Gearing up for a summer getaway? In between making trips to the beach, frolicking in local flower fields, and staycationing in a local AirBnb, consider a trip out to what Architectural Digest called “the prettiest town in Texas”. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is an enchanting Texas destination filled with rich heritage, splendid arts, intoxicating wines, and more.
History
Located in central Texas – if you’re looking at a map, it’d roughly be the state’s bellybutton – Fredericksburg is a historical town settled in 1846 by German settlers. Presently, visitors can see its rich, historical heritage all over town.
From the endearing historical buildings along Main Street, to the stories of its early German settlers at Pioneer Museum and WWII legacy at the National Museum of the Pacific War, the town proudly wears its history on its sleeve.
For a little more history, visitors can also visit the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park featuring exhibits on LBJ and Lady Bird, as well as Johnson’s boyhood home, educational building, and Johnson settlement.
Wineries
With its place in the heart of Texas Wine Country, Fredericksburg is famously known for its Hill Country wine. Throughout the small Texas town there are over 100 wineries and vineyards. In the town’s Gillepsie County, there are over 60 wineries, wine-tasting rooms, and vineyards alone.
Some of the most popular wine experiences in Fredericksburg include tours of the Tuscan-inspired Grape Creek Vineyards, enjoying sparkling wines and small bites at the stunning Heath Sparkling Wines Tasting Room, and exploring Safari Winery.
Dining
Known as the Texas Hill Country’s unofficial capital of food and wine, Fredericksburg features unparalleled dining options. Here, you can sink your teeth into mouth-watering barbecue at Eaker Barbecue, Slims BBQ, or Leroy’s Tex Mex BBQ.
Or, you entice your tastebuds with a little more local flavor at one of the town’s authentic German restaurants, including: Der Lindenbaum, Otto’s German Bistro, or Old German Bakery & Restaurant.
Fine dining options, brunch, kid-friendly, and dog-friendly restaurants are also available in Fredericksburg.
Arts
Fredericksburg boasts a vibrant and eclectic art scene, deeply rooted in the town’s rich German heritage and Hill Country charm. Named in Southwestern Art’s “Top Five Western Art Towns”, the city is home to numerous galleries showcasing a diverse array of artwork, from contemporary pieces to traditional Hill Country landscapes.
Notable galleries include the Fredericksburg Art Guild, which features works from local artists, and Insight Gallery, known for its impressive collection of representational art. The town also hosts several art festivals and events throughout the year, such as First Friday Art Walk, where visitors can enjoy wine, live music, and new exhibitions.
Shopping
Hailed as one of the “Best Small Town for Shopping” by USA Today, Fredericksburg boasts over 150 locally-owned stores. Here, visitors can graze through boutiques, galleries, vintage and upscale contemporary retailers, as well as handmade jewelers, home stores, antiques, and more.
Nature
If the wineries, shopping, delicious German eateries, nearby campgrounds, and charming downtown Main Street aren’t enough reasons to visit the German town of Fredericksburg, then the wildflowers and bluebonnets should certainly entice you.
The town’s Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historical Site features longhorns grazing in fields of wildflowers, and Wildseed Farms boasts acres of bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and yellow poppies.
Fredericksburg is also located a short hike (not a literal hike) away from Enchanted Rock, one of the best national parks in Texas.
See also: 10 of the most beautiful towns in Texas