Downtown scavenger hunts launched in FXBG
Two new history-oriented scavenger hunts using smartphone technology are now available in downtown Fredericksburg.
The City of Fredericksburg recently partnered with Staunton-based Traipse on walking tours and scavenger hunts that highlight the City’s presidential and African-American history to locals and tourists alike.
The tours and the content within will be managed using Traipse’s smartphone app for “puzzle hunt” tours of local history and businesses. Traipse is like virtual geocaching, where visitors engage with each location by answering questions that can only be completed by physically being present at each site. Further, at each stop, complimentary information is given to visitors allowing them to learn more about the location through articles, photos and video.
“There are few places that can claim such centuries-spanning American history like Fredericksburg, VA. We are excited to partner with the City to create these unique experiences for people to enjoy and to become more familiar with the area’s rich heritage,” said Austin Auclair, Traipse’s director of creative content.
Additional tours for downtown are planned that will highlight locally owned businesses with an aim to bring more foot traffic to area merchants.
Fredericksburg Tourism Services Manager Danelle Rose, who spearheaded the partnership for the City, stated: “We are excited to launch with these two tours. They are free to use and available 24/7 by downloading the app. The Fredericksburg Visitor Center offers numerous guided tours — via our wonderful horse-drawn carriages, trolley tours and guided specialty groups — but we saw a need to provide an option to our residents and visitors who like to explore at their own pace. Using the Traipse app, everyone can get out and experience Fredericksburg’s locally owned businesses and attractions, while playing a fun game that engages the whole family.”
February is Black History Month across the U.S., and here in Fredericksburg our new “African-American Heritage of Fredericksburg” tour provides an opportunity to learn and reflect. This free, self-guided tour shares some of the African-American experience through the history of this city. Visitors will be guided to 14 stops while learning about local Civil Rights, visiting murals, and seeing historic locations such as Shiloh Baptist Church and more.
Another new tour is arriving just in time for Monday’s Presidents Day. Fredericksburg is no stranger to celebrating presidents, especially George Washington, who grew up here and whose mother is buried here. This new “Presidential Fredericksburg” tour includes 13 stops, such as: James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library, Lincoln’s Historic Footsteps, Hugh Mercer Apothecary, Thomas Jefferson Religious Freedom Monument, Meditation Rock and more!