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Summer is in full swing, and there's so much good stuff to soak up close to home. This week we're sharing a full guide to the area's farmers markets (fresh produce, local makers, and yes, a hidden chicken worth hunting for), three family day trips within two hours of the 'Burg, and a meet-and-greet with a local financial pro who's helping families protect what matters most. Plus a brand-new park stage, a small business open house, and a taste of Scotland right downtown.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Eat Fresh and Shop Local: Your Guide to FXBG Farmers Markets
Rise and shine, FXBG, the market is calling! From the charm of historic downtown to the booths of Stafford and Spotsylvania, our region runs on fresh produce, homemade treasures, and local makers (plenty of our favorite businesses got their start at a humble market booth). So we rounded up every market in the area into one handy guide: days, times, locations, vendor highlights, and all the family-friendly extras. Think 80-vendor Sunday markets, brand-new 2026 locations, live music, kids' markets, and yes, a hidden chicken worth hunting for.
Find your new favorite market! Read the full guide here. 🧺
3 Family Day Trips Within 2 Hours of Fredericksburg
📸Credit: Science Museum of Virginia
Summer is here and the kids need an adventure! The best part of living where we do is how much is within easy reach. Pack the car, grab some snacks, and make a memory at one of these three family-friendly destinations, all a short drive from the 'Burg.
🔬 Richmond (about 1 hour 15 minutes): The capital is a goldmine for education and culture. Little ones will love the play-based Children's Museum of Richmond, while STEM-minded kids can dive into the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum of Virginia. Stroll the 50 acres of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, picnic at Belle Isle with views of the James River, then grab a bite and shop in Carytown before heading home.
🎓 Charlottesville (about 1 hour 30 minutes): Great for all ages. Kids 1 to 8 can explore, play, and learn across the hands-on Virginia Discovery Museum, or take the whole family to tour Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and its gardens. Cap off the day on the historic Downtown Mall, a lively, walkable stretch full of dining and shopping.
⚓ Williamsburg (about 1 hour 45 minutes): Step into the past at Colonial Williamsburg, the world's largest living history museum, with 300-plus acres and reenactors practicing trades like blacksmithing and shoemaking. Grab a hearty meal at a historic tavern like King's Arms. Craving thrills instead? Nearby Busch Gardens has roller coasters, or beat the heat at its water park, Water Country USA.
However far you roam this summer, here's to making memories close to home. Happy day-tripping, neighbors! 🚗
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Meet Britt Valentine: Helping Families Protect What Matters Most
"Waiting to figure it out later is exactly how families end up unprotected." That's the belief driving Britt Valentine, licensed agent and founder of Valentine Financial Group. Specializing in life insurance, mortgage protection, and income planning, Britt helps individuals and families build real financial security with clear, straightforward guidance, no overcomplication, and no pressure. What truly sets her apart is her path to this work: before entering finance, Britt spent over 20 years as a licensed mental health counselor, walking with families through crisis, loss, and life's hardest transitions. Again and again, she saw how financial stress deepened already difficult moments, and she knew she could help.
Britt Valentine - Licensed Financial Professional and Founder of Valentine Financial Group.
Today, she blends financial strategy with a genuine understanding of human behavior, because money decisions are rarely just about numbers. They're about emotions, confidence, and the peace of mind that comes from being prepared.
Ready to protect what matters most? Connect with Britt at Valentine Financial Group and take the first step toward lasting financial security.
Community Digest
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No One Builds Alone: Take Your Seat at the Table
Calling all small business owners! If you've ever found yourself wondering who to turn to, where to find resources, or who really understands the challenges you're facing, this one's for you. The PD16 Business Hub is hosting No One Left Behind, a small business open house at the A & B Creative Events Center. Come connect with fellow entrepreneurs, swap ideas, build relationships, and discover the resources and opportunities that can help you move forward. Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and this is your invitation to be supported, heard, and reminded that you're not building alone.
🪑 Thursday, June 25, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
📍 A & B Creative Events Center
Pull up a chair, your seat is waiting. Register here to join the conversation!
Sip a Taste of Scotland Right in Downtown Fredericksburg
Slàinte, neighbors! Here's a sophisticated way to spend a Sunday afternoon. FLYKUP-Scottish Fancy Pieces teams up with Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen for an intimate Scottish whisky experience inside the historic George Washington Armory. Enjoy a guided tasting of curated whiskies from across Scotland, each with its own flavor and story, plus light paired bites and a warm look into Scotland's whisky heritage. Space is limited to keep things personal, so this one is all about savoring the craft in good company.
🥃 Sunday, June 28, 4 to 6 PM
📍 Rebellion Bourbon Bar & Kitchen, 309 William Street (George Washington Armory)
Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon! Grab your tickets here. 🥃
The 'Burg Is Setting the Stage, Literally
Take a bow, FXBG! Riverfront Park just got a brand-new stage, and you're invited to the big reveal. On Tuesday, June 23 from 4:30 to 5:00 PM, the City is cutting the ribbon, with members of City Council, the Recreation Commission, and the Economic Development Authority on hand for the honors. Picture future concerts and festivals with the Rappahannock shimmering behind them. Come help kick off a whole new chapter of riverside fun.
🎀 Tuesday, June 23, 4:30 to 5:00 PM
📍 Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street
The stage is set. We'll see you down by the river!
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.
Saturday, June 20
1950s Party | 7:00PM
Location: Strictly Ballroom, 125 Olde Greenwich Dr #190, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We'll spin some '50s flavor alongside all your ballroom favorites, so there's a dance for everyone.
Betty’s Birthday Bash | 10:00AM
Location: Historic Kenmore, 1201, Washington Avenue, Doswell Field, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Games, treats, tours, and more!
Dueling Pianos | 5:00PM
Location: Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
Description: Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of music, wine, laughter, and nonstop fun.
Horseshoe Knife Class | 9:00AM
Location: 19Hands, 81 Whispering Pines Lane, Stafford, VA
Description: Learn the basics of blacksmithing while forging a knife from a horseshoe.
Kickin 4 Kellan 6.20k Family Fun Run | 9:00AM
Location: Pratt Park, 120 River Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Family fun activities available throughout the event.
Lake Anna State Park: Reptiles Alive | 3:00PM
Location: Lake Anna State Park Visitors Center, 6800 Lawyers Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Learn about the important roles Virginia reptiles play in the environment, snake safety tips, and what you can do to help protect wild reptiles.
One Year Anniversary Party | 10:00AM (though June 21)
Location: Taters Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy the free gifts, pressed flower craft and complimentary samples and treats.
Pups and Pints | 1:00PM
Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Even if you can't adopt come on by, have a beer and help us help out our community!
Stamp & Scrapbook Expo | 9:00AM
Location: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Summer Comedy showcase by MrKcomedy | 7:00PM
Location: 10151 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: An evening packed with side-splitting laughs, great music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks.
Vortex | 1:00PM
Location: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Saber Light Knights will be hosting a Tornado style saber tournament at the Mid-Atlantic Fantasy Convention.
Weekly Saturday Strolls | 7:45AM
Location: Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Sunday, June 21
Father’s Day Bistro Brunch | 11:00AM
Location: Potomac Point Vineyards & Winery, 275 Decatur Rd
Stafford, VADescription: Enjoy our delicious seasonal menu selections, crisp wines, and beautiful views. It’s the ultimate way to toast to everything he does.
Dad Bods, Drafts & Seafood Boil | 2:00PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing Fredericksburg, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy live music from Joe Cox, catch the World Cup matches on our TVs, throw some darts, challenge your friends to cornhole on the lawn, and relax with a cold pint in hand.
Father’s Day BBQ | 11:00AM
Location: Mattaponi Winery, 7530 Morris Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Gather the family, raise a glass, and make some memories with us at the winery.
Heart & Soul Quilting and Sewing | 4:00PM
Location: Central Rappahannock Regional Library Salem Church
Branch, 2607 Salem Church Road, Fredericksburg, VADescription: An opportunity to learn how to quilt or join others working on projects.
Van Gogh’s Starry Night | 2:30PM
Location: Wine & Design Fredericksburg, 502 Sophia Street
Fredericksburg, VADescription: Paint your own canvas or choose our Date Night option and create one masterpiece together.
Long Family Markets Stafford | 8:00AM
Location: Long Family Markets Stafford - 610 Slug Lot, Staffordboro Blvd, Stafford, VA
Description: Discover a lively, family-friendly market experience featuring fresh, locally grown foods, handcrafted artisan goods, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Location: 913 Holly Corner Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join Wandering Wonders and create your own handcrafted mullein torch to take home.
Spotsylvania Farmers Market | 8:00AM
Location: 6975 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Shop fresh, local, and producer-only seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, handmade items, and so much more.
Father’s Day Celebration | 10:00AM
Location: 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, 1140 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A full day of great brews, delicious food specials, and all the good vibes.
