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Alexandria
Old Town Alexandria’s historic area offers many adventures. The area also has many shopping options neatly packaged along several blocks of the often-bustline King Street. Walk and shop yourself into a frenzy. Then treat yourself to some gourmet ice cream at the Ben & Jerry's shop at the end of the street. History buffs may want to visit the Waterfront Museum, the Lyceum (center of Alexandria’s heritage and culture), the Carlyle House, Christ Church (regularly attended by George Washington and Robert E. Lee), the George Washington Masonic Memorial and Gadsby’s Tavern.

Occoquan
A quaint riverside town in Prince William County, about 30 miles north of Fredericksburg. More than 120 specialty stores and galleries. Occoquan Mill House Museum is open 11 a.m.–4 p.m. daily.

Historic Michie Tavern
Located just below Monticello, the tavern, now a museum and general store, was built about 1784 near Earlysville, dismantled and moved to its present site in 1928.

P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro
Exhibiting the work of one of America’s most popular artists, the P. Buckley Moss Museum in Waynesboro offers guided tours and has a museum shop.

Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum, Staunton
One of the few Presidential birthplaces open to the public, is nestled within the Gospel Hill District, one of Staunton’s five National Historic Districts.

Richmond
Virginia’s capital, 50 miles south of Fredericksburg, features the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, St. John’s Church (where Patrick Henry made his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech), the White House of the Confederacy, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Valentine Museum, Maymont and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, among many other attractions. The Carytown shopping district presents dozens of independent shops and restaurants offerent items you won't find anywhere else.

Hampton Roads
The area features the Nauticus National Maritime Center in Norfolk, which showcases ocean and maritime technology as well as shipbuilding and weather. Nauticus (757/664-1000 or 800/664-1080) is open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily in the spring and summer. Fall and winter hours vary, so call ahead.

Staunton
The Frontier Culture Museum features re-created farms typical of 17th- and 18th-century immigrants to the backcountry of the Upper South and Middle Atlantic region. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m daily mid-March to Dec. 1; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Dec. 1 to mid-March.

Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center
This former market house and town hall now houses a museum. Gift shop, art exhibits, children's programs, and tours available. The museum, which contains artifacts spanning the area's 300-year history, is in the old Town Hall. Built in 1814-1816, it served as administrative seat until 1982, making it one of the oldest continuously used town halls in the nation.

National Bank Museum
Museum covers nearly two centuries of banking history. It is housed in one of the oldest buildings in America serving continuously as a bank.

Spotsylvania County Museum
Building scarred by shots and shells during the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse in 1864. One large shell remains lodged in a wall. Cemetery behind the church contains pre-Revolutionary War graves. The museum is operated by the Spotsylvania Historical Association and contains county memorabilia and genealogical data.

Civil War Life Museum
Firearms and artifacts in original condition, and life-size dioramas

White Oak Civil War Museum
Displays thousands of Civil War artifacts, most of which were recovered by relic hunters from old battle sites and campgrounds in the Fredericksburg area.

Belmont
An 18th-century estate and art gallery formerly owned by American artist Gari Melchers. The main house is furnished with antiques; the gallery contains many of his works. The entrance to the home serves as a Stafford County information center.

James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library
A collection of the personal possessions of President James Monroe, who began his law practice here in 1786.

Children's Museum of Richmond
The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits for kids of all ages.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Huge variety of national and international artwork on display. Provides a welcome alternative to the south for those looking to tour a high-quality art museum without fighting Northern Virginia traffic.

George Washington Masonic Museum
Contains memorabilia and relics relating to George Washington’s membership in the Masonic lodge, including the famous painting of Washington by Gilbert Stuart.

Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum
The restored building opened as a hotel in 1860 and served as the Gordonsville Receiving Hos pital during the Civil War.