Best places to take a tourist

By Erin McCalla
fredericksburg.com

What are you to do when Aunt Janet and Uncle Frank fly in for the weekend to spend some quality time in Fredericksburg? Take them down to Caroline Street where and the shops are neat and the food is plenty.

Located in downtown Fredericksburg, Caroline Street is home to many well-known hot spots from restaurant/bars Spanky's and Spirits to the Blue Dog music shop. With almost every store claiming to have the weird and unusual, there is no doubt something for everybody.

Is Mom a collector? She'll be in her haven amid the numerous antique shops. Is Dad a Civil War buff? He'll be happy as well with Civil War shops full of remnants and prints. Is there a dog or cat lover in the family? Don't worry, there's a store for both - The Cat's Closet (beware - don't let their cat out!) and Dog Dayz.

If you're looking for something particularly unusual, here are some suggestions. Stop by the Hugh Mercer Apothecary where the "shrine is open daily" (so the sign says) and indulge in some aroma therapy. You can even stroll through their physick garden in the back.

Or...hit up Glave & Co., a whimsical boutique with handcrafted jewelry and collectibles, for one of its signature Critters from the "Hood." Sound strange enough? These palm-sized critters are cut from the hoods of old trucks by New Mexico artist Janey Katz. Each is signed and dated with the year and make of the vehicle scribbled on the belly. No two sculptures are alike and, as advertised, "being as they're all from the 'hood,' they each have an 'attitude' of their own."

Does shopping make you hungry? The choices for dining out are endless. With too many American menus to mention, there are also some ethnic varieties such as Bangkok Cafe which serves up Thai. For you health fanatics, Sammy T's is known for its trendy, healthy cuisine and pssst...I heard it on the street that the chicken wraps are "delicious."

Speaking of dining, summer is here so the sidewalks are filled with outdoor diners. Tread lightly past the tables--it can get a bit congested beneath those big umbrellas.

After lunch you have two options. Head down to Bodyworks Downtown Athletic Club and work off that chicken wrap, or check out the shops in the other direction; Caroline is quite a lengthy street. Don't worry, if the sidewalks are unfriendly to your weary shoes, stop by Shelton Shoe Repair on the way back. They're sure to fix them right up.