As a Texan, I know that no travel series would be complete if I didn’t include a local destination. After all, Texas is the best! Okay, you may not think so but that’s alright.
I have to say, though, Texas has a lot to offer whether you are looking for a small town getaway, city adventure, relaxing beach experience, lake escape, hunting excursion, camping and hiking experiences – the list goes on and on.
There are dozens of places to visit in Texas when you’re looking for that small town feel, and Fredericksburg is no exception. It was originally established by German settlers which is obvious in a lot of the architecture, style and business names throughout the city.
In recent years, Fredericksburg has grown in popularity, mostly due to the growth in the local wine industry. Believe it or not, the Hill Country has begun to produce notable wines at the many vineyards throughout the area which makes for a great afternoon of wine tasting and vineyard tours.
Fredericksburg’s Main St. scene is full of shops that range from candy stores (like Fredericksburg Fudge) to home decor and furniture stores (like Farmhaus). There are men’s and women’s apparel stores and a surprising number of restaurants ranging from BBQ to Japanese to German cuisines.
Based on what we have seen each of the three times we have been, Fredericksburg makes a great couple’s getaway destination or a friends’ trip destination. I have yet to see many children’s attractions, but I know that most business and even vineyards are welcoming to families.
Free Attractions
- Hiking – Enchanted Rock is a local favorite location for hiking, and is only a short drive from Fredericksburg.
- Sight seeing – the Hill Country is beautiful, a darling of Texas to be sure. There are a lot of places to drive around where the scenery is quite beautiful. It’s a great place to catch a Texas sunset.
- Bluebonnets – if you visit during spring you will find fields and fields – and highway ditches – covered in bluebonnets, the Texas state flower. It’s gorgeous!
- Visit Luckenbach – although I must say that unless you just want to say you’ve been there, there aren’t many other reasons to go. Waylon Jennings might have sung, “Out in Luckenbach, TX there ain’t nobody feelin no pain,” but I’m pretty sure that’s just because no one is there.
Other Attractions
- Shopping – Main Street and the surrounding streets are lined with neat shops and stores.
- Wine Tasting and wine tours – There are dozens of vineyards and tasting rooms in and around Fredericksburg. Even if you don’t drink wine, sitting on the patio overlooking a vineyard is an extremely peaceful experience.
- Festivals – Check with the Fredericksburg visitor’s website for a full calendar of the year’s events.
- Farmer’s Market – Held weekly, it’s kind of a big deal on Main Street.
- Museums – The National Museum of the Pacific War is here as well as the Pioneers Museum, among other state parks and landmarks
- Art Galleries – There are over a dozen art galleries in Fredericksburg and they range in style from contemporary to Native American art.
Places to Stay
Fredericksburg’s best accommodations can be found on sites like Home Away. There are a myriad of homes that range from cabins to remodeled farmhouses and they are delightful! Most are within walking distance of Main Street which makes dining and shopping convenient.
On our most recent visit, we stayed in a newly remodeled home that was less than a block from Main St. It was located off the west end of Main St. so it was close enough for us to walk to anything we wanted in town, but far enough that we are out of the noisy hustle and bustle. I couldn’t have asked for anything better!
Gluten Free Dining
- Pasta Bella – $$, Pasta Bella is a hole in the wall local dive that serves a variety of pasta dishes. We loved the atmosphere and quick service. Our pasta dishes were delicious too!
- Burger Burger – $$, I don’t know why, but wherever we go we tend to find a burger joint, and Burger Burger did not let us down. Make sure you choose the Build Your Own option because you’ll have way more options.
- Woerner’s – $$, serves pizza, soup and sandwiches. The restaurant is situated in the middle of a huge old barn where they sell all kinds of old world type goods. A very interesting atmosphere, but we enjoyed it for a quick lunch.
- Vaudeville – $$$$, Put this hip restaurant on your itinerary for your splurge meal. It’s located in the basement of a Restoration Hardware style home goods store, and it’s quite an experience. The food is delish, the atmosphere is sophisticated, and the international wine selection is not lacking.
Have you been to Fredericksburg? What are your favorite things to do there? Let me know in the comments!