The Fredericksburg Regional Tourism Partnership has officially joined forces with Discover Prince William & Manassas, Richmond Region Tourism, VisitNorfolk and the Virginia Tourism Corporation to attract visitors to their respective destinations by Amtrak® rail through the Virginia By Rail alliance. The alliance was formed to encourage travelers to uncover America's rich history by savoring Virginia's fine wines, enjoying craft breweries and distilleries, shopping and dining in a mix of some of the country's premier shopping and outlet malls, as well as exploring iconic Civil War museums, sites and downtowns.

Located between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Fredericksburg features something for everyone, with rich architecture, tree-lined brick sidewalks and more than 100 unique specialty shops, including antique dealers, a thriving arts community and carriage and trolley tours. By-rail visitors' Fredericksburg journey begins as soon as visitors step off the train, just two blocks from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center and can be enjoyed conveniently by foot.

First, hop aboard the Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg for a 75-minute ride around the 40-block National Historic District, where you can learn about the fascinating history of the area, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. Travel back in time while visiting the tour's key sites, including Sunken Road, the home of George Washington's sister at Kenmore, the Mary Washington House, Rising Sun Tavern and more. Take a step back in time with the doctor's apprentice at the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop to learn about Colonial medicine, surgery, lodging and food. Dine downtown, where you can choose from more than 40 independent dining establishments for a palate-pleasing experience while staying in one of Fredericksburg's gorgeous bed-and-breakfasts.

Visitors can spend another day exploring downtown and visiting the Fredericksburg Area Museum and Cultural Center, where both permanent and changing exhibits tell the story of the area and how the city played a strategic role during the Civil War. Venture to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center to watch a behind-the-scenes video detailing the four battles in the area. Take a short walking tour of Sunken Road and see the historic Stone Wall, while walking in the footsteps of notable generals and soldiers. Return to the downtown area for a refreshment by lunching at a classic soda fountain, deli or restaurant. Visit the James Monroe Museum, a hidden gem for the city, which holds the country's largest collection of artifacts and documents related to the fifth president of the United States. See beautiful works of art at Liberty Town Arts Workshop, a colorful haven for 50 local artists' studios. In addition to Liberty Town, there are more than 20 art galleries located throughout downtown. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely horse-and-carriage ride, which offers a variety of tours depending upon the time of year.

Visitors traveling by rail and interested in learning more about how to experience the Fredericksburg area during their journey can call the Fredericksburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism at 540-372-1216 or contact Lura Hill at lhill@fredericksburgva.gov.

The Fredericksburg Area: Spotsylvania, Stafford, Fredericksburg

The Fredericksburg Area, which includes the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania and Stafford, is a classic blend of modern life with small town charm. Conveniently located along I-95, between Washington and Richmond, the area features a variety of chef-owned restaurants, numerous art galleries, a wide range of specialty shops, and one of America's most authentic, historic downtowns. Stafford is home to George Washington's boyhood home, Ferry Farm and Belmont, the residence of 20th Century American impressionist painter Gari Melchers. Spotsylvania is not only the site of 4,400 acres of Civil War battlefields; it also boasts the beautiful Lake Anna Winery. The Fredericksburg Area rests on the banks of the picturesque, pristine Rappahannock River. For visitor information, visit www.VisitFred.com. For online trip planning, visit www.FredericksburgVAcations.com. For media information and digital images, click on www.fredpressroom.com.Visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitfred.

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