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Stay Cool: Indoor Adventures Await in Spotsylvania
Spotsylvania County is known for outdoor adventures, from swimming and camping at Lake Anna State Park and exploring scenic trails at Civil War battlefields to fishing and canoeing at Ni River and Hunting Run reservoirs and so much more. But when the summer heat sends you indoors, you'll discover there's just as much fun waiting inside. Whether you're planning an overnight getaway, spending a weekend exploring, or you're a local looking to beat the heat, these indoor attractions offer another great reason to spend more time in Spotsy.
Keep the adventure going indoors at these cool spots:
| | BOWLERO: Bowl, play arcade games, enjoy food and drinks, or cheer on your favorite team at Bowlero, featuring 50 bowling lanes, a lively arcade, comfortable lounges and a sports bar. 12100 Kilarney Drive | (540) 786-2695 | FXBG AXES: No experience is required to enjoy the area’s premier ax-throwing range, where coaches will teach you how to throw and get you hitting bullseyes in no time! 514 Lansdowne Road | (540) 899-AXE1 | | THE GAME SHOW: Step into your favorite TV game show as your group competes in trivia, fast-paced challenges and interactive games at the Game Show by Rush Hour. 1 Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 3350 | (540) 760-0035 | | THE GROOVE MUSIC HALL: This premier live entertainment venue at Dominion Raceway is known for hosting up-close and high-energy performances. See who’s hitting the stage next and get ready to groove! 6501 Dominion Raceway Ave. | (703) 361-7223 | HAPPY TIMES PLAYLAND: This 11,000-square-foot indoor playground lets youngsters explore a galaxy of space-themed fun. 1 Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 4500 | (540) 276-5456 | | HOOKY ENTERTAINMENT: School may not be in session quite yet, but you can still play Hooky! Catch a movie on the big screen, then stick around for bowling, arcade games, food and drinks. 51 Towne Centre Blvd. | (540) 418-9255 | MALTESE BREWING CO.: If you like the thought of pairing pinball and pints, head to this firefighter-themed brewery in the Bowman Center that boasts plenty of pinball options. If the games aren’t challenging enough, you could try the “world’s spiciest beer” while you’re there. 11800 Main St., Building 3 | (540) 385-9360 | | THE PICKLR: Attention, pickleball fans! Get your game on at The Picklr, where 10 dedicated indoor pickleball courts await. The club offers options for the public, such as non-member drop-ins. 3700 Plank Road | (540) 554-6670 | PLANET NOVAK: More than 60 games with out-of-this-world prizes await at this claw arcade inside Spotsylvania Towne Centre. Next to Planet Novak is the newly opened Planet Novak Rewind, offering nostalgic gameplay on 25 vintage favorites like Ms. Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., Space Invaders, Tetris and more! 720 Spotsylvania Mall Drive | (540) 287-3613 | | POTS & PALETTES: Take home a personalized souvenir by painting your own pottery at Pots & Palettes, owned by a longtime clay/ceramist teacher and artisan. With a vast selection of pottery to choose from, the site also offers shipping for out-of-town guests. 10655 Spotsylvania Ave. | (540) 373-7046 | | RAPP ROCKS CLIMBING GYM: Whether you're brand new to climbing or a seasoned pro, Rapp Rocks is ready to get you on the wall — no experience (or gear) required. First-timer rates, day passes, punch passes and memberships are available. 11050 Pierson Drive, Suite 103 | (540) 376-7355 | | RUSH HOUR LIVE ESCAPES: Are you ready for a great escape? Journey through Rush Hour’s immersive Lost Jewel of Zanzibar, Blackbeard's Brig or Escape from Wonderland escape rooms, designed for unforgettable group fun. 1 Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 3100 | (540) 684-6695 | URBAN AIR ADVENTURE PARK: With trampolines and other attractions that cater to every level of adventurer, kids can conquer obstacles, show gravity who’s boss, and have a blast seven days a week. 4254 Plank Road | (540) 684-3354 | | X-GOLF: Tee off at X-Golf, dubbed the most accurate and innovative golf simulator in the world. Book a simulator to play golf courses around the world, and grab a bite and a drink. 1 Spotsylvania Towne Centre Blvd., Suite 4300 | (540) 548-9079 | And be sure to check out some of Spotsylvania County’s most fascinating indoor attractions: its museums! | | VIRGINIA CRAFT BREW MONTH | |
Find Your Perfect Pour in Spotsylvania County
Ready to raise a glass? Virginia Craft Beer Month is celebrated every August across the commonwealth, highlighting more than 345 independent craft breweries. Spotsylvania County is home to three distinct breweries, each boasting exceptional craft beer and a unique atmosphere.
1781 Brewing Company
Situated on historic farmland alongside Wilderness Run Vineyards, 1781 brews farmhouse-style ales using spring water sourced from the property. Its 18-tap bar features house beers, hard seltzers, meads and ciders. The outdoor space is dog-friendly, and visitors might spot chickens, peacocks or other farm animals. Children are welcome until 8 p.m. The calendar features live music, trivia nights, festivals and the Virginia By the Glass history speaker series.
Log Home Brewing Company
Nestled near Lake Anna, Log Home Brewing Company pairs a wide selection of craft beers, wines and hard seltzers with pub fare and treats from the Cabin Cafe. Designed as a gathering place, the venue offers bocce ball, cornhole, darts, shuffleboard and plenty of room to relax with friends. Line dancing, open mic nights, live music and seasonal events keep the calendar full.
Maltese Brewing Company
Located in the Bowman Center, Maltese Brewing Company is a family- and dog-friendly microbrewery founded by two local firefighters with a shared passion for craft beer. The welcoming space features a rotating schedule of food trucks, 11 pinball machines, and lively trivia and game nights. Those feeling adventurous can try the brewery's famous "World's Spiciest Beer."
| | | Chi-Town Transit Authority | |
Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
7-11 p.m.
The Groove Music Hall
Chi-Town Transit Authority, an Atlanta-based eight-piece Chicago tribute band, will return to the stage at the Groove Music Hall at Dominion Raceway to perform famous hits spanning over 40 years. Click here for tickets and info.
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Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026
3-7 p.m.
Lake Anna Winery
Lake Anna Winery will host a feast featuring all-you-can-eat crabs, shrimp, corn on the cob, hush puppies and more. There will also be live music and raffles. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Children's National Hospital. Click here for tickets and info.
| | Reggae Day at 1781 Brewing | |
Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026
1-9 p.m.
1781 Brewing Co.
1781 Brewing Co. and Wilderness Run Vineyards will host a day of live music from five bands, vendors, food trucks, games, craft beer and Virginia wine. Click here for tickets and info about this "Roots, Rock, Reggae & Tropical Beer Festival."
| | Information is subject to change. Please confirm details before making your plans. | | |
Raising a Glass to Colonial Taverns
Let's take a look back at the local establishments that once welcomed travelers, hosted lively conversations, and connected communities across early Spotsylvania.
Though British law distinguished between inns, ordinaries and taverns, in colonial Virginia, the terms were used interchangeably. These were county-licensed establishments that provided meals and alcoholic beverages at prices fixed by the government, offered clean lodging and horse care, and typically included a gaming room. Most tavern owners also lived on the property.
Rivaled only by churches, taverns were among the most popular gathering places for local residents and travelers. Weedon's Tavern, located in modern-day Fredericksburg (then part of Spotsylvania), hosted many prominent patrons in the years leading up to the American Revolution, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. One British visitor even described the spot, which burned down in 1807, as a hotbed of sedition.
The Spotsylvania County Museum may not offer meals, lodging or a gaming room, but we'd still love to welcome you. Visit us at 6159 Plank Road any day of the week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to explore the county's fascinating past.
Follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram for more fascinating stories about the county's people, places and history.
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Virginia By the Glass, a new public history series, continues this month at 1781 Brewing Company and its sister property, Wilderness Run Vineyards. The events kick off at 6:30 p.m. with a social meet-and-greet, followed by the featured historian's presentation at 7:30 p.m., and a Q&A at 8:15 p.m. Admission is free, but seating is first-come, first-served. RSVP to claim your spot! Coming up next are:
- Aug. 27: "Tsenacommacah and the World the English Entered" featuring Indigenous cultural preservationist Christopher Lee Custalow
- Sept. 10: "From Pulpit to Battlefield: Peter Muhlenberg and the 8th Virginia" featuring Revolutionary era historian Gabriel Neville
| | | | What's new in Spotsylvania County | | |
VA250 CAR PROJECT: The VA250 stock car that broke the official land speed record will be on display in Center Court at Spotsylvania Towne Centre through Tuesday, Aug. 11. Dubbed the “Martinsville Missile,” this vehicle is a NASCAR-derived stock car that reached an official 253 mph! During a special event on Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 4 p.m., meet engine builder Joey Arrington and enjoy interactive driving simulators.
| 50 YEARS OF ROOTS: This year marks the 50th anniversary of Alex Haley's novel "Roots," whose main character, Kunta Kinte, was enslaved on a Spotsylvania County plantation. A three-day commemorative event, "Exploring Kunta: Roots 50 Commemorative Experience," concludes in Spotsylvania County on Sunday, Aug. 9, with Joy Fest at John J. Wright Educational & Cultural Center Museum. As part of Joy Fest, gospel legend Luther Barnes will take the stage alongside the Faith & Flava go-go band. Concert tickets are $35; click here for more information or to register. | | FANTASTIC FOUR: On Saturday, Aug. 8, Rapp Rocks Climbing Gym will celebrate four years in business with 50% off day passes, no activation fee on new memberships, and, of course, cake! | COMING SOON: Layne’s Chicken Fingers, whose first location opened in College Station, Texas, in 1994, will soon have a spot in Spotsy off State Route 3 at 12100 Chewning Lane. Layne’s serves a variety of chicken tender meals, chicken sandwiches, Texas toast, crinkle fries, hand-spun shakes and signature sauces. | | NOW OPEN: In the mood for seafood? Maybe it’s “Crab O’Clock!” A new Spotsylvania restaurant specializes in fresh seafood with an all-you-can-eat option. The eatery at 4714 Mine Road also serves appetizers, daily combos and à la carte dishes. | | TAX-FREE HOLIDAY: From Friday, Aug. 7, to Sunday, Aug. 9, shoppers in Virginia can buy qualifying clothing, shoes, school supplies, emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star or WaterSense appliances free of Virginia sales tax. Click here for more information on the initiative. | SAYING GOODBYE: Artifact, a boutique marketplace at 5116 Southpoint Parkway, will close Aug. 27, the business announced on social media. The multi-vendor shop is offering discounts on several items throughout the store ahead of its final day. | | PARK DAYS: Pack the rest of August with fun activities at beautiful Lake Anna State Park. From fishing workshops and gold-panning activities to canoe paddles and wildlife programs, there’s so much summer fun left to be had at the park! Browse August and September activities here. | | |
SWEET TREATS: Olde Time Lollipops & Candy Fudge Factory will open at 9241 Courthouse Road, Suite 2A, on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. Selling ice cream, fudge and handmade candies, this is one sweet stop you won’t want to miss! Follow the shop on Facebook for updates.
| FALL FUN: Dates are set for some of the county's most beloved annual events. Mark your calendars for Belvedere Plantation's Harvest Festival (Sept 12-Nov. 7), Fredericksburg Dog Mart (Sept 26), Fredericksburg Greek Festival (Sept. 26-27), and Shannon Airport's Harvest Festival Fly-in (Oct. 31). | |
ROAD TRIPPING: The Ultimate RV Show is coming to Dominion Raceway next month, from Sept. 3-6. The event will feature free admission and parking, special RV pricing, a first look at new models, a kids zone, and an on-site adoption event. Click here for hours and information.
| | Information is subject to change. Please confirm details before making your plans. | | Discover Spotsylvania Wineries | |
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