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It's National Farmers Market Week, and there's no better time to celebrate the farmers, makers, and small businesses that make our community so special. This issue is full of ways to make the most of these last golden weeks of summer, from fresh produce and paddling adventures to tax-free shopping, a bestselling author in town today, and a new way to make friends over dinner.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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It's National Farmers Market Week, Fredericksburg! Let's Celebrate Our Local Markets
The team at Long Family Markets in Stafford. Photo credit: Karen Presecan Photography
Happy National Farmers Market Week! There's no better time to grab your tote, bring the family, and support the farmers, bakers, and makers who pour their hearts into what they grow and create. From downtown Fredericksburg to Stafford and Spotsylvania, our region is overflowing with markets, each with its own personality and community spirit. Thousands of neighbors flock to them every week to eat fresh, shop local, and cheer on the small businesses that got their start at a market booth. Here's where to celebrate this week and all season long:
FXBG Farmers Market at Hurkamp Park: Downtown's beloved Saturday tradition (7 AM to 1 PM), plus a summer Wednesday Midweek Market (3 to 7 PM). Around 30 vendors, live music, Art in the Park, and Virginia Fresh Match, which doubles SNAP/EBT dollars for free fruits and veggies.
Spotsylvania Farmers Market: One of the largest in the region, serving the community since 1999. In 2026 it expanded to three days: Saturdays at the Gordon Road Commuter Lot (8 AM to 1 PM), Wednesdays in the Courthouse area (2 to 6 PM), and a brand-new Sunday market at Spotsylvania High School (8 AM to 2 PM).
Long Family Markets in Stafford: A veteran-owned, producer-only market every Sunday (8 AM to 1 PM), where all 80 or so vendors make, bake, raise, or grow what they sell. Don't miss the family fun, including the beloved Mr. Cluck Cluck and a monthly farm animal petting zoo.
Every dollar you spend at a farmers market goes straight into the hands of a neighbor chasing a dream. So this week, shop local, eat fresh, and say hello to the people who make our community so special.
Want the full rundown on every market, including addresses, seasons, and special events? Read our complete guide here.
Adulting Is Hard. Making Friends Shouldn't Be.
Somewhere in Fredericksburg, six strangers are about to become friends. That's the whole idea behind the FXBG Neighbors Dinner Club, because let's be honest: making new friends as an adult is hard, and it shouldn't be. So we made it easy. Here's how it works:
🍽️ Take a quick personality quiz
🍽️ We match you with six compatible neighbors
🍽️ We pick a great downtown restaurant and handle the reservation
🍽️ You just show up hungry and ready to connect
Neighbors come from all over Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Spotsylvania, every age and every walk of life, united by one simple goal: finding their people in a time when that feels harder than ever. No awkward mixers, no small talk with a hundred strangers. Just one table, one great meal, and five new faces who could become the friends you didn't know you were missing.
The details 🍽️
🗓️ Wednesday, August 26, 6:30 PM
📍 Downtown Fredericksburg
Your seat is waiting. Book now, or sign up to hear about future dinners: https://fxbgneighbors.dnnr.io
Summer Isn't Over Yet: Make the Most of It on Stafford's Waterways 🚣
There's still plenty of summer left, and no better way to soak up these last warm weeks than out on the water. Stafford County offers a paddle for every skill level, from calm creeks perfect for first-timers to open-river routes for seasoned adventurers. Here are a few spots to explore, easiest to most challenging:
Aquia Harbour Marina (Beginner): Calm, protected waters with easy launches and bald eagles overhead. Note: gated community, so check in at the gate.
Hope Springs Marina (Easy and scenic): Sandy shorelines and boat ramps on Aquia Creek, with quick access to the Potomac.
Aquia Landing Park (Beginner to intermediate): A rare public sandy beach with calm waters, free parking, and rich Civil War history.
Widewater State Park (Intermediate): Launches on both Aquia Creek and the Potomac, plus trails and a paddle-in campsite.
Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve (Advanced): Quiet, wild, and remote, with an ADA-accessible launch and abundant wildlife.
Potomac River Access (Advanced): Stronger currents and open water, rewarded with the county's most expansive views.
Sunset Cruises of Stafford (No experience needed): Let a captain do the work while you soak in the sunset. Perfect for families or date night.
Don't let these last golden weeks slip by. Try somewhere new and make this the summer you get on the water.
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 44,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
Where Real Estate Meets Real Community: Meet Sarah Stelmok and Nest Realty Fredericksburg
Real estate is about people, not numbers. That's the philosophy Sarah Stelmok built Nest Realty Fredericksburg around, and it shows in everything the firm does. Nest is a boutique brokerage known for pairing hyper-local expertise with relationship-driven service, helping clients navigate Fredericksburg's distinct neighborhoods with genuine care and a deep sense of place. Here's what sets Sarah and her team apart:
Community-recognized: Multiple Best of the Burg awards for Best Real Estate Firm and Best Realtor, plus Family Favorite honors from Fredericksburg Parent and Family Magazine
A one-of-a-kind background: Before real estate, Sarah built a career in special education, a foundation that shapes how she shows up for clients every day
A respected educator: She has trained real estate licensees across Virginia and the country, earning the FAAR REALTOR Code of Ethics Award, Educator of the Year, and several other industry honors
A heart for giving back: Over 1,000 volunteer hours in local schools, more than 4,000 books donated to area students, and a passionate advocate for special education families
Looking for a realtor who leads with care and knows Fredericksburg inside and out? Connect with Sarah Stelmok and the team at Nest Realty Fredericksburg and experience the difference relationship-driven real estate makes.
Nest Realty Fredericksburg
📞 540.455.7657
📍 530 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Community Digest
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Today, Tales & Tails hosts #1 NYT bestselling author Lisa Gardner to sign her new thriller, You'll Be Sorry:
📚 Signing at 2 PM. Tickets cost just the price of the book
🐶 Adoptable puppies named after her characters, 2 to 4 PM
💛 Lisa matches the day's sales up to $10,000 for Old Dominion Humane Society. Open 8 AM to 7 PM, all sales count
Come for the book, stay for the puppies. Every purchase helps a local dog find a home.
👉 1010 Charles Street, downtown Fredericksburg · https://www.talesandtailsbookcafe.com/
Virginia's Tax-Free Weekend Is Here (But Not for Long) 🛍️
Virginia's annual sales tax holiday is underway through tomorrow, so there's still time to save on back-to-school gear, clothing, emergency supplies, and energy-efficient products. The holiday runs through Sunday, August 9. Here's what qualifies:
📚 School supplies, $20 or less per item
👕 Clothing and footwear, $100 or less per item
🔦 Portable generators, $1,000 or less per item
🪚 Gas chainsaws ($350 or less) and accessories ($60 or less)
🌀 Hurricane and emergency prep supplies, $60 or less per item
⚡ Select Energy Star and WaterSense products, $2,500 or less per item
Just remember, the price caps are per item, and only qualifying products count, so it's worth checking the full list before you shop.
👉 See the complete list of tax-free items and rules: https://www.tax.virginia.gov/virginia-sales-tax-holiday
Neighbors of Courthouse
The August edition of Neighbors of Courthouse is here, packed with the neighbors, stories, and local businesses that make our community shine. Click below to read the full issue! Neighbors of Courthouse serves the communities along Courthouse Road in Stafford, including Embrey Mill, Augustine, Austin Ridge, Colonial Forge, Liberty Knolls, and more.
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, August 8
Book Signing with Lisa Gardner | 2:00PM
Location: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Lisa Gardner will be joining us for a book signing of her new standalone thriller.
Bourbon and Beer Festival | 4:00PM
Location: Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Ave., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get ready to taste a wide variety of bourbons and handcrafted beers, all in one place.
Live Music with Jeff During band | 5:00PM
Location: Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Rd, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Jeff During and his band are getting some amazing traction with becoming one of the best in town.
Reptiles Alive | 3:00PM
Location: Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Rd, Spotsylvania Courthouse, 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.
Saturday Strolls | 7:45AM
Location: Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Don’t miss the chance to get exercise, socialize with fellow dog lovers and give the pups a chance to explore.
Small Town BS | 7:00PM
Location: 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, 1140 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Featuring multi-instrumental twists, rich vocal harmonies, and hits spanning decades and genres, get ready for a great night of live music.
Suzie Sky & The Sparks | 8:00PM
Location: Fredericksburg Moose Family Center #1655, 11917 Cherry Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join for an evening of high-energy country, rock, and pop favorites!
Location: Barley Naked Brewing Company, 15 Tech Pkwy, Stafford, VA
Sunday, August 9
Mahjongg with Dragon 152 Club | 2:00PM
Location: City Vino, 100 Hanover Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join us for an afternoon of guided and social Mahjongg play in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Cornhole Tournaments | 8:30PM
Location: Spirits Bar, 816 Caroline Street (upstairs) , Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy food and drink specials, and compete for prizes.
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.
Royal Rally Legends Car Show & Pageant | 12:00PM
Location: Fredericksburg, Fairgrounds 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Check out an incredible lineup of classic cars, muscle cars, trucks, Jeeps, imports, motorcycles, and more!
