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Hey neighbor,
Saturday is shaping up to be a spooky, sporty, and slightly sweet one. Little monsters and their families take over Embrey Mill Park for the Halloween 5K and Monster Mile, and the Pumpkin Spice Crawl fills downtown that afternoon. Before that, the World Series starts Friday, and we’ve scouted 30+ watch party spots across the area, so find your fan type and claim a seat. Hit reply and tell me which kind of fan you are!
With Virginia Wine Month winding down, there’s still time to visit all five stops on the Spotsylvania Wine Trail. And if you’d trade a trick-or-treat bag for a saddle, we’ve got a trail ride for that too.
Let's get into it.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Race Day Is This Saturday: Little Monsters Take Over Embrey Mill Park 🎃👟
Stafford’s spookiest morning is almost here. This Saturday, October 24, runners, walkers, and little monsters of all ages will take over Embrey Mill Park for the 11th Annual Halloween 5K and Monster Mile, hosted by Arsenal Events. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just out for a fun morning with the family, the costumes are half the fun, and prizes go to the best ones.
Two races, one spooky morning:
Monster Mile: a one-mile run for little ghouls and goblins 12 and under, with awards for the top finishers in each age group. Parents can cheer from the path along Mine Road, which runs right alongside the course.
Halloween 5K: open to runners and walkers of every pace, and strollers are welcome (just start toward the back). The top three male and female finishers take home cash prizes.
Race day schedule at Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford:
8:00 AM: Monster Mile starts
8:30 AM: Halloween 5K starts
9:15 AM: Awards and costume contest
Packet pickup:
Thursday, October 22, 3:30 to 6:30 PM at DICK’S Sporting Goods, Spotsylvania Towne Centre, Spotsylvania Mall Drive, Fredericksburg
Friday, October 23, 4:00 to 6:30 PM at the Jeff Rouse Swim and Sport Center, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford
Race photos are free for every participant, so you’ll have plenty of pictures of your crew in costume. The race also supports Project Lifesaver with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, a search and rescue program that helps quickly locate children and adults who may wander due to a cognitive condition.
Registration is online only. Register at runsignup.com/Race/VA/Stafford/Halloween5KandMonsterMile.
⚾ Batter Up, Fredericksburg: Your World Series Watch Party Lineup
The World Series starts Friday, October 23. We don’t know who’s playing yet, but we do know where you should be watching.
We scouted 30+ spots across Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and King George. Now it’s time to find yours. Which kind of fan are you?
THE LOUDEST FAN IN THE ROOM
You yell at the umpire like he can hear you. You need big screens and a crowd that yells back.
Your spots: Kickback Jack’s in Spotsylvania, Buffalo Wild Wings in Stafford
THE MARGARITA STRATEGIST
Tied game in the ninth? Time for another round. You like your baseball with salt on the rim.
Your spots: Don Eladio’s Cantina in King George, El Gran Patron in Spotsylvania
THE CRAFT BEER PURIST
You want a local pour and a relaxed watch, and you’ll talk hops between innings.
Your spots: Barley Naked Brewing and Adventure Brewing North in Stafford, Maltese Brewing in Spotsylvania
THE QUIET WATCHER
You came for the game, not the noise. Give you a cozy corner and a good pint.
Your spots: J. Brian’s Tap Room and Sunken Well Tavern in downtown Fredericksburg
THE FAMILY CREW
You’re bringing the kids, the grandparents, and maybe the neighbors. Everyone needs a seat and a menu they like.
Your spots: BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Spotsylvania, Chili’s in Stafford
THE WING DEVOTEE
Let’s be real, the game is just an excuse.
Your spot: Fatty’s Winghouse in Stafford
🧢 SEVENTH-INNING STRETCH TIP
Big games fill seats fast. Call ahead or get there early, especially on weekends.
THE FULL ROSTER
We have 30+ spots in all, each with its address and website, all in one place.
Photo courtesy of Lake Anna Winery
Sip Your Way Across Spotsylvania: Explore the County’s Wine Trail This Virginia Wine Month
October is Virginia Wine Month, and Spotsylvania has five wineries ready to be explored. Start at the Spotsylvania County Visitors Center to pick up maps, brochures, and local tips, then visit one or two stops at a time or go for an epic all-in-one-day excursion. When you finish, head back to the Visitors Center to tell them about your favorite stops and pick up a Spotsy souvenir.
The five stops on the trail:
Vibin with Val (10691 Spotsylvania Ave., Fredericksburg): “wine with a vibe,” with 20+ handcrafted red, white, and sweet wines, board games, and big-screen TVs
Eden Try Estate & Winery (6818 River Road, Fredericksburg): a 12-acre estate with tree-lined walking paths, wine slushies, and mocktails, and it’s family and pet friendly
Wilderness Run Vineyards (11109 Plank Road, Spotsylvania): a historic farm winery with country, French-style, and estate wines, plus farmhouse ales from 1781 Brewing Company on site
Lake Anna Winery (5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania): a 76-acre estate with 13 wines, including Concerto, a semi-sweet red made with Montmorency cherry, and picnics are welcome
Mattaponi Winery (7530 Morris Road, Spotsylvania): a winery named for a local river, opened in 2002 by owners with over 30 years of winemaking experience, crafting reds, whites, and dessert and fruit wines
Planning a full tour? Line up a designated driver or ride service, and remember to sip and savor responsibly.
Find maps, brochures, and trail information at the Spotsylvania County Visitors Center.
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 52,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
Cyber Security Insurance: Defending the Business Kingdom
Every successful business is a kingdom of its own—employees, customers, data, and operations working together to thrive. But in today’s digital world, cyber attacks are among the most persistent threats facing businesses of all sizes.
Commercial cyber security insurance is designed to help protect businesses from financial losses related to cyber incidents. These may include data breaches, ransomware attacks, network security failures, and unauthorized access to sensitive customer or company information.
A cyber event can disrupt operations, damage trust, and create significant expenses. Commercial cyber policies may help cover costs such as forensic investigations, legal expenses, notification requirements, data restoration, business interruption, and crisis management support. Coverage varies by policy and carrier, but the goal is the same: helping businesses recover and continue serving their kingdom.
Small and mid‑sized businesses are often targeted because they may not have the same defenses as larger organizations. Even a single incident can have lasting effects on reputation and revenue.
At Burke & Burke, our knights help business owners understand the importance of cyber security insurance and choose coverage that aligns with their operations. With the right protection in place, businesses can focus on growth—knowing they have support if a cyber dragon attacks.
Contact your Insurance Knights today for assistance. Give us a call or find us online.
703-751-1001 | www.burkeandburkeinsurance.com
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
FXBG Pumpkin Spice Crawl 🎃
Grab your friends and your coziest fall outfit! Visit 16 downtown shops for free gifts, treats, and exclusive discounts.
Saturday, October 24, 3 to 7 PM
Downtown Fredericksburg
Tickets: $60 plus fee
Tickets are limited!
👉 Get tickets: https://www.simpletix.com/e/pumpkin-spice-crawl-2026-tickets-290356
Table for Six: Come Hungry, Leave With New Friends
The FXBG Neighbors Dinner Club is setting the table again on Wednesday, November 4 at 6:00 pm. Take a quick personality quiz, and you’ll be matched with five other neighbors for dinner at a great downtown restaurant. The reservation is handled for you, and there are no awkward mixers in sight, just good food and good company.
Grab a seat, or sign up for future dinners, at fxbgneighbors.dnnr.io.
Trick-or-Treat on Horseback! 🐴🎃
Bring your treat bags for a one-hour trick-or-treat trail ride at Recovery Equestrian Facility. All ages are welcome, and staff lead little ones by hand.
October 25, 31, and November 1
9429 Secretariat Way, Spotsylvania
Spots fill fast! 👉 Text to book: (540) 419-9481
What’s Happening In & Around the ‘Burg
Here are some of the top events happening soon. Always check with the venue for the latest details. Got an event coming up? Add it to our calendar.
Wednesday, October 21
Location: Curio Wine Bar & Tasting Room, 209 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Discover the vibrant wines of Germany and Austria-from crisp Rieslings and Grüner Veltliner to elegant Spätburgunder and beyond.
Location: City Vino, 100 Hanover Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come meet Reid Doughtery, as he pours a flight of Hark wines and takes us behind the scenes of this Virginia winery.
Trivia with Trapper | 6:00PM
Location: 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company 1140 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come think and drink with us!
Thursday, October 22
Revolutionary Things | 6:00PM
Location: University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join us for an evening with historian Ashli White discussing her book Revolutionary Things.
Music Trivia: Who Runs the World? | 6:45PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Come celebrate the women who inspire us, entertain us, challenge us and make the world a little more interesting.
FXBG October Fabric Swap | 5:30PM
Location: 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: It's the perfect chance to refresh your fabric stash, meet fellow sewing lovers, and discover new materials.
Friday, October 23
Artober Fest | 7:00PM (through October 25)
Location: City Vino, 100, Hanover Street, Maury, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Grab a glass, wander through the gallery and meet the artist, and find something you love to take home.
FredNats Fall Fest | 5:30PM
Location: Virginia Credit Union Stadium, 42 Jackie Robinson Wy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Bring the whole family for a evening of fall fun.
Witches Night Out | 7:00PM
Location: Lake Anna Winery 5621 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Enjoy an evening of creativity, games, costumes, and witchy fun.
Saturday, October 24
Halloween 5K and Monster Mile | 8:00AM
Location: Embrey Mill Park, 1600 Mine Road, Stafford, VA
Description: Join a morning of family-friendly fun, festive costumes, friendly competition, and prizes, all while supporting a great cause.
Barktoberfest | 11:00AM
Location: The Barking Barley, 1515 Olde William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A full day in the park — our favorite fall beers on the board, a hot spiced cider and a limited German-style dog on the menu that we’re only making once.
