When one hears the term “Hill Country,” it
usually brings to mind images of rolling farmland and ranches. And while
Fredericksburg has plenty of both, there is much more it has to offer. Nestled
in between Austin and San Antonio, the tiny town of approximately 12,000 has a
unique culture influenced by both its German and World War II military
heritage.

Depending on visitors‘ preferences, they can choose their lodging
accordingly. For history buffs, the Hangar Hotel is rich in 1940’s culture, its
aviation in particular. The hotel’s exterior is modeled after a typical WWII
style hangar, with bright white siding and a curved metal roof; its aesthetic
evokes the romantic feel of the era.

A visit to the National Museum of the
Pacific War provides a complete immersion into Fredericksburg’s military
tradition.

The Fredericksburg Herb Farm is an oasis for anyone
seeking to embrace nature. Its cottages, inspired by the one room “Sunday
Houses” built by Fredericksburg‘s first German settlers, have an organic feel to
them; the stone floors and pictures of herbs adorning the walls add a cozy
touch.

For a total wellness experience, a trip to their spa is an enjoyable pleasure. There is
also an on premise restaurant whose menu features local ingredients. All of the
bread is handmade on site, and the snails in smoked tomato sauce are a tasty delight.

After a long day of hiking to the top of Enchanted Rock – which true to its name
offers hidden caves and a breathtaking view of the town – I couldn’t think of a
better place to rejuvenate than the Herb Garden.

The culinary offerings of
Fredericksburg are diverse, with no shortage of beer halls to pay homage to its
German heritage. On our first night, we visit the Fredericksburg Brewing
Company.

Surrounded by stainless tanks filled with fresh ales and lagers that
have been brewed onsite, we enjoy fresh wheat beer with a traditional German
sausage sampler, as well as Southern fare such as Nachos and a plate of fried
pickles, jalapenos, and mozzarella.

The vineyards will satiate the more sophisticated palate
of the wine connoisseur just as successfully. Few activities compliment a nice
glass of cabernet better than perusing art galleries, which Fredericksburg has
plenty of. The Artisans at Rocky Hill houses a collection of works by over 90
local artisans and craftsman, while the Insight Gallery features original works
by talented regional artists specializing in styles such as landscape,
impressionistic, and Western.

For fine dining to complete a day of wine tasting
and gallery viewing, August E’s Thai Restaurant offers a surprisingly flavorful
and exotic menu. The crab cake and fried seafood appetizer and the Seafood
Curry are both excellent choices.

In order to fully grasp the heart and soul of
Fredericksburg, a more casual night of pizza, beer, and country music is
essential. Dinner at West End Pizzeria followed by trip to Luchenbach,
originally established as a trading post, is the perfect way to experience the
true Texas hospitality that is such an important part of the town‘s identity.

With Luchenbach’s live country music, beer, and Cornhole (which, for all the
Yankees who might not know, is a game similar to horseshoes which requires
wooden boxes and beanbags in lieu of horseshoes and metal stakes), it is the
quintessential picture of everything you would expect to find in a small
Southern town. Luchenbach is representative of a part of America that
supercilious urbanites often forget exists.

After befriending some of the local
patrons and musicians, I decide to oblige their request that I return one day.
And when I do, there is no doubt in my mind that the bartender will remember me
and greet me with a smile.