This month, River Rock Outfitter celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of passion, growth, and community service in Fredericksburg. Since opening its doors, River Rock Outfitter has been a beloved local business dedicated to outdoor education, river safety, and community involvement, receiving both local and national recognition for its work. Now, with a thriving customer base and strong community support, the outfitter is thrilled to announce exciting expansion plans designed to elevate its impact and offerings.
Amy Peregoy
Fredericksburg EDA makes small-business loan to DuoGlo Esthetics
The latest recipient of an InvestFXBG loan from the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA) is DuoGlo Esthetics, a small woman-owned business in Westwood Village shopping center.
Michelle Caldwell Thompson receives the 25th Annual Metzger Award
Leader and mentor Michelle Caldwell Thompson received the 2024 Patricia Lacey Metzger Award for distinguished achievement from the Women’s Leadership Colloquium at the University of Mary Washington.
Fredericksburg Square sells to local Restaurateur
Last week, Luigi Castiglia purchased Fredericksburg Square located at 525 Caroline Street. The 19,000 s.f. building sitting on .45-acres in Historic Downtown sold for $1.9 million.
UMW Public Liberal Arts Ranks Top 10 by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 “Best Colleges” with the University of Mary Washington tying for No. 9 on the list and tying for No. 132 in national liberal arts.
Ironclad Inn announces Chef Blake Bethem’s arrival
Chef Bethem has been a long standing master of the Fredericksburg culinary scene since 1996. He returns to create perfect pairings at Ironclad Inn.
Sharon E. Schmidt named President of the Board of Directors for The Community Foundation
Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer is pleased to announce that Sharon E. Schmidt, a senior associate in commercial brokerage in their Fredericksburg office, has been named President of the Board of Directors for The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region (CFRRR).
Foode is awarded “Backing Historic Small Restaurants” grant
Today Foode was announced as one of the 2024 recipients of the American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Backing Historic Small Restaurants grant program.
University of Mary Washington continues recognition in Fiske Guide to Colleges
The 2025 Fiske Guide to Colleges has again listed the University of Mary Washington as one of the “best and most interesting” schools. The guide reviews just over 300 universities and colleges in the U.S.
Agora Downtown awarded “Backing Small Businesses” grant
Announced in June, Agora was awarded $10,000 by American Express and Main Street America through the Backing Small Businesses grant program.
Ernisha Hall appointed to Virginia African American Advisory Board
On Monday, the VA Black Chamber of Commerce announced their President and CEO, Ernisha Hall was appointed to the Virginia African American Advisory Board for a four-year term.
Meredith Schatz added to Fredericksburg EDA
Local resident Meredith Schatz has been added to the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority (EDA). Fredericksburg City Council on Tuesday, June 25 unanimously appointed Schatz to the EDA. Schatz serves as the Senior Director and Chief of Staff at Education...













