In partnership with
Hey neighbor! 👋
Let’s start with a little nostalgia: if you could bring back one closed Fredericksburg restaurant, which would it be? Vote in this week’s poll, then show some love to the spots we still have.
First Friday is tomorrow, and it kicks off FAM-tini, where six downtown restaurants and bars created cocktails inspired by objects from the Fredericksburg Area Museum’s collection. I’m visiting all six and sharing the story behind each drink, so follow along on Instagram. Looking ahead, a downtown food tour and a build-your-own old fashioned social both land on Wednesday, November 11, and the Blue and Gray Half Marathon returns December 6.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive in. 🌊
Dori
Neighbor Poll: The Restaurant You Miss Most
Fredericksburg has said goodbye to some incredible restaurants over the years, and some of them still have us daydreaming about their menus. If you could bring back ONE closed restaurant, which would it be?
Which closed FXBG restaurant should come back?
And while we’re feeling nostalgic, let’s show some love to the local spots we still have. Grab a meal, leave a review, or bring a friend to your favorite restaurant this week, because the best way to keep them around is to keep showing up. 💛
Featured Events
.
FAM-tini Kicks Off This First Friday 🍸
What happens when six downtown restaurants and bars create cocktails inspired by local history? Starting this First Friday, November 6, you get to find out!
The Fredericksburg Area Museum is launching FAM-tini, a friendly cocktail competition with a side of history. Each participating spot created a one-of-a-kind cocktail inspired by an object from the museum’s collection.
Here’s the lineup:
🍸 Cat’s Meow at La Petite Auberge, inspired by the Pleasure Island carnival cats
🍸 Black Powder Old Fashioned at Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen, inspired by a black powder horn likely carried by a Civil War soldier
🍸 T.C.B. (Taking Care of Business) at FOODE, inspired by James Monroe High School Yellow Jacket buttons from the 1970s
🍸 Apple Rumble Refresher at Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar, a non-alcoholic drink inspired by the Link Wray Signature Eastwood Guitar
🍸 Rosemary Fig at Sammy T’s, inspired by a portrait of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales, the man Fredericksburg is named for
🍸 Spice of the Sea at The Port Oysteria & Brewery, inspired by the Embrey Dam Removal Commemorative Paddle
How it works: Visit the participating spots now through December 4, try the cocktails, then vote for your favorite at famva.org/fam-tini. The winner will be announced at FAM’s First Friday celebration on December 4.
I’m visiting all six and sharing the story behind each drink, so follow along on Instagram @fxbgneighbors and @visit_fam. Cheers! 🥂
The Blue and Gray Half Marathon Turns 26 🏃
A December tradition returns Sunday, December 6, with the 26th Fredericksburg Blue and Gray Half Marathon. The USATF-certified course starts and ends at Old Mill Park (2201 Caroline Street) at 7:30 AM, following the Rappahannock River on a mostly flat, wide paved path through downtown, with one long uphill beginning at mile 5. Six aid stations along the way serve water and Gatorade.
Every finisher gets a medal, and registering by November 20 also earns a long-sleeve technical shirt
Registration is online only, $75 until November 30 (Fredericksburg Area Running Club members save $5)
Packet pickup: Thursday, Dec. 3, 4 to 6 PM, or Saturday, Dec. 5, 1 to 3 PM, at DICK’S Sporting Goods on Spotsylvania Mall Drive, or race morning from 6:30 AM at the park
Cash prizes: the top three overall men and women win $150, $75, and $50, and the top masters male and female each win $50
Course record bonus: $100 to the first man under 1:10:44 and the first woman under 1:18:24
You’ll have 3.5 hours to finish. No dogs or strollers.
Register: runsignup.com
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]
Meet Rebeca Henderson, the Trainer Behind BecauseWeLift 💪
Rebeca Henderson is a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and mobility specialist who built BecauseWeLift around one idea: fitness should fit real life, not the other way around. A 31-year-old mother of two, she knows how hard it is to squeeze workouts in around work and family, and that shapes how she coaches: realistic, encouraging, and focused on habits you can actually keep.
Her approach blends strength training, nutrition guidance, flexibility work, and functional movement. She works with clients on:
Rebeca Henderson, Owner
Strength and conditioning
Women’s fitness
Stretching, including neuromuscular stretching
Mobility and recovery
Sustainable weight loss
Beginner-friendly programs
Her goal is a supportive space where people of all fitness levels feel empowered to move better and gain confidence. Whether you’re just starting out, coming back after time away, or ready to level up, Rebeca builds a personalized plan around your lifestyle.
Learn more: becausewelift.com
Spotsylvania Living Magazine
The November edition of Spotsylvania Living is here, packed with the neighbors, stories, and local businesses that make our community shine.
Click below to read the full issue!
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
.
Eat Your Way Through Downtown Fredericksburg on This Food Tour 🍽️
Explore downtown Fredericksburg one bite at a time. On Wednesday, November 11, from 4 to 6:30 PM, the Fredericksburg Food Tour takes you on a walkable food adventure to five restaurants for five tastings, with stories from the people behind the food and a little local history along the way. The stops are a surprise, so all you need to do is show up hungry. Tickets are $75 per person. Learn more and sign up: fxbgparks.com
Build Your Own Old Fashioned with Redemption Whiskey at Locavore 🥃
Join Locavore (314 William Street) on Wednesday, November 11, at 6 PM for a build-your-own old fashioned social featuring Redemption Whiskey. Choose your bourbon, sweetener, and garnish, then pair your creation with a special bar menu and take home free Redemption whiskey swag. This one is for guests 21 and older, and you can RSVP through Resy. Learn more: locavoreva.com
Winston James Menswear Brings a Fresh Fit to Downtown Fredericksburg 👔
Downtown has a new spot for polished menswear. Winston James Menswear at 1096 Winchester Street recently opened with a selection that runs from custom suits, sport coats, and dress shirts to sweaters, trousers, and outerwear, plus finishing touches like leather belts, silk pocket squares, cufflinks, boots, and shoes. The shop is named after the owner’s French Bulldog, Winston, whose portrait hangs inside. It’s open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, so stop by and show them some love. Learn more: wjmenswear.com
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.
Thursday 11/5
SPEAKER SERIES: A Colonial Virginia Fashion Show - Explore 18th-century clothing styles from the Fredericksburg area at Central Rappahannock Regional Library.
Thriller Book Club - Discuss Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone and help choose the next read at Tales and Tails Book Cafe.
Trivia Night EVERY Thursday - Join five rounds of friendly trivia, prizes, and laughs at Spirits Bar.
Friday 11/6
First Friday - Enjoy art galleries, local artists, music, dining, shopping, and special events in Downtown Fredericksburg.
First Friday Karaoke at City Vino: Song about the Seven Deadly Sins - Sing a song inspired by one of the seven deadly sins during a playful karaoke night at City Vino.
First Friday Winter Snowflake Sip & Pour Candle Making Workshop - Create your own winter-themed candle in a social workshop at Pearlescent Candle Co.
Saturday 11/7
BROOKE POINT DANCE TEAM FALL CRAFT FAIR - Shop handmade crafts and support local artists and the dance team at Brooke Point High School.
2026 Animal Rescue Festival - Connect with rescue groups, vendors, music, activities, and fellow animal lovers at Hurkamp Park.
Veteran's Day Beer Run - Take part in a beer run gathering at Laudenbach Brewing.
Sunday 11/8
Sunday Hike - Join fellow dog lovers and a shelter dog for a local trail hike starting at Old Dominion Humane Society.
Grimoire Studios: The Gothic Market - Explore a folklore-inspired market featuring gothic, witchy, supernatural, and metaphysical vendors at Fredericksburg Convention Center.
Holiday Cocktail Series - Take a distillery tour and learn to make a festive cocktail at A. Smith Bowman Distillery.
