There’s good reason that those who know Fredericksburg come back to visit again and again. Situated in the heart of Texas Hill Country, just an hour’s drive northwest from San Antonio, this delightful city offers a unique mix of German heritage, boutique shopping and an abundance of natural beauty.

In visiting Fredericksburg for the first time recently, I met a group of old friends who have been coming back annually for the last five years. “This charming place just gets under your skin,” one told me, and by the end of my four days there, I knew exactly why.

Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, the city has managed to preserve its old-world charm while making room for thriving new wineries, contemporary art galleries, spas and upscale dining. Plus, the area hosts a variety of fun and highly anticipated festivals throughout the year.

Where to stay

I stayed at the True Heart Hotel, in a replica Sunday House typical to the area. One-room Sunday Houses were originally built by the German settlers in the late 19th century here so farmers could use them when they came into town to go to church and sell their wares at markets on the weekends. Mine came with high-end amenities, lots of natural light and my own private porch connected by footpath to lush greenery. It was also walking distance to the downtown hub on Main Street.

For a more rustic feel without compromising comfort whatsoever, there are the luxurious treehouses at Onera, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and spa-like bathrooms. Those wanting a more traditional hotel experience have plenty of options across a variety of price ranges. (The impressive Albert Hotel is the area’s newest addition and will be open for guests at the beginning of 2025.)

Where to go

Fredericksburg offers a plethora of guided tours, be it to wineries, national parks and key landmarks, or even to learn about paranormal sightings in the area. I took a wonderful and highly informative vintage-style trolley tour of downtown to learn about various historic homes and cultural landmarks.

I later stopped at the Pioneer Museum which has 10 historic structures, with audio and virtual options to get a true sense of the early years of the settlers. There is also the architecturally stunning National Museum of the Pacific War that offers some fascinating insights into this key period of history. Of course, Main Street is well worth at least a few hours of strolling too. It has more than 150 unique shops, art galleries and boutiques (there are no chain stores here). I found an amazing line of skincare products made of beef tallow at Flying Cow and picked up a custom hat at the Felt Boutique.

What to do

With so much natural beauty throughout the region, Fredericksburg is a haven for hikers and bikers. I made my way to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area where I climbed a massive pink granite dome to get a mesmerizing view of central Texas. Best to reserve a day pass in advance as the area can get quite popular during weekends and holidays.

The walking continued with a scent-y tour of Wildseed Farms, the country’s largest, working wildflower farm with more than 200 acres of fields. There’s also an onsite shop with live plants, hundreds of seed packets, unique home and garden décor and food products.

After all that exercise, a trip to two of some 60 wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms in the region was a welcome option. At Halter Ranch, 32 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards was the perfect backdrop for some organic wine tasting and charcuterie. (Walk-ins are welcome!) The next stop was Kalasi Cellars where wine-maker Nikhila Narra successfully pairs her Indian traditions and grape-growing expertise to produce a delicious bevy of wines.

What to taste

There are so many culinary delights in Fredericksburg, it’s difficult to narrow it down. But a key stop on my trip was the family-run Daus Peach House, famous for its Hill Country peach orchards and friendly atmosphere. Here you can shop for the family’s Fischer & Wieser specialty jams, jellies, spreads, dips, salsas and more (they ship to Canada), or check out their small-batch distillery and wine collection. There are also cooking classes, chef-led cooking demonstrations and four-course private dinners for groups.

Otto’s German Bistro is another noteworthy spot for delicious food, offering farm-to-table dishes with a nod to the town’s German roots. I tried the sauerkraut balls and duck schnitzel and was not disappointed. I also loved the turmeric shots, cardamon lattes and healthy meals at The Restaurant at Hill Country Herb Garden, which features a spa and lovely botanical garden for an after-meal stroll.

The city of festivals

If all of this isn’t enticing enough, Fredericksburg is a mecca for festivals and parades throughout the year. In fact, there are more than 400 festivals and special events annually. The three-day Oktoberfest in October is among the most popular, but there is also the Light the Night Christmas Parade in December—which transforms Main Street into a winter wonderland—and a wildflower festival in the spring.

Visit @visitfredericksburgtx on Facebook for more details or https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/.

Rosalind’s Bio:

After completing her journalism degree in Toronto and settling there permanently, Rosalind Stefanac started her career writing about business trends for the Financial Post, eventually switching to health reporting for a variety of consumer and trade publications in Canada. She was an award-winning columnist, feature writer, magazine editor and speechwriter before an unexpected health scare prompted her to re-examine her own bucket-list. Traversing new destinations was top of mind so Rosalind decided to combine her wanderlust and love of words as a travel writer. Today, she enjoys sharing her experiences in visiting urban spaces and wild places across North America (and beyond) any chance she gets. Her biggest take-away: don’t put off exploring the beauty beyond your own backyard.