Fredericksburg, Texas is a small town with a big reputation. It has been included on many a list of best small towns to visit in America over the years. So what are you waiting for? With its museums, wineries, restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re ready to plan a trip to visit this best kept secret in Texas, you can purchase the guide to plan your trip right here.
Fredericksburg’s German Heritage
Fredericksburg was first known for a day trip destination to grab a bite of German food and stroll Main Street for it’s eclectic shops. An easy drive from both Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg has recently gone from a Texas secret to a world-renowned tourist town.
Fredericksburg was founded in the mid-1800’s by German immigrants. You’ll see evidence of this in the naming of some of the streets and places around town. You’’ll also notice unusually wide streets, a town square called Marktplatz with a building in the center, the Vereins Kirche… all trademarks of the town’s German Heritage. Traditionally, staying at a Bed & Breakfast in a historical German Sunday House was the most sought-after Fredericksburg experience. Sunday Houses were the small houses many of the German ranchers owned in Fredericksburg, and they would stay there when they would trek to town for church on Sundays. Many of these have now been lovingly converted into Bed & Breakfasts.
Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas
Nearby Enchanted Rock attracts hikers for a fairly quick, steep hike up its some would say haunted granite hill. Comanche Indians in the area attributed the rock to having spiritual qualities. Enchanted Rock is also a certified dark sky area, great for camping and stargazing! Neighboring Luckenbach promises it’s honky tonk patrons “Everybody’s Somebody in Luckenbach”. Go for a beer and a burger and stay to dance the night away. The Nimitz Museum and the Museum of the Pacific War have always been shining stars for Fredericksburg to offer. Admiral Nimitz was born in Fredericksburg, and he played a key role as Commander in Chief of the Navy during WWII. The museum often has living history reenactments on the weekends.
Nowadays, Fredericksburg is the epicenter of Texas Wine Country. With it, world class restaurants have popped up in the town. Some creative Airbnbs and boutique hotels have followed suit. Take a shuttle, private tour, or limo to visit any of the over 100 wineries in the area. In addition to the wineries, some distilleries like Garrison Brother Bourbon and microbreweries like Alstadt have popped up as well. Cap off a day of drinking with restaurants fit for the big city, such as Vaudeville, Otto’s, or Cabernet Grill.
There are also lots of hidden, unexpected adventures around Fredericksburg. Want to give the elephant from Larger Than Life a pedicure? That can probably happen. How about seeing 3 million bats emerge from a cave at sunset? Fredericksburg has that, too.
Let’s Go to Fredericksburg, Texas!
Fredericksburg may have grown a lot in recent years, but it has not lost its country charm. Pick the right time of year to enjoy the wildflowers (Spring) or the festivals, such as Oktoberfest (Fall). Christmas time brings a Parade of Lights and German Christmas Pyramid lights in the Marktplatz. But any time of year is a great time to visit. You won’t be disappointed.
Read next: How to Plan an Epic Trip to Texas and don’t forget, if you’re ready to visit this awesome Texas city, you can purchase Jamie’s guide for A Weekend in Fredericksburg, TX right here!
Author Bio
Jamie Wayt grew up in part in Fredericksburg but now calls the California Desert home. She is a consumer researcher and spent 10 years as a blogger writing about live music and her travels around the world.
