Fredericksburg, Texas

When German elites fled oppressive political and social conditions in the mid-1800s, some of them came to the Texas Hill Country in south central Texas and founded Fredericksburg. Named after Prince Frederick of Prussia, the town is 75 miles west of Austin and still called Fritztown by some locals.

Fredericksburg is known for its trove of beautiful, unique 19th-century German architecture – much of the town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places – and for its dozens of wineries, surrounding peach groves, herb farms and bluebonnet fields.   It is, in fact, one of the most popular tourist towns in Texas. 

The downtown has more than 100 antique stores, boutique shops, candy stores, art galleries, wine tasting rooms, etc. Top-notch German restaurants are in good supply, and there are some military museums, a community theater and a farmers’ market.  The Roxbox Theater presents old fashioned rock and roll shows and receives rave reviews. 

The town’s Christmas lighting displays are renowned throughout the area. Texas German is a local dialect that stems from early immigrants choosing not to speak English.

Homes styles are eclectic, ranging from very interesting contemporary bungalows to 19th-century stone houses. 

While Fredericksburg has a reputation as a charming German village, some people say that it is starting to feel a little like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, with vacationers flying in on private planes.