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Hey neighbor! 👋
Is it just me, or did July absolutely fly by? With August landing this weekend and school peeking around the corner, now's the time to squeeze every last drop out of summer, and our little corner of Virginia is happy to help. This Saturday alone is packed, from a first-birthday celebration downtown to a wild send-off party for a local favorite.
I've rounded up the best of what's happening, plus a few quieter escapes for when you're ready to slow down. And don't miss the woman we're featuring below, she's helping neighbors feel more at home in their own bodies.
Grab your coffee and let's dive in.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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🐾 Fred SPCA Fur Ball: A Fairy Tail Gala
Once upon a time, kindness changed everything. On Saturday, August 22, 2026, the Fredericksburg SPCA invites you to be part of the story at the Fur Ball: A Fairy Tail Gala, an enchanted evening of elegance, wonder, and generosity.
Here's the magic in store:
When: Saturday, August 22nd, event begins at 6:00 PM (sponsors are invited to a special VIP reception at 5:00 PM)
Where: Fredericksburg Convention Center
The cause: Every ticket supports lifesaving care for animals in need, turning hope into their happily ever after
🎟️ Grab your tickets and join the fairy tale. Every seat helps write a happier ending for an animal in need.
Squeeze Every Last Drop Out of Summer: 10 Virginia Beaches to Visit Before School Starts
Virginia Beach gets all the hype: the boardwalk, the high-rises, the packed parking. But ask a local where they actually go, and you'll hear about quieter stretches of sand where the loudest sound is the surf. If you're craving a coastal escape without the chaos, here are ten Virginia shorelines worth the drive.
Sandbridge Beach. Just south of Virginia Beach, this narrow ribbon of coast trades hotels for rolling dunes and vacation rentals. Bordered by Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, it's a haven for families and early-morning sunrise watchers. (Parking and restrooms at 2549 Sandfiddler Road.)
Chic's Beach (Chesapeake Beach). This bayfront local favorite on Virginia Beach's north end offers calm, shallow water made for wading, paddleboarding, and kiteboarding. Because it faces north across the bay, the sunsets here are absolutely unreal.
Cape Charles Town Beach. Over on the Eastern Shore, this is the rare public beach with no entrance or parking fee. Calm, shallow water is perfect for little ones, there's a no-license-needed fishing pier, and a charming historic downtown is steps away.
Croatan Beach. Tucked just south of Rudee Inlet, this residential surfers' spot has a members-only feel while being fully open to the public. Consistent breaks, an easygoing crowd, and on-site showers and restrooms make it a local gem.
Assateague Island National Seashore. Reachable from Chincoteague, this undeveloped barrier island is famous for its wild ponies roaming the dunes. With 200+ bird species, surf fishing, kayaking, and camping, it feels like stepping into a nature documentary.
Buckroe Beach and Park. Hampton's under-the-radar gem pairs a clean bayfront with a nautical playground, picnic shelters, a boardwalk, and summer live music. Lifeguards on duty make it a reliable family pick.
First Landing State Park Beach. History meets nature at the very spot English colonists landed in 1607. Enjoy calm bay swimming plus 20+ miles of trails winding through rare cypress swamps and maritime forest, all inside Virginia Beach city limits.
False Cape State Park. Reachable only by foot, bike, kayak, or seasonal tram, this remote stretch rewards the effort with six-plus miles of pristine Atlantic shore, roaming deer and foxes, and soaring bald eagles. True wilderness, no cars allowed.
Haven Beach (Mathews County). At the literal end of the road in slow-paced Mathews County, this quiet bay beach offers clean sand, gentle water, and wide tidal flats perfect for shell collecting. No concessions, no crowds, just peace.
Ocean View Beach Park (Norfolk). This lively Norfolk waterfront punches above its size with a wide, clean bay beach and a packed summer calendar, from Big Bands on the Bay to weekend live music. Lifeguards on duty and a breezy boardwalk make it a festive, family-friendly pick.
Pack your cooler, grab your crew, and go find your new favorite stretch of sand. Explore even more of Virginia's incredible beaches here. Which one are you adding to your summer list? Hit reply and tell us, we're always up for a good beach recommendation!
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]
Meet Brooke: The Fredericksburg Dietitian Helping Women Feel at Home in Their Bodies
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If you've ever felt like you've "failed" at nutrition, Brooke Czarnecki wants you to hear something: you didn't fail. The approach you were handed just wasn't built to support you. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the owner of Intentful Nutrition, Brooke helps women and athletes step away from restriction and into more energy, more confidence, and a whole lot more freedom around food.
Brooke Czarnecki, RDN, LD
Here's what makes her approach different:
No "good" foods or "bad" foods. Brooke skips the one-size-fits-all plans and the food guilt, focusing instead on education and collaboration so you understand the why behind what nourishes you
She meets you where you are. Her clients range from teen and adult athletes learning to fuel properly, to college students in eating disorder recovery, to busy moms who've spent years putting themselves last, to women navigating perimenopause
She sends you off empowered. Clients often arrive overwhelmed by all the conflicting nutrition noise out there and leave feeling supported, hopeful, and confident in their own choices
As Brooke puts it, when you stop spending so much mental energy on food rules and body image, you free up space to chase your biggest goals. That's the real win.
Ready to feel more at home in your body? Learn more about Brooke and her work at intentfulnutrition.com, and reach out to start your journey toward becoming your most nourished, confident self.
Business Briefs
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🎉 Aura Hair Collaborative Celebrates Its First Birthday
Downtown's Aura Hair Collaborative marks one year with a community celebration on Saturday, August 1st from 12 to 3 PM, featuring flash tattoos, permanent jewelry, champagne, sweet treats, shopping, giveaways, and a few surprises.
It's been quite a first year: since opening last August, Aura earned Best Hair Salon in the 2026 FXBG Neighbors' Choice Awards, and co-owner Holly took home Best Hairstylist. Neighbors are invited to stop by, raise a glass, and celebrate.
📍 305 Hanson Ave #160, Fredericksburg • 🗓️ August 1st, 12–3 PM • aurafxbg.com
Still Time to Feast: Restaurant Week Runs Through August 2nd
Good news for anyone who hasn't gotten their fill yet: Summer Restaurant Week is still going strong through August 2nd, with kitchens all over Fredericksburg doing what they do best. There's still time to finally walk into that place you keep driving past, or to remind yourself why an old favorite earned that title. Don't let the week slip by hungry.
🌉 Bridge to Brighter Futures: A Free Community Event for Local Families
Getting ready for the new school year? The Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Foundation invites local families to a free afternoon of back-to-school support, featuring free school supplies, free haircuts, food, giveaways, kids' activities, SNAP enrollment info, and safety demonstrations.
Presented in partnership with Handshake in Heels, Spreading Smiles at Renato's, Faded Foundation, Riphean Investments, and the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank.
📅 Friday, July 31st • 3:00–7:00 PM
📍 Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy, 3630 Lee Hill Drive, Fredericksburg
💵 FREE
Want to help? Make a donation or shop their Amazon Wish List at www.rrcjf.org.
✨ Let's Glow! Billikens Smokehouse Throws a Wild Send-Off Party
Fredericksburg favorite Billikens Smokehouse is closing this chapter, and they're going out with a bang. As part of a lineup of farewell parties leading up to their close, they're hosting a glow party you won't want to miss.
Here's the scoop:
A glow-up like no other. Bring the glow paint, break out the crazy outfits, and dress to impress
Music by the dynamic duo DJ Don Juan and DJ Ohh Noo
The vibe: Come glow, come party, and let's get wild one more time
It's a chance to celebrate the good times and send off a downtown staple in style.
📍 Billikens Smokehouse, 623 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg
Come glow with them and make it a night to remember. 💫
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.
Friday, July 31
Taylor Hnatt | 7:00PM
Location: 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company, 1140 International Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Desscription: Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and settle in for some feel-good country tunes.
Summerween | 5:00PM
Location: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg VA
Description: We will be transforming our upstairs space into a dark and spooky shopping event with candles, games, and of course- books!
Chucks N Boots | 8:00PM
Location: Stockyards Restaurant & Bar, 407 William St., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Performing country, Rock, grunge & even rap form the 90's.
Ally Ray Night | 6:00PM
Location: Spirits Bar, 816 Caroline Street (upstairs) , Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Singing your Favorite Rock and Country Tunes on our Upstairs Patio!
Location: 7309 Patriot Highway, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
Description: A night of laughs and jokes. A complete comedy show experience.
Saturday, August 1
Art in the Park | 9:00AM
Location: Hurkamp Park, 500 William St., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Local artists and crafters can showcase their creativity.
Location: River of Life Church,7408 Patriot Highway, Spostsylvania, VA
Description: There will also be a bounce house, birthday cake, and activities for the kids.
Spotsy Summer Classic Car Show | 10:00AM
Location: Spotsyvania Courthouse Village, 9015 Old Battlefield Blvd, Spotsvania Courthouse , VA
Description: Animal Adoptions, Family Fun, Food Trucks, Raffles, DJ Mike from House of Cars and more!
Kids Market | 10:00AM
Location: Spotsylvania Towne Centre, 137 Spotsylvania Mall Dr
Fredericksburg, VA
Description: From creating products and packaging them for sale to delivering their pitch and handling real transactions.
Summer Fest | 11:00AM
Location: A. Smith Bowman Distillery, 1 Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County, VA
Description: Get rid of those end-of-summer blues while sipping on frozen daiquiris, beer, or cocktails!
Sunday, August 2
4th Annual FXBG Peeps Show | 9:00AM
Location: Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 601 Caroline Street, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: The Peep-les Choice Award is still up for grabs so stop in and vote for your favorites.
Location: Prince Hall No. 61, 3418 Shannon Park Dr., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We are giving away 50 FULLY STOCKED BACKPACKS filled with essential school supplies to elementary and middle school students in our community!
Long Family Market 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.
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!
