Visiting The Town of Bowling Green

Location…

The Town of Bowling Green is the county seat of Caroline County and located in the center of Caroline County, literally. Caroline County is somewhat of a diamond-shaped county and Bowling Green is in the center of the diamond. Our county neighbors include Hanover County to the southwest, Spotsylvania County to the northwest, a slight touch by Stafford County to the north, King George County to the northeast, Essex County to the east, King and Queen County to the southeast, and King William County to the southeast. Fort Walker is completely within Caroline County and borders Bowling Green on its northeast boundary fully occupying 25% of the land area in the County.

Arrival by car…

Bowling Green is at the intersection of Route 301, Route 207, and Route 2 which puts the Town approximately 20 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, VA, 40 miles northeast of Richmond, VA, and 11 miles due east of Exit 104 on Interstate Highway 95.

Arrival by air…

The closest commercial airport is Richmond International Airport which is approximately 49 miles to the southeast. Reagan National Airport is approximately 74 miles to the north and Dulles International Airport is approximately 82 miles to the northwest. For private pilots, Shannon Airport south of Fredericksburg and Stafford Regional Airport north of Fredericksburg are available.

Arrival by train…

Fredericksburg provides the closest train station for Amtrak. The train station is approximately 20 miles from Bowling Green. Amtrak provides regular service through Fredericksburg on its eastern north-south corridor. Union Station in Washington, DC is accessible by the Metro and taxi from both Dulles International Airport and Reagan National Airport and provides options for the train trip to Fredericksburg.

Accommodations…

Bowling Green offers many places to stay during your visit. Other accommodations can be found at Exit 104 on Interstate Highway 95, Exit 126 on Interstate Highway 95 at Massaponax, Exit 118 on Interstate Highway 95 at Thornburg, and in the City of Fredericksburg. There are also accommodations associated with Kings Dominion, the Meadow Event Park, and the State Fair of Virginia located just off Exit 98 on Interstate Highway 95. All locations are within 25 miles of the Town of Bowling Green.

Education…

Caroline County offers an Elementary School, a Middle School, and a High School within 1–5 miles of the Town of Bowling Green. Fredericksburg is home to the University of Mary Washington and has a campus of Germanna Community College near Massaponax on State Route 17.

Shopping…

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities for those who want to temporarily leave the leisurely pace of Bowling Green for a day of shopping. Nestled in the heart of Caroline County, the Town of Bowling Green offers a rare glimpse into authentic small-town Virginia charm that has largely disappeared from our modern landscape. As you stroll down its tree-lined streets, you'll discover a perfect blend of history and community spirit, where locally-owned shops like Artism by Joey and JB Apothecary showcase the vibrant creativity of local artisans. The town's historic buildings house delightful surprises—from the aromatic coffee at Mix House to the carefully curated treasures at Sundry—all within an easily walkable downtown that invites unhurried exploration.

What truly sets Bowling Green apart is how it serves as an antidote to our fast-paced world. Strategically located between Richmond and Fredericksburg, this quaint haven allows visitors to step back from the highway and into a more meaningful pace of life. Whether you're browsing local literature at Books on Main, savoring a homestyle lunch at Corner Store, or ending your day with live music and handcrafted cocktails at The Heist, Bowling Green offers something increasingly precious in today's world—an authentic connection to place, people, and the simple pleasures that make life rich. It's not just a stop on your journey; it's a destination that reminds you why slowing down matters. The region offers a very diverse shopping environment from small specialty stores to very dense shopping areas with high concentrations of nationally known retail stores and restaurants.

And History…

The Town of Bowling Green is located in a part of Virginia that is rich in history from first colony in Virginia at Jamestown in 1607 to the Revolutionary War to the Civil War. The Town sits on the Washington-Rochambeau Route and the Civil War Trail. Armies from both wars camped in and passed through Bowling Green. You can launch a trip to Yorktown and Jamestown to the southeast or start your Civil War Battlefield Tour from the National Park’s Visitors Center in Fredericksburg. There is a lot to see and learn and one trip will pique your interest for future trips.