Hometown FXBG

Everything great about this roots worthy town in VA.

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#Waybackwednesday

Looking up Williams St. from Caroline St. then vs now. Not a lot has changed. 

In May 1864, Fredericksburg was to become, for a third time, the center of operations for an occupying army. The vast majority of the future city’s citizens had fled their homes and businesses as refugees just prior to the Battle of Fredericksburg in December 1862.

The need for a logistical hub brought thousands of Union army personnel again to its streets and buildings. Warehouses and churches once more became hospitals. Daily wagon trains carried supplies to the army over rutted dirt roads leading to the ravaged countryside.

For many years William Street was also known as Commerce Street. Some of the buildings retain their 19th century appearance, and others have been severely modified for adaptive reuse.

Reference the Guidebook for more historical information about this historical street.

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#Thirstythursday

Brock’s Riverside Grill has a variety of options to spice up your Thursday! Their hours are 11am to 1:30 am so you have plenty of time to check out their delicious menu. Not only do they have a fantastic food and drink menu, but they have a scenery you will want to add to your FXBG bucket list. 

Some of their drinks for a great #thirstythursday include:

Brock’s Mule

Dark and Stormy on the Rappahannock

Brock’s on the Rocks

and some other classics. If you want to see even more drinks to have a fun or sophisticated evening check our their website.

Their beautiful veranda, weather permitted, fills up fast so get there first this Thursday to relax after a long week of working from home. You deserve to take in a breath of fresh air which is exactly what you will get at Brock’s! Not to mention Thursday is rib night, yummm. 

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#Waybackwednesday

The Princess Anne Hotel built-in 1905 vs what it looks like now. Visited by Winston Churchill and several US Presidents. 

Heading toward the railroad tracks on Princess Anne Street today, you see an odd assortment of buildings. The 600 block evokes a style you might call municipal bland, while the 500 block consists of orphaned historic structures flanking parking lots. Not only was Princess Anne a main artery for travelers up and down the East Coast, these two blocks were once the center of a thriving African–American business district.

There are churches that still stand strong and bring people together. Residents still remember the historic community along Princess Anne Street. Memories of up and down the block are replayed in this article. The grandest hotels stood tall and still hold the stories of people who stayed there. 

Since back in the day, hotels have been transformed into all kinds of different shops. Many of the structures along these two blocks were torn down as part of a federal block grant program for downtown renewal in the early 1980s.

Princess Anne remains beautiful and strong. 

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#TransformationTuesday

With their grand opening on January 29th, Casey’s has already made huge waves in the FXBG area! Located in downtown Fredericksburg, Casey’s is a family friendly American restaurant where memories are made through traditions and the people you gather with! They are open Tuesday-Sunday for dine-in, pick-up, and delivery.

Built and operated by two Virginia born chefs, Casey’s offers an array of mouthwatering items that are created by the chefs themselves. Along with serving these items for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Casey’s provides multiple catering options and special events throughout the year that are unique to the FXBG area.  From chef specials, to holiday events, to wine tastings, Casey’s offers a wide range of events for all ages. Stay up to date on their calendar for future events and to reserve your spot!

It is time to reward your palate and expand your restaurant experiences today with a trip to Casey’s!

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#Transformationtuesday

A new restaurant has opened in the former Grapevine Cafe location at 622 Kenmore Avenue in Fredericksburg.

Casey’s opened Friday and is now serving breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays. The restaurant offers dine-in, takeout and delivery. The owners want to turn Casey’s into a community and neighborhood gathering spot and plan to offer free coffee between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Go check them out!

Caseys is a family friendly American restaurant located in historic downtown Fredericksburg. Engaging with the neighborhood and  community. This is a unique dining experience that will help bring families and friends together for some bonding during this tough time. Their menu will have you drooling! Casey’s has everything from a Rise and Shine Sammie to Key Lime Cheesecake!

Recommendations to come, we can’t wait to see you at Casey’s!

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#Trendingnewsfriday

Spotsylvania Supervisors Approve Rezoning to Allow Apartments at Mall

The Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors approved a rezoning for the Spotsylvania Towne Centre, paving the way for an apartment complex to be built on the site once occupied by Sears.The apartments will provide an on-site customer base for the nearby retailers, and will draw in other businesses. A better shopping experience will be created!

The monthly rent for the apartments is expected to range from $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment to $2,000 for three bedrooms. Most of the apartments would have one or two bedrooms. Concerns were raised about traffic and commotion in the area. However, the apartments are going be a hit with younger people and empty nesters so it will draw in more positive than negative.

There is a lot of controversy but once they’re up and running there may be so much buzz the negative will disappear! Read more about it here.

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#ThirstyThursday

Time to snuggle up on the couch for another episode of Bridgerton, but don’t forget to grab your delicious Caramel Apple Hot Toddy. All the fall flavors you need wrapped in one, no need to wait for Starbucks to come out with their fancy fall drinks when you can make it yourself! This cocktail has both sweet and spice, all the best flavors mixed in one. A little cinnamon whiskey never did anyone wrong. Get the party going because tomorrow is Friday! 

Although it is filled with fall flavors now is a great time to get in all the fall you’re missing, I mean it’s still cold isn’t it? You’ve had a long week of working and being a standup person and now it’s your time to take a break so you better make it a delicious one. 

This drink is also great to bring along to a party or function. Time for a ladies cocktail night and you get to choose the fall season to represent! 

Caramel Apple Hot Toddy

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#WaybackWednesayfxbg

No one knows when exactly this miraculous place came to be but dates go back to 1804 in a frame building where the Amtrak station stands. People were joined together by the first pastor named Andrew B. Broaddus. In 1814 the second oldest women’s missionary society in the South was established. After Broaddus left the church, the congregation moved to a brick building which is now where Shiloh stands. One difficulty faced was a schism in the church in 1832 to create a new church.

However, the church bounced back! Numbers grew to 800 members which included three fourths slaves and free blacks. It was time for a new facility again so the church purchased a lot to build upon! The current sanctuary was built from 1853-1855 under the supervision and support of Rev. William F. Broaddus. Originally, the white members were the ones that took over the new sanctuary naming it Fredericksburg Baptist Church. 

The Civil War came about and complicated what seemed to be a success of the church. The Rev. Broaddus was seized as a hostage in Washington, D.C. and imprisoned. Following that the Battle of Fredericksburg damaged a lot of the town. Many people fled to different areas to get away from the madness. No services were conducted from 1862 until the end of the war in 1865. Despite the immense damage and financial difficulties in the town, the people pulled together for a new pastor and repairs to their beloved church. Rev. Dunaway restored finances, membership numbers and the spirit of the church along with the church itself and ended up serving the longest term with the church in its history. 

From there, the Fredericksburg Baptist Church has continued to thrive and pass along their good fortunes to others. They have expanded mission and educational programs. Many of their missionaries have aided outside the country and even with other churches in Virginia. To this day they continue to expand their congregation in terms of members but also structures. The strength of the members over the years has kept the church alive. This structure represents the faith and love of those in Fredericksburg and is a great history to share with those around you! 

Visit Fredericksburg Baptist Church website to learn more and see how they’ve grown and become a symbol of the town.

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#TransformationTuesday

Just Pop’n is a unique shop taking over the FXBG area! This creative shop gives you all different flavors and fun for people to come together! They are open every day of the week and are located in the beautiful historic downtown for everyone to enjoy. 

The vibrant shop was inspired from a popcorn tasting in Iowa and has continued to bring new takes on this loved snack. It is a quality and gourmet snack for those looking to spice things up and have an experience unique to Fredericksburg! Carolyn Gipson has brought life to this shop and created something special for the townies and anyone visiting. 

The current flavor of the month is Wasabi and you can check out their website anytime to see what’s new and what’s Pop’n! You’ll have to pop into the store and check out more flavors, they have everything from the classics to crazy flavors you’d never imagine. Follow your nose to the delicious scent on William Street! 

Time for a movie night in with some extra special popcorn or make a stop if you’re doing something fun like a drive-in or rented out theatre. Who knows maybe you can even suggest a flavor you’d like to see. 

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#SelfCareSunday

The week is about to start and we know that panic may be setting in but take a breath and take a moment for some self care first. We’re challenging you to cook for yourself and it may feel like you don’t have time for that but taking that time to think and unwind is what you need before another crazy week. Taking care of yourself by cooking and trying something new shows your mind the affection it needs and makes you more at ease. 

Some extra self care tips from the American Psychological Association are as follows:

1. Prioritize: Making lists is great but make sure you put them in order of importance to be as efficient as possible and reduce stress.

2. Pivot, if necessary: If the plan isn’t going exactly the way you wanted it to take a second, breathe, think of another way to do it.

3. Stick to a Routine: With COVID it can be hard to keep to a structured routine when we’re in the house all day but try to stick to it because it will give you a sense of normalcy.

4. Create a Separate Workspace: Do not mesh your home and work try your best to have two separate spaces for work and home or else it can feel like you never left work at home or vice versa.

5. Don’t Skimp on the Basics: You will always need significant food and sleep, not getting the basics can have a domino affect on your whole day, don’t let it and stay healthy as best you can!

6. Stay Connected: Communication with others, especially the ones we love, can drastically improve our day and our moods through a laugh or catching up.

7. Limit News Consumption: Right now the news can be overwhelming and stressful, trust us you have enough stress in your life, turn it off.

8. Practice Mindfulness/ Other Relaxation Tips: There are so many videos online and free resources to escape stresses and teach you how to deal with them on the daily, use them and put it into that routine.

9. Learn Something New *Like a new recipe* : This can help you feel more accomplished but also gain more enjoyment from the day because you tried something for yourself. 

10. Cut Yourself Some Slack: Remember that you don’t always have to be doing something to be happy and successful, helping yourself is going to go further in the long run so just don’t push yourself to overdrive and burnout.

11. Check in With Others: Relating to others or even trying to make their day better can make you feel good for helping but also be a great resource for reminding yourself that you’re never alone in your everyday stressors.

These are just a few great tips, we hope you’re having a great self care Sunday, you’ve got this week in the bag!

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#ThirstyThursday

This Thursday we have a perfect mocktail that is super easy for a girl’s night in or a fancy dinner with the family! The blood orange is a beautiful way to light up the winter season and have a fresh taste. Let’s take a dive into the yummy ingredients! 

Blood Oranges are not only amazing immune boosters but they hold more than a day’s supply of Vitamin C. They are also great for healing and right now we can build up all of the strength we can get! Lastly, our star fruit of the mocktail is a great source of fiber and can help with high levels of cholesterol. 

Choosing ingredients for mocktails can be fun but difficult to get the right flavor. Try to pick whatever fruit is in season, maybe even some frozen fruit as a flavorful ice. Next, you have to add the fizz! Not wine or seltzers (unless you’re more in the mood for a cocktail) but some sparkling water or soda! For some extra healthy bubbles poor in some Kombucha for gut health. Need more flavor? Sprinkle in some mint, ginger or another fancy extra of your choice. You know what comes next....Cheers! Drink up and enjoy a winter delight, you deserve it. 

Hope this added some color to your winter! Don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Sparkling Blood Orange Mocktail

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NATIONAL HUGGING DAY – January 21

National Hug Day or National Hugging Day occurs on January 21st and is officially recognized by the United States Copyright Office, but is not a public holiday.

The purpose of the day is to help everyone show more emotion in public. The only way to celebrate the day is by offering a hug to anyone and everyone you want. While National Hug Day and the Free Hugs Campaign share many similarities, there is not an association between the two.

Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same. From the day we are born, hugs or touch improve our sleep. Hugging, like cuddling, releases oxytocin. On its own, this hormone provides tremendous health benefits. Not only does it gives us feel-good hormones, but it reduces pain. Receiving a hug helps reduce stress, lowers blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease. It also eases anxiety.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHuggingDayGive someone a big hug. Or, if you need one, ask for a hug and reap the benefits.  Use #NationalHuggingDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL HUGGING DAY HISTORY

The holiday was founded by Rev. Kevin Zaborney on March 29, 1986, in Caro, Michigan.There are over 1,500 national days. Don’t miss a single one. Celebrate Every Day® with National Day Calendar®!

Hugs Go a Long Way

We all know that hugs make us feel safe and warm. One of the many reasons COVID has been so hard is that we can’t embrace the ones we love anymore. Nonetheless let’s take today to appreciate the many benefits of hugs and think about other ways to show our affection right now. 

First off, hugs give us a connection to those around us and make us feel less lonely and isolated. Not to mention hugs can lower stress and may be able to help you avoid getting sick. Hugs were shown to reduce stress and therefore getting ill or at least the severity of cold symptoms. 

In addition to reducing stress and cold symptoms, hugs relieve tension in the body. After, those strenuous workouts you’ve been doing over quarantine, better get some hugs in to release all the muscle tension. 

My favorite, which might seem obvious, is that hugs elevate your mood through boosting dopamine and serotonin. Not only does this make you happier but it can help with something as severe as depression. 

Right now we are all experiencing some isolation, stress, tension, and lower moods. We could all just use one big long hug! If you can, hug your family members but if not make sure you’re finding some other ways to keep your spirits up. Here are some suggestions:

**

Facetime, Call, Text, Email, Write a letter to family, friends or someone you haven’t talked to in a while

Meditate

Listen to music or a podcast

Read something (probably not the news though, that might make you more stressed)

Exercise to release endorphins and get that happy energy, even if it’s a short walk

Draw or do something else creative like knitting, sewing, scrapbooking

Journal! Write all about those tough days and the good ones too or even better write a little story.**

** **

Healthy Habits (eating right, exercising, meditating, journaling, etc.)

Unwinding at the end of the day (reading. listening to music/podcast, etc.)

Give Back (helping others can help you feel good inside, and supporting your community will help you stay connected to people)

** We hope you’re staying healthy and safe right now. Don’t forget to give yourself a HUG mentally and physically! You’ve got this. **

Benefits of Hugs

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MLK Day

HOW TO OBSERVE #MLKDay

MLK DAY HISTORY

Source for info: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/ 

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National Hat Day

Hats have always been a fun way to express ourselves. They can show your role such as a fireman hat or just be your fashion statement. There are baseball caps, cowboy hats, beanies and more. Many schools celebrate National Hat Day and encourage students and teachers to show off their coolest hats. This is a favorite spirit day for many!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalHatDay 

Wear your favorite hat today and post with #NationalHatDay

Challenge a friend to post in their favorite hat

Check out some local boutiques and go hat shopping

NATIONAL HAT DAY HISTORY

National Hat Day has been celebrated since around 1983. People have integrated into schools, libraries and so on. This National holiday has been a way to not only showcase some cool hats but bring communities together. There have been contests and gatherings with all cool kinds of hats, so let’s celebrate and show ours off!

Source for info: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/

Who doesn’t love a cute hat?! Especially right now in the cold winter of Fredericksburg. It is very important to warm your head but who’s to say you can’t look fabulous while doing so. If you are looking for a great way to spruce up those puffy winter coat looks or you’re just looking for something to keep you warm this winter, Peacaloo Boutique has some of the cutest hats.

Not only is a little boutique a great way to get out of the house but it is a cute way to spend some time with those you love on National Hat Day! Go try on some of the cutest hats and enjoy!!

Peacaloo Boutique Hats!

Notes:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-peacaloo-boutique-covid19-relief

They are doing a go fund me to help raise funds to make up for lost revenue. We can also tie all these into the support local theme. 

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National Strawberry Ice Cream Day

One of the three Neapolitan ice cream flavors is Strawberry. Known for its sweet and fresh fruity taste strawberry ice cream is definitely a favorite. It was even served at James Madison’s second inauguration! Whether fresh with chunks of little strawberries or plain old strawberry flavoring, today we celebrate the immaculate flavor of strawberry ice cream.

HOW TO OBSERVE #StrawberryIceCreamDay

We know it’s cold out but most of us are cooped up at home anyway so cozy up with a friend/family member and have a big old bowl of strawberry ice cream! Make it a sundae night if you’d like. Think of all the things you’ll be doing in the warmer days to come and post with #StrawberryIceCreamDay.

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM DAY HISTORY

Strawberry Ice Cream day is one of many ice cream holidays to be celebrated, along with Ice Cream Day in general which is on July 1st. There are so many days we recognize the sweet treats in our lives. We know right now might be diet season but we won’t tell and it’s strawberry how unhealthy can it really be?

Source for info: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/ 

Maybe you don’t want to stay inside anymore and this is your chance to get out and explore the ice cream shops of Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg is full of great old timey shops but if you really want the comforting feel of home while eating your big bowl of ice cream Goolrick’s is the place to be!

Smell the fresh baked cones and take a seat at the barstools. One of the most historical ice cream shops around town. Goolrick’s has been around for 150 years now and has had many owners welcoming all into this heart warming place. The current owner emphasizes how when moving around so much in his life he hasn’t seen a place so historic and charming. They also have the oldest continuously operating soda fountain which is super awesome! Maybe you, your kids or loved ones have never even seen a soda fountain, here’s a great place to have some fun historical moments while sipping on ice cold soda. 

Goolrick’s is open to all ages and welcomes all sorts of adventures into the shop! Try your first malt or talk to the great staff about the shop! Enjoy today and head over to Goolrick’s for a great National Strawberry Ice Cream Day :)

More Info Here

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NATIONAL DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY

NATIONAL DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY

National Dress Up Your Pet Day on January 14th provides a special day to celebrate with your pet and show of their fashion style. Pets do become part of one’s family. Whether you take a visit to the groomer or take it a step further and dress up in matching outfits, be sure your pet companion is safe and comfortable.

Please remember to keep your pets safe and comfortable in the pet clothing and costumes that you choose.

Tips for dressing up your pet:

If your pet just doesn’t like dressing up, let them sit this holiday out.

Be sure it fits. Restricting movement or ability to breathe can cause injury or illness.

Many pets like to chew. Avoid loose or dangling pieces which can cause choking hazards.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalDressUpYourPetDay

The name of the day tells you how to celebrate it; dress your pets up! Keep your pet’s comfort first and foremost. A visit to the groomer for a bit of polish and trim always improves our pet companion’s appearance. Get a snazzy bandana, bow, or collar to show off the fresh do. How about a sweater for chilly, long walks? If the tutu is too, too much, your pooch will let you know. Be sure to share your favorite pet poses with us. We love to see how you #CelebrateEveryDay. Use #DressUpYourPetDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL DRESS UP YOUR PET DAY HISTORY 

National Dress Up Your Pet Day was founded in 2009 by Celebrity Pet Lifestyle Expert and Animal Behaviorist, Colleen Paige.

Source

ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT: JANUARY 2021 from Fredericksburg SPCA

Harper & Lucinda are from the case we assisted with back in August on the Tennessee border, where 53 dogs were removed off of a property. Undersocialized and fearful, a shelter environment was no place for these beauty queens. Being placed in foster care with our #FredFosterFam has helped them blossom and feel safe! They absolutely adore being around other dogs, so if you are looking for a BFF for your BFF, these girls would be a great choice. Harper and Lucinda can go to separate homes or go together, but they must go to a home with another dog to help their confidence keep blossoming! Here’s what their foster mom had to say:

“It was such a joy to have both Harper & Lucinda with us on Christmas Day! Lucinda didn’t really understand the hype of all the toys but she started playing with them the next day. The ball is her favorite. Harper was not amused with me dressing her up as a reindeer!Lucinda has started to come out of her shell a little more. She is Harper’s little shadow, following her everywhere! Harper has been a good leader for her. Luci will come up to me for some pets now, after she realized what a cuddle bug Harper is with me. They visited with some friends and did a couple of hikes this weekend! Harper is my explorer that loves to be outside. Lucinda prefers to let her energy out indoors, running laps around the house!Harper & my pup, Reia have bonded so well together. I catch them cuddling quite often now. She will definitely be a hard one to let go”  

You will not see Harper or Lucinda listed on the website just yet, but they are available for foster-to-adopt pending their spay surgeries! If you are interested, please reach out to us! [email protected]

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National Sticker Day

National Sticker Day highlights the abilities stickers have as an element to brighten our planners, posters and more! There are so many different stickers that can show a person’s personality and style. Just look at all the cars and laptops these days. Stickers are not just for teachers in the classroom, they give all of our lives a little pazzaz. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #National Sticker Day

Show off your sticker collection

Buy some cool stickers for yourself or others

Organize/Decorate your planner with stickers

Scrapbook with stickers

NATIONAL STICKER DAY HISTORY

Although we probably celebrate the cute stickers we own on a daily, a promotional sticker company based in Colorado brought stickers into the light with their own day. It is observed annually to celebrate all the fun stickers we love. Stickers are everywhere so we probably don’t notice but today we look around at all the cool ways stickers are utilized around us!

Source for info: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/

Two blocks from the visitor center in Downtown Fredericksburg you’ll find the prime spot for stickers and any other must have souvenirs of Fredericksburg. The Made In Virginia Store opened up back in 1986 when one family saw a need for place that has it all. The Mitchell Family gave Fredericksburg a shop full of tradition and wonders for those visiting or looking to make their home filled with the spirit of the beautifully, historic Fredericksburg. The variety offered at this store gives those in town just what they need. They sell everything from snacks and sweets to classic Fredericksburg souvenirs. 

The Made in Virginia Store is just the place to head over to for National Sticker Day. If you need a sticker for your computer, water bottle, car, etc. as a symbol of your love for your amazing hometown head on over. The staff will not fail to make you feel even more at home. 

In addition to all of the great items you might find for yourself, The Made in Virginia Store also has great gift baskets for any event! Hope you enjoy National Sticker Day with a great Fredericksburg, VA sticker and whatever else you may find at this great shop! 

Visit The Made in Virginia Store!