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Hey friend!

Big news for downtown: Stockyards is taking over the old Jay's space on William Street with 10,000 square feet of restaurant, live music, and a bourbon bar that's packing 100 bottles. Oh, and there's a mechanical bull. February just got a lot more interesting.

In this week's newsletter:

  • Vote now: Are you crushing your holiday shopping or is panic mode setting in?

  • Stockyards preview: Everything we know about downtown's newest hotspot opening in February

  • Support local artists: Strangeways turns their taproom into an art gallery January 24

  • CNEW honors: Two trailblazers celebrated while raising $6,000 for Loisann's Hope House

  • Deadline alert: FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards nominations close soon!

Let's go!

Dori Stewart

Poll Results. Last week, we asked: Real tree or fake tree? 🎄

You have spoken! Fake tree forever is the clear winner. Looks like most of you (70% of votes) are all about that "set it and forget it" life. Real tree lovers, you're out there fighting the good fight (and those pine needles), but convenience wins this round.

Login or Subscribe to participate

Vote now, and I'll share the results on Thursday.

Featured Event

Email us to learn how to get your event featured: [email protected]

Local Pulse: FXBG Edition

Strangeways Brewing Turns Taproom Into Gallery Showcase for Local Artists

Strangeways Brewing is transforming their taproom into a vibrant art gallery on January 24 (12pm-5pm). The Local Art Market will feature paintings, pottery, prints, photography, and more from local creators, all paired with craft beer in a relaxed setting.

Artists and makers interested in participating can email Lauren at [email protected] with "Jan 24 Art Market" in the subject line. Include your name and social media handles to be considered for a vendor spot.

Come sip, stroll, and support local talent.

Local Art Market
📍 Strangeways Brewing FXBG, 350 Lansdowne Rd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
📅 January 24, 2026
🕐 12pm - 5pm
📧 Vendor inquiries: [email protected]

CNEW Honors Two Trailblazers and Raises $6,000 for Loisann's Hope House

Dr. Denise L. Willis and Leigh Anne VanDoren were honored with this year's Laurie A. Wideman Enterprising Woman's Award at an inspiring CNEW celebration that brought together Chamber members for a cause bigger than recognition. Together, the community raised more than $6,000 for Loisann's Hope House through donations, raffle tickets, and unwavering support. With the FredNats Foundation as presenting sponsor and backing from local businesses like Hope & More Bakery, Matern Staffing, Comfort Keepers, and many others, the event proved that when women lift each other up, the entire region wins. It's a legacy Laurie Wideman would be proud of.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

Collage Spa Celebrates 15 Years of Making Self-Care an Art Form in Fredericksburg

From one location to three, Brian Lam's locally owned day spa has spent 15 years proving that wellness isn't one-size-fits-all. With everything from massage therapy and HydraFacials to acupuncture and nail services under one roof, Collage Spa creates customized experiences tailored to each client while staying committed to keeping self-care accessible, affordable, and guilt-free across the Fredericksburg region.

Shop Gift Cards

Get a special gift with the purchase of any $150 gift card or more. Offers for in spa purchases only. While supplies last. Gift cards can also be bought online. Choose from Massages, Facials, Hydrofacials, Waxing, Acupuncture, Manicures and Pedicures. Promo ends 12/24/2025

Business Briefs

2026 FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards

We want to hear from you, our neighbors, about what is the latest and greatest in the FXBG area, including Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Fredericksburg. Whether it’s Best Restaurant, Best Doctor, or even Best Women’s Clothing Store, we want to hear what people, places, and businesses make the FXBG area so unique.

Shop Local Fredericksburg: Holiday Deals & Savings 🛍️

Thanks for supporting local and being part of our FXBG Neighbors community! We've curated this list of local businesses to help you shop local this season. Browse the deals and be sure to mention you found them through FXBG Neighbors when you visit.

10,000-Square-Foot Stockyards Restaurant Bringing Bourbon Bar and Live Music to Downtown Fredericksburg

Downtown Fredericksburg is getting a major addition this February. Stockyards, a sprawling 10,000-square-foot restaurant and bar, is opening at 407-409 William St. with live music, a mechanical bull, and a 100-bottle bourbon and wine bar that's sure to turn heads. Owner Darell Hertenstein of Hertenstein Investment Group is transforming the former Jay's Downtown Sports Lounge space into what could become downtown's newest hotspot. Between the food, the music, and that bourbon selection, February can't come fast enough.

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Events This Weekend

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check event websites for the most current information.

Tuesday, December 16

  • Curio Wine School: Sparkling Wines from Around the World | 7:00PM - 8:00PM

    • Location: Curio Wine Bar & Tasting Room, 209 William Street Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Taste and learn about six sparkling wines from six different countries, each offering a unique expression of tradition and technique.

  • The Gathering Table | 5:30PM

    • Location: Cork & Table Cork and Table, 909, Caroline Street, Downtown, Fredericksburg VA

Wednesday, December 17

  • Holiday Wine Dinner | 6:30PM

    • Location: Cork and Table, 909, Caroline Street, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA

  • Reclaim Riffs: Amplified Open Mic Night | 6:00PM

    • Location: Reclaim Arcade, 2324 Plank Road Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: FXBG Public Radio and Reclaim Arcade are back with Reclaim Riffs! An anti-acoustic Open Mic Night for plugged in players.

  • Holiday Pops - "All I Want for Christmas Is You" | 7:30PM

    • Location: Fredericksburg Symphony Orchestra, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: We're bringing back one of our most popular artists, Broadway legend Morgan ames, to sing cuts from her album "A Very Magnetic Christmas."

  • Santa Run with Santa’s Helpers | 4:30PM (Dec. 17 & 18)

    • Location: 2352, Cowan Boulevard, Upper College Heights, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Santa and Mrs. Claus are dusting off their boots and rolling through the City. They’ll be waving, smiling, and spreading holiday cheer with help from their merry crew.

Thursday, December 18

  • Tinsel and Tunes | 7:00PM

    • Location: James Monroe High School - 2300 Washington Ave, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Come for the tunes and singalongs…stay for the story time “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a visit from a gift-bearing Santa.

  • Banned Book Club at Tales & Tails – Perks of Being a Wallflower | 6:00PM

    • Location: Tales & Tails 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg VA

    • Description: Join us for our monthly meeting of our Banned Book Club where we read a locally or nationally banned book every month!

  • Mini Mornings at the Museum: Gingerbread | 10:15AM

    • Location: George Washington's Ferry Farm 268 Kings Hwy Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Children 6 and under will learn about the shapes and colors on the gingerbread houses on display for the holiday season and participate in an interactive story time!

Friday, December 19

  • Silent Night in the Shelter | 11:00AM

    • Location: 10819 Courthouse Rd Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: You’ll enjoy cute company, give plenty of belly rubs, and soak up that warm holiday glow knowing your foster buddy gets to spend the season in a happy home.

  • Sip n' Shop At Liberty Town | 5:00PM

    • Location: LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty St, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Sip on complimentary beer or wine, indulge in sweet treats, and watch our talented artists at work during live demos.

  • Tapas and Paella Wine Maker's Dinner | 6:00PM

    • Location: Rehana's, 104 Wolfe Street, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Join us as we have our first of many suppers with robust conversations which take us out of our comfort zones.

See More Events

FXBG Neighbors Featured Podcast

One Chair, Zero Rush: How Girl Time Is Redefining the Salon Experience in Fredericksburg

Stylist and founder Erica Mynar turned her back on crowded salon floors to create something different: a one-on-one suite where clients get her full attention, no double-booking, and blonding expertise that actually lasts. She also opens up about thriving as a business owner while managing POTS, proving that resilience and craft can build something beautiful. If you've ever left a salon feeling rushed or unseen, this conversation will change how you think about self-care.

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