Texas Family Vacation Attractions
Fredericksburg was settled by families emigrating from Germany in 1846, led by John O. Meusebach. Many of the
buildings in town retain traditional German styles with most of Main Street along with the parallel streets
comprising the National Register Historic District. You can still hear German spoken and the old customs are still
observed. A few of the customs still observed include Easter Fires, Schuetzenfests, Oktoberfest, Weihnachten, and
Kinderfest. Why do visitors choose Fredericksburg for their Texas family vacation? The beauty of the countryside,
the European atmosphere, hunting, bakeries, wineries and the wonderful museums plus the state and national parks
and the ongoing events and festivals. Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz,
Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet during World War II. The Nimitz museum and Museum of the Pacific War are
fascinating reminders of the importance of this war and the people who fought in it.
About 40% of all Texas peaches are grown in Fredericksburg and surrounding Gillespie County with more than 60
orchards located in the county. Peach season generally runs from late May through early August.
Fredericksburg is just a little over an hour drive from Austin or San Antonio. It is well known for it's wonderful
bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and inns. Visitors also find wonderful shopping in and along our wide Main Street
filled with antiques, gifts, fashion, books, food, vineyards, wineries, day spas, golf and even lavender farms! The
Fredericksburg area has quickly become known for bicycling and bird watching in the hills. The choices in
restaurants is diverse and ample - everything from German, Mexican, seafood and sandwiches.
Fredericksburg has been named in Guideposts Magazine as one of the top 10 small towns in America and named as one of
five "art towns" in the Southwest by Southwest Art Magazine. Special attractions in and around Fredericksburg are:
The National Museum of the Pacific War, LBJ State and National Historic Parks, the Pioneer Museum, Enchanted Rock
State National Historic Park Natural area, the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management area, Marktplatz, Luckenbach,
Wildseed Farms, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Butterfly Ranch, Gish's Old West Museum, numerous wineries and art
galleries.
LBJ State Historical Park
Fredericksburg has Presidential history as well. President Lyndon
Baines Johnson played along the banks of the Pedernales River and,
during his presidency; his ranch became the Texas White House. At
the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park on Hwy. 290 in
Stonewall you can tour the ranch, Texas White House, LBJ birthplace,
Johnson family cemetery, old Junction School, LBJ's grandparents'
house and ranch show barn.
Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm
Also located on the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Grounds is the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Visit a living
history farmstead of the pioneers. See how the farm families of a
centur ago lived. Learn about seasonal activities such as sausage
making, sheep shearing, canning, etc.
Rockbox
Funtabulous family-friendly entertainment. A totally new experience for Fredericksburg - professional resident cast presents costumed and choreographed live variety music productions from the golden era of rock n roll. Every weekend in a state-of-the-art, 392-seat indoor theater.
Weekly performances Friday-Sunday. 109 N. Llano, one block of Main Street. Ticket office opens daily at 10am. www.rockboxtheater.com . 1-866-349-6688 or (830) 997-ROCK
Historic Schools of Gillespie County
The Friends of Gillespie County Country Schools are former students and members of the community, interested in preserving the traditions of the rural schools of Gillespie County. These schools were places for learning and centers of communities which no longer exist, but today continue the traditions of schools in rural areas serving as community centers for the surrounding residents. Today, several properties are in need of preservation and the Friends have taken on the responsibility to preserve and ensure that these former schools will be the future parks for the residents of the county. There are a number of fund raisers throughout the year, including the annual Open House in April, when several of the schools are open to the public.
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