Fredericksburg, Texas
Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is just 70 miles west of Austin, the state’s capital. But the small-town charm that pervades this place makes it feel worlds away from big-city living. Along the 3½-mile-long Main Street—wide enough that stage coaches could, in the 1800s, easily make U-turns—native limestone homes and stone commercial buildings are everyday reminders of Fredericksburg’s rich heritage.
Its unique history dates back to 1845, when several thousand German immigrants were brought to the newly founded Republic of Texas through the efforts of a “Society of Noblemen” (Adelsverein). Upon their arrival, however, the settlers had trouble securing their unsurveyed land grants, which turned out to be in the heart of Comanche territory. To resolve the matter, Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach was quickly dispatched to Texas. His diplomatic way of working with the Indians allowed him to purchase 10,000 acres and bring in the first 120 settlers, founding Fredericksburg on May 8, 1846.
One of the first structures to be built was the octagonal-shaped Vereinskirche (Society Church), which not only accommodated various church congregations, but also served as the town’s school, community hall and fort. Although the original was demolished in the late 1800s, an exact replica—complete with the original cornerstone—was constructed in 1935. Relocated from its original spot in the middle of Main Street to the middle of Marktplatz, the main square, it serves today as both a historical museum and a prominent landmark.
Perhaps the most unique symbol of Fredericksburg history, though, is the Sunday House, which resulted from the pioneers’ original land grant package. Based on the assumption that settlers would live in town and travel out to their farms each day (according to European custom), each received a small town lot as well as 10 country acres. Instead, many soon adopted the Americanized custom of country living, using the in-town lots for small, simple houses that provided a place to stay while conducting business on Saturday and attending church on Sunday.
Today, many of those 18th-century Sunday Houses are among the accommodations available to visitors through rental agencies such as Gästehaus Schmidt. And outside-the-norm lodging options don’t stop there. Guests can overnight in restored log cabins, historic barns and smokehouses, even a German-built saloon. Or at the Hangar Hotel, with an exterior that replicates a WWII hangar right out of the 1940s. But even the more “conventional” inns and hotels are anything but, ranging from those with simple Hill Country-style to four-diamond properties.
While staying in Fredericksburg, visitors will find no shortage of things to do, either. For the history buff, the Lyndon B. Johnson State and National Parks aren’t to be missed. The orientation center for the national park is located just a few miles away in Johnson City, where visitors can tour LBJ’s boyhood home. And at the LBJ Ranch, located 16 miles east of Fredericksburg near Stonewall, self-guided driving tours include stops at LBJ’s birthplace, the Old Junction School, the Johnson family cemetery and, of course, the Texas White House itself. Additionally, at the LBJ State Park, the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farmstead depicts pioneer farm life.
Outdoor-types will want to take in Enchanted Rock, a 1,643-acre park that’s home to the second-largest granite dome in North America; visitors can hike to the top for a spectacular view of the Hill Country while serious rock climbers will find plenty of challenges of their own. Likewise, those with an affinity for horticulture will find themselves drawn to the Fredericksburg Herb Farm—with its formal gardens and even a day spa—as well as Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the United States, which includes a retail market.
What may surprise some, however, is that this is also an impressive food destination. Fredericksburg lies in the top peach-producing county in Texas and, from June through early August, there’s a proliferation of roadside stands selling the seasonal fruit. And all year long, variations of the fruit—as well as other scrumptious provisions—can be found at Fisher & Wieser’s Das Peach Haus. Grapes also grow well in the Hill Country, which accounts for the fact that there are award-winning wineries in the vicinity, among them Becker and Torre di Pietra. But for a true “taste” of the town’s German heritage, Opa’s Smoked Meats is unmatched.
In turn, area restaurants are adept at incorporating local fare into their menus; the Rock House restaurant, for instance, culls from the Fredericksburg Herb Farm. But dining options in Fredericksburg are just as varied as you’ll find in any metropolis, ranging from the delicacies at Rather Sweet Bakery & Café to steaks and sushi at August E’s.
What sets Fredericksburg apart, however, is more than the food, the fun, even its German heritage. What makes it truly special is the hospitality at every turn. From the moment you set foot in this community, you’re embraced by a warm sense of willkommen.
For more information, call 888-997-3600 or visit www.FredTexLodging.com.
Where to Eat:
Rather Sweet Bakery & Café
249 East Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-0498
Rock House Restaurant
405 Whitney St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-8615
www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com
August E’s
203 East San Antonio St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-7714
Clear River Pecan Company
138 East Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-8490
Navajo Grill
803 East Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-8289
Where to Stay:
Absolute Charm Bed & Breakfasts
709 West Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
866-244-7897
First Class Bed & Breakfasts
909 East Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
888-991-6749
www.fredericksburg-lodging.com
Fredericksburg Inn & Suites
201 South Washington St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
800-446-0202
Gästehaus Schmidt
231 West Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
866-427-8374
Hangar Hotel, Conference Center and Pacific Showroom
155 Airport Rd.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-9990
Inn on Barons Creek
308 South Washington St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
866-990-0202
Magnolia House
101 E. Hackberry St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
800-880-4374
Where to Shop:
Fredericksburg Herb Farm
405 Whitney St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-8615
www.fredericksburgherbfarm.com
Chocolát
330 West Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
800-842-3382
Fisher & Wieser’s das Peach Haus
1406 South Hwy. 87 South
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-8969
Opa’s Smoked Meats
410 South Washington St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-3358
Where to Play:
Lyndon B. Johnson State Historical Park
P.O. Box 238
Stonewall, TX 78671
830-644-2252
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lyndon_b_johnson/
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
P.O. Box 329
Johnson City, TX 78636
830-868-7128, ext.245
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
16710 Ranch Rd. 965
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-685-3030
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/enchantd/
Becker Vineyards
464 Becker Farms Rd.
Stonewall, TX 78671
800-946-9463
Pioneer Museum
325 W. Main St.
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-997-2835
Torre di Pietra Vineyards
10915 East U.S. Highway 290
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
830-990-9755
Wildseed Farms
425 Wildflower Hills
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
800-848-0078