Head to the Texas Hill Country for a weekend away in the Texas Hill Country, ripe with German food, locally produced beer and wine and to die for pie. Most visitor are surprised to learn that Fredericksburg, Texas, is the second largest wine destination in the U.S. While in town, find quaint downtown shopping district, gourmet dining and notable museums during your stay. Read on for a weekend itinerary and what to do in Fredericksburg, Texas, in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Friday Night Fun
After arriving in Fredericksburg, head to an amazing site. A a few million bats live just outside of town. Since the bats leave the roost early, stop by and see to get the weekend started.
Old Tunnel State Park
In an abandoned train tunnel from a hundred years ago, find three million Mexican free tail bats from May to October. As one of the largest colonies in Texas, see the waves upon waves of insect-eating mammals swirl out each night before dusk.
This state park location offers a free viewing platform. Or head down for an interpretive program at the lower viewing platform for a small fee.
Located at 10619 Old San Antonio Rd., southeast of Fredericksburg. Call 866 978-2287 for the latest bat emergence time. Free
Note: Reservations are required for the bat emergence until further notice.
Dinner and a Show
If the weather is nice, head to an outdoor beer garden for dinner and find lots of German beer. Grab a sandwich, burger or a German plate, heavy with sausage at Altdorf Biergarten. Enjoy live music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Located at 301 W. Main St. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where to Stay in Fredericksburg Texas
Fredericksburg Inn and Suites offers renovated rooms with details like barn doors and wildflower art. Enjoy a complimentary full breakfast and resort-style pool along the banks of Barons Creek.Located at 201 S.Washington St.
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Saturday Strolling
In-between the museum visits, walk down Main St. for unique shopping, like the original Dooley’s 5-10 & 25 Cent Store. It’s an original variety store with vintage finds like granite ware. Located at 131 E. Main St.
Breakfast German Style
With a breakfast menu packed with sausages and schnitzels, fill up your German food tank and have enough for a to-go box. Sample some tasty treats like German sweet pretzels or rye bread, both baked daily at Old German Bakery at 225 W. Main St. Open Friday to Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Vereins Kirche Museum
A rebuilt version of the first public building in Fredericksburg that served as a schoolhouse, town hall, a fort for protection and a church. Stroll through the exhibits to learn more about the history of Fredericksburg.
Located at 100 West Main St. in the center of Marktplatz. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free
Pioneer Museum
With over three acres, experience the pioneer life in early Texas of the German settlers. Ten buildings illustrate a life before automobiles and air conditioning. Walk through the log cabin and imagine a life there, redefines the word rustic. Visit the Weber Sunday House, a small house located in town for ranchers to use for shopping and attending services.
Forget about the convenience of indoor plumbing and imagine the spending days in the dust and the heat when you walk through the Arhelger Bathhouse. Kids can sit in the antique school desks and read German off the blackboard at the White Oak School.
The homestead houses offer rooms furnished with antiques. Like the Kammlah Homestead that included a smokehouse, used for curing meats and sausage.
Located at 325 West Main St. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $7.50 with kids 6 to 17 entering for $3.
The Sweet Side of Lunch
Who needs a traditional lunch? Have pie instead. The Fredericksburg Pie Company offers mile high merengues and fruit pies galore.
Located at 108 E. Austin St. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until sold out.
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Sipping Texas Style
The Texas Wine County offers seventeen different vineyards and wineries along U.S. 290 and it’s the second largest wine destination in the U.S. You can tour on your own or book a wine tour.
Head to The Becker Vineyards for expansive grounds along with impressive wine list. And Becker wines have been served at the White House on several occasions through several administrations. Located at 464 Becker Farms Rd. Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
Messina Hof Hill Country Winery offers a ten-acre property along with a selection of its 50 Texas wines available for tastings. Located at 9996 U.S. Highway 290 E. Open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Note: Call ahead on availability of tasting in 2021.
Dinner
With 75 locally produced wines, The Cabernet Grill is the place for a nice dinner out with your someone special. Find a chef-created menu featuring local produce and meat. Reservations recommended. Open Tuesday to Saturday at 5 p.m.
Located at 2805 S. State Highway 16.
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Head to this retail stop and restaurant combo for solid French bistro offerings. Start your meal with bubbles and caviar. Or sample the charcuterie and cheese board with a locally produced Altstadt beer.
Find a selection of sandwiches, salads and pastry as well at Vaudeville Bistro. Located at 230 E. Main St. Open daily at 11 a.m.
National Museum of the Pacific War
This museum walks visitors through WWII’s Pacific Theater in a complex that includes the majority of a city block. Find engaging exhibits utilizing authentic aircraft and light shows to mimic battle, walk from the beginning of the war to the surrender at Tokyo Bay.
Since the majority of the artifacts are indoors, most visitors spend hours reliving history in the George H.W. Bush Gallery. Strolling through a labyrinth of rooms, find a Japanese Midget Submarine in one exhibit to be followed by a PT Boat in another.
Then turn the corner to see a B-25. A couple of rooms later, a F4F Wildcat Fighter. Though this museum offers more than aircraft and vessels. Sit a moment and reflect in the Japanese Garden of Peace. And the memorial court remembers those lost.
Located 311 E. Austin St. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $18, seniors are $16 and kids 6 and older along with students are $8, with discounts for military members.
Late Lunch
Grab a shaded table at Bejas Bejas and sample an appetizer. Or gobble a salad or burger. Located at 215 W. Main St. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fort Martin Scott
Explore the first U.S. Army Post on the western frontier. Originally established as a camp in 1848, Camp Houston was later renamed after Lt. Col. Martin Scott, killed at the battle of Molina Del Rey in 1847.
Situated along the banks of Barons Creek, it originally housed 21 different buildings. As the frontier moved west, Fort Martin Scott assumed the role of a forage deport, supporting other forts.
Located at 1606 East Main St. Open from Thursday to Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free
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Wildseed Farms
Explore the largest working wildflower farm in the U.S. With 200 acres stroll the walking trails to see the production fields for its seed operation. Located at 100 Legacy Dr. Open most days from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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