Start your Fredericksburg experience with an afternoon of fun! Whether you are into nature, culinary arts, or history, there is something in FXBG for everyone to enjoy.
Click the link below the experience that you would like to book to reserve your spot. Don’t wait! Spots are limited and will fill quickly.
Pre-Fam Tours:
Bird Walk (15 People)
Monday, March 9, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Location: Old Mill Park
Meet at: Old Mill Park – 2201 Caroline St; free parking lot parking available
Hosted by: Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events
Description: Enjoy the natural side of Fredericksburg with a guided Bird Walk at Old Mill Park, set along the scenic Rappahannock River. Led by knowledgeable staff from Fredericksburg Parks, Recreation & Events, this relaxed outdoor experience introduces participants to the park’s diverse birdlife and riverfront habitat. Attendees will learn how to spot and identify common and seasonal birds, hear about local ecosystems, and discover how Fredericksburg’s parks and green spaces enhance quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Perfect for nature lovers and casual explorers, the Bird Walk offers a refreshing way to experience Fredericksburg beyond the historic downtown.
Inclement Weather Plan: In the event of inclement weather, the tour will be held at Motts Run Nature Center.
Please note: This Pre-FAM Tour will conclude in time for attendees to return to their hotels by 4:30 PM for the opening reception.
Cooking Class (12 People)
Monday, March 9, 2026 | 1:00 PM
Location: Kitchen at Whittingham
Meet at: Kitchen at Whittingham – 1019 Caroline St; free street parking available, to walk: 4 blocks from the Courtyard by Marriott and 6 blocks from The Publisher.
Hosted by:
Enjoy a hands-on cooking class at Whittingham, where participants will prepare a seasonal lunch together and enjoy the finished meal around 2:00 PM. Wine is included, making this a delicious introduction to Fredericksburg’s culinary scene.
Please note: This Pre-FAM Tour will conclude in time for attendees to return to their hotels by 4:30 PM for the opening reception.
Local History Tour (30 People)
Monday, March 9, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Departs from: Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 601 Caroline Street
Discover the depth and diversity of Fredericksburg’s history on this guided trolley tour led by our expert travel counselors from the Fredericksburg Visitor Center. Blending Civil War history with Indigenous heritage, this experience offers a meaningful and well-rounded perspective of the region’s past and present.
The tour includes:
- An overview of the Battle of Fredericksburg at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, part of the larger battlefield landscape that shaped the course of the Civil War.
- A visit to the Patawomeck Museum & Cultural Center, where participants will learn about the history, resilience, and living culture of the Patawomeck Indian Tribe of Virginia.
- Traveling by trolley allows attendees to experience the landscape in context while enjoying guided interpretation from knowledgeable staff who are passionate about sharing Fredericksburg’s layered story.
This 2-hour and 15-minute Pre-FAM Tour is scheduled to conclude in time for participants to return to their hotels by 4:30 PM for the opening reception.
Candle Pouring (14 People)
Monday, March 9, 2026 | 1:45 PM
Location: Pour by Fifth Scents Candle Co.
1011 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Get creative in downtown Fredericksburg with a hands-on candle-making experience at Pour by Fifth Scents Candle Co. Participants will be guided through the process of blending fragrances, selecting vessels, and pouring their own custom candle to take home.
This interactive workshop highlights Fredericksburg’s vibrant small-business and retail scene, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with a locally owned maker experience. From choosing scent combinations to learning about the candle-pouring process, this class blends creativity, craftsmanship, and community.
History and Bourbon Tasting at the Ironclad Inn (14 people)
Monday, March 9, 2026 | 2:30 PM
Location: 1200 Princess Anne Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Raise a glass to Fredericksburg’s spirited history with an exclusive bourbon tasting experience at the historic Ironclad Inn. Set in a beautifully restored circa-1793 building in the heart of downtown, this tasting highlights house pours from the bourbon room and guides participants through the flavors, stories, and techniques that define quality bourbon made right here in Virginia.
Guests will enjoy a curated tasting of select bourbons, paired with light commentary from the hosts and an opportunity to learn about the distillation process, tasting notes, and pairing principles that make each sip memorable. Hosts will also share stories about the building’s history and the legends of lingering spirits said to haunt the property. This relaxed yet informative session offers a taste of Fredericksburg’s hospitality culture and serves as a perfect way to unwind during the Pre-FAM schedule.
This experience is scheduled to conclude with plenty of time for attendees to return to their hotels by 4:30 PM for the opening reception.
After Reception Tour Option:
After-Hours Ghost Tour with Fredericksburg Hauntings
Monday, March 9, 2026 | Late Evening (following the reception)
Hosted by Fredericksburg Hauntings
Step into Fredericksburg’s shadowy past on a late-evening walking tour through historic downtown. Led by experienced guides from Fredericksburg Hauntings, this after-hours experience explores chilling local legends, Civil War-era tales, and unexplained happenings tied to the city’s centuries-old streets and buildings.
Perfect for history lovers and thrill-seekers alike, this guided ghost tour offers a memorable way to experience Fredericksburg after dark—where stories linger long after the lanterns fade.