By Chloe Mulliner, on February 17, 2017

Your romantic Fredericksburg itinerary

Oh sweet Virginia, with your charming demeanor and picturesque scenery, you inspire us to write doting odes about you. In fact, we publicly confessed our love for Fredericksburg in our roundup of the 14 most romantic U.S. getaways, which covered the most spellbinding destinations for couples.

Because our admiration for this Virginia city runs deep, we wanted to share how you and your partner can experience the romance of this darling place for yourselves. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., our itinerary invites duos to allow the sparks of Fredericksburg to fuel the flames of your desires.

9 a.m.
Breakfast at Mercantile will set the scene for your romantic romp. With rustic brick walls, graffiti booths, and a rad chandelier hanging from the ceiling, this brunch spot gives a hip feel to the historical town. The ambience is awesome, but the breakfast selection is on point. If you can’t decide on what to get, order two plates and share. The chicken seared biscuit plate and braised brisket promise to wow, and they taste even better with one of the “pour decisions” cocktails. As for couples who need caffeine pumping through their veins at this hour, the drip coffee will surely do the trick.
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Photo via Flickr/Rob Shenk
10:30 a.m.
The couple that learns together grows together, right? Fredericksburg is steeped in history, from George Washington’s stomping grounds to Civil War battle fields, and you won’t be doing yourselves any favors if you skip out on visiting an historical attraction or two. Nearby Ferry Farm is where ol’ GW spent his childhood days, while battlefields abound due to the city’s location between the Union and Confederate capitals. Spice it up with a trip to the Historic Kenmore Plantation or a visit to the General Hugh Mercer Monument.

Alternatively, if you’re already up to speed on your history lessons, head into the great outdoors to see the beauty that is Old Dominion. A hike through the forests of Alum Spring Park will make you feel like you two have arrived in a wooded area far, far away from civilization. Though just on the outskirts of town, this trail meanders through tall shady trees and includes a natural spring, once thought to have curative properties.

12 p.m.
Time to grub. Spoil your sweetheart with a table for two on the intimate outdoor patio of Orofino. This trattoria dazzles with its divine recipes straight from Sicily and its warm and welcoming Italian authenticity. The menu alone will make your mouth water, with dishes like spaghetti carbonara and gnocchi al pesto. Top it off with a shared order of the trio cannoli, stuffed with traditional, strawberry, and pistachio filling. Buon appetito!

3 p.m.
Next up, you and your honey can warm your hearts and souls with some good ol’ fashioned Virginia whiskey. Tour the A. Smith Bowman Distillery and get a taste of the handcrafted spirits. The original Bowman distillery opened in 1935, after the repeal of prohibition in Virginia, and in 1988 it moved to its current location in Fredericksburg. Don’t leave without stocking up on some Bowman Brothers Virginia straight bourbon whiskey as a reminder of your getaway.

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5 p.m.
Keep the good times rolling with a stroll around historic downtown. Practically sensory overload, this stretch has more than 350 18th– and 19th-century buildings, which are now galleries, boutiques, and eateries. Prefer to see the sights from a unique perspective? Cozy up in one of the horse-drawn Old Towne Carriages for a romantic ride through town with the click-clack of the horse’s hooves as your soundtrack.

7:30 p.m.
A romantic vacation for two calls for a memorable dinner, and Cork & Table is up for the task. Go all out with the four-course meal and wine pairings, where choices like sautéed sea scallops and wagyu beef medallions grace the menu. As for the expertly picked vino selections, they open up your taste buds to all the exquisite flavors. After taking one bite of the dark chocolate pot de crème dessert, you’ll realize that topping this date night will be hard to do.

9 p.m.
Your romantic weekend getaway in Virginia isn’t complete without reservations at one of the best Fredericksburg hotels. Bed and breakfasts always tend to have a little more charm and character, so why not stay at the Richard Johnston Inn? This historical building was built by John Taylow, one of the signers of The Declaration of Independence, and was later home to the city’s mayor in the 1800s. Meanwhile, other darling options include the Kenmore Inn and Braehead Manor.

What are your top romantic activities for couples in Fredericksburg?

Header photo via Flickr/Rob Shenk