Town of the Week

Fredericksburg, Texas
April 15, 2000

Head over to Fredericksburg, Texas; just listen in.

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When you're looking for gemutlichkeit, y'all, you just have to go to Texas. German settlers, led by John O. Meusebach, founded Fredericksburg in May of 1846, leaving a legacy of old world charm in the Texas hill country north of San Antonio. The city's architecture has been preserved in a beautiful, walkable historic district.

More than 50 special events and festivals are held here annually. They include an herb fair today, the Easter Fires Pageant next Saturday night, which with a cast of 600 people, tells the story of the town's beginnings, and the Food and Wine Fest. The Pioneer Museum Complex and the Vereins Kirche or Society's Church, both owned by the Gillespie County Historical Society, provide a glimpse of early life in town.

Other attractions near Fredericksburg are the Admiral Nimitz State Historical Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and the LBJ State and National Parks. Fredericksburg lies in the top peach producing county in Texas, which begin ripening next month. Grapes grow well here, too, and the area is home to four fine vineyards including the Fredericksburg Winery on West Main Street.

During the summer, one favorite pastime is to drive 10 miles south of town to an old tunnel where millions of bats leave their caves one hour before sunset each night. Then, it's only a couple of miles to the famed Luckenbach dance hall, saloon and general store. Fredericksburg's high school is home to the Battlin' Billies. Also known as the Spa City, its our Town of the Week, Fredericksburg, Texas.