Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is the heart of the Texas Wine Country. Founded by German immigrants in 1846 and taking its name from Prince Frederick of Prussia. Fredericksburg’s rich German heritage is reflected in its beautiful historic architecture, German inspired restaurants and old world hospitality.

With countless eateries, bed and breakfast options, museums, galleries and shops, Fredericksburg’s Main Street has something for everyone. The Pioneer Museum features a replica of an 1840s church and numerous historic homesteads. Fredericksburg is also home to the expansive Admiral Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War. Located as the county seat of Gillespie County, Fredericksburg is under 90 minutes from Downtown Austin and even less from Downtown San Antonio.

Fredericksburg’s diverse real estate mix includes stunning contemporary homes in upscale developments, beautifully preserved frontier homes dating to the 1800s, estates with sweeping Hill Country views, and expansive ranches which have often been in the same family for generations.

Fredericksburg’s original German settlers developed their own dialect, which became known as Texas German. Nicknamed Fritztown by its early settlers, Fredericksburg’s unique history is displayed by its 19th century stone churches, homes, and commercial properties – of which many have received historic designation.

Fredericksburg’s German heritage comes to the forefront every year at one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the United States. Fredericksburg is also home to the longest-running county fair in Texas – the Gillespie County Fair – among many other annual events such as the Christmas light parade and celebration. Situated in the fertile Pedernales River Valley with Texas Hill Country wineries and bed and breakfasts each direction you turn, Fredericksburg is a charming destination for the whole family.

Fredericksburg’s Main Street was designed for ox carts in the 1800s and is consequently known for being the widest main street in Texas. This historic commercial stretch features a great mix of refined restaurants, shops, antique stores, wine tasting rooms and boutique galleries.

Otto’s German Bistro uses fresh local ingredients to prepare authentic German entrees, including smoked pork chop kassler with sauerkraut, duck schnitzel, wild boar wurst, and truffle linguine with scrumptious strudels. Hondo’s on Main is a typical Texas Hill Country watering hole also serving staples such as BBQ and chicken fried steak with live music 5 days a week. Cabernet Grill pairs a large selection of Texas Hill Country wines with mouthwatering steaks and seafood. Vaudeville Bistro on Main blends a furniture and gallery store with a some of the best bistro food in town. Be prepared to get a reservation!

There are a number of establishments on Main Street for sampling German and local craft beer. Established in 1994, Fredericksburg Brewing Company is the oldest brewpub in Texas. Alongside award-winning craft beers, Fredericksburg Brewing Company offers delicious American and German gastropub fare and an air-conditioned beer garden. The Auslander also offers an excellent beer selection and beer garden alongside authentic Bavarian cuisine and the always enjoyable Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille boasts the largest beer selection in all of Texas Hill Country. The rustic Crossroads Saloon & Steakhouse is a lively destination for steakhouse dining and live music.

Fredericksburg hosts more than 60 festivals and events every year, including one of the most spectacular Oktoberfest celebrations outside Munich. This multi-day celebration features oompah bands and other entertainment across five stages. You can even try your luck in contests for waltzing, yodeling, and traditional German dirndl and lederhosen costumes. Oktoberfest also has numerous vendors selling a wide choice of German and American eats plus dozens of local craft and imported German beers.

The famous Gillespie County Fair is another annual highlight dating back to the 1880s. This historic four-day celebration includes livestock and agricultural exhibits and contests, arts and crafts booths, live horse racing, and extensive entertainment acts. The Vereins Kirche was originally erected on Fredericksburg’s central Marketplatz in 1847. Though the original was torn down in the 1890s, a faithful replica has been Fredericksburg’s most iconic landmark since 1935.

The Pioneer Museum preserves many other historic buildings, including pioneer homesteads and the 1880s Gillespie County Jail. The Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War is another major Fredericksburg attraction with 55,000 square feet of exhibits detailing the human story of the Pacific theater in World War II – a truly special memorial to the War in the Pacific.

Fredericksburg operates its own Fredericksburg Independent School District, with more information available on their website: Fredericksburg ISD