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Something special is happening in early February. Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Texas to D.C. will pass through our region on their Walk for Peace. Local governments are coordinating the visit, and it's one of those moments that reminds you we're part of something bigger.

On a quieter note, Eileen's Bakery brought back their Thursday teatime through May. If you need an excuse to slow down in a beautiful historic space with shortbread cookies, this is it.

And speaking of growth, two downtown shops are expanding. Green Eyed Vines and Novel FXBG both outgrew their shared space in less than a year. That's the kind of problem you want to have.

Let's dive in.

Dori

Featured Event

I Saved You a Seat at Live2Lead

I'm speaking at Live2Lead on February 10th at the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center, and I want you there.

John Maxwell. Jesse Cole. Craig Groeschel. Plus local leaders Vernon Green Jr., James Kingman, and Kirstin Purcell. One day to get unstuck, gain real momentum, and connect with people who get it.

My readers get $20 off. That's $79 instead of $99. Use code DStew at checkout.

Local Pulse: FXBG Edition

Buddhist Monks' Walk for Peace to Pass Through Fredericksburg Region in Early February

Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington, D.C. are expected to pass through the Fredericksburg region around February 5th. The "Walk for Peace" pilgrimage promotes peace, loving kindness, and compassion across America. Local governments are coordinating traffic, security, and logistics for the visit. Read the full article for details on how to watch respectfully and track their progress.

From College Track Stars to Stafford Fitness Owners: The Dorseys Are Back for Round Three

Courtney and Mike Dorsey met as student athletes at Portland State University in 2006. Now they're running Premier Athletics and Fitness in Stafford, and this is actually their third time choosing to call this area home. Between Mike's recent military retirement after three deployments, Courtney earning her degree while raising kids, and their deep volunteer roots in the community, the Dorseys have a story worth hearing. Read the full article to learn about their journey from Portland to Stafford and why they keep coming back.

Teatime is Back at Eileen's Bakery: Thursdays Through May in a Historic 1833 Church

If you've been looking for a reason to slow down on a Thursday afternoon, Eileen's Bakery & Cafe just gave you one. Their beloved teatime is happening every Thursday from January through May 2026 in one of downtown Fredericksburg's most beautiful spaces. The bakery lives inside a restored church built around 1833, complete with a stunning stained glass window in the foyer that honors Civil War soldiers. Between the famous shortbread cookies, the historic setting, and the chance to actually sit down and enjoy tea like a civilized human, this is the kind of tradition we need more of.

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

Suite Tooth Pediatrics: Transforming Kids' Dental Care in Stafford

Dr. Ashlee Kato opened Suite Tooth Pediatrics in 2024 at 1229 Garrisonville Road in Stafford with a different approach to pediatric dentistry. Instead of the typical busy, open-layout practice that can feel overstimulating, she designed her office like a suite that offers one-on-one attention in a calm environment.

Services for children birth through age 18:

  • Routine cleanings and x-rays

  • Tooth-colored fillings

  • Crowns

  • Nitrous oxide sedation

  • Restorative care

Dr. Kato focuses on building confidence and making kids actually comfortable at the dentist. Suite Tooth regularly visits local schools to teach proper brushing techniques and partners with organizations to provide free oral screenings to children who need care. The goal is simple: create a dental experience where kids smile on the way in and smile even bigger on the way out.

Learn more at suitetoothpediatrics.com or call (540) 426-0779.

Business Briefs

FredNats Hosting Annual Job Fair February 5th for Game Day Positions

The Fredericksburg Nationals are hosting their annual job fair on Thursday, February 5th from 3 to 6pm at Virginia Credit Union Stadium to hire part-time game day employees for positions ranging from concessions to production to grounds.

Laudenbach Brewing Celebrates One Year with BBQ, Bavarian Music, and Stein Holding Contest

Laudenbach Brewing is celebrating their first year in business with live Bavarian folk music, GMAN BBQ, raffles, a stein holding contest on Jan. 24th, and the release of a special anniversary beer.

The Oberle Academy's New Butterfly Mural Was Inspired by a Student's Lunchtime Conversations

Local artists Gabe Pons and Sophia Pineda will paint a mural at The Oberle Academy this spring featuring butterflies and themes of transformation, inspired by heartfelt lunchtime conversations between the school's CEO and student Allen, who loves wildlife and nature.

Tater's Corner Hosts Cocktail Class with Anker Bar & Events Co on January 23rd

Join Suzie Anker of Anker Bar & Events Co for a cocktail class on Friday, January 23rd at 6:30pm at Tater's Corner (89 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg) where you'll learn how to make 3 cocktails that will wow your guests, includes snacks and samples of all three drinks (cocktail or mocktail option available). Check website to register.

Computer Cave Opens in Fredericksburg: Your New Go-To for Tech Repair and Custom PC Builds

Computer Cave is now open at 1255 Carl D. Silver Pkwy in Fredericksburg, offering full-service electronics solutions including computer, phone, tablet, and gaming console repair, custom PC builds, virus removal, data recovery, and tech support for individuals and businesses.

Green Eyed Vines and Novel FXBG Both Expanding After Growing Out of Their Shared Space

After less than a year at 212 William Street, both Green Eyed Vines and Novel FXBG are expanding due to growth. Green Eyed Vines is moving to 720 Caroline Street (the former Peacaloo Boutique location), while Novel FXBG is taking over Green Eyed Vines' current space at 212 William. The transition is expected to be complete by early April.

Local Flavor

Hope Heroes Southern Kitchen Served 53,000 Meals to Hungry Families Last Year While Slinging Southern Comfort Food

Hope Heroes Southern Kitchen isn't your typical restaurant. Founded by husband and wife team Trent and Dee, this family-owned spot on Patriot Highway operates on a simple but powerful idea: connect "Eating Good" with "Doing Good." HOPE stands for Helping Other People Eat, and they mean it. Last year alone, they served over 53,000 meals to families in our area who earn just above the poverty line and don't qualify for state assistance. The ones choosing between groceries and gas. The ones skipping meals so their kids can eat. Through their Hub of Hope nonprofit and their "Buy-A-Bowl, Give-A-Bowl" model, they're tackling food insecurity one plate of Southern comfort food at a time.

What’s Happening In & Around the ‘Burg

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

Snow is expected to start Saturday night into Sunday, so check with venues before heading out to make sure these events are still happening. Stay safe out there!

Friday, January 23

  • Food Truck Friday | 11:00AM

    • Location: Old Dominion Harley-Davidson,10611 Patriot Highway, Fredericksburg, VA,

    • Description: This week Hot Mama's Biscuits is bringing their delicious comfort food to our parking lot. Stop by, grab a bite, and enjoy the flavors! ️ ️

  • City Vino: Comedy and Wine Night | 7:00PM

    • Location: City Vino 100 Hanover St, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Included are four comics paired with four wines and a light snack.

Saturday, January 24

  • Make Your Own Simmer Pot Potpourri | 10:00AM

    • Location: Tater's Corner, 89 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Choose from a variety of spices, dried fruits, and herbs to create a wonderful-smelling potpourri to take home.

  • Trash Rocket, The Count Floyds & Stick-Figure Powerhouse | 7:00PM

    • Location: Strangeways Brewing FXBG, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Trash Rocket, Stick-Figure Powerhouse, and The Count Floyds take over the taproom and bring the noise. Free live music + great beer = a solid Saturday night.

  • Escape Room in a Box – The Lost Treasure | 10:00AM

    • Location: Dorothy Hart Community Center, 408 Canal Street, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Put together your best team of puzzle solvers and decoders to work your way through clues before time runs out!

Sunday, January 25

  • Supper Club Sunday | 5:00PM

    • Location: Hit the Spot Kitchen, 3318 Bourbon St, Fredericksburg, VA

    • Description: Enjoy a delicious meal and great company, all while basking in the ambiance of our cozy atmosphere.

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