From Our Saturday, October 25th, 2025, AVA Special Programs “Palooza” Traditional Walk in Fredericksburg, VA
The weather was perfect for FWC’s one-day Traditional Walk on October 25th, 2025, in downtown Fredericksburg, VA, called the “Palooza”. We gave it that title because walkers had the opportunity to walk through historic Fredericksburg past eight AVA Special Program sites (including Step to the Beat, Walking with America’s Veterans, Washington-Rochambeau Trail, Grain Elevators, Walking with the Wild Things, Town Hall/City Hall, and Rails to Trails). It was also a day for Trick or Treating downtown and we saw so many fun costumes and people having fun! Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Anita’s Cafe for letting us set up our start/finish table there.
From Our Saturday, September 20th, 2025, Walk on the Dahlgren Railraod Heritage Trail in King George, VA
Our club had a great walk on the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail in King George, VA, on Saturday, September 20th, 2025. The shady trail is well-kept and mostly level, with zero hills. Most of us walked 5K, but several folks walked further and did 9-10K. Afterwards, we had a delicious lunch at Vinny’s Italian Grill & Pizzaria in King George. A good time!
From Our Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Walk in Caledon State Park in King George, VA
Our club enjoyed a lovely hike on the Boyd’s Hole Trail in Caledon State Park on August 23rd, 2025. Around 30 walkers went a little over 5K on this beautiful trail that leads to the Potomac River. We were fortunate to have Laurie Schlemm, who’s with the Friends of Caledon State Park, as our tour guide. She shared great stories and background information about the park. Everyone loved walking and talking and afterwards had a delicious lunch at the Machodoc Creek Marina and Cafe.
From Our Saturday, August 9th, 2025, Walk Starting at the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA
Thirteen FWC members drove up to Lorton, VA on Saturday, August 9th, 2025, to participate in a walk developed by the Northern Virginia Volksmarchers; two of their members also joined us. We walked through the Lorton Workhouse Arts Center and continued to the Fairfax Cross County Trail which runs through Occoquan Regional Park and along the Occoquan River. The weather was great – the park and river views were beautiful. We passed remnants of the prison that was converted to the Arts Center and spent time at the Suffragist Memorial site. After the walk we enjoyed lunch at the Brickmakers Cafe.
From Our Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, Walk on the Ni River Trail in Fredericksburg, VA
After having to cancel this walk the week before, our club had great weather on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, to walk on the beautiful Ni River Trail in Fredericksburg, VA. Over 15 people showed up for the 5K walk on tree-covered trails with views of the Ni River and a pond near the trailhead. Afterwards, we had good food and conversation at the Legends Grille.
From Our Saturday, July 12th, 2025, Walk at Curtis Memorial Park in Stafford County, V
The FWC enjoyed a 5K trail hike at Curtis Memorial Park in Stafford County, VA, on Saturday, July 12th, 2025. Over 20 people participated in the event. The trail mostly weaved through the woods with a couple of opportunities to get up close to Lake Curtis. After the walk several of us went the Paradise Diner for good food, conversation, and air conditioning.
From Our Sunday, June 29th, 2025, “Otter Walk” in Fredericksburg, VA
About 15 people braved the heat on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, and participated in FWC’s “Otter Walk” – one of the club’s Year-Round-Events. We walked on the sidewalks of downtown Fredericksburg past bronze otter statues, placed there to commemorate the return of otters to the Rappahannock River. Afterwards, we had a great lunch at Anita’s Cafe & Dessert Bar.
From Our Saturday, June 21st, 2025, Midlothian Mines Park Walk
On Saturday, June 21st, 2025, about 20 walkers participated in a 5K at the Midlothian Mines Park, in Chesterfield County, VA, hosted by the Central Virgina Walking Club. The 44-acre preserve has ruins of coal mines of one of the first major industrial sites in the U.S. and pays tribute to those who innovated and sacrificed in the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. We walked along lovely, wooded trails, past a lake and mining ruins, and through a beautiful subdivision. Afterwards we had a delicious lunch at The Urban Farmhouse Market & Cafe.
From Our Saturday, May 24th, 2025, Walk in Historic Warrenton, VA
The FWC enjoyed a wonderful walk in historic downtown Warrenton, VA, on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, with about 20 enthusiastic walkers. Our President, Don, who is also an interpreter with the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, led the walk and filled us in on some of the town’s history and buildings we were seeing. We stopped in the cemetery where the grave of Colonel John Singleton Mosby is. He was a Confederate Cavalry Commander during the Civil War – also known as the “Gray Ghost.” We also stopped in front of his house, currently known as the Brentmoor-Spillman House. The house was completed in 1861 for Fauquier County Judge Edward M. Spillman. We also learned about Govenor William “Extra Billy” Smith from Fauquier County, governor of VA from 1846-1949, and 1864-1865. Afterwards we had a delicious meal at the Cast Iron Craft House. Fun for all!
From Our Saturday, May 17th, 2025, Walk in Burke, VA
Ten hardy walkers braved the heat and hills on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, in Burke, VA. This beautiful, mostly shady walk was sponsored by the Northern Virgina Volksmarchers, celebrating their anniversary with a one-day Traditional Walk. We walked through multiple parks, past a farmer’s market, and around a lake in Burke Centre. Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch and conversation at the Villa Bella Italian Restaurant.
From Our Saturday, May 10th, 2025, Walk in the Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford County
The FWC enjoyed perfect weather as over a dozen walkers hiked our club’s Seasonal 10K-Walk in Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve in Stafford County. Crow’s Nest is a large wilderness area located between Potomac Creek and Accokeek Creek. The preserve is named after a black sailing ship called The Crow that once docked in the Potomac Creek during the 1800’s. Crow’s Nest was also occupied by Union troops during the Civil War. It is home to nesting bald eagles and was a temporary home to Pocahontas. Everyone took lots of photos on or wonderful nature trek. Afterwards, we had great food and conversation at El Viejon Mexican Grill & Bar on Richmond Highway in Fredericksburg. It was a good time!
From Our Saturday, April 26th, 2025, Walk and Picnic at the North Anna Battlefield Park in Doswell, VA
Despite a rainy forecast, just under 20 optimistic walkers met at North Anna Battlefield Park in Doswell, VA, for a 5K walk and picnic afterwards. Armed with rain jackets and shade canopy, spirits were high! Luckily, we only got a few sprinkles here and there – the weather was cooperative. Our club president, Don, who is also an interpreter with the Friends of Wilderness Battlefield, gave us a quick history lesson about the Civil War battle fought there in 1864, and about the Overland Campaign. We walked on the lovely, shady Gray Trail where several trees were down, but that didn’t hinder us! Afterwards, we returned to the picnic area and enjoyed socializing while eating delicious sandwiches, chips, and cookies. Nobody went home hungry!
From Our Saturday, April 19th, 2025, Downtown Fredericksburg “Otter” Walk
Just under 30 enthusiastic walkers gathered at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center to walk the second 5K half of our club’s “Otter” Walk – one of our Year-Round-Event Walks. The otter statues were placed around downtown to celebrate the return of otters to the Rappahannock River. After leaving the Visitor Center, we walked along the VCR Trail to Alum Spring Park – a 34-acre woodland retreat right in the city! Afterwards, a group of us had a great lunch at the Sky Lounge on top of Castiglia’s Restaurant. It was a perfect weather day for a walk!
From Our Saturday, March 29th, 2025, Walk at the First Day of Chancellorsville Battlefield in Fredericksburg, VA
Just under 30 walkers enjoyed a 5K walk this morning on the trails at the First Day of Chancellorsville Battlefield in Fredericksburg. Owned by the American Battlefield Trust, this is one of FWC’s Year-Round-Event Walks. It was a beautiful spring day with the birds chirping and the trees flowering. We stopped at the various interpretive panels and talked about the battle that happened there in 1863. Afterwards, almost 20 folks ate a delicious lunch at Basilico’s on Harrison Road. A great walk and time together!
From Our Saturday, February 1st, 2025, Walk in Ashland, VA
About 30 walkers joined us on this beautiful, sunny morning in Ashland, VA, to take part in FWC’s Year-Round-Event Walk called, “Ashland Center of the Universe.” Meeting at the old train station, now the Visitor Center, we walked on sidewalks and trails past historic architecture and neighborhoods, and through the lovely Randolph-Macon College campus. Most folks walked 5K, but a few ventured further to do the 10K. Afterwards, we had a great lunch at Jake’s Place Restaurant.
From Our Saturday, January 18th, 2025, Walk at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA
Neither rain, nor sleet, nor fear of icy sidewalks deterred us from enjoying an inspiring walk on the grounds of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, VA. About 25 walkers took part in this AVA-sanctioned, Year-Round-Event Walk sponsored by the Wood and Dale Wanderers Club. Tim and Celia Miner, the club’s President and Secretary/Trailmaster, joined us and gave us great historical background information along the way. The trails were clear for the most part, however we had to cut the walk a little short after reaching an area that had too much ice to walk on. It still proved to be a great walk being able to see the Chapel, and many monuments and statues along the way. The museum itself has incredible exhibits and displays, and many of us enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Tun Tavern on the second floor.
From Our First Day Walk on Wednesday, January 1st, 2025
Happy New Year! Eighty-plus walkers started off 2025 with a great group walk on January 1st. We even had several dogs join us and a cat that walked on a leash! There were quite a few new walkers which we were delighted to meet. Starting off in Pratt Park, Stafford County, we crossed River Road and the Chatham Bridge into downtown Fredericksburg walking along Caroline Street. We then went down Rocky Lane and past the City Dock on Sophia Street and returned back to Pratt Park the way we came. Some walkers continued on to visit historic Chatham Manor. It was a beautiful morning of sunshine, a bit windy but we didn’t care!
Fredericksburg Walking Club 