LorAll year long, we’re shining a spotlight on standout destinations and timely travel trends—bringing you practical insights you can use right away with your clients. And there’s no better way to do that than by learning directly from fellow advisors who are out in the field, experiencing destinations firsthand and turning those experiences into valuable advice.
With America’s 250th anniversary fast approaching, domestic travel is top of mind for many clients—and it’s the perfect opportunity to sharpen your U.S. destination expertise. If you’re looking to stay ahead of growing interest in travel closer to home, our North America Destination Specialist Course and the many programs available through the Education Hub are great resources to support you along the way.
Today’s Hot Tip comes from veteran travel advisor—and newly appointed Senior Learning and Development Manager for The Travel Institute—Stacey Cabell, CTIE, who is generously sharing her personal perspective and professional insight on one of the country’s most dynamic and historic cities.
Here’s what Stacey has to say:
There’s a common belief that historic destinations are quiet or even a little boring. Fredericksburg, Virginia challenges that in the best way. Clients can explore historic sites in the morning, then, by late afternoon, be sitting at a rooftop bar with a craft cocktail in hand. And honestly, that surprise factor is what people don’t expect going in.
Fredericksburg is an easy sell simply because of where it sits. For anyone along the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic corridor, it’s within about a six-hour drive, which makes it an easy long weekend option. For clients who don’t want to drive, Amtrak stops right at the Fredericksburg station, and, from there, it’s about a five-minute walk straight into the downtown area.
Making downtown your clients’ home base really elevates the experience. They can easily step out of their hotel and be right in the middle of everything, all without needing a car. If they do have one, it just adds flexibility.
The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park is a few minutes away. George Washington’s Ferry Farm is nearby, and Washington, D.C. and Alexandria are both easy day trips, each about an hour away.
Downtown Fredericksburg offers a great mix of modern-day experiences layered into its historic setting. Art galleries, local boutiques, fine dining, and casual spots all sit side by side. While I was there, I saw a couple riding through downtown in a horse-drawn carriage, which instantly gave the area a romantic feel you don’t always expect from a historic town.
During the nicer weather months, the energy really picks up with outdoor patios and rooftop bars. Beyond romantic getaways, Fredericksburg also works beautifully for bachelorette weekends and girl trips and for travelers who appreciate history but still want a destination that feels social and engaging.
Food is another reason Fredericksburg really surprised me. We had some of the best BBQ we’ve ever eaten at Billikens Smokehouse, but what stuck with me just as much was the building it’s housed in and the history behind it. That’s something Fredericksburg does really well. The food is great, but it’s the stories tied to the places that make it feel like more than just a meal. And truly, in today’s world, that’s exactly what your clients are looking for.
Brunch at Foode was another favorite. It’s set inside an old bank, and we actually ate inside the original safe, which is still part of the space. Those are the kinds of moments clients remember and end up talking about long after they’re home.
My visit occurred over a weekend, and I enjoyed a few hours at the farmers market in the downtown area. Vendors were offering handmade jewelry, bath products, clothing, and, of course, fresh fruits and vegetables. The atmosphere felt very local and laid-back, and it’s the kind of thing clients love stumbling upon when they travel.
With America’s 250th birthday being celebrated this year, it’s a great time to highlight destinations like Fredericksburg, VA. From an advisor standpoint, destinations like this one really matter. Long weekends and road trips may seem smaller, but they’re often the trips clients book quickly and remember fondly. When clients have a great experience on a weekend getaway you suggested, it builds confidence in you. And once that trust is there, they’re much more likely to come back to you when they’re ready for a bigger trip.
Thank you, Stacey!
