This blog post has been in the works for a LONG TIME. I have followers and friends who travel into Fredericksburg often, and they ask me where they need to visit while they’re here. I also host workshops and educational events in the area, and always share an ugly Word document of places to visit – and it’s time I made that into a pretty, public blog post!!!

For those who may not know, Fredericksburg is a small little town about halfway between Washington D.C. and Richmond, Virginia. I grew up with my dad in the military, and he was stationed at a base about an hour from Fredericksburg when I was in only second grade. We only planned to be here for 2-3 years – but, with how the military goes, we ended up here through his retirement when I was in high school! Now, 11 years later, I’m still here and in my own home in the downtown Fredericksburg area. I absolutely adore it! Most of my friends grew up complaining about living here (and I did sometimes, too!) because it’s a small town that never felt like there was a ton to do when we were young. But now, I LOVE the cozy hometown feeling that I get from living here. It’s such a sweet town and the downtown area is my FAVORITE!

So, I’m going to jam-pack this post with all of my favorite Fredericksburg spots you HAVE to hit when you are in town! I want to preface this by saying: I am pretty much ONLY highlighting the Downtown Fredericksburg area. There is so much more to Fredericksburg than just that on area but, if you are visiting, it’s the place I recommend staying in and adventuring because it is so adorable and fun to explore! Here’s my current list of faves:

SHOPPING: My shopping list is short…because I’m a die-hard online shopper for life. Haha! I also tend to shop at the chain stores nearby (Target, Sephora, the mall, etc.) but these are the locally-owned downtown gems!

Monkee’s of Fredericksburg

You guys already knew Monkee’s would be in this post. Haha! It is seriously my FAVORITE local boutique and I’ve been shopping there since high school! I’ve worked with them on SO many projects and just adore the ladies behind the shop, too. You can use code “HOPETAYLOR10” through October 14th to receive 10% off and free shipping in their online store! Here’s one of my current fave outfits from Monkee’s:

Sugar and Spruce

If you love bath bombs and goodies like me, this is your place! It is a “candy shop” themed bath store with bombs, salts, soaps, soaks, scrubs and everything in between! It’s an adorable spot for Instagram photos (#priorities) and an even better place to snag a little treat! You can shop with code “HOPE” for 15% off here, too! They are so wonderful!

PS: This entire outfit is Monkee’s too…

Popcorn Bag

Okay, I put this under “shopping” and not “food” because I seriously can spend a fortune in here!!! Popcorn Bag is basically a “popcorn boutique” with dozens of different popcorn flavors to choose from! My faves are buttery white cheddar, salted dark chocolate caramel and black tie. But seriously, go in hungry. You can have as many free sample to try flavors as you’d like!

Skin & Spa Boutique

This isn’t shopping…but you still need to know about it!!! I recently had the most AMAZING facial and massage here at Skin & Spa Boutique. They are WONDERFUL and I left feeling so relaxed and like my skin was glowing for days. If you are visiting and need some relaxation in your life, this is the place to go!!

FOOD: Okay this list could literally be 3 miles long. I LOVE the food here in Fredericksburg, and I have so many favorites that I want people to try!!! I’ve tried to narrow it down to the places that people recognize me when I walk into…because that’s how you know I go a little too often.

Hyperion Espresso 

My FAVE DRINK OF ALL TIME is here!!! I don’t drink coffee, but Hyperion makes a blended frozen chai that will change your life. It’s not healthy…but we don’t need to talk about that here. It’s also my fave spot to take my laptop and get some work done! Pup friendly with outside tables! 🙂

Umi Japanese Fine Dining 

I practically live here. Not even joking. I go to Umi at least once a week for sushi, fried rice and crab rangoon. It is the BEST sushi, hands down, that I’ve ever had – and their menu is HUGE! Even if you aren’t a sushi lover, you’ve got to make it happen!

Castiglias Italian

I’ve been coming here since MIDDLE SCHOOL, ya’ll! It’s a popular downtown Fredericksburg italian spot with delicious ravioli (order it with Alfredo sauce!) and brick oven pizzas. They recently opened a rooftop bar/lounge that is absolutely beautiful and so much fun on nice evenings!

Vivify Rooftop 

Burgers and milkshakes and fries, oh my! This is one of my fave spots to grab an affordable and delicious burger, but the fries are my FAVORITE part. There is a super fun rooftop area with a bar, music and murals that I love to sit on nice days!

Carl’s Ice Cream 

This is a Fredericksburg MUST. It’s recently been named a historical landmark because of how popular it is!!! Soft serve ice cream, milkshakes and slushee floats (like rootbeer and cherry) that are to-die-for. My go-to is a maple nut sundae with a *little* bit of chocolate sauce. SO GOOD!

Mason Dixon Cafe 

Brunch. You HAVE TO GO HERE for brunch. Mason Dixon is jam-packed on weekends (we’re talking up to two hour waits!) but it is WORTH IT. I always check in online using the Yelp app, because it tells me exactly what time I need to be there. But I get the chicken and waffles (warning: not gluten free. but worth it) with maple bacon syrup. Yup. Your mouth is watering now. You’re welcome. Also get a southern biscuit with sausage gravy as an appetizer. And a mimosa. And home fries. Ok bye.

LOCAL CREATIVES/BOSS LADIES: I needed to give a few shot outs here!!! If you are in the area and want to meet some awesome creatives or purchase some products from boss ladies and creatives that don’t have a storefront right now, here are your girls:

Twila & Co. 

The amazing woman behind ALL of my paper goods at any event ever!!! She is a total rockstar and sells the CUTEST Fredericksburg themed goodies!! Even if you aren’t local, check out all of her amazing work for your business or your brides. She’s so wonderful (and I’m shooting her wedding later this year – ah!!!)

The Calligraphy Bar

a ROCKSTAR calligrapher with adorable products (like hand lettered mugs – my weakness) and she does AMAZING custom work! Another person to check out even if you aren’t local!

Courtney Inghram Ribbon

Courtney is an INSANELY talented calligrapher and a sweet friend of mine. She recently launched an online store where she sells custom hand-dyed ribbon and it. is. STUNNING! Again, she is based locally, but her online store is amazing for anyone who is local or not!!!

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