Fredericksburg Featured In Monday's 'The Bachelor'

FREDERICKSBURG, VA—A matter of reality-TV import will take a small step toward its deliciously kitschy conclusion Monday night with the backdrop being none other than downtown Fredericksburg. Not only that, but one of the featured players happens to Stafford High School graduate Caelynn Miller-Keyes.

That's right, it's "The Bachelor," and if you tune in (8 p.m., ABC), you'll see bachelor Colton Underwood's hometown visit with final-four contestant Miller-Keyes. Among the local places included will be the Fredericksburg Area Museum on Princess Anne Street, shots on Caroline Street, as well as Brompton—the historic home of the University of Mary Washington president.

Filming for the episode took place last fall. Miller-Keyes also is a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate. On one of the episodes, she told Underwood about having been drugged and raped in college. Her mom, Stafford's Jai-Leah Miller Kamenicky, indirectly referred to that in a release from the city.

"Our experience has been very positive…from the producers before, during and after filming, to the amazing production crew during the hometown shoot," she said. "Everyone has been professional and courteous and has had Caelynn’s best interests at heart. While this is an entertainment show, I believe it has sparked some important and necessary conversations."

The show, in its 23rd season, features a guy who, over the course of the season, chooses one girl from a pool of 30 to be his wife. It's non-binding, of course. Exactly one marriage has resulted from such a proposal.