Last-Minute Local Shopping Guide: FXBG Holiday Countdown 🎄

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Hey neighbors!

We're in the home stretch of 2025, and there's so much happening in our community! Here's what's inside this week:

Last call for nominations – Just 4 days left to recognize your favorite local businesses in the FXBG Neighbors’ Choice Awards
New restaurant alert – Yummy Bowl is bringing Mongolian stir-fry and sushi to Plank Road
Holiday happenings – From cocktail classes to foster dogs needing holiday homes
Community milestones – IdeaSpace celebrates 5 years

Let's dive in!

Dori Stewart

Tuesday’s Poll Results: Holiday Shopping Check-In

We asked how you're handling the holiday countdown, and most of you are almost done with just a few gifts left to grab! A dedicated group is already wrapped and ready, while others are still planning or hitting the stores this weekend. Wherever you are in the process, you've got this, neighbors!

Are you excited about Yummy Bowl Mongolian Stir-Fry & Sushi opening in Fredericksburg?

Big news for Asian food lovers! Yummy Bowl Mongolian Stir-Fry & Sushi is opening at 2312 Plank Road (the former Cowboy Jacks location). They're bringing build-your-own Mongolian bowls, premium sushi, authentic ramen, and Korean fried chicken to FXBG.

Let us know what you think! We'll share the results and keep you updated on their opening date.

Featured Event

Local Pulse: FXBG Edition

Tour, Taste, and Toast: A. Smith Bowman Distillery's Holiday Cocktail Series Brings Festive Spirit to Fredericksburg

This Sunday, A. Smith Bowman Distillery is hosting a Holiday Cocktail Series combining guided distillery tours with festive cocktail classes. Each session features a different award-winning spirit and recipe to recreate at your next holiday gathering.

Rescue Dogs in Fredericksburg Are Wishing for a Christmas Miracle: Two Weeks in a Home Full of Love

On December 21st at noon, Old Dominion Humane Society invites families to choose a rescue dog (or two!) to foster through January 3rd. ODHS provides everything you need, including food, crate, leash, and toys, so homeless pups can experience the warmth of a family during the holidays.

500 Makers and Counting: IdeaSpace Celebrates 5 Years of Empowering Community Creativity in Fredericksburg

IdeaSpace, the Central Rappahannock Regional Library's innovative maker facility, turns 5 on December 17. The free resource has trained over 500 customers to independently use equipment ranging from 3D printers to professional recording booths. Join the public celebration at 4:00 PM for light refreshments and a recognition ceremony honoring this unique community resource.

Thank you to our local sponsors who help make this newsletter possible 🙏

Business Briefs

Which local businesses have made your year unforgettable?

You have just 4 days to nominate them for the FXBG Neighbors’ Choice Awards and help them get the recognition they've earned.

From Cowboy Jacks to Chopsticks: Yummy Bowl Transforms Former Plank Road Location Into Asian Fusion Destination

Yummy Bowl is taking over the closed Cowboy Jacks space at 2312 Plank Road with a bold new concept: build-your-own Mongolian stir-fry bowls, premium sushi, authentic ramen, and Korean fried chicken all under one roof. The family-friendly restaurant promises quality ingredients, authentic recipes, and a complete Asian dining experience for Fredericksburg.

Thanks for supporting local and being part of our FXBG Neighbors community! We've curated this list of local businesses to help you shop local this season. Browse the deals and be sure to mention you found them through FXBG Neighbors when you visit.

Local Flavor

From Home Kitchen to James Beard House: How FOODE Built a Restaurant Empire on Community and Local Ingredients

Since opening in downtown Fredericksburg in 2011, FOODE has grown from a simple concept into a local restaurant group that includes Mercantile and 6 Bears & A Goat brewery. Founded by Top Chef alum Joy Crump and partner Beth Black, FOODE's philosophy remains unchanged: source the best regional ingredients, hire talented people, and cook with love every single day. The result? A community-driven dining experience where strangers walk in, and friends walk out.

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Events This Weekend

This section includes only the major events happening soon. Check event websites for the most current information.

Friday, December 19

Sip n' Shop At Liberty Town | 5:00PM
- Location: LibertyTown Arts Workshop, 916 Liberty St, Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: Sip on complimentary beer or wine, indulge in sweet treats, and watch our talented artists at work during live demos.
Tapas and Paella Wine Maker's Dinner | 6:00PM
- Location: Rehana's, 104 Wolfe Street, Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: A Traditional Paella Dinner complemented with luscious paired wines.

Saturday, December 20

Spotsylvania Farmers Market: Saturday Market | 8:00AM
- Location: 12150 Gordon Road Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: With more than 40 vendors, Spotsylvania Farmers Market is proud to support the region's many farms, nurseries, bakeries, meat and seafood providers, and specialty-food producers.
Christmas Flower Bar | 10:00AM
- Location: Tater's Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Rd Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: During your visit, shop our wide selection of unique home decor, garden accessories, gourmet food and cocktail options, and more!
Christmas Carol Sing-a-long at Lake Anna Winery | 1:00PM
- Location: 5621 Courthouse Road Spotsylvania, VA
- Description: Join the Freddy Fingers Band at Lake Anna Winery for the winery's annual Christmas carol show.

Sunday, December 21

Holiday Cocktail Series | 12:00PM
- Location: A. Smith Bowman, 1 Bowman Drive Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: Each session begins with a guided tour through the distillery and concludes with a festive holiday cocktail class featuring an award-winning spirit.
Pints & Paints w/ A. Key Designs | 2:00PM
- Location: Adventure Brewing Company, 4 Hazel Park Ln Fredericksburg, VA
- Description: What’s included: All art supplies, your choice of Craft Beer, Seltzer, Craft Root Beer, or other NA options and a Beer Token to enjoy during the event
Hexes and Healing Holiday Market | 12:00PM
- Location: 2374, Plank Road, Altoona, Fredericksburg, Virginia
- Description: Food truck @bubishatruck will be serving upv warm delicious crepes & hot and cold drinks. Come support the vendors and community.

See More Events

FXBG Neighbors Featured Podcast

Soft Jazz, Heated Patios, and Zero Pretense: Inside the Cigar Lounge That's More Library Than Boys' Club

Forget everything you think you know about cigar lounges. Leanne Cola of Smoke and Mirrors shares how intentional design, patient guidance, and a "start before perfect" philosophy created downtown Fredericksburg's most unexpected gathering place where remote workers, curious first-timers, and seasoned aficionados all feel at home.

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🎁 Last call: Where to shop local before Santa shows up