See the You Tube Video at the end of the post

What an unexpected gem! Fredericksburg wasn’t originally on our itinerary for this cross-country trip, but it ended up being a great find. After leaving San Antonio, we found ourselves with four unplanned days before our reservations in Whites City, NM, where we had timed entry passes to Carlsbad Caverns. We were looking for something fun to do in Texas, and Fredericksburg quickly caught our attention.

I had read that Fredericksburg was known for its wildflowers, especially the iconic Texas Bluebonnet. Unfortunately, we were a few weeks early for the blooms. But when we stopped by the Texas Welcome Center, the staff gave us some great tips about the area, and we decided to set aside a couple of nights to explore.

Well, two nights turned into three! Fredericksburg’s main street is a Western treasure chest, brimming with unique shops, tasty eateries, and a whole lot of Texas charm. You’ll find everything from Western clothing to delicious local foods, with a few winery storefronts offering tastings along the way. The town has a fascinating German influence, dating back to its settlement by German immigrants in 1846, blending seamlessly with the Western vibe. Sam, who loves German cuisine, was definitely a “happy camper” here. Having visited Letchworth, WA, where the town has a German village feel, I was curious to see how Fredericksburg would compare. They’ve done an amazing job of maintaining the Western atmosphere while honoring their German heritage.

A few streets over from Main Street, we stumbled upon the Fredericksburg Pie Company, and I’m so glad we did! This family-owned spot makes all their pies from scratch, and they’re absolutely delicious. They bake and sell out of pies by 2:00 pm daily, and during the holidays (think Thanksgiving), they can make up to 300 pies a day! Sam tried the Orange Bourbon Pecan Pie, while I went for the Peach Blueberry – both were heavenly.

We also spent some time at Texas Heritage Winery, another family-owned gem. Curious about how grapes thrive in such a dry climate, we asked our server, who explained that the conditions are quite similar to those in Spain, which is why they grow Spanish grape varieties. Leti also mentioned that there are olive farms starting to become popular as well. We enjoyed sipping wine while listening to live music on a Sunday afternoon — a perfect way to unwind.

Another spot worth mentioning is the Lyndon B Johnson State and National Historic Sites.  We only visited the National site but talked (at the dog park) with a family that did the state site who raved about the living history museum!

Now, I have to mention the weather – it was WINDY! Texas Hill Country was experiencing some unprecedented winds while we were there. Check out the video to see Annie’s ears flapping in the breeze!

We stayed at Lantern Oaks RV Resort, just a short drive from Main Street, and we highly recommend it. The resort has a fantastic dog park that Annie (and we) loved, and it’s located near a private airport. Initially, I thought the proximity to the airport might be a nuisance, but we ended up enjoying watching the planes land and take off, especially with the strong winds.

Next up, we’re heading to Carlsbad Caverns – our first National Park of the trip! Stay tuned for more adventures, as we tackle more wind and watch Laurie drive for the very first time!

Let us know in the comments if you have ever been to Fredericksburg!