Stafford Travel Guide

Chatham--a Georgian-style mansion
It was built in the 18th century and served as Union headquarters during the U.S. Civil War in the Battle of Fredericksburg. Clara Barton and Walt Whitman helped in the treatment of wounded soldiers.

The mansion is owned and operated by the National Park Service, and contains exhibits about its history.

Stafford's very own Starbuck's draws customers in search of a great latte after hours of driving up Rt 95 (or down). You can drink coffee at Shonee's, at local gas stations and at other less than fine places. When you get to Stafford, you've found coffee mecca.

We also like the Hardy's next door.

Favorite Dish: Latte, latte, latte!

Driving is the most popular way to get to Stafford via I-95 north or south, and Route 17 from the west getting into southern Stafford, though it's possible to get here by Amtrak, via Quantico or Fredericksburg, or the Virginia Railway Express commuter train. In the next few years, Stafford's expected to get an airport, though its use will be primarily regional.
You better have a car. Sadly, there's no public transportation and there's very limited taxi service. Also, beware of walking, particularly on Route 610, as there's little shoulder on the side of the road and no crosswalks or signage directing pedestrians to cross.

Stafford has two distinct regions divided by north and south, though that is starting to change a little. Stafford used to be a mostly rural county, but with the suburban area of Washington, D.C. expanding rapidly, Stafford is now one of the fastest growing areas in the state of Virginia. The northern end of the county has seen the greatest amount of growth, with the concentration of new construction going on there. However, many businesses are locating in the southern end of the county, off of Route 17, which is a big trucking corridor. It is home to Stafford's biggest employer, Geico Insurance. Western and some southern areas of Stafford still have its rural and sparsely populated areas, and there are a few farms still left in the county. A lot of people come and go from Stafford, also, because of the Marine Corps base at Quantico located just to the north. Sometimes aerial maneuvers can also be seen (and heard).

I don't recommend walking in any part of Stafford, as the shoulders on the side of most roads do not allow for much room, and there aren't any sidewalks on the roads except for in some neighborhoods.

I also do not recommend riding a bike except in those neighborhoods, because again, there is no real room on the main highways and no bicycle lanes, though if you do want to ride in Stafford, there are enough rural roads not heavily traveled that are scenic that you can ride.

Beware of Route 610. During rush hour in mornings and evenings can get heavily congested. But that's just for those staying in hotels in that area because there's not much from a tourist point of view up there.

Also, watch for the stoplight at the intersection of Routes 1 and 17 at the Falmouth Bridge, which you cross before entering Fredericksburg.

Favorite thing: visit Ferry Farm. It's the place where the United States' first president, George Washington, grew up. He lived there from the time he was 6 years old until he was 19. The legend is incorrect that he threw a silver dollar across the Rappahannock River, which separates southern Stafford County, where Ferry Farm is, from the city of Fredericksburg. He did, however, throw a stone across the river.

Archaeological digging has revealed early Native American habitation at Ferry Farm. Work is continuing on finding the original farm buildings and housing from when George Washington was young.

The site of his boyhood home is open from Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 12 noon until 5 p.m. There is no admission but donations are accepted.

Fondest memory: watching it grow up along with me