heard only a lawn mower and birds chirping. The visitor center and the tour were free, so no need to spend any money here.

Lake Anna State Park, one of my favorite stops on the trip, is 15 miles of hiking trails, boating,  beaches, camping and fishing, with three piers—one for adults, one for the children and one for the handicapped. I liked the cabins you could rent. Get to the park early, we were told, because of crowds and the park’s popularity. Go to www.virginiastateparks.gov for more information.

Nearby Lake Anna Winery has produced award-winning wines such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay Barrel Select and a Merlot. On our tour, hosted by owners Jeff and Eric Heidig, I was delighted to see firsthand the process of how the grapes go from the vine to the wine bottle and finally to your glass. Afterwards we enjoyed a late lunch at Chelsea Jo’s, a popular traditional American restaurant, at Lake Anna Lodge.

Later that evening we dined at the Poppy Hill Tuscan Kitchen, just what we needed after a full day. The restaurant has been honored by Bon Appétit and Gourmet magazine’s Epicurious.com as one of the top ten farm-to-table restaurants in the U.S. The delicious pasta dish I had was moderately priced.

One of the highlights of the trip was the “Timeless Ticket Tour,” which allows you to see nine different popular attractions in the area for one discounted price, a savings of 40%. The ticket price is $32 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. Contact the Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania or Stafford visitor centers to make your purchase and for more information.

Of the nine places included on the pass, I was happily able to visit the Rising Sun Tavern, Ferry Farm, Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and the Fredericksburg Area Battlefields. These interesting and fun sites offered something for everyone.

The Rising Sun Tavern was originally built as a home by George Washington’s younger brother but later became a tavern. While touring the Rising Sun Tavern, take note of the fine 18^th and 19^th century English and American pewter as well as the fascinating caged bar, which has tall bars rising from the counter to the ceiling.

Ferry Farm, George Washington’s boyhood home from age six until he was almost 20 years old, has historical displays plus hands-on activities for children.

The Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center offers information and exhibits about the history of Fredericksburg and surrounding areas. There is an actual bank vault located in the museum!

The Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop highlights 18^th century architecture as well as the medical practices of the day.

If you don’t feel like walking, you can take a trolley to see many of these sites.

We ate lunch at Goolrick’s Pharmacy in downtown Fredericksburg, which was like stepping back in time, into a Norman Rockwell painting. The lunch counter was filled with the lively chatter of children, while some customers huddled around the small tables enjoying their menu choices. We overheard a grandmother talk with her grandson about how she ate at Goolrick’s during her college years at Mary Washington University, formerly Mary Washington College, located within walking distance. Goolrick’s was a snapshot in the tour well worth taking.

We topped off our visit downtown by eating ice cream at another local favorite, Carl’s, an old-fashioned ice cream stand. The line was not long, however, there were many people sitting in front of the building, perhaps getting ready for their next cone.

A classic Italian dinner at Vita Felice in Fredericksburg was what we needed to complete the day. You can enjoy a great dinner with energetic service for about $15 per entrée. I think I could have eaten the entire plate of bruschetta.

Our last day of the trip included a visit to Chatham, a Georgian-style mansion, and a visit to the home of internationally known impressionist artist Gari Melcher. Both are in Falmouth, Virginia. Chatham mansion served as Union headquarters during the Civil War and is the only home visited by George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. Nestled high on a hill, with beautiful landscaped gardens, this was once a showplace of luxury and wealth.

Famed artist Gari Melcher and his wife Corrine, who was an art student, bought a home and art studio at Belmont in Falmouth, Virginia. Red roses, yellow flowers and other distinct vegetation contribute to a natural setting for the many weddings held here. The wedding receptions take place in the art studio, a large stone building located on the property.

We ended our trip with a great lunch at Amy’s Café in Falmouth. This restaurant had a cozy fireplace and large bay window where you could sit and just relax. If you like sweet potato fries, then this might be place for you, because they were scrumptious.

You don’t have to travel far or take a lot of money to visit Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford. However, you will need to take your time to savor the history, the food, and great people you meet along the way.

Freelance writer Jennifer Drummond offers her thanks to the cities of Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and Stafford, who helped make this a memorable tour.