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Today's issue kicks off with the news a lot of you have been waiting years to hear: Trader Joe's is officially coming to Fredericksburg. Scroll down for what's in the works along the Cowan Boulevard corridor.
There's plenty more to get you through the weekend, too. Dinosaurs roar into the Convention Center next week with Jurassic Quest, Lake Anna Winery serves up all-you-can-eat crabs for a good cause on Saturday, and Let's Smile Dental throws a free family block party. For date night, there's a 1920s murder mystery dinner just down the road in Louisa, and a little further out, tickets are open for High Tea with the Highland cows this fall.
Here's to a great weekend around the 'Burg. Enjoy the read!
Dori
Local Pulse: FXBG Edition
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All Aboard for Murder: A 1920s Mystery Dinner Just an Hour From Fredericksburg
The Virginia Scenic Railway invites guests into the Roaring Twenties aboard Murder by the Book, an immersive murder mystery dinner on the rails running every Friday night through August and September. The evening opens with a book signing for famed novelist Hermes Van Buren, until the author turns up dead. As the vintage train winds through the countryside, professional actors unspool the story between courses while guests gather clues and name their prime suspect before the final chapter.
Departs from Louisa, 105 Church Avenue
Included: Scenic train ride, live performance, chef-prepared entrée and dessert, and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages (local wine and beer available for purchase)
1920s-inspired attire encouraged but optional
Seating is limited and reservations are required. Reserve a seat aboard Murder by the Book at virginiascenicrailway.com and see whether you can crack the case before the train pulls back in.
Roaring Into Fredericksburg: Jurassic Quest Brings Life-Sized Dinosaurs to the Convention Center
Dinosaurs are taking over Fredericksburg. From August 28 to 30, the Fredericksburg Convention Center hosts Jurassic Quest, an immersive walk-through experience with North America's largest herd of moving, roaring dinosaurs. Families can wander among true-to-size giants, dig for fossils, meet baby dinos, ride animatronic giants, race in the derby, and build in the LEGO®-themed play zones.
When: Friday, August 28 (1–8 PM), Saturday, August 29 (8 AM–6 PM), Sunday, August 30 (9 AM–5 PM)
Where: Fredericksburg Convention Center, 2371 Carl D Silver Pkwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Tickets: General Admission, Kids Ultimate, and Kids Dino-Mite tiers; free for children under 2
Extra: Sensory-friendly hours offer smaller crowds, lower noise, and brighter lighting
Round up your little paleontologists and make a day of it. Tickets are available now at jurassicquest.com.
Tea, Highland Cows, and a Touch of Bridgerton: High Tea With the Highlands Returns This Fall
Scarlet Springs Farm brings back High Tea with the Highlands this fall, a two-hour, Bridgerton-inspired experience pairing afternoon tea with the farm's most charming residents. The afternoon begins with 30 minutes among the beloved Highland cows, each named for a Bridgerton, where guests can meet, brush, and dote on Penelope, Eloise, Benedict, and the rest of the herd, followed by a proper full tea service styled for an elegant yet whimsical afternoon.
When: Select Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekend dates in September and October, with two seatings (10:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00–4:00 PM)
Where: Scarlet Springs Farm
The experience: 30 minutes with the Highland herd, plus a full loose-leaf tea service with tea sandwiches, scones, biscuits, and sweets
Cost: $99 per adult, $79 per child (ages 10 and under)
Good to know: Prix-fixe menu (no dietary substitutions), advance booking required, tickets non-refundable
Perfect for a couples' outing, a girls' day, or a mommy-and-me afternoon, this signature experience tends to fill fast. Book a seating at scarletspringsfarm.com before the fall dates are gone.
Downtown Fredericksburg Just Got a Little Cuter: Meet Luca Bee's Baby Boutique
Caroline Street has a charming new addition. Luca Bee's Baby Boutique offers carefully curated baby and children's clothing and gifts, from newborn to size 12. Behind it is owner Ashlynn VanLandingham, who relocated from Los Angeles during a difficult season and turned uncertainty into opportunity. Named for her son, Luca, the boutique was built to be more than a place to shop, it's a welcoming space where families feel valued and at home.
Find Luca Bee's at 1109 Caroline St, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, or online at lucabeesboutique.com. Next time you need a gift for a little one, skip the online cart and shop local.
A big thank you to our sponsors for keeping this newsletter free for the community🙏 Want your business in front of 44,000+ Fredericksburg-area neighbors? Become a sponsor. [email protected]
Your Dream Space, Built Just for You: Meet Kitchens For You
When Fredericksburg-area homeowners picture a new kitchen or bathroom, many turn to Kitchens For You, a veteran- and family-owned remodeler trusted since 2012. At the helm is Chris Romero, an Army veteran with more than 30 years in construction who treats every project as if it were his own home.
Full-service kitchen and bath remodeling
Complimentary measurement, estimate, and design consultation
Financing: No credit score impact, funding within 24 hours, and fixed monthly payments
Discounts for military members and veterans
Ready to create the space of your dreams? Book a free design consultation.
(540) 657-3398
310 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford
FXBG’s Got It
Highlighting a few things worth knowing around town:
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Let's Smile Dental Block Party — FREE
A free Back-to-School Block Party this Saturday, August 22, from 11 AM to 4 PM at 10 Chatham Heights Rd. Expect moon bounces, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, and family-friendly fun all afternoon. Stop by and meet the team.
FXBG Neighbors Dinner Club — MEET & EAT
Adulting is hard, but making friends shouldn't be. The FXBG Neighbors Dinner Club matches six strangers for dinner at a great downtown restaurant on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:00 PM, no awkward mixers required. Take a quick personality quiz, get matched with six compatible neighbors, and just show up hungry, the restaurant and reservation are handled for you. Book a seat or sign up for future dinners at fxbgneighbors.dnnr.io.
Trader Joe's Is Coming to Fredericksburg — BIG NEWS
The long-awaited grocer is officially on its way. A 37-acre assemblage anchored by the Ulmanor property has sold for more than $29 million, clearing the way for a major mixed-use development along the Cowan Boulevard and Fall Hill Avenue corridor. Brokered by Coldwell Banker Commercial Elite, the project brings together three national developers, Greystar (multifamily), Lennar (residential), and Regency Centers (commercial), and will add new housing, retail, and a new road connecting Cowan and Fall Hill. But the headline for most neighbors is the one they've been requesting for years: a new Trader Joe's is coming to town. Learn more here.
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.
Friday, August 21
Live Music: Rebecca Moreland | 7:30PM
Location: Folklore Rooftop Bar (Locavore Virginia), 314 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy their performance along with your favorite Southern-inspired food and drink. It's sure to be great time!
Brims & Brews | 7:00PM
Location: Highmark Brewery, 390 Kings Hwy, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Enjoy a cold beer from Highmark Brewery while creating a one-of-a-kind accessory with friends.
Saturday, August 22
Back-to-School Block Party | 11:00AM
Location: Let’s Smile Dental, 10 Chatham Heights Rd, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Bring the whole family for an afternoon of moon bounces, face painting, balloon animals, food trucks, and plenty of community fun.
Location: Brooke Point High School, 1700 Courthouse Road, Stafford, VA
Description: Get ready for the upcoming school year with an action-packed community event featuring crafters, unique vendors, and delicious food truck eats.
Lake Anna Crab Fest | 3:00PM
Location: Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania, VA
Description: Enjoy all-you-can-eat crabs, live music from Stifler's Mom, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and more!
Sip & Shop Market | 12:00PM
Location: Strangeways Brewing, 350 Lansdowne Road, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: A curated collection of small businesses, all under one roof, inside a brewery with great beer, good vibes, and a crowd ready to shop local.
Summer Splash | 10:00AM
Location: Stafford Crossing Community Church, 1420 Forbes Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: We’ll have hot dogs, snow cones, cotton candy, water inflatables, a bounce house, an area just for tiny tots, games, playground and more.
Sunday, August 23
Location: Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, 2400 Airport Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: Sample catering and cake samples, see displays, get ideas, and leave this show with your wedding complete!
Location: A & B Creative Events Center, 5012 Southpoint Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA
Description: See the magic that transpires when students put down their phones and pick up a needle and thread.
