Fredericksburg, Texas: A Charming Hill Country Destination for a Weekend Getaway
Ahead of planning a wedding in the Hill Country you’re going to want to come visit the area to get an idea of what your guests will experience on the big wedding weekend. There are so many little towns to explore around Elm Pass Woods – it just depends on what you’re into. Fredericksburg definitely has to be on the list! You can park once and spend the day walking everywhere you need to go.
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a charming and historic town that attracts visitors from all over. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, Fredericksburg has a rich cultural heritage that is still celebrated today. With its quaint Main Street lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants, as well as its many wineries, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, Fredericksburg is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.
The top 5 things to do in Fredericksburg:
- Visit Wineries and Vineyards: The Hill Country is home to some of the best wineries and vineyards in Texas, and Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Comfort are no exception. Visitors can go on wine tours, sample local wines, and enjoy beautiful vineyard views. Visit Wineries and Vineyards: https://www.texaswinetrail.com/
- Explore Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: This 640-acre park is located just outside of Fredericksburg and features a massive pink granite dome that offers stunning views of the surrounding Hill Country. Visitors can hike, camp, rock climb, and stargaze at this popular state park. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock
- Visit The National Museum of the Pacific War: Located in Fredericksburg, this museum is dedicated to the history of the Pacific War and features numerous exhibits and artifacts from World War II. Visitors can learn about the experiences of soldiers and civilians during the war and explore a variety of interactive exhibits. https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/
- Explore the Shops and Galleries: Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and Comfort are all known for their charming downtown areas, which are filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the local shops and galleries, browsing for unique souvenirs, and trying out delicious local cuisine. https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/things-to-do/shopping/
The top 6 restaurants in Fredericksburg:
- Vaudeville: This restaurant offers a unique dining experience, with a menu that changes regularly and features locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant also houses a gourmet market and wine shop, as well as a live music venue. https://vaudeville-living.com/restaurant/
- August E’s: This upscale eatery offers an eclectic menu of Asian and American cuisine, with dishes like tempura-fried lobster tail and bacon-wrapped quail. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a full bar. https://www.august-es.com/
- Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in Texas Hill Country cuisine and features an extensive wine list with many local and regional options. Diners can enjoy dishes like wild game sausage, smoked pork chops, and grilled ribeye steak. https://www.cabernetgrill.com/
- Otto’s German Bistro: As the name suggests, this restaurant serves up authentic German cuisine, with dishes like schnitzel, sauerbraten, and bratwurst. The restaurant also offers a selection of German beers and wines. https://ottosfbg.com/
- Emma + Ollie: This casual restaurant focuses on simple, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly, but typically includes dishes like wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The restaurant also serves breakfast and brunch. https://www.emmaolliefbg.com/
- Porky’s Hamburger & Wings: This laid-back restaurant serves up delicious burgers, wings, and sandwiches at an affordable price. They also have a selection of salads and sides, as well as milkshakes and other sweet treats. http://www.porkyshamburgers.com/
The top 5 places to shop in Fredericksburg:
- Red: This boutique shop offers a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, and home decor, with a focus on contemporary and bohemian styles. https://redinfred.com/
- Der Kuchen Laden: This charming kitchen store is a must-visit for any home cook or baker. The shop features a wide variety of kitchen gadgets, cookware, and baking supplies, as well as a selection of cookbooks and gourmet food items. https://www.fbglodging.com/directory/listing/der-kuchen-laden
- Fredericksburg Trade Days: Held on the third weekend of every month, this open-air market features over 400 vendors selling everything from antiques and collectibles to handmade crafts and artisanal foods. http://www.fbgtradedays.com/
- The Christmas Store: As the name suggests, this store is dedicated to all things Christmas. Visitors can browse a huge selection of ornaments, decorations, and holiday-themed gifts, as well as enjoy the year-round Christmas atmosphere. https://www.christmasstore.com/
- Dogologie: This boutique shop is a paradise for dog lovers, with a wide selection of toys, treats, and accessories for dogs of all sizes and breeds. The store also hosts regular events and adoption days to support local animal shelters. https://www.dogologie.com/
The top 5 places to grab a snack in Fredericksburg:
- Clear River Pecan Company: This family-owned and operated pecan company offers a variety of sweet and savory pecan snacks, as well as homemade ice cream and fudge. Visitors can also take a tour of the pecan orchard and processing facility. https://www.clearriverpecan.com/
- Old German Bakery and Restaurant: This bakery and cafe specializes in traditional German baked goods, including bread, pastries, and cakes. Visitors can also enjoy a hearty German meal in the restaurant’s cozy dining room. https://www.oldgermanbakeryandrestaurant.com/
- Fredericksburg Pie Company: This bakery is famous for its handmade pies, made with fresh seasonal ingredients and a flaky, buttery crust. Visitors can choose from a variety of sweet and savory pies, as well as homemade ice cream and other baked treats. https://www.fbgpieco.com/
- Fischer & Wieser Das Peach Haus: While they’re primarily known for their delicious peach and gourmet food products, they also have an incredible selection of candies and sweets. From homemade fudge to peach gummies, they have something to satisfy every sweet tooth. They also offer free samples of their famous products, so visitors can taste before they buy. Plus, the historic building that houses the store is worth a visit in itself. For more information and to shop their products, visit their website: https://www.jelly.com/fischer-wieser/
- Java Ranch Espresso Bar & Cafe: Located on Main Street, this cozy coffee shop offers a variety of coffee drinks, teas, and pastries. They also have a small breakfast and lunch menu featuring sandwiches and salads. Visitors can enjoy their coffee in the indoor seating area or on the outdoor patio. https://www.javaranch.com/
A note on parking:
On-street parking is available throughout the downtown area, but it can be limited during peak times. Most street parking is metered, with rates ranging from $0.50 to $1 per hour, depending on the location. Visitors can pay for parking at the meters using coins, credit cards, or through the Parkmobile app.
There are also several public parking lots located throughout the town, including the lot at the corner of Main Street and Adams Street and the lot at the corner of Austin Street and San Antonio Street. These lots offer free parking, but they can fill up quickly during busy times.
In addition, many of the shops, restaurants, and attractions in Fredericksburg offer private parking for their customers, so it’s always a good idea to check with your destination to see if they have parking available!
Photo credit: Wondery Photography