In partnership with
Happy Tuesday, neighbors! ☀️
This issue is basically a love letter to Virginia summer. We're kicking things off with your guide to 15 lakes worth the drive (starting with our own Lake Anna, of course), and the weekend ahead is stacked: jazz under the stars on Friday, BBQ and adoptable pups on Saturday, and a winery dance party to top it off. Plus, some big news about a founding father's estate becoming Virginia's newest state park.
Grab your coffee and let's dive in. 🌊
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
Lake Days, Anyone? 15 Virginia Lakes for Your Perfect Summer Escape
Summer in Virginia means lake season, and we're spoiled with options. Here's your guide to 15 lakes worth the drive, starting with the one in our own backyard.
Close to home:
Lake Anna (Spotsylvania and Louisa counties): Our hometown favorite spans 13,000 acres with a swimming beach, picnic areas, campsites, and a 2-acre pond just for young anglers. Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding round out the state park.
Lake Fairfax (Fairfax County): Year-round fishing, pedal boat and kayak rentals, plus The Water Mine water park for the kids.
Lake Frederick (near Front Royal): A quiet spot loved by birdwatchers, with a launch for kayaks and canoes. Bonus: Dinosaur Land is minutes away.
Worth a road trip:
Lake Chesdin (Chesterfield/Dinwiddie): A 3,100-acre reservoir with a swimming beach, playground, and lakefront camping.
Smith Mountain Lake (Blue Ridge): The classic Virginia lake vacation, with 500 feet of beach, boat rentals of every kind, and 13 hiking trails.
Kerr Lake (VA/NC border): Virginia's largest at 50,000+ acres and famous for crappie fishing. You can even book a seaplane ride.
Lake Gaston (VA/NC border): 350 miles of shoreline, pontoon and paddleboard rentals, and a winery nearby to cap off the day.
Claytor Lake (near Virginia Tech): A full-service marina, waterfront cabins, and rentals from jet skis to pedal boats.
Philpott Lake (Blue Ridge Parkway area): Beaches, waterfalls, coves, and mountain views, with Fairy Stone State Park next door.
For the adventurers:
Douthat Lake (Bath County): A stocked trout lake inside a historic state park with 43 miles of trails.
Lake Moomaw (Bath County): Deep enough for both warm and cold water fish, tucked into the Allegheny Highlands.
Lake Drummond (Chesapeake): One of only two natural lakes in Virginia, sitting inside the Great Dismal Swamp refuge. Birding heaven.
Hungry Mother Lake (Smyth County): 17+ miles of lakeside trails, and wild ponies at nearby Grayson Highlands.
Cavitt's Creek (Tazewell County): A small Appalachian gem for birdwatching, fishing, and primitive camping.
South Holston Lake (VA/TN border): Bordered by the Cherokee National Forest, with great bass and trout fishing.
Whether you're packing the cooler for a Lake Anna Saturday or booking a mountain lake weekend, the water's warm and the season won't last forever.
Want even more options? Explore the full list of Virginia lakes at dwr.virginia.gov/lakes
Warning: You May Come Home with a Dog (and BBQ Sauce on Your Shirt)
Mark your calendar for a feel-good Saturday in Spotsylvania. This Saturday, July 11 from 12 to 6 PM, 1781 Brewing Company hosts Ride for Mutts and Pig Pickin', a day built around three of our favorite things: barbecue, local brews, and dogs looking for their forever homes. Local rescues will be on site with adoptable furry friends, Wild Waylon's BBQ is roasting a whole hog, and you can sip craft beer from 1781 or wine from Wilderness Run Vineyards while you mingle. Admission is free, and hog roast plates (pulled pork, baked beans, green beans, coleslaw, and a bun) are just $20. Plates are limited, so don't wait to grab yours.
Credit | The Conservation Fund
🏛️ Our Favorite Founding Father Neighbor Just Got a State Park
Before he was president, James Monroe practiced law right here in Fredericksburg, and now his historic Loudoun County estate is officially Virginia's newest state park. The Virginia legislature voted this week to approve the acquisition of Oak Hill, preserving more than 1,200 acres of farm and forest land along with the last privately held home of a founding father. The timing couldn't be better, arriving just as America celebrates its 250th birthday. The effort drew remarkable public support, with more than 10,000 Virginians signing petitions, sending letters, or donating to make it happen. Soon, all of us will have a brand new place to hike, explore, and walk through history.
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 41,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
.
Wellness You Can Trust. Results You Can Sustain.
Healthy living shouldn't feel overwhelming or out of reach. Faithfully Fit & Frugal (F3), founded by a retired United States Marine Corps Officer, delivers trusted wellness education built for real life: practical, affordable, and sustainable, whether you're juggling work, family, retirement, or all of the above. At the heart of F3 is the Signature Nutrition Program™, an internationally recognized approach that pairs nutrition with a one-of-a-kind Mindset component, weaving motivation and personal growth into everyday healthy habits.
Master Trainer Charmain (Charlie) Evans, Founder, Faithfully Fit & Frugal
No fads. No extremes. Just proven strategies that fit your lifestyle and your budget.
At the heart of F3 is the Signature Nutrition Program™, an internationally recognized approach that pairs nutrition with a one-of-a-kind Mindset component, weaving motivation and personal growth into everyday healthy habits. No fads. No extremes. Just proven strategies that fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Because when wellness feels achievable, healthy habits become lasting ones.
F3. LET'S WORK.
Learn more at faithfullyfitandfrugal.com
Community Digest
🎷 Your Friday Night Just Found Its Soundtrack
Cancel your couch plans. This Friday, July 10, Virginia Credit Union Stadium transforms into an open-air jazz lounge courtesy of the Fredericksburg Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. From 7 to 11 PM, soak in live jazz from local artists, dance to DJ Lil John, browse small business vendors, and treat yourself to great food. Seating is provided, so whether it's date night, girls' night, or family night, your table is waiting.
🍽️ Skip the Small Talk. Come to Dinner.
Dinner Club is back with a new July date, and your seat is waiting. Here's how it works: a short personality quiz matches you with five compatible guests, we pick the restaurant and handle the logistics, and you show up to a table where the conversation actually flows. No networking name tags. No forced icebreakers. Just a great meal with people you were matched to meet.
Past guests agree: the conversations feel genuine from the first course.
📍 Downtown Fredericksburg 🗓️ July 15 at 6:30 PM
Your table is set. Book your seat → fxbgneighbors.dnnr.io
Can't make it this time? Sign up at the link to get updates on future dinners. Here's to breaking bread and building something real.
🍷 Sunset, Slushies, and a Dance Floor at the Winery
Eden Try Winery is throwing a Hot Girl Summer party (and yes, boys too) this Saturday, July 11 from 5 to 9 PM. Think DJ dance party, frozen wine drinks, golden hour views, and bold summer outfits everywhere you look. Free to attend, no tickets needed. Grab your crew and your dancing shoes.
📍 6818 River Rd, Fredericksburg
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.
Wednesday, July 8
Location: City Vino, 100, Hanover Street, Maury, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Taste pairs of wines made from the same grape variety, one from Virginia and one from a renowned wine region elsewhere in the world.
FREE Party Trivia Night for a Cause | 8:00PM
Location: Brock's Riverside Grill, 503 Sophia Street. Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Gather your team, enjoy a night out, and help support an organization making a direct impact in our community.
Thriller Book Club: Best Offer Wins | 6:00PM
Location: Tales & Tails
1010 Charles Street, Fredericksburg VADescription: We are reading Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino.
Spotsylvania Farmers Market | 2:00PM
Location: 9015 Old Battlefield Blvd, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Shop fresh, local, and producer-only seasonal produce, meats, baked goods, handmade items, and so much more!
Summer Midweek Market | 3:00PM
Location: Hurkamp Park, 500 William St. Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Shop seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, artisan products, and more from local vendors.
Thursday, July 9
Barks & Recreation | 6:00PM
Location: Fredericksburg Dog Park, 1448 Kenmore Ave., Fredericksburg, VA
Description: From themed costume nights and ice cream socials to yappy hours and sprinkler parties, something is exciting for every pup and their human.
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Unforgettable adventures, legendary battles, and the characters that made the series one of the most beloved animated shows of all time.
Location: Wine & Design, 502 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We have tons of hat bands and accessories so you can customize every little detail.
Friday, July 10
Puppy Yoga | 5:00PM
Location: Old Dominion Humane Society, 3602 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get ready to indulge in 30 minutes of puppy cuddles, followed by yoga.
Friday Night Music | 6:30PM
Location: Potomac Point Winery, 275 Decatur Rd
Stafford, VADescription: Experience the magic of live music paired with our award-winning wines and seasonal cuisine.
Georgia Peach Truck | 3:00PM
Location: Meadows Farms, 5043 Plank Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Georgia Peach Truck is rolling into Meadows Farms Fredericksburg with with fresh Georgia peaches from historic Dickey Farms in Musella, GA and shelled pecans from the authentic Peach State!
Saturday, July 11
Free Family Movie Night | 4:00PM
Location: Victory Church of God, 125 Olde Greenwich Drive, Suite 120, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We will be featuring the film "Joseph" and will serve some free snacks and drinks while supplies last.
Ride for Mutts and Pig Pickin | 12:00PM
Location: 1781 Brewing Company, 11109 Plank Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA
Description: Join us for a day of BBQ, brews, and adoptable furry friends!
Fredericksburg Comic Con | 10:00AM (through July 12)
Location: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy a full day packed with vendors, artists, crafters, authors, and so much more.
Words and Wine | 5:00PM
Location: Vibin' With Val (Valerie Rosemond Settles, Vintner), 10691 Spotsylvania Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get ready for an evening filled with great conversation, tasty wine, and good vibes.
