We love old town Federicksburg. I am an antique collector. My home is decorated with many items from the wonderful shops of this quaint little town. Christmas is very special. Last year a group of us attended a "Teddy Bear" workshop at "Rocking Horse". These are the finest collectable bears and dolls in the country. Artists arrive from all over the world to attend and display their works. I love going to Claiborne's for dinner( reservations required) at the train station. ***** stars from us. Eileen's at the Chimneys for lunch. What could top the day off but an evening at the Richard Johnston Bed and Breakfast. What a beautiful setting. The dinning room is exquisite. Do not miss Whittinghams, one of my favorite stores. I love the kitchen section there. Do not miss the wonderful store front display. Last year they featured a hand built candy house. I can't wait to see this years creation when we return for the Open house at Rocking Horse. It is Dec 5th and 6th. I would never miss it.

I love the copper shop Southern Living featured in Shop Fredericksburg article. I have one that graces my home. What was the editor thinking about "Santa Cause", "Dueling Santas"? Shame on yourselves.

Kybecca is one of the places we like to shop. Very knowledgable on all of the wine offerings. Our family enjoys the downtown. Hope to catch Santa wandering around again. Love all those stories he tells. Thanks...your friends Lake Anna.

What a shame that no mention is made of the many wonderful galleries in town. LibertyTown Arts Workshop is a fabulous center with more than 50 working artists. Art First Gallery. Brushstrokes Gallery. P. Rose Gallery. Wegner Gallery etc. We are so much more than a quaint historic town.

I will be visiting family and friends in the Fredericksburg area. I love art galleries. Since my time is limited are the galleries having special showings over the holidays at Christmas. I live in Orlando, Fl so don't know the area that well. I'll check back with this blog.

Another noteworthy mention should have been Bistro Bethem. A downtown favorite of mine owned and operated by Blake and Aby Bethem. Not only is the cuisine made in-house and organic, but many of the dishes include specialties grown or raised by local organic farmers. www.bistrobethem.com. 540-371-9999

Our town has so much to offer! For those of you planning to visit Fredericksburg overnight, I'd like to suggest The Schooler House as the best little B & B in town. http://www.theschoolerhouse.com/

Another old town Fredericksburg gallery that combines both history and art is the Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA) at 813 Sophia Street. FCCA is housed in the Silversmith House (which dates to 1785). And, "Yes", FCCA is having a holiday art show and sale during the month of December so please stop on by! :)

After an entire day of the Candelight Tour I took my Mother in Law and Brother in law to Bistro Bethem. My family could not say enough about the extraodinary meal. Larry had the duck and was still talking about it the next morning. Aby, Larry finally came to realize that you thought he was the other internationally known and loved Iceman, which is his brother. Love and Best wishes from the entire Iceman Family. Laur