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August 29, 2012

Greetings from Fredericksburg, Texas

Whenever I tell anyone where my family lives, Fredericksburg, Texas, they always comment on how much they love visiting and immediately ask where I like to stay and what I like to do. If you aren't from 'round here, you *might* have heard of the Texas Hill Country or Texas wines. Fredericksburg sits in the heart of the Texas Hill Country and is surrounded by 20 wineries and growing. Here's a little wrap up of what I like to do, what wineries are my favorites, where I like to eat, with some of my favorite photos I have taken. I hope you enjoy...and if you make it out this way...let me know!
Things To Do in Fredericksburg, Texas:
Oktoberfest - This is my favorite festival all year. It is when fall is beginning (100 degree days are behind us), Halloween is around the corner and pumpkins are everywhere. Everyone is happy and having a great time at this festival! If you go, make sure to visit the Kiwanis food booth for potato pancakes. They.Are.Amazing.
Food & Wine Festival - I have been going to the festival for about 20 years. It is a great way to introduce yourself to all Texas wines. Make sure to enter the grape toss!
Fredericksburg Trade Days - The third weekend of every month is my shopping heaven. With over 350 vendors, 6 full barns on multiple acres, surely you will find something you like. I love the outdoor wire furniture and antique trinkets.
Evening Flight of the Bats at the Old Tunnel Bat Cave - Okay this is really two things to do...eat outside at Alamo Springs Cafe around sunset, while witnessing the bats heading out for the evening. {as seen in the photo below-yes, those black specs are bats!}


Christmas Tree & German Pyramid Lighting on the Marketplatz - Each year, I love going to this with my family...because it makes me really feel like the holidays are here and I love the small town feel it provides. The mayor leads the Marketplatz lighting ceremony. There is hot chocolate and cookies usually, with Christmas Carols by the children's choir. It is very Rockwell. My favorite part...bringing a bottle of wine, sitting on the grass and enjoying.
Shopping Shopping Shopping! - This is a great town to antique in-my favorite shops are Smitten and the Red Baron Antique Mall. For modern clothes, you can't miss Root on Main Street.
Climb Enchanted Rock - I would suggest this in non-summer months!
Pick fruit at Marburger Orchard - This an annual thing for me and my dad. We start with strawberries, then hit the blackberries and peaches.



Wines I Drink in Fredericksburg, Texas:
Pedernales Cellars - This is a winery I like to just go and hang out at. They are a bit farther out of town, but the wines and view are worth it. {photo above in bottom right hand corner} Great place to buy a bottle and sit under the big tree on the deck. They sell wonderful cheese and crackers as well.
Grape Creek Vineyards - This is one of the wineries that has always been a favorite of mine, while others come and go. This wine is hard to track down if you don't live in the area, so make sure you buy a few bottles while in town. The tasting is a bit pricier than others but well worth it. Also a beautiful setting to sit with a bottle.
Four Point Wine - This is actually a collaboration of three wineries in one tasting location. And, they're all good! Really beautiful location and plenty of room to sit outside by the outdoor fireplace.
Sister Creek Vineyards - Currently my favorite wines are from Sister Creek, including the merlot and four-blend. Do not miss this vineyard, do a tasting...you won't regret it. I do wish they had seating outside though, because it is such a cute little town they are in. Usually this is my first stop when taking friends to vineyards since we just taste and go.
Becker Vineyards - You probably shouldn't visit Fredericksburg without making a stop here. Although their wine is at every grocery store in Texas, it is a really cool location and they have a nice lavender farm.
Santamaria Cellars - Huge fan of their reds, especially merlot. I have only seen their wine at one of the wine tasting stores in town, so this is a must-visit.
{There are plenty of other wineries but I am including only my absolute favorites.}
Where to Eat in Fredericksburg, Texas {photos shared are my pics from Foodspotting}:
Navajo Grill - Can be a bit on the pricey side, but is the best steak in town. Superb service in an equally superb atmosphere. My favorite dish here is the crab cakes {as seen in photo above}. Must have a reservation. {dinner}
Cabernet Grill - Great food in a great atmosphere. My favorite dish here is the goat cheese appetizer.  {dinner or brunch}
Hilltop Cafe - This place is owned by Johnny Nicholas and you can usually catch him playing at night in the restaurant. He sang happy birthday to me this summer and it was magic! I love the variety of food here. My favorite dish is the fried shrimp or gumbo...I seriously can't pick. {lunch or dinner}
Peach Tree Tea Room - Pre-diet I was a regular here. And, when I am taking a "break" I head here first. Best soups, sandwiches and anything in town. My favorite dish is the meatloaf sandwich or any soup {as seen in the photo above}. {lunch or brunch}
Der Lindenbaum - Want a taste of authentic German fare, look no further. My favorite dish is the sausage platter, which is exactly what I ate when I was in Germany as well. {dinner}
Friedhelm's Bavarian Inn - Another great German restaurant. My favorite dish here is the Jagerschnitzel with sauerkraut-just too darn good {as seen in the photo above}. {lunch or dinner}
Fredericksburg Pie Company - I have never liked pie in my entire life, until now. This place sells out everyday, so if you are looking for something in particular, call a day or two ahead and reserve it. My favorite pie here is the banana cream. You'll need two slices. {anytime!}
Bejas Grill & Cantina - Admittedly the service here can be *really* spotty, which can be oh so annoying. BUT, the margaritas are great and I love that it's on Main Street with awesome outside seating. My favorite dish here during a shopping break is the trio with chips, salsa, guacamole and queso. For brunch, the migas are amazing. {breakfast, lunch or dinner}
Java Ranch - I always feel welcome in this place and the owner really goes out of his way. I teared up moving to Fredericksburg because there is no Starbucks...but Java Ranch really makes up for it. They have all the drinks I could want, as well as fresh baked goods. My favorites are the cranberry scone and banana-nut muffin. {breakfast}
Fredericksburg Bakery {breakfast or lunch} - Be careful if you stay in the Bed & Breakfast located directly above this bakery...the smells at 5 a.m. will make you go wait in line at the door for them to open! This place is exactly what he name says-and it's one of the best in town. I am not a really sweets person {besides banana cream pie} but my grandma loves their pinwheels!
Others I Recommend: Porky's Hamburgers, Hondo's {burger as seen in the photo above}, West End Pizza, Cranky Frank's BBQ
Where I Hang Out in Fredericksburg, Texas: 
House Wine - One of the nicest places to drink wine in town. The manager is super nice and they sell some cool furniture. My pick for the top spot.
Silver Creek - Great local live music. Sometimes I stop here for dinner or a snack before hitting wine bars in the evening.
Lincoln Street - I've been coming to Lincoln Street since I was in my early 20's. They have the best patio and outdoor fire place in town. And, love their cheese and fruit tray.
The Auslander - Great place to people watch, have a snack or a beer and hang, especially when they open up the huge front windows.
Fredericksburg Brewery - Wined out?! The brewmaster makes a mean "Not So Dumb Blonde" and plenty of dark beers. If it's football season, don't miss the back room with wall size screen. This is usually a stop for my friends after any fall festival. You can also buy a growler to take your beer with you!

If you visit, do not stay at a normal hotel! There are plenty of cute bed and breakfasts or rentals for the same price, and sometimes even cheaper. When I would visit Fredericksburg, I always rented through Gastehaus Schmidt or Absolute Charm. For more information on visiting Fredericksburg, Texas, click here.

{Linking up with Pink on the Cheek for Wanderlust Wednesday-please check out the other cities featured!}

2 comments

  1. Whoa, I had no idea about all the wineries in Texas. I need to go wine tasting there one day:)
    I had a Fredricksburg, Virginia I used to visit while living in Virginia, but it wasn't a cool as your city!

    Thank you for linking up with me:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, do the wine tasting...it will take at least a day!

      Delete

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