5 Spring Things You Can Still Do In Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, VA —Did you forget about spring in Fredericksburg? One would be forgiven for the oversight, especially given the fact that everybody's calendar might be off due to the coronavirus crisis.

The official start of spring fell on March 19, more than a month ago.

As befuddling as the concept of linear time might seem after six weeks of quarantine, the tilt of the Earth on its rotation around the sun means the changing of seasons remains, literally, an unstoppable force of nature.

In defiance of the pandemic, we're in the heart of spring, and it's worth remembering that you can — and should! — do things about that in Fredericksburg. Just keep your social distance and be safe.

Here are some things:

1. Pack a picnic: Ideally, springtime should accompany the simple pleasures of preparing a basket of food, picking a grassy patch of park and unfurling a blanket under the sun. But even during a quarantine, you can do all three, and remain socially distant! Many unfenced Fredericksburg parks, trails and fields are open, but certain amenities are closed. Or take the picnic basket to your backyard or porch instead. Sip wine and eat cheese outside, calling it a "rustic wine jaunt" or "stationary hiking." It still counts. A spring picnic by any other name tastes just as sweet. If you prefer a pre-made picnic, check takeout options at local restaurants in Fredericksburg.
2. Get cultured: The Fredericksburg Area Museum is offering new electronic field trips. Viewers can tour FAM’s exhibit These Old Walls: A Town and Its Stories to discover the difference between primary and secondary sources. FAM also wants to hear how the coronavirus crisis has affected your lives. Submit your stories. Future visitors to the FAM will have you to thank for sharing your experiences with them as they work to understand this moment in Fredericksburg history. Children (and adults) can learn about the Battle of Fredericksburg and the Battle of Chancelorsville through Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park Virtual Classroom. Check out the Louvre in Paris, NASA Space Center, The National Gallery of Art, National Women’s History Museum , or The Spy Museum. Click here to see the available tours.
3. Classes: Take virtual dance classes at the Polaris Dance Institute. Schedule here under the Schedule tab. The PONSHOP Studio and Gallery is offering online classes for children ages 6 and older. View classes here.
4. Go virtual shopping: Even if you can't physically visit the stores, you can still patronize your favorite businesses. Small businesses are offering a variety of shopping options, including virtual appointments at art galleries. Purchase outdoor gear and apparel from River Rock Outfitter's new online store. Riverby Books is offering a Book(s) of the Week subscription program. For $10/week we’ll pick a book (or more) for you, based on your guidelines for that you like, or Riverby Books can surprise you.
5. Donate blood: The United States is facing a serious blood shortage, and the FDA is calling the need for blood and plasma "urgent." The good news is you can help save people's lives for the low-low-low price of your very own blood. The Red Cross website can also help you get an appointment.