Nestled in downtown Fredericksburg, Bella Manzo brings a blend of authentic Italian flavors and American comfort to the local dining scene. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ruth and Jose Matus, the restaurant represents over 25 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry. After working in corporate dining since 1995, the duo made the leap to open their own establishment in July 2023 at 715 Caroline Street, crafting a warm, inviting space for family and friends.

Ruth said the restaurant stands as a tribute to the excellence of American beef, known as “Good Beef”, or Bello Manzo.  The menu, designed with the help of a Chicago-based Executive Chef, features food ranging from “Manzo Traditionals” (Italian Beef sandwiches), creamy and tomato-based pastas, soups and salads, fish and chicken sandwiches, and desserts. 

The most popular dishes are the Manzo Pasta, a creamy spaghetti dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and their signature Italian Beef sandwich with smoked beef, and giardiniera on a hoagie bun served with au jus, according to Ruth. 

The staff’s favorites however, two appetizers: arancini, fried risotto balls stuffed with mozzarella and provole cheese and served with homemade marinara sauce, and meatballs simmered in homemade marinara sauce and topped with parmesan.

Ruth, the heart of the business, loves interacting with guests, often saying, “Come in as a guest, leave as family.” Bello Manzo has quickly earned the community’s support, with two outdoor eating areas and a full bar with a stage in the back. On September’s First Friday, the restaurant was pleasantly packed as patrons trickled in for live music or sat out front and watched the sidewalks. The restaurant has recently launched online ordering and is expanding its catering services.

Looking forward, Ruth and Jose plan to grow their live music events and continue being a place for friends and family to gather in Fredericksburg, where the motto is “La mia casa e la tua casa”—”my house is your house.”

The Fredericksburg Nationals (Fred Nats) have postponed their second game in a row due to two days of rain. Between 0.3 and 0.9 inches of rain fell over the last 72 hours, as reported by the National Weather Service, leading to soggy conditions on the field.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Fredericksburg has seen 12.6 inches of rain in just over two months. May brought 3.96 inches, June recorded 5.73 inches, and July has already seen 2.91 inches as of July 12. USGS collects real-time data at 15-60 minute intervals.

Despite these recent rains, June 2024 was recorded as the driest June in the past 130 years, with a decrease of 3.56 inches from the normal rainfall. Year-to-date, Fredericksburg is having its 58th driest year over the same period, with a shortfall of 1.18 inches from the usual precipitation levels, as noted by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDS).  NOAA lists Fredericksburg as in a “moderate drought” on their website.

The Fred Nats currently have a season tally of 47 wins and 35 losses, placing them second in the North Division of the Carolina League. They have scored 394 runs and conceded 347 runs so far this season?.

The Nats are scheduled for a doubleheader on Saturday, July 13 against the Carolina Mudcats, starting at 5:05 p.m. Perhaps Thursday’s rainbow will bring them luck.

The City of Fredericksburg has announced the revival of its “Around the Town” free trolley service to downtown for the upcoming summer season. Operated by Trolley Tours of Fredericksburg, the service will run on Friday and Saturday evenings from May 31 to August 31, offering residents and visitors a convenient way to explore downtown attractions.

The trolley will make a 20-minute loop around downtown with stops at six locations, including popular spots such as the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, Carl’s Ice Cream, Mason Dixon Café, Haley’s Honey Meadery, Red Dragon Brewery, Harry’s Downtown, Mellow Mushroom, Castiglia’s, and Rebellion Bourbon Bar and Kitchen. Additionally, on the first Friday of each month, extra stops will be added for art gallery openings. The free, family-friendly rides are available from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Now in its 7th season, the “Around the Town” initiative was introduced in 2018 as part of the city’s efforts to manage downtown parking while enhancing the visitor experience. The trolley service is strategically located near restaurants, public restrooms, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, parks, shops, and key parking facilities.

The initiative has seen a steady increase in ridership since its inception, with reports of full trolleys during peak hours in the previous summer. Danelle Rose, Tourism Marketing and Communications Manager, expressed excitement about the addition of new signs at trolley stops to improve visibility and provide essential information for riders.

Travel counselors will be available at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center to assist with inquiries about the trolley service, parking options, and downtown amenities. The Visitor Center will extend its hours until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

Fredericksburg has posted a map of the route and parking options online.