Virginia Railway Express
The Fredericksburg area offers many unique tourist sites, but the Belmont estate across the Rappahannock River is one of the most interesting. Belmont itself is over 200 years old and is typical of the magnificent Federal style structures built at the end of the 18th century. The house survived the almost continuous fighting that raged through the area during the Civil War, but later fell into decline. In 1916, renowned artist Gari Melchers and his wife Corinne bought the residence from it's family owners of almost 100 years and meticulously restored the home to it's former glory. No expense was spared in the improvements the couple made to their "country home". That attention to detail is reflected in the beautiful lawn and gardens on the grounds of Belmont. The Melchers accumulated a rich and varied collection of antique furniture and carpets, fine china and pottery, and paintings and prints by old masters on their extensive travels abroad. Upon Corinne's death in 1955, the estate and it's contents were left to the state of Virginia and virtually all of their personal possessions remain there today.
Visitors can take advantage of the train for a unique, relaxing and stress free way to enjoy Belmont and the Fredericksburg area. VRE and Amtrak carry visitors from Washington, D.C. (and intermediate points) to Fredericksburg's VRE/Amtrak station. Passengers will ride in air conditioned comfort on trains, while avoiding the stress of highway commuting and the hassle of parking.
Upon arrival, make your first stop at the Visitors Center on Caroline Street for helpful, friendly advice on attractions for all family members. To get to the Visitors Center, exit the station platform, proceed north on Caroline Street and follow the signs to the Visitors Center. The address is 706 Caroline Street. At the Visitors Center, inquire about the local transit service (the "FRED" bus) which can take you to the bridge over the Rappahannock River on U.S. Route 1. Once you exit the bus, cross the river on the sidewalk on the bridge and follow the signs to Belmont. From the bus stop, it is about a 15 minute walk to the estate through the town of Falmouth and past restored warehouses and old homes.
Belmont is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5 and Sunday from 1 to 5, April 1 through September 30. From October 1 through March 31 the estate is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 4 and Sunday 1 to 4. The estate is closed January 1, Thanksgiving and December 24, 25, and 26. Admission is $3 for adults and $1 for students ages 6 through 18. The estate includes a visitor center, picnic area, museum shop and orientation theater.