Fredericksburg, Our Home Since 1947

Breakfast at Old German Bakery & Restaurant

Start your morning with breakfast at this Fredericksburg favorite. From German pancakes and fresh pastries to traditional breakfast classics, it's a delicious way to fuel your day.

Explore Main Street & Beyond

Spend the morning browsing Fredericksburg's historic Main Street, then wander the side streets where you'll find some of the town's hidden shopping gems. Schatze Haus and the Shops on Llano offer an ever-changing collection of antiques, home décor, vintage finds, furniture, and unique gifts.

Lunch at Rathskeller Bistro

Enjoy lunch beneath one of Fredericksburg's historic limestone buildings at Rathskeller Bistro. Located in the basement of the former Keidel Memorial Hospital, its setting is inspired by the traditional German rathskellers found beneath town halls.

Visit Opa's Smoked Meats

Before your afternoon adventures, stop by Opa's Smoked Meats to pick up smoked sausages, deli sandwiches, smoked meats, cheeses, mustards, and Texas-made specialties. Whether you're looking for lunch on the go, snacks for later, or gifts to take home, you'll find plenty to choose from.

National Museum of the Pacific War

Spend the afternoon exploring one of the nation's premier World War II museums. Be sure to take time to stroll through the peaceful Japanese Garden of Peace and enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds.

Dinner at Silver Creek Beer Garden & Grille

Dine in the courtyard of the historic Striegler Home, where a majestic live oak—estimated to be around 200 years old—provides shade for one of Fredericksburg's most inviting outdoor dining spaces.

Karaoke at The Velvet Lounge

End your day with karaoke at The Velvet Lounge. Whether you're singing your favorite song or cheering on the crowd, it's a fun way to wrap up a day in Fredericksburg.

Before heading out, gather provisions and local favorites for your adventure.

Stock Up for Your Day

Start your morning by picking up provisions for the road. Stop by Opa's Smoked Meats for summer sausage, smoked meats, cheeses, mustards, deli items, and picnic favorites that are easy to pack for a day outdoors or enjoy back at your lodging.

Hike Enchanted Rock

Make your way to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for one of the Hill Country's most iconic outdoor experiences. Climb the massive pink granite dome, explore the surrounding trails, and take in sweeping views of the Texas landscape. After your hike, cool off with a treat from the ice cream stand at the base of the rock.

Explore Wildseed Farms

Spend the afternoon surrounded by the beauty of the Texas Hill Country at Wildseed Farms. Wander through walking trails and gardens, explore seasonal wildflower fields, browse the market, and enjoy one of the area's most unique farm experiences.

Shop Fredericksburg Trade Days

If your visit falls on the third weekend of the month, make time for Fredericksburg Trade Days. With hundreds of vendors spread across barns and outdoor spaces, it is the perfect place to search for antiques, collectibles, handmade items, furniture, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Walk the Trails at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

Slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. The park's trails and nature areas offer a peaceful setting along Live Oak Creek, with opportunities for birdwatching, native plants, and an easy stroll through the Hill Country landscape.

Dinner at Hill & Vine

After a day of exploring the outdoors, settle in for dinner at Hill & Vine. This Texas Table Wine Hall celebrates the flavors of the region with seasonal dishes featuring Texas ingredients, thoughtful preparations, and a welcoming Hill Country atmosphere. Located just off Main Street, it is a relaxing place to enjoy dinner, local wines, and time to unwind after a day of adventure.

Sunset at Cross Mountain Park

End your day at Cross Mountain Park, one of Fredericksburg's most historic overlooks. Known by early German settlers as Kreuzberg, or "Cross Mountain," the hill has long served as a landmark for the community. A cross has stood at the summit since 1946, and the short climb to the top rewards visitors with beautiful views of Fredericksburg and the surrounding Hill Country.

Prepare Your Wine Country Picnic

Start your adventure at Opa's Smoked Meats, where you can pick up summer sausage, specialty cheeses, mustards, smoked meats, and other picnic favorites to pair with your wine tastings. It is the perfect way to add a taste of Fredericksburg to your day on the Wine Road 290.

Follow Wine Road 290

Fredericksburg's Wine Road 290 is home to some of the Hill Country's most popular wineries, offering everything from vineyard views and relaxed outdoor spaces to unique tasting experiences.

Begin your journey at Signor Vineyards, a beautifully landscaped estate featuring Texas hospitality, wine tastings, gardens, and scenic spaces to relax with a glass of wine.

Continue to Grape Creek Vineyards, known for its Tuscan-inspired setting, vineyard views, and extensive wine collection.

Make a stop at Becker Vineyards, one of the pioneers of the Texas wine industry, known for its wines, historic Hill Country setting, and connection to the region's lavender heritage.

For something completely different, visit Slate Theory Winery, where Texas-grown wines meet an immersive, creative atmosphere and a distinctive tasting experience.

Experience Texas Bourbon at Garrison Brothers

Take a short drive beyond the vineyards to Garrison Brothers Distillery in nearby Hye. As Texas' first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition, it offers tours, tastings, and a chance to experience the craftsmanship behind Texas bourbon.

Visit Altstadt Brewery

End your day with a stop at Altstadt Brewery, a Bavarian-inspired destination featuring German-style lagers, a full-service restaurant, and a beautiful Hill Country setting. It is a great place to relax with a cold beer, enjoy a meal, and experience another side of Fredericksburg's German heritage.

Breakfast at Taqueria Machetes

Start your morning with breakfast tacos at Taqueria Machetes. This casual local favorite is known for authentic Mexican flavors, hearty breakfasts, and a great salsa bar.

Local Stops

Explore some of Fredericksburg's favorite local stops. Browse ranch goods, gifts, and unique finds at Lochte Feed & General Store, then visit Schatze Haus Boutique and the Shops on Llano for curated clothing, accessories, antiques, vintage treasures, furniture, artwork, and one-of-a-kind pieces.

Stock Up at Opa's Smoked Meats

Before the afternoon begins, stop by Opa's Smoked Meats to pick up smoked sausage, specialty cheeses, smoked meats, mustards, and other Hill Country favorites. Whether you're planning a picnic, adding to your travel snacks, or taking home a taste of Fredericksburg, you'll find plenty to choose from.

Lunch at David's Old Fashioned Pit BBQ

Enjoy classic Texas barbecue at David's Old Fashioned Pit BBQ. Their mesquite-smoked meats, homemade sides, and relaxed atmosphere have made them a longtime local favorite.

A Sweet Stop at Fredericksburg Pie Company

No day in Fredericksburg is complete without dessert. Stop by Fredericksburg Pie Company for a slice of homemade pie or take one to go for later. With seasonal flavors and timeless favorites, it's a delicious Hill Country tradition.

Relax at Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park

Take a break from the busy streets with a stroll through Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park. Walk the nature trails, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, or find a shady spot to relax before the evening begins.

Dinner at Pecan Grove

End your day at Pecan Grove, a relaxed gathering place just north of town in the historic Pecan Grove Store. Enjoy burgers, sandwiches, cold drinks, and live music on select evenings while soaking in the laid-back Hill Country atmosphere. It is the perfect way to finish a day exploring a different side of Fredericksburg.

Every drive becomes a scenic adventure, and every turn offers another picture-perfect view.

The Texas Hill Country is one of the best places in the state to experience this annual display. One of the area's most famous drives is the Willow City Loop, a scenic country road northeast of Fredericksburg that winds through rugged hills, creeks, and spectacular wildflower displays. During peak bloom, the route is especially popular, so plan to arrive early, drive slowly, and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Texas' beautiful roadside wildflowers are more than just nature's artwork—they're part of a conservation legacy. Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson championed the preservation of native plants and inspired highway beautification efforts across the state. Her vision helped shape the Texas wildflower program we enjoy today, and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin continues her mission by conserving and celebrating Texas native plants. TxDOT also supports this effort by planting approximately 30,000 pounds of native wildflower seed along Texas highways each year and managing roadsides to encourage healthy blooms.

Enjoy Wildflowers Responsibly

Many of the most beautiful wildflower fields are located on private ranches. Please admire them from public roads and designated viewing areas, respect fences and gates, and never trespass onto private property for photographs. Watch for traffic when pulling off the road, keep children and pets close, and remember that snakes and other wildlife are often found in tall grass and blooming fields. Staying on established paths helps protect the flowers so others can enjoy them for years to come.

Where to Find Wildflower Updates

Wildflower blooms vary each year depending on rainfall and weather conditions. Before planning your trip, check these excellent resources for current bloom reports and recommended viewing locations:

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Native plant information, bloom guides, and seasonal updates.
• Texas Department of Transportation Wildflower Program – Information about Texas roadside wildflowers and conservation.
• The Texas Wildflower – Annual bloom reports and guides to the best viewing locations across Texas.

Whether you're filling a basket at a roadside stand, enjoying homemade peach cobbler, or taking home a box of freshly picked fruit, peach season is one of the Hill Country's most cherished traditions.

Peach Season at a Glance

Season: Mid-May through August
Peak Harvest: June and July
Known For: Fresh-picked peaches, roadside stands, peach ice cream, cobblers, jams, jellies, preserves, and other locally made treats
Signature Event: Stonewall Peach JAMboree & Rodeo — held annually during the third full weekend in June

Why Hill Country Peaches Are So Special

Gillespie County has been producing exceptional peaches for more than a century. The area's combination of mineral-rich soils, warm sunny days, cool nights, and ideal growing conditions creates peaches celebrated for their sweetness, flavor, and texture. Today, Gillespie County is home to approximately one-third of Texas' commercial peach acreage, making it one of the state's premier peach-growing regions.

Rather than relying on a single variety, local growers harvest dozens of peach varieties throughout the season. Early, mid-season, and late-season peaches each offer their own unique flavor, texture, and best uses—from enjoying fresh out of hand to baking, canning, or freezing. Because different varieties ripen at different times, every visit offers something new.

Roadside Peach Stands & Orchards

One of the best parts of a Hill Country road trip is discovering the family-owned orchards and roadside fruit stands that line U.S. Highway 290 between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, as well as Highway 87 South and neighboring country roads. During the peak harvest, these stands are filled with freshly picked peaches, homemade peach ice cream, cobblers, jams, jellies, preserves, peach salsa, local honey, pecans, and other Texas-made specialties.

Some of the area's favorite places to stop include:

• Harvest Hill Farm Market
• Donald Eckhardt Orchards
• Jenschke Orchards
• Engel Orchard
• Studebaker Farm
• Das Peach Haus
• Burg's Corner
• Wahl's Peaches
• Zenner Orchard
• Ernst Market

Many orchards also operate farm markets where you can purchase fruit directly from the growers and learn more about the families behind these long-standing Hill Country traditions.

Celebrate at the Stonewall Peach JAMboree

Every June, the community of Stonewall celebrates the harvest during the annual Stonewall Peach JAMboree & Rodeo, one of the Texas Hill Country's most beloved summer traditions. Held each year during the third full weekend in June, the celebration features a parade, rodeo, live music, dancing, food vendors, family activities, and the crowning of the Peach Queen.

For more than 60 years, the JAMboree has celebrated the region's rich agricultural heritage and the growers who have made Stonewall and Gillespie County synonymous with outstanding Texas peaches.

Plan Your Visit

Every peach season is unique, with harvest dates influenced by winter chill, spring weather, and rainfall. Before making a special trip, it's worth checking what varieties are currently being harvested.

The Hill Country Fruit Council is the best resource for planning your visit. Representing many of the area's peach growers, the organization provides current seasonal information, a Peach Buyer's Guide with ripening dates by variety, an orchard and roadside stand directory, recipes, and updates throughout the harvest season.

Visit the Hill Country Fruit Council at https://www.texaspeaches.com to discover what's in season, find participating growers, and plan your Texas Hill Country peach adventure.

With live entertainment, German-inspired food and drinks, artisan vendors, contests, and activities for all ages, Oktoberfest welcomes visitors from near and far while remaining a beloved hometown tradition for locals and those returning home to celebrate.

A Festival Built on Community

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest began in 1981 when the Pedernales Creative Arts Alliance (PCAA) created the festival as a way to celebrate Fredericksburg's German heritage while raising funds to support local arts and creative programs. What started as a community celebration has grown into one of the Texas Hill Country's most anticipated annual events.

Today, proceeds from Oktoberfest continue to benefit the arts throughout Gillespie County. Through the festival, PCAA provides scholarships for local students pursuing higher education in the arts, supports community art programs, and helps preserve opportunities for creativity and cultural enrichment throughout the region.

Experience the Traditions of Oktoberfest

From the moment the festival begins, Oktoberfest is filled with the energy of a true German celebration. Visitors can join in traditional activities, discover local vendors, enjoy live music, and create memories with family and friends.

Some favorite Oktoberfest traditions include:

• The Hauptstrasse Chicken Dance — One of the most anticipated moments of the weekend, when festival-goers gather along Main Street for the famous Chicken Dance. Fun, welcoming, and enjoyed by all ages, it is a tradition that brings everyone together.
• Live German & Texas Music — Multiple stages feature continuous entertainment, including polka bands, oompah music, traditional German performers, and Texas favorites.
• Stein Raising Contest — Test your strength and endurance during this crowd-favorite competition celebrating German festival traditions.
• 42 Domino Tournament — A favorite among locals, this classic Texas domino game brings generations together for friendly competition and is hosted by long-time community members.
• Artisan Markt — Browse handcrafted goods, German-inspired items, artwork, clothing, souvenirs, and unique finds from vendors.
• Kinderpark & Family Activities — Oktoberfest offers plenty for younger visitors, with a dedicated kids area and activities designed for family fun.
• Food, Beer & Photo Opportunities — Enjoy German-inspired cuisine, local flavors, a wide selection of beers, and plenty of festive backdrops perfect for capturing your Oktoberfest memories.

A Taste of Fredericksburg

Food is at the heart of any great festival, and Oktoberfest is no exception. Guests can enjoy German-inspired dishes, local favorites, and Opa’s Smoked Sausage, made right here in Fredericksburg, while taking in the music, festivities, and community spirit that make this celebration special.

From traditional flavors to Hill Country favorites, the festival offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy great food while celebrating Fredericksburg’s German roots.

A Celebration for Everyone

While Oktoberfest honors Fredericksburg’s German heritage, it is a festival for everyone. Locals gather with friends and family, former residents return home, and visitors experience the welcoming spirit that makes the Texas Hill Country special.

Whether you come for the music, the food, the competitions, the shopping, the family activities, or simply the feeling of community, Fredericksburg Oktoberfest offers a memorable fall tradition where everyone is invited to join the celebration.

Plan Your Visit

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest is held each year in early October at Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg. The festival features German traditions, live entertainment, artisan vendors, family activities, food, and drinks throughout the weekend.

Visit the official Fredericksburg Oktoberfest website for current dates, schedules, tickets, and event information:

https://www.oktoberfestinfbg.com

From beautifully decorated storefronts and historic streets to traditional German Christmas celebrations at Marktplatz, Fredericksburg offers a holiday experience filled with memories for families, couples, and those returning home to celebrate the season.

Holiday Season at a Glance

Season: Late November through early January
Must-See Tradition: Christmas Nights of Lights at Marktplatz
Signature Event: Light The Night Christmas Parade
Perfect For: Holiday shopping, romantic getaways, family traditions, and experiencing a small-town Christmas celebration

A Hill Country Christmas Tradition

Fredericksburg’s holiday season celebrates the town’s German heritage while creating new traditions for visitors and locals alike. At the center of the celebration is Marktplatz, where the community gathers to enjoy the glow of the German Christmas Pyramid and the Community Christmas Tree during the annual Christmas Nights of Lights. The evening celebration includes holiday music, a presentation sharing Fredericksburg’s German heritage, and a countdown to the lighting of the Christmas display.
Fredericksburg Christmas Nights of Lights

The 26-foot wooden Christmas Pyramid, handcrafted in Germany, creates a stunning holiday centerpiece and reflects the town’s deep connection to its German roots. Combined with the lights throughout Marktplatz, it is one of the most memorable holiday scenes in the Texas Hill Country.

Experience the Holiday Lights

A stroll through Fredericksburg during the holidays feels like stepping into a Christmas postcard. Historic Main Street is beautifully decorated, with locally owned shops, boutiques, and galleries glowing with festive displays. The Gillespie County Courthouse and downtown streets add to the charm, creating the perfect setting for an evening walk, holiday photos, or a romantic night out.

Visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the season, with opportunities to shop, gather with family and friends, and experience the traditions that make Fredericksburg a special Christmas destination.

Light The Night Christmas Parade

One of Fredericksburg’s most anticipated holiday traditions is the Light The Night Christmas Parade. Held annually on historic Main Street, this illuminated parade features dazzling floats, holiday music, and the creativity of local organizations and community members.

The parade has been a Fredericksburg tradition for more than 30 years and brings thousands of visitors together to celebrate the season. Before and after the parade, guests can enjoy additional festivities at Marktplatz, including food and beverage vendors, holiday music, and family activities.

Light The Night Christmas Parade

Holiday Shopping & German Christmas Traditions

Christmas shopping in Fredericksburg is an experience all its own. Historic Main Street is filled with locally owned shops, boutiques, galleries, and specialty stores offering unique gifts, handmade treasures, holiday décor, ornaments, and one-of-a-kind finds.

Visitors looking to bring home a taste of Fredericksburg’s German heritage can also stop at Opa’s Smoked Meats, where they will find German Christmas goods, specialty foods, and traditional favorites perfect for holiday gatherings, gift baskets, and sharing with family and friends.

From decorating the tree to finding the perfect gift, Fredericksburg offers plenty of ways to enjoy the simple pleasures of the holiday season.

A Celebration for Everyone

Whether you visit for the lights, shopping, holiday events, or the charm of a small Texas town at Christmas, Fredericksburg offers something for everyone. Families create traditions, couples enjoy romantic evenings downtown, and visitors experience the welcoming spirit that makes the Texas Hill Country special.

Plan Your Holiday Visit

The holiday season in Fredericksburg runs from late November through early January, with lights, shopping, events, and celebrations throughout the community.

For current dates, schedules, places to stay, dining, shopping, and things to do, visit:

Visit Fredericksburg