Fredericksburg, Texas, has a rich and unique history rooted in German heritage, founded in 1846 by German immigrants and named for Prince Frederick of Prussia. Until the railroad arrived, the town remained isolated, and German continued to be spoken in homes until fairly recently.
The town was also home to “Sunday Houses,” small homes built by rural families to stay in while they came to town for the weekend, many of which are now hotels and rentals. Today, it’s a popular girlfriend getaway or weekend escape from Austin and San Antonio. Beyond the eating, drinking, and shopping, you can go on hikes nearby or check out museums like the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library.
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Essential Detour: Luckenbach
Just before you get to Fredericksburg, you’ll want to stop in Luckenbach, a famously small town purchased by Hondo Crouch in 1970 and featured in a song by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. They’re among the artists who performed on the outdoor stage amongst the wooden buildings.
Bring a picnic from a nearby market or restaurant, like Fresh Pickens, and settle in for live music, which happens every day. There’s also line dancing on weekends and an onsite bar to pick up, what else, a cold bottle of Lone Star.
Where to Eat and Drink in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants, and the culinary legacy is alive and thriving with restaurants serving traditional schnitzel and bratwurst. Texas Wine Country is also second only to Napa in terms of American wine tourism, with over 50 wineries in the area.
Airis’Ele Vineyards is a family-friendly winery established in 2022 by the Bernard and Perrenoud families, bringing together 40 years of experience. The tasting room sits inside a former farmhouse, where visitors can take in panoramic views while they taste malbec and tempranillo.
Alla Campagna opened in 2023 by John and Evelyn Washburne, the owners of the popular local restaurant Otto’s German Bistro. The eclectic dining room is covered in art and makes for the perfect setting to enjoy dishes inspired by the Italian countryside, with Texas wine selections.
Becker Vineyards is one of the longest-running wineries in the region, located between Fredericksburg and Stonewall. Founded in 1992 by Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker, the winery has grown into one of the most awarded in Texas, including merlot, sauvignon blanc, and grenache.
Caliche Coffee is set inside a former local beer shack with small-batch specialty coffee roasted in-house. The community gathering place also has pastries and breakfast items like quiche Lorraine, breakfast burrito, and avocado toast.
Chase’s Place Cocktails + Kitchen opened in 2020, offering a harmonious blend of craft cocktails and shareable cuisine in a cozy, historic setting: a charming 1939 home. The bar boasts an extensive selection of over 100 whiskies, craft cocktails, and a weekly-updated menu.
Fredericksburg Brewing Co. is the oldest brewpub in Texas. Established in 1994, shortly after Texas legislation permitted brewpub operations, with a rotating selection of over 20 beer varieties throughout the year.
Garrison Brothers Distillery in Hye proves you don’t have to be in Kentucky to make great bourbon-style whiskey. Established in 2006, it holds the distinction of being the first legal bourbon distillery in Texas and the oldest outside Kentucky and Tennessee, winning several awards since.
Hill & Vine offers a modern take on classic Texas cuisine with staples like black-eyed pea hummus, chicken schnitzel, and smash burgers. Guests can enjoy these drinks in the main dining area or at the outdoor Das Bar Bus, a converted 1974 Volkswagen microbus serving as a unique patio bar.
Meierstone Vineyards is a fifth-generation family-owned winery in nearby Stonewall. Their offerings typically include a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, crafted from both estate-grown and locally sourced grapes.
The Restaurant at Hill Country Herb Garden offers a serene dining experience that emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients and garden-inspired cuisine. Nestled within a beautifully landscaped property, the restaurant is part of a larger complex that includes a spa and charming cottages.
Sunday Supply is a store specializing in home décor, apparel, and unique gifts, but also serves coffee, charcuterie boards, Texas wines, and picnic supplies.
Visit multiple wineries on the All-Inclusive Social Wine Tour, which includes three stops with tastings, lunch, and transportation.
Where to Shop in Fredericksburg
The town boasts over 150 locally-owned shops, boutiques, and galleries, particularly along its historic Main Street. As you’d expect, there are plenty of places selling Western wear, but also some funky shops and antique malls.
Antiques Mall of Fredericksburg is a beloved destination for antique enthusiasts exploring the Texas Hill Country. Established in 1998, this mall features a diverse array of items, including primitives, European antiques, American collectibles, memorabilia, and coins, all curated by 22 unique vendors.
Blackchalk Home + Laundry is a boutique store, offering a curated selection of home goods and laundry essentials. The shop features a range of products that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, catering to those who appreciate thoughtful design in everyday items.
Carol Hicks Bolton is a renowned destination in Fredericksburg celebrated for its eclectic collection of European antiques and distinctive home furnishings. This expansive 30,000-square-foot showroom offers a curated selection that reflects the unique aesthetic of its founder, Carol Hicks Bolton.
Red Baron Antique Mall offers a vast collection of antiques, including German pieces and 18th- and 19th-century treasures in a former service station. It’s been a part of the Fredericksburg community since 1983.
Texas Jack is the place in town for authentic Western wear, including a fantastic selection of cowboy boots, hats, leather goods, and frontier-style clothing. If you’re ready to splurge on boots, they’re the kind you’ll wear for decades, not seasons.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg
For those who prefer traditional hotel amenities, Fredericksburg provides both national chains and locally owned establishments. You’ll also find charming B&Bs and inns, many of which reflect the town’s German heritage.
The Albert Hotel is Fredericksburg’s newest hotel, named for Albert Meusebach, the son of John O. Meusebach, founder of Fredericksburg. It has 105 rooms, including bunk rooms, a cafe in the former town pharmacy, a bar, and a James Beard award-winning chef’s restaurant.
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites features a variety of rooms and suites with amenities for guests, like its outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, and free WiFi. It’s also a short walk from the shops and restaurants of Main Street.
HoneyTree is a collection of luxury treehouse accommodations that blend modern amenities with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Each house has a different design, with full kitchens, private outdoor bathtubs, rooftop patios, and free WiFi, but no televisions.
Onera is a luxury landscape hotel featuring 12 distinctive suites spread across 13 acres, each with a different design. Each unit is equipped with modern amenities such as private outdoor soaking tubs, elevated decks, heating and air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and efficiency kitchens.
Stonewall Motor Lodge is a boutique hotel located in Stonewall, situated along the renowned Highway 290 Wine Trail, with motel rooms, cabins, and RV sites. Originally built in 1964, this mid-century roadside motel has been thoughtfully restored to blend retro charm with modern amenities.
Trueheart Hotel is steps away from Main Street, made up of several Sunday houses and cottages. Guests can enjoy the outdoor fire pits, house-made breakfast, and free WiFi.
Camping near Fredericksburg, Texas, offers a diverse range of options, from traditional tent sites to luxurious RV resorts. Bending Oaks Ranch RV Resort and Firefly Resort are two options, and you can also take advantage of Harvest Host locations and farmstays at Das Peach Haus at the F&W Farmstead.
Have you been to Fredericksburg?
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