Sunset at Chatham Manor + Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria

Details

Let's meet in Fredericksburg, hike across the Rappahannock River and watch the sunset from the heights at Chatham Manor! Afterwards, those interested can visit the Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria.

❶ What we'll do:

Sunset at Chatham Manor

From the Riverside Park parking lot at 701 Sophia St, we'll walk northwest along Sophia Street, cross the Rappahannock River on Chatham Bridge and ascend to watch the sunset from the heights around Chatham Manor. After the sun sets we'll return along a slightly shorter route, arriving back in Fredericksburg shortly after 9 pm.
It's about 1.6 miles going there and about 1 mile coming back, plus whatever distance you put in while touring the grounds.
The surface is mostly flat sidewalks and gravel/dirt paths, with a gentle ascent from the Rappahannock River to Chatham Heights, and downhill again returning; about 100 feet of elevation gain. This is an easy hike.
Google map: https://tinyurl.com/2p9s5eeh

Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria (Optional)

After the Chatham Manor visit, those wishing to attend the Luminaria should drive to the University of Mary Washington parking lot at 1000 William St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
From the parking lot, walk south about 0.4 miles along Sunken Road to the Luminaria. Return afterwards along the same route.
Total distance is not quite a mile, plus any walking around inside the cemetery. The surface is gravel paths and sidewalks and fairly level. Amount of time spent is up to attendees.

❷ How to get there:

The street address is 701 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.
From the Capital Beltway, follow I-95 S to US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd in Stafford County. Continue on US-17 BUS S/Warrenton Rd. Take River Rd to Charlotte St in Fredericksburg. For more detailed directions, see https://maps.app.goo.gl/Qsdbjx7oqLxy8LTt6
Parking is available at the 600 and 800-900 blocks of Sophia St. For more parking locations, see the Google map and https://fredericksburgva.gov/744/Parking

❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired. (Leashes, please.) Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a flashlight are recommended.

❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 75F, with light NW winds. Sunset is at 8:22 pm and civil twilight ends at 8:53 pm. See https://tinyurl.com/885fef7a

❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.

❻ Administrative stuff: There are restrooms at Riverside Park (open until 10:00 pm), at John Pratt Park (open until 8:00 pm). For the Luminaria, there is also a mobile restroom spotted in the Lafayette Blvd parking lot next to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center.

❼ Notes: