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Fredericksburg. Texas Heart. German Soul.
Wonderstruck by the rolling hills and wide-open spaces, Fredericksburg’s founders fell in love with what has now become the epicentre of Texas wine, more than 175 years ago.
One of the most cherished small cities in Texas, Fredericksburg is renowned for its award-winning culinary scene, combining strong German and Lone Star influences, and its cuisine is complimented by more than 70 wineries.
Located just 75 miles from Austin or San Antonio, Fredericksburg is the perfect getaway for a relaxed, yet enriching break to experience true Texan hospitality.
The wineries of the Texas Hill Country are the ideal setting to get a taste of the region and make the perfect addition to your break. There are more than 70 wineries, vineyards, and winetasting rooms located in Fredericksburg's Gillespie County - not to mention dozens more located within an hour or two drive. Today, they produce award-winning wines, earning well-deserved honours around the world, with a history dating back to the native mustang grape.
Founded by German immigrants in 1846, Fredericksburg is awash with historic charm. Many of those settlers made their living farming and every weekend they would ride into town to attend church, and trade wares. Rather than making the long return journey the same day, they built ‘Sunday houses’ to stay a night, and many of those buildings are still scattered around town, converted into shops, private homes and accommodation for visitors.
The historic influences extend to dining options, with Otto’s providing farm-to-table cuisine, the Altdorf German Biergarten and Der Lindebaum serving rotkohl (red cabbage), schnitzel and sauerkraut. From casual eats to culinary excellence, Fredericksburg’s food scene caters to every taste.
It wouldn’t be Texas without vast open spaces, and one of the key attractions of Fredericksburg is the ‘magical, mystical’ Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome rising into the skyline. The area has 11 miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, camping and opportunities to get close to nature.
With two designated International Dark Sky Parks locally, residents work hard on the light pollution control commitment required to be part of the International Dark Sky Community. Nearby, the Lyndon B Johnson State Park also has stargazing areas, welcoming families and enthusiasts to explore the mysteries of the universe together.
Fredericksburg is a quieter place Sunday to Thursday, and visitors can take advantage of the more relaxed streets and parks, the range of unique independent shopping (there are more than 150 shops, boutiques and museums along Main Street alone) and more personalised experiences at the wineries.
With a buzzing music scene, the city boasts dozens of live music locales on any night of the week.
Direct flights to Austin are just over an hour away by car, which makes Fredericksburg a must-visit for a laid-back, yet enriching break, to experience Texas with a German twist.
To start planning your trip and find out more about Fredericksburg, head to visitfredericksburgtx.com
Photography by Steve Rawls, Trish Rawls, and Jason Risner
Sponsored by The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau
