Fredericksburg, Texas - Where Everything Comes Together


     Published by the Wilson County News on January 31, 2013.


           It appears that everything came together perfectly here in Fredericksburg, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, to create a picture perfect destination: great wineries, fabulous art galleries, innovative restaurants, incredible B&Bs and guesthouses, one of a kind boutiques, and a landscape that is second to none.

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      Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German immigrants, both working-class and educated Germans fleeing the social, political and economic conditions in their homeland. They were true pioneers, striving to survive in this new frontier, growing crops they were not familiar with, such as corn and sorghum as well as wheat and cotton. For a long time before their arrival, this was the land of the Comanche and wolves and unpredictable weather. Life for the German settlers was hard, but they persevered and in the end, they prospered.

            In the late 1800s, recognizing the need for social interaction, farmers and ranchers from remote areas built small homes in the town of Fredericksburg. On Saturday mornings, the entire family would travel into town for shopping and other business, perhaps attend a dance or a barbeque, spend the night in their tiny second homes and attend church the following morning before returning to their farm. Thus, the Sunday House was born. Replicas of these Sunday Houses are very popular as B&Bs or small shops.

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      Today, the streets of Fredericksburg are bustling with residents and visitors alike, but the city has been able to keep the old town feeling. The downtown area is filled with shops, galleries, and one-of-a-kind restaurants. Be sure to stop by the Convention and Visitor Center, located at 302 E. Austin Street, just one block from Main Street, and pick up guides and maps to help you plan your visit.

      The National Museum of the Pacific War Complex, that includes the Museum of the Pacific War, the George H. W. Bush Gallery and the Admiral Nimitz Museum, is a must see. Admiral Nimitz, a vitally important figure in the ultimately successful war in the Pacific, was born here in Fredericksburg. This six-acre complex is located between Main and Austin Streets and the admission tickets are good for two days. The museum is open every day from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission ranges from $7 to $14 and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

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      The First Friday Art Walk has become very popular over the past four years and draws visitors and art lovers from far and wide. You can stroll in and out of over thirteen participating galleries, each offering complimentary wine from local wineries and delicious snacks to enjoy as you view some of the most beautiful and interesting art from local and renowned artists. In fact, many artists are on hand at different galleries throughout the day to visit with you and answer your question

    Other activities available are camping, fishing, golfing, birding, and a magnificent 360 degree view of the Hill Country atop Enchanted Rock, a pink granite dome, that rises 425 feet above ground and covers 640 acres. Admission to the park is $7; children 12 and under are free. And, no trip to Fredericksburg would be complete without a visit to Luckenbach for great live music.          

      There are so many choices for accommodations in Fredericksburg, from quaint and romantic B&Bs to chain hotels. The Convention and Visitor Bureau can help you find the perfect place based on location, needs and price. Go to their website: http://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com and using the dropdown menu under “Lodging” click on “Bed & Breakfast” and complete the questionnaire to narrow down your choices. There is even the Hangar Hotel and Diner located at the Gillespie County Airport for aviation enthusiasts.

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          If you are lucky enough to visit from mid-May to July when the Fredericksburg peaches are at their best, you can pick your own from dozens of growers, or pick up a basketful at one of the roadside stands.


Fredericksburg has been called enchanting, quaint, fun, exciting, romantic, a perfect girlfriends getaway, a corporate meeting place, and outdoorsman paradise, and a Hill Country charm. Yes, Fredericksburg is ALL of these.

                   Fredericksburg by the numbers:

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3 Golf Courses

11 RV/Campgrounds

17 Wineries

20 Day Spas

20 Art Galleries

70 Restaurants/Eateries

400 B&Bs, Guesthouses and Inns

1.2 million visitors each year

                          Want to learn more: 

http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/index.asp

http://artwalkfredericksburg.com/site/

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/enchanted-rock

http://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com

 

 

 

  

   © Harry Perez 2012