|
Fredericksburg, Texas Travel Guide
Also see: Johnson City,
Kerrville
German history -- not to mention plenty of Native
American as well as military history--provides ample reasons to visit
Fredericksburg. Once the edge of the frontier and home to German pioneers,
Fredericksburg is now a favorite weekend getaway from San Antonio. During
the week, the streets of this charming town are quiet but from Friday
through Sunday they bustle with shoppers looking for antiques bargains,
history buffs exploring the town's many attractions, fans of good German
food.
The community is considered the capital of the Texas
bed-and-breakfast world, with hundreds of establishments in the country.
The city is also the gateway to Enchanted Rock State
Natural Area, home of a giant stone monolith second only in size to Georgia's
Stone Mountain.
Fredericksburg welcomes all visitors — just look at
the street signs for proof. Starting at the Adams Street intersection,
head east on Main Street and take the first letter of every intersecting
street name: they spell "All Welcome." Drive west on Main Street
starting after the Adams Street intersection, and the first letter of
the intersecting streets spell "Come Back."
Top Attractions:
National
Museum of the Pacific War. This site honors Fredericksburg's most
famous resident: Admiral Chester Nimitz, the World War II Commander-in-Chief
of the Pacific.
Enchanted
Rock State Natural Area. Looming over the Texas hillside like a massive
bald mountain, this enormous dome of pink granite rises 325 feet above
the small stream flowing at its base. Covering over a square mile, the
formation is second in size only to Georgia's Stone Mountain. The park
is a favorite playground for rock climbers, backpackers, and even sedentary
tourists who don't mind a lung-expanding walk up the dome for a look at
mile after mile of rural Texas.
Luckenbach, Texas
The nearby hamlet that was immortalized by the Waylon Jennings song.
More Attractions:
Fort Martin Scott Historic Site. Established in
1848, this was the first frontier military fort in Texas. Today
the original stockade, a guardhouse, and a visitors center with
displays on local Indians are open to tour, and historic reenactments
keep the history lesson lively. Located two miles east of town on
US 290.
Fredericksburg Herb Farm. This organic farm
produces flowers, herbs, beauty products, and more. The farm is
home to a day spa, restaurant, and even a bed and breakfast. The
Fredericksburg Herb Farm is one of over 300 bed and breakfast accommodations
in Gillespie County.
Pioneer Museum Complex. This collection of
historic old homes includes a 1849 pioneer log home and store, the
old First Methodist Church, and a smokehouse and log cabin. Also
on the premises you'll see a typical 19th-century "Sunday house."
Built in Fredericksburg, Sunday houses catered to farmers and their
families who would travel long distances to do business in town,
often staying the weekend. Located at 309 West Main Street.
Vereins Kirche Museum. You can't miss this
attraction: it's housed in an exact replica of an octagonal structure
erected in 1847. The museum is sometimes called the Coffee Mill
(or Die Kaffe-Muehle) Church because of its unusual shape. Exhibits
here display Fredericksburg's German heritage, plus Indian artifacts
from archaeological digs. Located at Market Square on Main Street.
Wildseed Farm. The largest family-owned wildflower
seed farm in the United States. There's a self-guided walking tour
through the colorful grounds as well as a market center featuring
all types of gift items. The farm is located seven miles east of
Fredericksburg on US 290 daily.
Where to Stay:
Austin
Street Retreat
Das
Kleine Nest
Delforge
Place
Fredericksburg
Bed & Brew
The Herb
Haus
Nagel
House
Schmidt
Barn
Settler's
Crossing
Special Events:
Peach
Festivals, Harvest
Easter
Fires
Oktoberfest,
October
Fredericksburg
Food & Wine Fest, October
In-Depth Travel Articles
Fredericksburg
Wine Country
Guest
Houses Make Travelers Feel at Home
Operation
Fredericksburg
For More Information:
Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.fredericksburg-texas.com
|
