Fredericksburg, Texas: A Guide to the Heart of Texas Hill Country

The Texas Hill Country undulates like an emerald ocean racing against the sky. Ancient oaks provide shade, and at various times of the year, wildflowers and cactus blooms display their colorful splendor across the land. The region is dotted with vineyards, orchards, pecan groves, and cattle ranches. In the heart of this idyllic setting, almost exactly between Austin and San Antonio, lies a small city called Fredericksburg.

Overview

Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants in 1846. Many of these early settlers made their living farming the Texas Hill Country. Weekly, they would hitch up their horses and ride 10 to 20 miles to town to attend church, purchase goods, and socialize. This long journey necessitated the construction of small dwellings called Sunday houses for overnight stays before returning home. Today, many of these historical houses have been converted into shops, private homes, and lodging for visitors.

Main Street Experience

Main Street in Fredericksburg gives the impression of a historic town from the 19th century, with rows of storefronts in historic limestone buildings. The downtown area features over 150 shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. Notably, Marktplatz, or Market Square, is a large park in the center of town that includes gardens, sculptures, and an octagonal-shaped building that houses a small museum built on the site of Fredericksburg’s first school and church. I enjoyed browsing through local businesses, including Insight Gallery, Cowgirl Kim, Quintessential Chocolates, and others, ultimately wishing I had brought a larger suitcase to accommodate my purchases.

History of Fredericksburg

To learn more about the area, my first morning began with a trolley tour guided by a local historian. There are over 77 historic markers in downtown Fredericksburg, alongside historic homes, Sunday houses, and a Der Stadt Friedhof Cemetery, which was founded by the German pioneers who settled in Fredericksburg in the 1800s.

I also visited the National Museum of the Pacific War, affiliated with the Smithsonian. This institution started in the childhood home of Admiral Chester Nimitz on Main Street and has expanded to a large campus that includes several state-of-the-art buildings. The museum houses thousands of artifacts, including full-size planes and vehicles, along with a fascinating collection of oral histories. Additionally, the exquisite Japanese Garden of Peace, donated by the people of Japan, honors the complex friendship between Admiral Nimitz and Japanese Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō.

During my visit, I took a 13-mile drive to Luckenbach, a notable name from the Waylon Jennings song, “Back to the Basics of Love.” Originally founded by German settlers in the 1840s, Luckenbach became a thriving community by the end of the century, complete with a post office, blacksmith shop, dance hall, saloon, and cotton gin. By the 1970s, Luckenbach had diminished to a ghost town with only a few residents, until it was purchased by Hondo Crouch and transformed into a live music venue. Today, you can still hear live music every day in this historic community.

Wineries in Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is home to over 100 wineries and tasting rooms, many of which are located within the area. Highlights from my trip included Southold Farm + Cellar, renowned for its wine tastings paired with delicious small plates in a glass building with breathtaking views. My favorite selection was a crisp white blend, “Don’t Forget to Soar,” which I enjoyed so much that I took a bottle home.

At Arrowhead Creek Vineyard, I explored the grounds while sipping on a glass of tannat, a robust grape variety well-suited to Texas soil. Lastly, I relished the malbec at Augusta Vin within a stunning two-story tasting room offering vineyard vistas.

Outdoor Activities

Nearby parks, such as Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, located on the ranch of the 36th president, are spectacular, especially in spring when adorned with colorful wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy tours of Johnson’s boyhood home or bike around the park with Ranch Road One, with both guided and self-guided options available.

Another must-visit is Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, featuring 11 miles of hiking trails where one can spot an array of wildlife, including birds, armadillos, lizards, and white-tailed deer. The area features impressive rock formations created from ancient magma, providing a beautiful spot for both hiking and camping, with various site options available.

Food in Fredericksburg

The culinary scene in Fredericksburg delights with its focus on local produce. I enjoyed exceptional meals at various restaurants, including Hill & Vine, known for traditional Texas dishes accompanied by local wines from Duchman Family Winery and Pedernales Cellars. The in-house pastry chef creates exquisite desserts, with the chocolate cake being a highlight.

An unexpected yet wonderful find was Eaker Barbecue, a fusion of Texas and Korean cuisines, offering slow-roasted meats paired with classic Korean sides like kimchi.

Another standout is Otto’s, which brings together German recipes with locally sourced ingredients, making for a delightful brunch experience.

Finally, I took home a taste of Fredericksburg with peach salsa and candied jalapenos from Das Peach Haus, reminding me of my wonderful visit until I can return.