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Hey neighbor,
Goolrick’s took a star turn on Good Morning Washington this week, and the newly revamped Caroline Street landmark has a speakeasy called Section 7 on the way. With Halloween on Saturday, our guide below has the weekend covered, from the downtown costume stroll to candy dropping from the sky at Shannon Airport. If you’re craving something sweet, Mattaponi Winery is pairing wine with Wicked Whoopie Pies on Saturday, just in time for trick-or-treating.
Looking ahead, UMW’s Women’s Leadership Colloquium is next Thursday, November 5, and Stafford honors veteran-owned businesses at its Veterans Day ceremony the next morning. We also have a look at Black Lace Studios on William Street, plus the news that Spotsylvania’s Class of 2027 will graduate at Kalahari.
Grab your coffee. Let's dive in. 🌊
Dori
Neighbor Poll
Poll: Which Halloween Character Are You This Weekend? 🎃
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which means two full nights of costumes, candy, and questionable decisions. We’re not here to judge. We just want to know who’s out there.
Which one are you?
- 🍬 The Candy Collector: I’m here for the trick-or-treating, the trunk-or-treats, and the costume stroll
- 👻 The Brave One: Ghost tours and haunted attractions? Bring it on (and walk slightly ahead of me)
- 🍸 The Party Monster: My costume is ready and my plans start after bedtime
- 🌾 The Pumpkin Whisperer: Give me a pumpkin patch, a corn maze, and a hayride
- 🏠 The Porch Light Guardian: I’m staying in, handing out candy, and judging costumes
Cast your vote above, then find your people (and your plans) in our Halloween guide: fxbgneighborsconnect.com/p/fredericksburg-halloween-events
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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Goolrick’s Takes a Star Turn on Good Morning Washington 📺
Fredericksburg’s historic landmark made its way onto TV this week. Chef D’Andre Sykes and Jeh Hicks joined 7News’s Good Morning Washington to show off the newly revamped Goolrick’s at 901 Caroline Street, which has been part of downtown since 1869 and reopened after a four-year renovation.
Here’s what they shared:
The restoration honors the building’s history while adding modern updates
Crowd-favorite menu items are still here, including milkshakes, malts, and hand-mixed sodas
Halloween brings seasonal specials and spooky celebrations
A speakeasy called Section 7 is coming soon beneath Goolrick’s, adding a new nightlife option downtown
Whether you’re a longtime regular or have yet to visit, now’s a great time to stop in.
Learn more: goolricksfxbg.com
Your Halloween Weekend Guide: Trunk-or-Treats, Ghost Tours, and Candy Dropped From Planes 🎃
Halloween lands on a Saturday, so Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31 are packed with things to do. Our guide gathers Halloween events across Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline with dates, times, addresses, and links. A few highlights:
Saturday morning: the Family Costume Stroll lines up at 8:30 AM downtown, followed by Treats on the Streets from 10 AM to noon
Saturday: the Harvest Festival Fly-In at Shannon Airport brings a haunted hangar tour and candy drops from the sky
Friday and Saturday nights: Halls of Hysteria ($25, ages 13+) and History Walks ghost tours with Masonic Lodge access ($32)
Pumpkin patches at Snead’s Farm and Belvedere Plantation stay open through the weekend
Looking for a grown-up night out? The guide also covers a free organ concert, Drunk History at Cheeky’s, and an after-hours Fun Land.
Plan your weekend: fxbgneighborsconnect.com/p/fredericksburg-halloween-events
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]
Virginia’s Top-Ranked Boudoir Studio Is Entering a New Era on William Street 📸
Women drive in from DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia to Black Lace Studios at 312 William Street, ranked the #1 boudoir studio in Virginia. Now owner Ramilyn “Rami” Thompson is slowing down and going deeper. She is taking fewer clients so each one gets more of her time, and she is starting to travel to photograph women at every stage of life.
A full day, start to finish: a consultation, hair and makeup in the studio, and a closet of 500+ pieces in sizes XS through 6XL
A same-day reveal of your images, with an all-woman team and locked doors for privacy
Ethereal, story-driven portraits
Ramilyn Thompson, Owner, Black Lace Studios
Many of her clients are over 40, and that’s the point. “40, 50, 60+ doesn’t mean you’re not beautiful. It means you’ve lived.”
How to book:
Sessions start with an inquiry through the contact form at blacklaceboudoir.com.
Black Lace Studios
312 William Street, Fredericksburg
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
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Lead Your Way: UMW’s 32nd Annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium Is November 5
Women lead in more places than any job title shows, as executives, entrepreneurs, educators, caregivers, volunteers, and mentors. The University of Mary Washington’s 32nd Annual Women’s Leadership Colloquium brings professionals who support women from all walks of life together on Thursday, November 5, from 8 AM to 4:30 PM at the Cedric Rucker University Center. Everyone is welcome to attend and learn how to lead with confidence, navigate challenges with resilience, and speak with courage. Learn more here.
Spotsylvania’s Class of 2027 Will Graduate at Kalahari
Spotsylvania County Public Schools will hold all five 2027 graduation ceremonies under one roof at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions on Saturday, May 29, 2027. The indoor venue means no worrying about the weather. Ceremonies run through the day: Chancellor High at 8 AM, Massaponax High at 10:30 AM, Courtland High at 1 PM, Spotsylvania High at 3:30 PM, and Riverbend High at 6 PM. Every ceremony will be live-streamed, and each school will share details on tickets, parking, and ceremony logistics. Learn more: spotsylvania.k12.va.us/page/graduation
Stafford to Honor Veteran-Owned Businesses at Its Veterans Day Ceremony
Stafford County will recognize 17 veteran-owned and military-spouse-owned businesses at its Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, November 6 at 10 AM at the Stafford Armed Services Memorial, 1300 Courthouse Road. The businesses are part of the county’s Legacy Business Recognition Program. Board of Supervisors Chairman Deuntay Diggs is the keynote speaker, Air Force veteran Sue Henderson will sing the National Anthem, and veteran pins will be handed out while supplies last. Can’t attend? Share a photo or message about a veteran you love on the county’s online social wall using #StaffordVets, and show your support by turning on a green light for Operation Green Light for Veterans. Learn more: staffordcountyva.gov/veteransupport
Wicked Good: Whoopie Pies and Wine at Mattaponi Winery
Stop by Mattaponi Winery in Spotsylvania this Saturday, October 31 for a Wicked Whoopie Pie and Wine Pairing before the trick-or-treating begins. The pies come from the Wicked Whoopie Pie Company in Boothbay, Maine, where everything is apparently “wicked,” and you can taste six flavors for $10. Kids can sample the pies for $5, and you can buy whoopie pies to take home. Sangria will also be on sale at a discount. No reservations are needed, so come anytime between 11 AM and 6 PM at 7530 Morris Road. Learn more: facebook.com/Mattaponi
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 10/29
Costume Party - Axe Throwing - Wear a costume for discounted axe throwing, food, and drinks at FXBG Axes.
Eve's Haunted Soiree at Eden Try Winery - Enjoy candlelit cocktails, tarot readings, wine pairings, live strings, and immersive storytelling at Eden Try Winery, running Thursday 10/29–Friday 10/30.
Friday 10/30
Laudenbach Brewing & Cruisin4Charity - Enjoy a family-friendly trunk-or-treat with decorated vehicles, candy, music, and costume awards at Laudenbach Brewing.
A VERY METAL HALLOWEEN LIVE MUSIC @ Adventure Brewing - Catch four metal bands, costumes, and food from Rosies Gourmet Pizzas & Doeners at Adventure Brewing Company.
Halloween Season Ghost Tours with Access to the Masonic Lodge - Hear ghost stories and explore the Masonic Lodge, cemetery, and downtown Fredericksburg on guided tours running Friday 10/30–Saturday 10/31.
Saturday 10/31
Downtown Costume Stroll to kick off Treats on the Streets - Gather for family activities before a costumed stroll from the VRE Park and Ride Lot B to Market Square.
WHISKEY & WINE FESTIVAL - Sample curated whiskeys and wines from local and international producers at 2371 Carl D Silver Parkway.
Halloween Party! - Celebrate with costumes, cold brews, live music, and a costume contest at 6 Bears & A Goat Brewing Company.
Tango Lesson & Halloween Party at Strictly Ballroom - Learn tango and join a costume party and contest at Strictly Ballroom Dance Studio.
Sunday 11/1
Holiday Cocktail Series at A. Smith Bowman Distillery - Enjoy a distillery tour followed by a festive cocktail class at A. Smith Bowman Distillery.
Buffalo Bills Backers Game - Cheer on the Bills with food, fun, and a raffle at Hard Times Cafe - Four Mile Fork.
Cornhole Tournaments EVERY Sunday Night! - Compete for prizes while enjoying food and drink specials at Spirits Bar.
