As a Texas local, I skip the crowds in Austin and head west to a charming nearby city with incredible wineries

• I’ve lived in Texas for many years, and Fredericksburg is one of my favorite places to visit.
• The small city has a charming, walkable Main Street with some great restaurants.
• Fredericksburg has incredible wineries, and I like that it isn’t too far from Austin or San Antonio.

After 15 years of driving between San Antonio and Austin as a longtime Texas local, I’ve found my favorite detour: Fredericksburg.

Part of the scenic Texas Hill Country, it’s a walkable city with German roots that’s popular for its array of wineries, boutique hotels, and lively downtown area.

Though I love Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg provides a small-town feel that the aforementioned cities — with populations close to a million each — could never quite achieve.

In my opinion, Fredericksburg’s small population of about 12,000 only lends to its charm. It’s a great break from bigger cities, as it’s less than a two-hour drive from Austin or San Antonio.

Here’s why I visit twice a year and highly recommend it as a travel destination.

Wine is a huge draw of the area

Fredericksburg is situated in the heart of Texas wine country, so visiting without enjoying one of its many wineries is like a crime in Texas. (Another? Dry brisket.)

There are two options for vinos in Fredericksburg — stop by a multitude of tasting rooms on Main Street or drive out past a ranch or two to find Tuscan-style wineries hidden in plain sight.

One of my favorite wineries that’s worth the extra drive is Augusta Vin Winery. I always enjoy sipping reds in the spacious tasting room with large open windows that are perfect for taking in the Texas sunshine.

Other wineries worth visiting in Fredericksburg include Slate Theory for a touch of modernity, the Rhinory for the unique experience of drinking at a rhino reserve, and Barons Creek or Grape Creek Vineyards for classic experiences with beautiful views.

Fredericksburg also has several great restaurants and cafés

There’s no shortage of great places to grab a meal in Fredericksburg.

Consider leaning into the city’s German heritage at The Auslander, one of the many locally owned restaurants on Main Street. Reminiscent of a classic Bavarian beer hall, it has beer, a whole section of schnitzel entrées, sausage plates, and German sandwiches.

For a guest more partial to upscale fare, try Albert Hotel’s fairly new spot, The Restaurant. It’s a great place for date night.

Led by Michelin-starred chef Michael Fojtasek, the Restaurant pays homage to seasonal Texas Hill Country-inspired cuisine with fresh local ingredients (like peaches) and spins on German dishes.

It’s also easy to find good Texas barbecue in spots like Junebug’s BBQ. Its menu is filled with smoked meats (the pulled pork is especially impressive) and all the fixings.

Other notable local bites include Vaudeville’s famous Saturday gumbo, Otto’s decadent cinnamon rolls, and Alstadt Brewery’s ice-cold beer and tasty Reuben sandwiches.

Main Street is also home to several coffee shops — the Old West-themed Java Ranch is my go-to for a perfect iced latte. Other spots worth trying include Kaffee Haus and Caliche Coffee and Roasters.

And if you want to visit an Instagram-worthy bar with lots of bubbly, head down Main Street to the all-pink paradise that is Brooke’s Bubble Bar.

There’s so much to do and try here, and I’ll keep coming back

I often switch up which restaurants and vineyards I visit, and Fredericksburg’s variety of accommodations makes it easy to change up where I stay, too.

I can sleep in one of several boutique hotels, go for a more rustic stay at the Onera treehouse resort near Main Street, or enjoy a cozy guest cabin at Cross Mountain Vineyards.

Hotels and eateries aside, Main Street also has tons of art galleries, antique shops, jewelry stores, clothing boutiques, and more.

I appreciate that I can spend a whole day exploring downtown without ever moving my car. (Plus, I’ve always been able to find ample free parking on Main Street).

If you want to enjoy a big Texas city, check out Austin or even San Antonio. However, if you’re looking for a quieter alternative with a small-town feel, Fredericksburg is a great pick.

I know I’ll be back soon.

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