Walk along the elevated boardwalk through the wetlands and woods to reach the natural park reserve and archaeological site, Government Island. The island’s 1.5-mile trail offers views of Aquia Creek and a variety of habitats to bird watch. Appreciate this historic park more knowing that it was the quarry site that helped provide the sandstone for the construction of the White House and U.S. Capitol building. Nestled in the hills outside of Stafford is the tasting room and Mediterranean restaurant of the Potomac Point Winery. This small piece of Italy in Virginia offers great wines with scenic views, private tours and will let you wander the Vineyard to see the grapes growing. They often have life music on the weekends, so check their Website.
If you plan to bring your golf clubs, then head over to the Augustine Golf Club. Only a short drive from downtown, this 18-hole course has excellent facilities, wide fairways and is challenging for players of all skill levels. Grab a bite to eat and sit outside the restaurant that overlooks the 18th green. If you make a trip down to Fredericksburg, go visit George Washington’s boyhood home at Ferry Farm. Ask for the iPad tour and walk around the 80+ acre site that includes the original foundation of the home, Washington’s family tree and artifacts from the period. Overlooking the Rappahannock River and historic Fredericksburg, the Chatham Manor was visited by numerous dignitaries from the past: George Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Walt Whitman and Carla Barton. Take a self-guided tour of the gardens, pontoon boat and Civil War artifacts to truly appreciate the significance of this Georgian Mansion on the hill. Finish your stay in town with a trip to the 32-acre Aquia Landing Park. This 32-acre park is popular for fishing and has nearly a quarter-mile of public beach on the Potomac River. This is also a significant Civil War site given that it was the end of the RF&P Railroad and “the first place to see naval fire during the Civil War.”
Immerse yourself in the history of this town with more than 350 years of stories. While you are here, check out the Stafford, VA hotels below for a great place to stay.