Home Care In Fredericksburg, TX

It's hard to rank the best of the Hill Country's favorite hotspots. Every town has something unique to offer — whether it's food, wine, beer, history, shopping, art or antiques — but according to a top travel magazine, one spot just has the best of it all, and it's not far from San Antonio.

Travel + Leisure, a renowned worldwide travel brand just named Fredericksburg the "unofficial capital of the Texas Hill Country," calling the charming tourism destination a "must-visit town" in a November 15 article.

Fredericksburg isn't the only Hill Country community with fine dining, bed-and-breakfasts, or vineyards. But Travel+Leisure argues that the town's mix of experiences and amenities are unmatched. Visitors can browse the "one-of-a-kind" 30,000-square-foot Carol Hicks Bolton Antiquities store, shop at the San Saba Soap Company (known for using cold-pressed Texas pecan oil in its products), or spend hours wandering the eclectic boutiques along the town's historic Main Street.

Of course, the wineries still define the area for many travelers. The publication notes that Fredericksburg is the perfect home base for day trips to surrounding Hill Country attractions. But it's not just for wine lovers.

Enchanted Rock is the perfect spot for outdoor explorers, and those looking to dance the night away can enjoy a trip to nearby Luckenbach for live music or a drive around hunting for some of Fredericksburg's famous peaches and pecans.

The article also mentions the small town's increasingly sophisticated hotel and restaurant scene. Top lodging venues include the Hoffman Haus, The Albert and Trueheart hotels. Meanwhile, recommended restaurants range from Eaker Barbecue to Vaudeville, and the area's nightlife spans from the classy speakeasy at Salvation Spirits to the pink-dream Brooke’s Bubble Bar and more.

"You'll find plenty of history, charm, and adventures to keep you busy from dawn to dusk," the article said.

About an hour from San Antonio, you'll find a tiny Texas town with enchanting holiday charm — like stepping straight into a cute, slightly cheesy Hallmark movie. Fredericksburg's rich German heritage sets the stage for a town that truly earns its title as the most magical winter destination in Texas.

The Texas Hill Country town doesn't just decorate for the holidays — it commits. You'll find Christmas wreaths hung at nearly every shop along Main Street, bright holiday lights and a charismatic main square, all ingredients for a great holiday film. But, if that isn't appealing enough, the city hosts a nightly countdown of lighting a massive Christmas tree and the iconic German Christmas Pyramid.

From its holiday efforts to its traditions, thousands of tourists visit every year. In 2024, tourism generated $175 million in visitor spending, supported 1,200 local jobs, and contributed $17 million in tax revenue to the community, according to the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau.

In November, Texas Family Resorts, a popular statewide family blog that ranks Texas' top destinations, even named the city as the top spot to visit in the winter. Due to its allure, MySA visited Fredericksburg to experience a magical holiday. Here's what it was like:

A Fredericksburg Christmas

Every night, Fredericksburg hosts the Christmas Nights of Lights, the city's favorite holiday festivities, according to the visitor bureau. Holiday music takes over the main square at 5 p.m., and a 10-minute audio program follows at 6 p.m. The program features the story of the town's German heritage and the background on the Christmas tree.

After the program, there's an exciting 10-second countdown of the lighting of the tree and the German Christmas Pyramid, a 26-foot carousel-like structure called a Weihnachtspyramide. The wooden pyramids are a traditional German decoration dating back to the 16th century, according to the city. It is an art form that many believe evolved into the current custom of a Christmas tree.

In that area, you'll also find the Eisbahn ice skating rink, which attracts hundreds of visitors, skaters, and spectators from local communities and metropolitan areas each year. A portion of the proceeds from Eisbahn is also donated to two local charities. It costs $15 for a full-day pass. You can purchase tickets at the skate trailer. I did not skate because I'm scared of falling, but many brave children and families enjoyed it while I was there.

Skating isn't the only attraction this holiday season. The city is hosting several events, such as the Santa Day Parade and Kinderfest on December 6 and the 56th annual LBJ Tree Lighting at LBJ State Historic Site on December 21. For more information, visit the city's website.

What to do in Fredericksburg, TX?

Aside from the fun holiday events, visitors can stroll the historic downtown Main Street and shop at the over 150 local shops, galleries, bakeries and art studios. It's a perfect place to wander, grab a coffee or pastry and soak in the Hallmark vibes. I spent nearly all day pursuing the shops and found a ton of trinkets and holiday gifts.

You can also go wine tasting. The town sits in the heart of the Texas Wine Country. You'll find dozens of wineries and tasting rooms, some right downtown or nearby.

If you're looking for an outdoor activity, the lovely Enchanted Rock State Park is nearby and about only 20 minutes away. The park has a massive pink-granite dome that you can hike up for panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country.

To eat, there are plenty of restaurants to visit. Many locals told me to try the Vaudeville Bistro & Wine Bar, which was closed by the time I went on Sunday, and the Ottp's German Bistro. I enjoyed a delightful dinner of steak and chicken at my hotel, the Albert Hotel.

I went to Fredericksburg yearning for an experience that felt like a holiday flick, and I received exactly that.

Fredericksburg has just about the best of everything — and according to one popular home and lifestyle site, cozy autumn vibes are no exception. The Pioneer Woman Magazine, an online blog run under the brand of beloved Food Network personality Ree Drummond, recently published a list of the best towns to visit in November for a "cozy" fall getaway.

Fredericksburg, a small German town with an exploding tourism scene, cracked the top ten. It was the only Texas town to make the national ranking, with the magazine crediting Fredericksburg's small-town feel, German charm and wineries for the win.

"In November the weather is comfortable and the scene feels more relaxed than in peak summer," the magazine said.

The growing tourism town, located in Gillespie County along U.S. 290, has pulled in more than a few national rankings over the years.

Not only is it one of the best places to visit overall and one of the best retirement towns in Texas, but its wineries are also top-tier. More recently, the old-fashioned town was also ranked as one of the most "magical" places to visit at Christmas time. In the fall, the town's stunning Main Street offers lots of shopping, food, wine and a sense of charm that is straight out of a Hallmark movie.

Drummond's site is known for its tasty food recipes, home decor tips, and updates on all things The Pioneer Woman herself, or "Ree," as she is referred to by fans.

The Food Network personality first launched her award-winning blog, Confessions of a Pioneer Woman, in 2006, according to a Forbes profile, in which she is described as being "relatable, funny, self-deprecating and sincere." The celebrity cook and lifestyle icon has fashioned herself into a more ranchy, down-home edition of this generation's Martha Stewart. Walmarts across the country sell Drummond's vintage-style cookware brand.

Kennebunkport, Maine, took home the top spot on the list, thanks to its "charming inns, cozy cafes, and scenic harbor views," making the seaside New England village an ideal destination. Other towns on the list include Hudson, New York; Asheville, North Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Sedona, Arizona; and Taos, New Mexico.

Texans already know it, but it bears repeating: Texas is huge. To put it in perspective, it is more than twice the size of Italy, significantly larger than France, and 10 times bigger than Ireland. With that much space to roam, weekend or day trip possibilities are nearly endless. If you are searching for some of the most scenic and interesting towns to visit, these eight are a great place to start. You will find everything from deep canyons and clear swimming holes to strong German heritage, showcasing not only the vastness of Texas but also its remarkable diversity.

Wimberly

Sitting in the Texas Hill Country, about an hour from Austin, Wimberly is a go-to destination for laid-back weekend trips. When the weather is nice and warm, you can go for a dip at Blue Hole Regional Park, which features a natural swimming area with pristine waters, hiking trails, and picnic areas. The shopping scene is also one of Wimberly’s highlights, with adorable shops and boutiques scattered throughout. Vintage Lily Boutique is an example of one you can pop into, selling jewelry, clothing, accessories, and more. Dinner doesn’t get much more scenic than that at Chills On The Creek, a waterfront restaurant along Cypress Creek that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Marfa

Smack dab in the middle of the West Texas Chihuahuan Desert, travelers will find Marfa, an energized, artsy town. The Chinati Foundation is a must-visit museum during your visit, a permanent installation of large-scale artworks that artist Donald Judd founded in 1986. Another stop worth visiting is the Marfa Studio of Arts, a 1,000-square-foot gallery that showcases local work and includes a shop where you can purchase pieces. The culinary establishments in town are just as unique as the art. Planet Marfa is an eccentric favorite, an outdoor bar that hosts occasional live music performances under the stars.

Canyon

Canyon’s name is quite fitting: The town is home to the second-largest canyon in the country, which travelers can visit at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. This state park has plenty of ways to explore the canyon, including 30 miles of trails and campsites. The TEXAS Outdoor Musical also runs seasonally in the park, a family-friendly show that tells the story of the Panhandle’s early settlers For a drink and some good music, check out local venues like The Lumberyard, a restaurant and bar that holds live concerts throughout the year.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is not what many picture when they think of Texas. The town’s strong German heritage and thriving wineries result in a pleasant surprise in the Hill Country. There are plenty of places to grab some good German grub in town, one of which is the Old German Bakery & Restaurant, which serves homemade food made with German recipes. Looking for a nice glass of wine? Invention Vineyards is nearby, a 35-acre estate with a full production winery and a tasting room. If you are in town during the holiday season, you should definitely keep some of its holiday events on your radar, such as the Light the Night Christmas Parade, a parade down Main Street that ends with photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Boerne

About 40 minutes south of Fredericksburg, Boerne also embraces German heritage, an impressive brewery scene, and natural wonders like nearby caverns. Cascade Caverns is the town’s oldest tourist attraction, dating back to 1932, with tours today passing through five major rooms, including a breathtaking Cathedral Room. If an afternoon on the lake sounds nice to you, make sure to visit Boerne City Lake Park, which is popular for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. Finish your day at Cibolo Creek Brewing Co., a casual brewery that brews its own IPAs, blondes, lagers, stouts, and more.

Jefferson

If you have ever wanted to see Texas’s beautiful swamps and bayous, Jefferson is the town for you. Located just west of Caddo Lake, the town has several tour operators, including Caddo Lake Bayou Tours, which takes visitors through the lake’s riverways, swamps, and bayous. The town’s history is equally fascinating, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century. Travelers can experience a piece of this history at the Excelsior Hotel, which was established in 1858 and is furnished today with antiques and old-world touches. Just across the street from the hotel, visitors can also view the historic Jay Gould Railroad Car, a 19th-century private parlor car with four staterooms, a dining room, a kitchen, a lounge, and even a ballroom.

Waxahachie

Waxahachie, located roughly 30 minutes south of Dallas, is especially known for its replica of the Munster Mansion from the 1960s sitcom The Munsters. Since the original blueprints were unavailable, the builders studied the show closely and recreated each room in detail. Touring the mansion today, you will likely feel as if you have stepped foot into the show. Another attraction to visit while in town includes the Ellis County Museum, which contains displays and interactive exhibits that encompass 130 years of history. Boaters and anglers, meanwhile, can head to Lake Waxahachie, one of the best fishing lakes in North Texas, with largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, and crappie being abundant.

Ennis

You will likely want to visit Ennis in the spring, once the bluebonnets begin to bloom. The State Legislature named Ennis the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail in 1997, and every April, the town maps over 40 miles of viewing routes and hosts a weekend festival with live music to celebrate. If all of the bluebonnet viewing and festival going has worked up an appetite, you can grab some classic Texas barbecue at Bubba’s BBQ & Steakhouse, which serves brisket, pulled pork, sausage, ribs, and chicken. Grab a souvenir from a local shop like BOOM Beauty & Boutique, which sells clothing, jewelry, and accessories.

There is so much to see throughout Texas. Sweeping desert, rolling bluebonnet fields, swampy bayous, and the lush Hill Country are just a few of the treasures that await you in these towns. The towns themselves are just as vibrant as the landscapes, filled with live music bars, vineyards, and German bakeries that will keep you entertained all weekend long. There is no substitute for experiencing it firsthand, however. Venture out and discover what makes Texas so unique for yourself.

Thanksgiving may be well on the way, but the Texas Hill Country is looking forward to another occasion before November is over — the Fredericksburg Balloon and Wine Festival.

The event, hosted by the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm, is slated to be a smorgasbord of fun for anyone looking to check "Fredericksburg visit" off their holiday season bucket list.

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According to the festival's Eventbrite page, attendees will be able to experience "a truly remarkable day in the Texas Hill Country" with several activities available to enjoy, including tethered hot air balloon rides, safari wine tours, grape stomps, live music and more.

Here are a few key details to keep in mind about the event, so you can make the most of your experience this month.

When and where will the Fredericksburg Balloon and Wine Festival take place?

According to the festival's ticket purchase page, the event will take place from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at the Grapetown Vineyard and Farm on 8142 Old San Antonio Road.

The vineyard and farm boasts "tremendous" views of the Texas Hill Country, award-winning wines, charming accommodations and more, its information page says. It also includes a Veteran Owned and Operated Animal Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of "exotic" animals — including lemurs, zebra, kangaroo, camels, bison, capybarra, mini cows and deer and pygmy goats, to name a few.

Where can I buy tickets to the Fredericksburg Balloon and Wine Festival?

If you're looking to attend the event, purchasing tickets through the festival's Eventbrite page sooner rather than later is the best way to make sure you can secure your admission.

According to the festival's Eventbrite ticket purchase page, attendees can choose from ticket options ranging from $12.33 to $108.02 in costs.

If you'd like the full "VIP" experience — which includes admission, a grape stomp experience, a hot air balloon ride, one wine tasting ticket and a safari wine tour — that will set you back a total of $108.02 with fees.

All ticket sales are non-refundable, the festival's Eventbrite page says.

Where should I plan to park at the Fredericksburg Balloon and Wine Festival?

Perhaps the most annoying part of any event is figuring out the parking situation.

According to Grapetown Vineyard and Farm's parking information section, pre-paid parking is guaranteed on site.

However, "You must pre pay for parking to ensure admission." Handicap parking is also available but limited, so it's best to arrive early, venue reps say.

To pre-purchase your parking, you can visit the festival's Eventbrite page, which vends parking at $23.59 with fees per vehicle.

Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at [email protected].

A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers’ rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships.

In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band.