Situated between Austin and San Antonio, the strangely European-flavored town of Fredericksburg is a hot weekend getaway for Texans and regional visitors alike. Well known for its shopping and historic sites which literally cover the town, a wide range of pleasant rural accommodations make this a great place to stop over for a day or two.
This town it basically one big historic district, so the best place to get your bearings is at the visitor center on East Austin Street. Fredericksburg’s wonderfully broad Main Street runs for a full mile and is lined with shops, restaurants and parks. There are dozens of side streets running off of the main strip, each with its own blend of residential and commercial interests.
There are dozens of historic sites mixed in with the businesses, which helps create the distinctively antique atmosphere of Fredericksburg. For the main shopping hub, concentrate on the area west of Market Square and the blocks of Main Street between Milam and Elk. More than a hundred boutique shops are quaintly tucked into restored 19th century buildings.
Highlights
Pioneer Museum Complex: right on Main Street is a wonderful compound centered around the Kammlah House, built in 1849. Among the other historic buildings visitors can tour are the blacksmith’s shops and the classic one-room schoolhouse.
National Museum of the Pacific War: this 9-acre state park focuses entirely on the Pacific Theater of WWII. The grounds sport an amazing range of memorabilia to go with the well-organised museum dedicated to this specific facet of the war.
Gish’s Old West Museum: if you’re really into old Western gear like sheriff’s badges, guns, and cowboy equipment, then stop by this quirky little museum stuffed with an impressive collection of relics.
Wineries: the Texas Hill Country is the state’s main wine producing region, and Fredericksburg has eight wineries. From the Fredericksburg Winery on Main Street to Becker Vineyards just east of town, the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail brochure will show you the way.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: this 640-acre park has a truly massive pink granite dome at its heart which attracts hordes of visitors to marvel at this geological wonder.
Luckenbach: just to the south of town is the famous Western time capsule of Luckenbach, where you can have a beer in the old dance hall saloon and listen to country-western music.