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This one's packed. Tonight brings the 20th annual Stars & Stripes Spectacular and a sky full of fireworks, the U-Pick flowers are finally blooming at Messick's, and the area is welcoming a whole batch of new local spots, from a downtown matcha bar to a brand-new Mezeh in Stafford. Oh, and the beaver is officially Stafford-bound.
Grab your coffee and let’s dive in.
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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It's a Done Deal: Buc-ee's Secures Stafford Location
The beaver is on its way, neighbors. Buc-ee's has officially purchased more than 35 acres near I-95's Exit 140 at Courthouse Road for $14.8 million, clearing the way for a massive 74,000-square-foot travel center. Think 120 fuel pumps, two dozen EV charging spots, 830 parking spaces, and yes, those famous clean restrooms, brisket, and Beaver Nuggets. The project is expected to bring around 200 jobs and nearly $1.9 million a year in revenue to the county. The sale has closed, though Buc-ee's has not yet announced a groundbreaking or opening date, so the countdown to Beaver Nuggets officially begins.
Are you cheering or bracing for the traffic? Read the full story here.
20 Years of Fireworks: The Stars & Stripes Spectacular Is Tonight
Get ready, neighbors! The beloved Stars & Stripes Spectacular hits the historic Spotsy Courthouse District tonight from 4 to 10 p.m., celebrating 20 years of the event and 250 years of American independence. Expect four stages of live music, food and business vendors, free kids' activities and inflatables, living history interpreters, and tours of the historic Courthouse and Old Jail. The night caps off with a stunning fireworks display synced to a soundtrack by 93.3 WFLS. With 10,000-plus neighbors expected, it's the free, can't-miss kickoff to the holiday weekend.
Free parking and shuttles run from Courtland High and Courtland Elementary. Rain date is Sunday, June 28. See tonight's schedule, map, and road closures at spotsy.org/4xbocmJ
Pick Your Own Summer Bouquet: U-Pick Flowers Are Open at Messick's Farm
Summer just got a little brighter, neighbors! The U-Pick flower patch is officially open at Messick's Farm Market in Bealeton, and it's the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. For just $3 admission, you'll take home five complimentary sunflowers, with additional stems at $2 each. Want a fuller bouquet? Grab a 32oz wildflower cup for $15 (admission included) and fill it with all the color the field has to offer. This family-owned farm market is packed with fresh produce, made-to-order meals, and seasonal fun, so the flowers are just the beginning.
Plan your visit at messicksfarmmarket.com → 6025 Catlett Rd, Bealeton, VA
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]
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Just 20 Minutes a Week: How fit20 Is Redefining Strength Training in Fredericksburg
When life gets busy, fitness is usually the first thing to slip. fit20, with multiple locations across Fredericksburg, Stafford, and beyond, offers a smarter solution: one 20-minute session a week, guided one-on-one by a certified trainer. The method centers on slow-motion, high-intensity strength training in a private setting, with no workout clothes, no sweat, and no crowded gym floor.
Rebecca Church - fit20 USA
Members report greater strength, better posture, less back pain, and more confidence, all built on a science-backed approach that's safe and sustainable at any age.
See what 20 minutes a week can do. Get a Free Strength Evaluation plus 8 weeks of personalized, trainer-guided training for $199. Text 571-348-2000 or visit fit20us.com to schedule.
Neighbor Notes
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Shawarma, Pizza, and More: Dubai Shawarma & Cafe Opens Downtown
A new spot just opened at 2010 Princess Anne Street, serving authentic shawarma, fresh pizza, wings, falafel, and rice platters, plus free Arabic tea and coffee. Whether it's a quick lunch, family dinner, or late-night bite, they've got something for everyone.
📍 2010 Princess Anne St · (540) 681-1048 | Learn more here.
Fredericksburg's Newest Wellness Destination: AquaPulse IV Is Now Open
AquaPulse IV has officially opened in Downtown Fredericksburg, right across from Sedona Tap House. Stop by the new wellness lounge for IV drips and services designed to boost energy, speed recovery, and support your immune system.
📍 Downtown Fredericksburg (across from Sedona Tap House)
Folaké Finds a Home in Downtown Fredericksburg 💚🍵
After months of dreaming, planning, and popping up all over the DMV, Folaké is settling into a temporary home at 719 Caroline Street. For the month of July, the space becomes a West African meets Japanese inspired matcha bar in collaboration with the Fika Studio.
🍵 Soft Opening: July 1 to 3, 11 AM to 2 PM (limited menu and cups, first come first served)
✨ Grand Opening: July 4 at 11 AM
🗓 Regular Hours: Wed to Sat 8 AM to 3 PM · Sun 2 PM to 5 PM
Whether you've shared a Reel, bought a matcha, or simply believed in the dream, this one's worth celebrating. Meet me at Folaké.
Mezeh Mediterranean Grill Opens in Stafford July 1st 🥙
It's grand opening time, Stafford! Mezeh Mediterranean Grill opens Wednesday, July 1st at 815 Wonder Rd, Suite 100, bringing fresh, bold Mediterranean flavor to the community. Build your own bowls, wraps, and salads from scratch-made dips, EVOO-grilled proteins, fresh produce, and chef-crafted sauces, all prepared daily. To celebrate, every guest gets a FREE bowl with the purchase of a drink during two time blocks: 10:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm.*
📍 815 Wonder Rd, Suite 100, Stafford, VA 22554
📅 Grand Opening: Wednesday, July 1st
🌐 mezeh.com
*Valid in-store only during the two timeframes. Limit one bowl per guest. Extra charges apply for premium or double proteins and premium toppings.
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.
Saturday, June 27
Dinosaur Adventure | 9:00AM (through June 28)
Location: Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, Fairgrounds 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Your kids will go wild for life-sized dinosaurs, fossil digs, raptor training sessions, baby dino meet & greets, bounce houses, dino scooters, and more.
Downtown Ghost Tours | 7:30PM
Location: Tales & Tails, 1010 Charles St, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: This is more than a ghost tour—it’s a journey into the real people, tragedies, and mysteries that shaped Fredericksburg.
FXBG PRIDE Festival | 11:00AM
Location: Riverfront Park, 701 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Musical Performances! Local Vendors! Local Organizations! Raffles! PRIDE!
Grand Opening for Hair By Brandi Kay | 11:00AM
Location: Killa Bee Tattoo and Beauty Hive, 690 Warrenton Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: This celebration is about community, freedom, small business, and making memories together.
PiYo & Puppies | 8:00AM
Location: Crunch Fitness, 3101 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Learn how you can adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind fitness experience that helps save lives.
Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast | 11:30PM
Location: 810 Caroline Street, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: The movie and shadow cast starting at midnight. This is an audience interactive show.
Rock-a-Billiken's Pinup Contest | 7:00PM
Location: Billiken's Smokehouse, 623 Caroline St, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: There will be live music, raffles and drink specials to benefit ODHS.
Strangeways Anniversary Party | 12:00PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We’re packing the day with local vendors, games galore, food trucks and more!
The Cold North Performing | 7:00PM
Location: Adventure Brewing Company 4 Hazel Park Ln, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Music, tacos, harmonies and community pre‑game with The Cold North.
Location: City Vino, 100 Hanover Street, Maury, Downtown, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Just sharp humor, big personalities, wine flights, and enough chaotic elegance to scandalize high society.
The Lowriders | 6:00PM
Location: Laudenbach Brewing, 45 Centreport Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We're talking some of the best blues/rock tunes in the area and it's a free show!
Tox & Matcha | 4:00PM
Location: Just Glow Aesthetics, 415 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Sip on matcha while enjoying exclusive Botox specials, glowing skin treatments, and a luxe self care night.
Sunday, June 28
Bingo & Brunch | 12:30PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Get here to snag a table and Brunch and don't forget to try a flight of mimosas!
Location: Wine & Design Fredericksburg, 502 Sophia Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join us for a sweet partnership, we love working with Sunshine & Sprinkles Custom Cookies!
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!
Weaving with Skunks | 10:00AM
Location: Possum-bilities in the Burg2, 211 William St, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Join me and Frick and Frack, adorable educational ambassador skunk brothers, at our fun and educational Weaving with Skunks event.
