Just 50 miles south of Washington, DC, Fredericksburg is a special blend of historic charm and modern living.

Prospering from the tobacco trade, the city became an official inland port in 1728. Located halfway between the two Civil War capitals of Washington and Richmond, Fredericksburg saw four major battles on land now preserved as a 7,000-acre national park.

Old Town Fredericksburg boasts fine restaurants, art galleries, and antique shops tucked among a 40-block National Historic District with more than 350 18th and early 19th century buildings.

On the modern side, there is something to suit every interest: shopping at Spotsylvania Town Centre and Central Park, ice and roller rinks, area wineries, ghost tours, dinner theater, museums, water sports, golf courses, hiking, camping, year-round festivals, and Kings Dominion.

Close by you'll still find rolling countryside and easy access to Lake Anna and the pristine Rappahannock River. And just two hours by car will take you to the shores of Virginia Beach.

"Excellence in Education" is the motto of our public school system, with standardized test scores above the national average. Top-ranked University of Mary Washington fills two campuses—a picturesque main campus in the city center and a sleek graduate and professional campus in Stafford's high-tech corridor.

In essence, Fredericksburg offers the best of all worlds. Learn more at www.visitfred.com and www.celebratevirginia.com. Or better yet, come see for yourself!