Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, centrally located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, boasts a small-town feel with the restaurants, accommodations, shops and attractions usually reserved for a much larger destination.

Founded by German settlers in 1846, the town’s roots are evident today in its charming historic Main Street, which offers some 150 shops, art galleries, museums, bakeries and restaurants all in a walkable setting.

Fredericksburg, known for decades as a premier shopping destination, offers the best of home décor, western wear, fine art, kitchen wares, linens, antiques and more.

Fredericksburg is also Texas Wine Country. With over 60 wineries in the area, visitors can sample the wide-variety of varietals that the Lone Star State offers in picturesque vineyards or boutique tasting rooms.

The selection of lodging options in Fredericksburg includes 23 hotel/motels with over 1,100 rooms as well as more than 1,500 vacation rentals, bed & breakfasts and guesthouses.

Great food and wonderful dining is a fixture in Fredericksburg with more than 100 restaurants that feature everything from regional Texas Hill Country cuisine to authentic German, Tex-Mex and BBQ as well as numerous fine dining restaurants.

For fans of history, Fredericksburg has more than 700 historically significant structures preserved in the National Historic District as well as Pioneer Museum, which provides a glimpse of early life in Fredericksburg. Meanwhile, the National Museum of the Pacific War, dedicated to all who served in the Pacific during World War II, also pays homage to hometown hero Navy Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, with six acres of grounds featuring artifacts, memorials and more.

Fredericksburg’s central location also allows for exploration of the picturesque Texas Hill Country region.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is the second largest batholith in the U.S. Hikers can explore the exposed pink granite dome that is estimated to be one billion years old. After a short hike, the views of the Texas Hill Country from the summit at 425 feet take your breath away.

Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S. and features acres of wildflowers that will be in various states of growth during a visit – some fields may be freshly planted, some in bloom, and some ready for harvest.

Nearby in Stonewall, Texas, Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Historical Parks are premier locations to experience the environment that shaped the character, public policy and continuing legacy of the 36th president of the United States. The park, comprising approximately 675 acres, provides a variety of opportunities to experience the local and regional context that greatly influenced the last frontier president.

For the live music fan, head to Luckenbach Texas, established in 1849 as a trading post and made internationally famous by country western performers Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings. Live Texas music can be heard daily in the bar or under the old oak trees, with weekend dances and concerts in the historic dance hall.

Though Fredericksburg makes for a great weekend getaway, insiders know to visit midweek for more room at local shops, wineries, and restaurants.

Just over an hour from Austin or San Antonio and four hours from Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth, Fredericksburg’s central location in Texas makes it an ideal location to base a tour of the area while staying in a charming small-town atmosphere.