Get out of your relaxation rut and hop on Amtrak (www.amtrak.com)… it sure makes “daytripping” a lot easier! From the beautiful station in Fredericksburg, begin your tour of “Olde Town.” Proceed on Caroline Street to the Visitor Center (706 Caroline Street; www.VisitFred.com; 1-800-678-4748) for info on specific sites and attractions. There is so much going in this historic town! It’s absolutely charming! Caroline Street is lined with antique shops, fabulous restaurants, clothing stores, art galleries, and museums.

Check out the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop and discover the many cures and medical practices of colonial times. You might learn that what’s old is sometimes new again in the world of medicine.

Be sure to keep your eyes open to peer down the many alleys filled with shops such as Garden Everything (www.everythinggardenongonline.com), 1006 Caroline Street; and The Write Touch (www.thewritetouchonline.com), at 1006-D Caroline Street.

Try lunch at the famous Old Town Grill & Café! Don’t look for a sign… it’s address is 722 Caroline Street across from The Griffin Book Shop. Try the scrumptious sweet potato fries!

Being immersed in history and shopping at the same time can be tiresome! For the perfect afternoon “pick-me-up”, try a wonderful iced coffee from Hyperion Express at 301 William Street (540-373-4882). What a unique spot loaded with personality and panache! The various coffee drink choices and sweets, along with the friendly staff and interesting clientele will lift your energy level to continue your adventure.

Veering off Caroline Street, enjoy the beautiful Mary Washington House on Charles Street; and Kenmore, one of the most elegant colonial mansions in America at 1201 Washington Street. Close by is the James Monroe Museum and the National Bank Museum.

You won’t be bored in this delightful town. Spending a day in Old Town can satisfy many desires… culinary, artistic, historical and intellectual. If you can only stay one day, taking the train is a cinch. And if you want to stay overnight, relax at The Richard Johnston Inn (www.therichardjohnstoninn.com) This “Unique, Upscale 18th Century Inn” is near the train station, which houses Claiborne’s restaurant (www.claibornesrestaurant.com).

Because there are so many people, places and things to see in one day, you’ll probably have to call it quits and return another day to get lost in the numerous sites, interesting bookstores, cruise the Rappahannock River and enjoy the entire Fredericksburg area.

Before returning on the train, be sure and go to a “must-see institution” … Carl’s Ice Cream on Princess Anne Street, a short distance from Old Town! If you’re like me, resisting the call of soft ice cream is never easy! Carl’s IS an institution! The 1950 style neon ice cream cone on top of the building is great! Walk up to the screened window and order! “Kids” of all ages are working hard there to insure the delicious ice cream doesn’t drool anywhere but into yearning mouths!

This town has so much to offer. The Fredericksburg Area Tourism has coined this description: “Fredericksburg… Timeless.” I can see why, so go and find out for yourself!

Until next time…