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By Mike Hernandez
Howdy everyone and welcome to summertime in South Texas! As we slowly continue to move forward from the global pandemic, I’m sure we are all wanting life to get back to normal! Hopefully this new found freedom to move around again will give us even more of a reason to get out and do some exploring around our beautiful state. Just a short hour to the Northwest of San Antonio, nestled in our beautiful Texas Hill Country, is one of the best little spots in Texas to spend the day, week or live in. Welcome to Fredericksburg!
There is so much to do I don’t even know where to begin. So let me just jump in and start with a little history of this special town. Fredericksburg was established by German settlers way back in 1846 making 2021 its 175th anniversary!
To celebrate this 175 year milestone, the city has prepared a scaled back and socially distanced schedule of events. Opening events include:
May 7, 2021
Celebratory Fireworks Show at 9:30pm at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
May 8, 2021
Commemorative Founders Day Wreath Laying Ceremony at Marketplatz at 10:00a.m.
May 8, 2021 – September 19, 2021
“The Art of Fredericksburg: 175 Years,” featuring more than 60 pieces of original art created by nearly 30 talented artists showcasing Fredericksburg’s history. Among the featured artists, sculptures from acclaimed artists Jonas Perkins and John Bennett will be on display. The free exhibit will take place in the George H. W. Bush Gallery at the National Museum of the Pacific War.
To this day the German spirit lives on here with a dozen German restaurants and German architecture that’s up and down Main street. The German influence doesn’t stop there with two breweries, the Fredericksburg Brewing Company and Altstadt both serving German style beers that I can tell you first hand are great!
Since we’re on the subject of spirits there are over 50 wineries and tasting rooms in Fredericksburg and in Gillespie county with about a hundred total dotting the Hill country, many within an hour of downtown.
Some of the most fun I’ve had while visiting is spending an afternoon winery hopping with my wife. Sipping some of the finest wines and nibbling on cheese while listening to bands and folk singers while sitting outside in the shade makes for a really perfect day.
Main street is always a bustling place with all kinds of shops and a variety of different kinds of restaurants to choose from. We already talked about the German cuisine but say you have a taste for BBQ or Tex-Mex or maybe steaks or seafood, they have all that too. The coolest part is that many of the restaurants have live entertainment and outdoor seating as well. And if shopping is your thing there are a plethora of shops to choose from. Clothing, antiques, jewelry, artworks and much more. There’s even a place for doggies!! Dogologie is about as unique as it can get catering completely to our four legged friends. It’s like a candy store for puppies. Just about anything you want to find dog related can be found here and of course dogs are welcome to tag along.
Another unique shop is The Christmas Store. A family business now in it’s 26th year. Co-manager John Mooring says for many it’s become a tradition to come and shop whatever time of year and whenever they visit Fredericksburg. John says, “ Everyone loves Christmas and we are blessed and flattered that so many people have included our store as part of their lives.”
If you’re into history then you definitely came to the right place! The National Museum of the Pacific War, which was recognized as the fifth-best history museum in the United States by USA Today in 2020, sits right on Main Street. It includes the Admiral Nimitz Gallery, Gallery of the Pacific War and the Pacific Combat Zone just to name a few of the amazing parts of this museum.
For me my favorite place to visit is the Texas Rangers Heritage Center! Like so many of us the Rangers hold a very special place not only in Texas folklore but even today as an incredibly well respected law enforcement agency. Just say the words Texas Rangers to people from all over the world and just watch the reaction you get! Today the Former Texas Rangers Foundation founded in 1971 maintains the twelve acre Heritage Center that includes the pavilion, Campanile bell tower, outdoor amphitheater and the Ranger Ring of Honor which is dedicated to those who gave their all to the service of the Texas Rangers. There are future plans for expansion as well including an incredible Children’s Museum to pass on the legend of the Texas Rangers to future generations. Make this spot a must see on your next trip to Fredericksburg. There is no charge and parking is also free.
One last note, if you’re wanting to make a weekend out of it there are probably a couple hundred bed and breakfasts to choose from. This city is made for accommodating visitors and are very proud of all that it offers year round! I know you will love this charming slice of Texas Hill Country as much as I do!
A few other recommendations:
Nury’s or Sunset Café- breakfast or lunch, the French Toast and Eggs Benedict are too die for at either place!
Das Peach Haus- enormous variety of homemade, delectable jams, jellies, sauces and marinades and much more!
The Shops on Llano- upscale resale of high quality designer garments, antiques, jewelry, furnishings, turquoise and sterling silver, not to be missed!
Take care, stay safe and God Bless!
