Spotsylvania: Your Ultimate Summer Getaway
Ready for the perfect summer escape? Whether you're a history buff, a craft brew lover, or seeking an unforgettable family adventure, Spotsylvania County is your summer spot!
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Outdoor Adventures: Can you hear that? It’s Lake Anna calling! With six marinas, a sprawling state park, and nearby attractions, it's one of Virginia’s most popular lakes. Whether you're casting a line or catching air on a wakeboard, you'll quickly see why visitors return year after year.
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History & Discovery: Step back in time at the Spotsylvania County Museum to uncover centuries of local stories. While you’re there, pick up your VA250 Passport, a commemorative guide to 70 historic sites across Virginia. Continue your journey through our Civil War battlefields and the Courthouse Historic District, and explore specialized museums dedicated to aviation, railroads, local Black history, and even the science of sight!
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Chill Out & Recharge: Spotsylvania serves up a diverse culinary scene perfect for any palate. Enjoy al fresco dining with authentic Italian cuisine at Itavie, or beat the heat with a legendary, over-the-top milkshake from Battlefield Country Store. From quick bites to experiential dining, our online guide makes it easy to find your next favorite meal.
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Local Brews & Spirits: Savor the local flavor at A. Smith Bowman, Virginia’s oldest distillery, home to world-famous bourbon and spirits. Prefer a cold pint or a crisp glass of wine? Spotsylvania boasts three craft breweries and five distinct wineries, each offering a unique atmosphere to unwind. Find out more about local pours here.
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Stay Awhile: Don't rush the magic. From antique cabins and lakeside campsites to a charming farmhouse B&B and an adventure resort, we offer lodging for every style. There’s far too much to discover in just 24 hours — make your summer trip a weekend (or longer!) to soak it all in! If you plan ahead, book your stay now at Kalahari, a massive attraction and Virginia's largest indoor waterpark, opening in Spotsylvania this November! Explore all your lodging options here.
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Plan Your Trip: Make your first stop the Visitors Center for expert itinerary help, local maps and the perfect souvenirs to remember your getaway. If you're looking for a fun time to visit, mark your calendars for June 27 and plan to attend the county's annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular, a sprawling patriotic party in the Courthouse Historic District that includes children's activities, demonstrations and shows, history tours, food trucks, live music and a truly magnificent fireworks display. The event typically takes place the Saturday before July 4. This year's festival is a special one: We're celebrating 20 years of Stars & Stripes, as well as the nation's 250th anniversary, on June 27 from 4-10 p.m. (Rain date: June 28.)
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Opa! Get ready for the Fredericksburg Greek Festival
Prepare to transport your tastebuds! The Fredericksburg Greek Festival returns this June, bringing over 30 years of tradition and mouth-watering flavors to Spotsylvania County.
Save the dates: The spring festival happens Saturday, June 6, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, June 7, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church, 12326 Spotswood Furnace Road.
Come hungry: We’re talking authentic favorites like savory souvlaki, buttery mousaka, and honey-drenched loukoumades. Pair your feast with Greek beer, fine wines, or a glass of ouzo as you enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Beyond the menu: Stroll through the marketplace to find handmade jewelry, artisanal goods, and Greek olives and oils. Between bites, take a tour of the beautiful Nativity of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Church.
Pro tip: You’ll find the celebration just 4 miles west of I-95 (Exit 130), right across from Riverbend High School. See you there!
| | | Patriot Park Concert Series | |
Friday, May 15, 2026
6:30 p.m.
Patriot Park
Spotsylvania Parks & Recreation's Patriot Park Concert Series brings live bands to the park's amphitheater every Friday in May. Coming up next is the Last Call Band, performing motown, beach music, and classic rock. Tickets are free for ages 8 and under; $2 for ages 9-12, and $5 for 13 and up. Gates open at 5:30; the show starts at 6:30 p.m. Grab your chairs or picnic blanket and head to the park at 5710 Smith Station Road.
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Saturday, May 16, 2026
5-11 p.m.
Dominion Raceway & Entertainment
This Saturday night's races at Dominion Raceway will feature Twin America Racer Late Models, Twin Dominion Stocks, UCARS and Mini Cups. In honor of Armed Forces Appreciation Night, all active and retired military members will receive free grandstand admission. Plus, kids 15 and younger get in free with a paid adult! Gates open at 5 p.m.; green flag at 7. Click here for details or to purchase tickets.
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Saturday, May 30, 2026
8-9:30 p.m.
Wilderness Presidential Resort
Wilderness Presidential Resort will kick off its Summer Series with an adult-themed night of laughter at the resort's clubhouse from 8 to 9:30 p.m. D.C. native Dewayne White will bring humor to the stage, along with Fredericksburg-based comedian Chris Porter, and Army veteran and retired law enforcement officer Turk. The cost is $15 per adult; this event is for ages 18 and up. Find details here.
| | Information is subject to change. Please confirm details before making your plans. | | Spotsylvania Double Feature: Museum Hosts Weekend of History and Fun | |
Spotsylvania County recently pulled out all the stops to celebrate the county’s 305th anniversary and kick off festivities for the nation’s 250th birthday at the Spotsylvania County Museum on May 1-3.
From a high-tech mobile museum to games, tours and puzzles, the event aimed to honor the past and look to the future.
The celebration began the morning of May 1, when State Del. Phillip Scott, joined by State Del. Joshua Cole and State Sen. Tara Durant, presented a House Joint Resolution commending the Spotsylvania County Museum. Then, the officials cut the ribbon on the VA250 Mobile Museum, a tractor-trailer filled with interactive exhibits exploring Virginia’s pivotal contributions to the American Revolution.
Hundreds of Spotsylvania County Public School students spent the day immersed in history, rotating between the mobile museum, presentations and games with museum staff in period dress, tours of the Spotsylvania County Museum, and exploring the adjacent First Day of Chancellorsville Battlefield.
On Saturday, May 2, the party opened to the public for a Founder’s Day bash! Families enjoyed free admission to both museums and other special activities. Guests chatted with the Mine Run Chapter of the DAR and played games with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library team. Between history lessons, visitors were able to spin the wheel for a prize at the Visit Spotsy tent, cool off with treats from D’Water Ice D’Lights, or get creative with ZONA Face Painting & Balloon Twisting. Both museums remained open Sunday, May 3, when hundreds more visitors stopped by to soak up some history.
A huge shout-out to our partners at 1781 Brewing Co. and Wilderness Presidential Resort for providing local perks that made the weekend even sweeter! And thank you to Dels. Scott and Cole, Sen. Durant, Visit Spotsy & Museum staff, VA250 Mobile Museum staff, Spotsylvania County Public Schools, Central Rappahannock Regional Library, DAR's Mine Run Chapter, and all our visitors and guests who helped make the weekend one for the history books!
And the fun continues! Be sure to participate in our VA250-themed virtual scavenger hunt, running now through June 23, for even more ways to explore our local history. Hunt winners will be announced at Spotsylvania's Stars and Stripes Spectacular on June 27.
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Interested in learning more about Spotsylvania's story?
Visit the Spotsylvania County Museum (6159 Plank Road) to dive into Spotsylvania history. Admission and parking are free, and we're open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don't forget to follow the museum on Facebook and Instagram for compelling facts and stories about the county's people and places.
| | | What's new in Spotsylvania County | | |
HEAR YE! HEAR YE! The Virginia Renaissance Faire is back! Merriment has returned to Lake Anna Winery on Saturdays and Sundays through June 7. Each weekend at the fair celebrates a different theme: Celtic Heritage on May 16-17, Pirate Invasion on May 23-24, Shakespeare & Fantasy on May 30-21, and Romance & Roses on June 6-7. Enjoy jousting, archery, blacksmithing and a bustling marketplace. From variety shows and magic to wandering minstrels and pipes, there is non-stop fun for all ages. Don't forget to dig into legendary turkey legs, kettle corn, Italian sausages, and more. Tickets are available only online, are nonrefundable and cannot be exchanged. Find out all the details at varf.org.
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GOING RETRO: Planet Novak, a claw arcade inside Spotsylvania Towne Centre, has announced an exciting new expansion. Right next to the current arcade, construction is underway on Planet Novak Rewind, which will feature 24 retro arcade games like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat and other classic favorites. Stay tuned for updates.
| NOW OPEN: There's a new dining option at Spotsylvania Towne Centre! Elephant's Nest Thai & Sushi Bar is now open next to X-Golf, serving up handcrafted sushi and flavorful Thai favorites. It's open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Reach the restaurant at (540) 702-1044. | |
KIDS TO PARK DAY: To mark National Kids to Parks Day on Saturday, May 16, Lake Anna State Park will launch the Lake Anna Landsharks Safety Challenge from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees of all ages are invited to gather on the park's public beach and stop by the pop-up tent to learn how to be a safe swimmer, boater and beachgoer at Lake Anna. Participants of the free program who complete all the challenges can claim a prize, then take the safety pledge to become a Lake Anna Landshark. Challenges will not involve swimming or boating.
| | HOUSE & HOME SHOW: Revatone Farm (10828 Catharpin Road) will host a home show on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature home-inspired artisans and vendors, home service professionals, a moon bounce, pony rides, face painting, food trucks and more. | | MILESTONES: Ole Roosting Box (5730 Courthouse Road) will host "Red, White & Roost: ORB's 5th Birthday Celebration" on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The celebration will include a variety of vendors, patriotic vibes, and special promotions and giveaways. | | LOCAL FLAVORS: The Spotsylvania Farmers Market is in full swing at the Route 3 & Gordon Road Commuter Lot on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This season brings even more ways to shop local Spotsy flavors, including a new midweek market at Spotsylvania Courthouse Village on Wednesdays (2-6 p.m.) and a new Sunday market at Spotsylvania High School (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.)! Stay updated on news and vendor lineups by following the market on Facebook and Instagram. | | Information is subject to change. Please confirm details before making your plans. | | Make Spotsy Your Spot for Family Adventures | |
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