Then and Now: Fredericksburg

Discovering groovy, vintage, classic, and historical institutions.

Text by Jasmine Bible + Photography by Susan Kalergis

We set out to find intriguing stories of the past and present. Establishments who honor the past while writing their own history. In our search, we found new businesses in old buildings, and old-school businesses in new buildings. Join us each week as we travel through the towns where Nest Realty offices are located, this week we travel to

Hooked 1009 Princess Anne St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401 facebook.com/becomehooked

Step through the front doors and into a time warp. Groovy, vintage, retro coolness ooze from every object within Hooked. The funky boutique is owned by friendly husband and wife team, Mike & Lauren Skinner, who carefully curate each item.

You’ll find old-school video games, home decor, knick-knacks, and an impressive collection of CD’s and vinyl records. New and vintage clothing, shoes, and jewelry are displayed alongside old globes and light fixtures. There’s even a men’s grooming station with all the mustache waxes a hipster could ever want. The entire floor has been covered in comic book pages, sealed with a glossy epoxy. You’re sure to find something that takes you back and sparks a fond memory of yesteryear.

Mercantile 205 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA 22401

The recently opened Mercantile restaurant gets its name from a historic plaque that Owner, Chef Joy Crump, spotted on the outside of the building. The building was in fact a mercantile building, offering goods to the people of Fredericksburg, Virginia in the 20th century. The space has now been renovated into a breakfast and brunch restaurant, serving locally-sourced, all natural and organic food. This is the second restaurant from Chef Joy Crump and Beth Black, the restaurateurs behind

Rising Sun Tavern 1304 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22401 washingtonheritagemuseums.org

Established in 1762, the Rising Sun Tavern is one of the oldest standing taverns in America. Originally built around 1760 by Charles Washington, George Washington’s younger brother, the tavern served as a stopover for travelers visiting bustling Fredericksburg, VA. In 1907, the building was acquired by Preservation Virginia, and underwent a complete restoration in 1930. Much of the original woodwork still remains. The building is now a museum operated by the Washington Heritage Museums, and costumed interpreters offer daily tours.

Splitsville 51 Towne Centre Blvd Fredericksburg, VA 22407

While the Ancient Romans and Ancient Greeks may have invented bowling, it’s popularity peaked in America in the 1950’s, when the golden age of Ten-Pin bowling began. Get back to those glory years with a visit to Splitsville in the Spotsylvania Towne Centre.

The swanky bowling alley boasts 16 lanes, four billiard tables, and a gaming arcade. The full-service restaurant and bar serves everything from signature cocktails to sushi, rice bowls, burgers, and pizza. Take advantage of the 2-for-Tuesday special—every Tuesday, you can bowl for $2 per game, per person, with $2 shoe rental.

Sugar Shack 801 Williams Street, Fredericksburg, VA

A former gas station has recently been transformed into the Sugar Shack, a donut and coffee shop. Glowing pastry cases house hundreds of freshly prepared cake and yeast donuts. The flavors range from classic to creative. Our favorite is the “Taste like a SamoaTM” —created to replicate the flavors of the famed cookie. Though the chocolate butterfinger is pretty incredible, and the glazed is spot-on, too.

Mason Dixon Cafe 2100 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and the ever important brunch are served at the Mason Dixon Cafe, “Where the North meets the South.” The scratch-made food has been delighting locals for years. Housed in a mid-century modern era building with a butterfly pitched roof, the cafe feels retro in just the right way. Order the crab cake eggs Benedict and shrimp & grits. Or, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, go for the pulled pork poutine—steak fries topped with pulled pork barbecue, brown gravy, and cheese sauce. The dog-friendly patio is perfect for a sunny afternoon.

Check back next week when we visit New River Valley, VA!

We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2016 Issue of