Fredericksburg is as unique now as it was when it was founded in 1846. Founded by German immigrants, this town has kept its German roots going strong. Only a little over an hour outside of Austin, you’ll get a variety of authentic German cuisine and architecture providing you with a tiny taste of Germany, right here in Texas. That’s not even half of what this charming town has to offer.
Fredericksburg’s town square is all locally owned businesses, operated by people that call Fredericksburg home. Franchises and chain stores are not allowed in the National Historic District (which runs along Main Street) so rest assured that all of your Fredericksburg experiences, much like everything else in this town, will be one of a kind.
If you’re looking for more European experiences you don’t need your passport for, check out our European in Texas Guide.
But first, we have to tell you, we loved our visit to Fredericksburg and we know you will too!
Here’s your guide to the best of Fredericksburg!
Eat & Drink
But first coffee. Caliche Coffee is your must stop coffee shop! The Caliche family renovated a historic building on the west end of Main Street into a welcoming community hub for Fredericksburg. They work hard to ensure sustainably sourced products and support the farmers who grow it. It’s a great place to enjoy a cup of your favorite brew.
Der Lindenbaum, located in the heart of historic Fredericksburg, offers authentic German cuisine in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. The menu has options big or small to fit anyones appetite. They also have one of the largest selections of German beers (bottled and draft) in Texas. For more authentic German cuisine try The Ausländer.
If you’re looking to venture outside German cuisine, don’t worry because there’s not short supply of good food in Fredericksburg. Alamo Springs Cafe is another favorite of ours, especially if you’re in the mood for a great burger! If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated try August E’s. They offers up a delicious menu of everything from high-end streaks to seafood and sushi.
If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth then Emma + Olive is your spot. Located in an adorable house turned bakery, you’ll find a plethora of classic baked goods. Be warned, it might make you miss your grandmother and her baking. They also offer up a casual but delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. The thing that’s most worth mentioning is that they have beignets – all day!
Photo via Emma + Olive’s Instagram
Wine not?
We could talk about Fredericksburg’s wine options all day. There are so many great vineyard options like, Baron Creek, Becker Vineyards, Inwood Estates, and Signor. That’s just to name a few. Like each wine, each vineyard is unique in its own way. If you can’t make it to all the vineyards a great option is to take a wine tour!
A very special spot in Fredericksburg is Das Peach Haus. It belongs to Fisher and Wieser Wines but the history of the retail store has a story behind it. The Das Peach Haus building used to belong to Lone Star Beer up until the prohibition. While the exterior hasn’t changed much, the inside is a whole other thing. Not only is it a retail store for Fisher and Wieser Wines but it’s also a culinary experience. You can even enroll in cooking school! They have a light menu that’s served every Saturday and Sunday. You can even book a private wine tasting. Now don’t forget the whole peach thing! While you can’t pick the peaches on their property they do in fact serve peach cobbler, among other baked goods and a variety of Texas peach inspirited products.
Photos via Das Peach Haus’s Instagram
Shop
Black Chalk Home & Laundry is one of the most unique home decor and gift boutiques in the Texas Hill Country. It’s actually one of a handful of home decor stores in the area. The building itself is steeped in history and takes you back to a bygone era that delights the senses. You can find a fabulous eclectic home goods store, featuring furniture, gifts, kitchen goods, rugs, lighting and other curated finds.
If you’re not in the market for new home decor, don’t worry, there’s so much more. Gypsies and Cowgirls is on our top list for clothing. The trendy boutique not only has the newest trends but some local favorites. If crystals, incense, and unique gifts are more your speed try the original Earthbound Trading Company
Photos via Gypsies and Cowgirls and Earthbound Trading Company’s Instagram accounts
Experience
If you’re interested in learning more about Fredericksburg’s German history we highly suggest a visit to the Pioneer Museum. It provides artifacts exhibits and tours. If, like us, you’re patiently waiting for the new Walker, Texas Ranger series staring Austinite Jared Padalecki, you can stop by the Texas Ranger Heritage Center to hold you over. Our personal favorite though is the National Museum of the Pacific War. It was a really educational and humbling experience. We hope you get the chance to visit any or all of these great museums.
The one thing we really love about these small Texas towns is that there is so much to do both in the town and outside. Most of these towns are surrounded by so much nature, so you really do get the best of both worlds. Fredericksburg Nature Center is a must see for any nature lovers out there. They have multiple trails, including a handicap accessible one. Our favorite parts though might be the pollinator garden and the butterfly habitat garden. It’s a great location for inspiring nature photographers! If you’re interested in scenic drives check out our post dedicated to them here.
Another favorite experience and recent Fredericksburg discovery is The Preserve. The Preserve is an elephant sanctuary dedicated to expanding elephant education, knowledge and conservation. You can book a visit, volunteer, or donate. It’s a wonderful experience. These large beauties deserve to be cared for and we are glad they have a safe home in Fredericksburg.
Stay
It’s hard to fit everything you want to do in Fredericksburg in one day. So if you’re looking for more than a day trip, there are plenty of great places to stay in town. You can go the Airbnb route or you can stay somewhere like Ololo. The four secluded guest houses making up Ololo will make you feel like you’ve got this self-care thing down pat. Learn more about our stay here.
Looking for more unique places to stay in Fredericksburg? Check out this post!
Stay tuned because we’re taking you on another Texas town tour next week!
