Everyone’s Going to Fredericksburg and Here’s Why
Imagine a place that has chic shopping with Hill Country quirk, delicious farm-to-table cuisine, adorable abodes that feel miles from civilization (but are just a quick walk from Main Street) and wine and wildlife galore. That place is Fredericksburg, and here’s exactly what you should do when you get there.
WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Things are pinch-me-country-cute at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm, where a quiche and cappuccino in a garden setting is how we wish every morning would start.
Lunch: Sit pretty at Vaudeville and nosh on chicken confit salad and a glass of rosé after shopping upstairs (more on that later).
Dinner: To fully immerse yourself in the German culture that permeates the city, dinner at Otto’s is essential. Start by sharing the flammkuchen and then make your way to the duck schnitzel.
WHAT TO DRINK
While Otto’s small but buzzing bar is definitely a favorite, if you want to wander around town for a nightcap (hint: you should), there are lots of great options. In fact, Tubby’s Ice House is next door and features beer, wine and bocce ball. Or, for a more luxe experience and craft cocktails, The Treaty House is right up the road. We recommend the Truman’s Pardon with Enchanted Rock vodka, St-Germain and hand-squeezed ruby red grapefruit juice.
WHERE TO SHOP
If you love Forty Five Ten in Dallas, then you will adore Vaudeville. Peruse furniture, decor, accessories, jewelry and more in a super-chic setting that you wouldn’t have expected to find in Fredericksburg. New moms and those searching for the perfect baby gift should definitely make time to pop into Fredericksburg Natural Baby for beloved brands like Kyte Baby, which uses bamboo to create ultra-soft loungewear for the little ones in your life.
WHERE TO STAY
This is easy. Luxury bed-and-breakfast Hoffman Haus is the place for any busy Dallasite to feel instantly relaxed. Whether you’re rocking away on the front porch or enjoying an aromatherapy facial, the distant sound of wildlife will transport you back to the good old days. And just when you thought this place couldn’t get any cuter, breakfast is delivered via picnic basket to your doorstep each morning. If Hoffman Haus is booked, we suggest looking into a cottage at the Sugarberry Inn.
WHAT TO DO
Let’s be honest: We’re all here for the wine. And trust us, the Texas wine scene does not disappoint with Fredericksburg and the surrounding area offering more than 40 wineries. While you can tour wineries until you are blue in the face (or purple in the tongue), an Urban Wine Trail allows visitors to stop at ten downtown tasting rooms to sip and sup with friends. Our favorite tasting room? Grape Creek Vineyards on Main. Our favorite winery? Becker Vineyards, because of its sweet-as-sugar owners, Richard and Bunny.
WHAT TO SEE
Flowers, flowers and more flowers. Expect your scenic drives to include views of Texas bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, wine-cups, brown-eyed Susans, poppies and more. We love getting off the busy roads and hitting up the Willow City Loop. Still haven’t gotten your fix after driving through the Hill Country? Stop at Wildseed Farms to check out the 290 varieties of blooms as you explore the walking trails. Plus, it’s actually acceptable to stop and take a picture here versus along a busy highway or scenic drive.
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