A sober person’s guide to Fredericksburg, Texas
By Chloe Moore
Make a quick Google search for “What to do in Fredericksburg, Texas?” and you’re likely to find tens if not hundreds of results, mostly advertising the various wineries that dot the Texas Hill Country.
But for those who don’t consider themselves wine enthusiasts, or are looking for something that doesn’t involve alcohol, it may seem like there’s not much to do in Fredericksburg.
Let me prove you wrong.
Fredericksburg was founded by German immigrants on May 8, 1846, and was originally the ultimate destination for those sent to Texas by the Adelsverein, an attempt by Germany to establish a colonial settlement within the new state. As these German settlers arrived in Texas, they brought with them the art of beer making, hence the town’s focus on alcohol.
Located roughly an hour from both Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg’s convenience makes it a popular day or weekend destination for many Central Texans.
“In 2021, we celebrated our 175th anniversary,” McKenzie Moellering, communications manager for the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau and a local, said. “That was a really great way to go and look back and some of the traditions and events and the history of why people came to the Hill Country to begin with.”
In 2022 alone, Fredericksburg welcomed more than 200,000 visitors to Enchanted Rock State Park and more than 100,000 visitors to the National Museum of the Pacific War, just two of many other destinations that don’t involve alcohol located in the city, according to Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau 2022 Annual Report.
Locals are proud of their German heritage, which can be seen across the town in a variety of different ways. Visitors can check out historical sites like the Pioneer Museum, the Vereins Kirche or Fort Martin Scott, all of which have ties to the town’s German and frontier history.
Moellering recommends visitors spend time at Fredericksburg’s many historical sites to immerse themselves in the town’s culture.
“(The Pioneer Museum) is a great way to get a taste of what life was like,” Moellering said. The museum features a blacksmith shop, a schoolhouse and a Sunday house, which were small homes located near a church as a weekend place of residence for those who lived far from town, according to the Texas State Historical Association.
The town’s architecture is another way it stays true to its German ties, with abundant limestone structures like the Keidel Memorial Hospital and F.W. Arhelger Shop now serving as retail stores.
Not only can people immerse themselves in German culture through historical sites, but Fredericksburg also has many authentic German eateries. Old German Bakery, located on West Main Street, offers a selection of German pastries and dishes alongside Southern classics like fried chicken and hamburgers.
The city is also home to the oldest operating brewpub in Texas, Fredericksburg Brewing Company. While yes, alcohol is involved here, the brewpub is also a restaurant and lodging site, offering 12 total guest rooms onsite.
Arguably, Fredericksburg’s crown jewel is the National Museum of the Pacific War, a Smithsonian Affiliate honoring Fredericksburg local Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz and all those who served in and supported the Pacific Theater during World War II.
The museum features a walkthrough of the major battles and decisions that shaped the course of the Pacific Theater, including Pearl Harbor, the Battle of Iwo Jima and the use of the atomic bomb. It also offers a large quantity of artifacts, ranging from postcards and trinkets to a recovered Japanese submarine and several tanks and planes.
“You could spend days in there if you wanted to,” Moellering said. “It is full of all kinds of information and things to check out.”
Richard Bradstreet traveled from Maine to visit the museum with his friend Lee Lecroix, who is from San Antonio.
“I came down here to visit and I told them I was a history buff,” Bradstreet said. “They recommended this place so this was our first stop.”
“And we’re patriots,” Lecroix said.
Outside, visitors can also find a recreation of the Pacific Combat Zone, with live reenactments held on the museum grounds. Some parts of the museum are currently under renovation but a majority of the exhibits are open for exploration.
“This is stop number one,” Lecroix said. “We’re excited to shop around, find a restaurant, but this was definitely stop number one on our trip.”
For those interested in the retail side of Fredericksburg, there is no shortage of shops, with close to 150 locally owned galleries and stores lining Main Street. According to Mollering, chain stores and franchises are banned in the National Historic District.
For nature lovers, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has nearly 11 miles of hiking trails as well as rock climbing, picnicking and stargazing spots, however, it may not be worth the hype, especially for those without some hiking experience.
The mountain is steep with minimal traction, and a lack of paths and access creates overcrowding on the trails, which can ruin the experience. If you can make it to the top, the views are good but not necessarily worth the $8 entry fee and physical pain faced on the way to the top.
Better views can be found in Austin on the Pennybacker Bridge, or the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.
Fredericksburg is also home to Wildseed Farms, the nation’s largest working wildflower farm. According to the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, Wildseed Farms welcomed over 400,000 visitors in 2022, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Rows of colorful, blooming flowers, including bluebonnets, make for a sublime nature walk or photo spot.
Hannah Hernandez, of McAllen, Texas, says her family frequently visits Fredericksburg, in part due to its natural beauty.
“My family and I have traveled a lot around Texas and Fredericksburg was a lot more memorable than other parts,” said Hernandez. “It doesn’t look like your typical middle-of-nowhere Texas.”
Moellering moved to Texas from Colorado with her husband eight years ago, and says her favorite thing about Fredericksburg is the community.
“It’s a community that has been so welcoming and so much fun to be a part of,” Moellering said. “Something is always going on and it keeps it fun and interesting.”
While Fredericksburg may be known for its numerous wineries, there are plenty of opportunities beyond the vineyards to fill your time, ranging from shops, museums and outdoor adventures.
Anyone can have a good time in Fredericksburg, sober or not.
IF YOU GO:
National Museum of the Pacific War
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday and offers a variety of discounted ticket options, including a discount for seniors and college students. Plan to spend one to two hours exploring all it has to offer.
Enchanted Rock State Park
Visitors must make reservations for both day passes and overnight stays. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, busy season for the park runs from September through May. The park is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., with trails closing 30 minutes after sunset.
Main Street
Many of these stores are closed or have limited hours on Sundays, so keep that in mind when making plans.
Wildseed Farms
While the tasting room is open every day, the farm itself is only open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
