Getting to Know the UMW Campus and Downtown Fredericksburg
While participating in N.E.S.T. students will be acclimated into the UMW environment and guided around Fredericksburg to become comfortable with their new home. Students will have the opportunity to explore downtown Fredericksburg in all of its glory. Restaurants, historic sites, antique shops, and mom and pop shops– students will be one step ahead in learning about the “places to be” as a college student in Fredericksburg. Students will have the opportunity to get used to the UMW campus before it becomes overrun with students in the Fall. Be sure to check out these key restaurants:
Hyperion Espresso- This is where many students hang out throughout the year to study and get their coffee fix. Located in the hub of downtown life, students can sit outside sipping their coffee while people watching. A great place to hang out on a warm day with friends, or alone with a book. Carl’s- Carl’s has been serving the Fredericksburg community since 1947. You cannot graduate Mary Washington without having Carl’s decadent soft serve ice cream. The taste of Carl’s ice cream is like no other, and will keep you coming back. Foode- Do you like brunch? Then this is your place! Students and members of the community begin lining up to secure a table thirty minutes before Foode opens–that is how good this food is! All organic ingredients are locally grown; this food is sure to please! Don’t like brunch? Then come for lunch or dinner- the food is just as good! Colonial Cupcakes- Choose your cupcake flavor and your frosting and take your mouth on a flavorful adventure! Cupcake flavors come in dozens of flavors and the frosting is so good you can eat it alone. Colonial Cupcakes is a must for students!
Stop by these historic sites:
Kenmore Plantation – Located a few blocks from the UMW campus, Kenmore Plantation was built in 1770 and was the home of George Washington’s sister, Betty Washington Lewis and her husband Fielding. Learn more about it’s history here. Mary Washington House – This house was purchased in 1772 by George Washington as a home for his mother, Mary Washington, the namesake of our university. It is within walking distance of both campus and Kenmore Plantation. To learn more about the house, and other Washington Heritage Museums located in downtown Fredericksburg, click here. Fredericksburg Battleground – The Battle of Fredericksburg was fought on December 13, 1862. There are many historical landmarks, historically important buildings, and walking trails to be explored all around Fredericksburg that were associated with this battle. Click here for more information about the battle and the surrounding area.
Don’t forget to check out the Canal Trail! Surround yourself with nature as you go for a stroll or a run on this 3.1 mile-long trail that runs along the Rappahannock River!