Every year for our anniversary, my husband and I usually go on a cruise. However this March we are going on a big cruise for my 40th birthday (yeah that’s not a typo, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it myself). And by big I mean many many vacation days planned, several countries on the itinerary, and some bucket list experiences that won’t be cheap. So for our anniversary last month, we had a lovely weekend getaway in Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country (vineyards, wine, German culture, oh my!). Here are some of the things we did that are worth sharing.
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Accommodations in a Pioneer Log Cabin
We stayed the weekend at Loeffler-Weber Cabin, a log cabin originally built in 1846 (and obviously updated with modern plumbing and other accommodations). It looks tiny, and perhaps it is, but we had plenty of room inside between a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Not bad for the “oldest Sunday house in Fredericksburg.” I enjoyed the peace and quiet of the cabin, the rustic elements scattered around the cabin, and the semi-private Jacuzzi tub on the back porch. You can read a tiny bit more about the cabin here.
Nimitz Museum of the Pacific War
For history buffs like my husband, there’s a nice Pacific War museum in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg with displays inside and outside the building. It’s worth a stroll for sure.
Downtown Fredericksburg
Along Main Street we enjoyed shopping in an array of stores from Dogologie (we had to get Christmas gifts for the fur babies) to clothing and antique stores. There are also many wineries and tasting rooms along Main as well. And not to mention the cafes, German food restaurants and breweries…we could’ve spent way more than a weekend here!
That Pyramid Thing
Since we were in town during the holidays, we were glad to see the 26-foot wooden carousel, or Weihnachtspyramide, in the Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg. This structure was first displayed here in 2009 and is quite literally a vertical Nativity scene.
Christmas Lights and General Merriment
Also in Marktplatz are Christmas lights covering all the trees, a huge Christmas tree…and children everywhere. Our visit was one week before Christmas, so it was easy to get into the holiday spirit with everything lit up. Fredericksburg during the holidays is definitely something to see.
290 Wine Trail by Shuttle
On Saturday we hit the wine trail responsibly via 290 Wine Shuttle. This hop on/hop off service from downtown Fredericksburg to select wineries along 290 is the best way to spend a busy Saturday in the Texas Wine Country. No driving, no worries, and surprisingly no lines or waiting. They’ll even take purchases back to Fredericksburg for you at no additional cost. We visited Becker Vineyards, Fat Ass Ranch & Winery, 4.0 Cellars, Wedding Oak Winery at Wildseed Farms, Armadillo’s Leap Winery, Six Shooter Cellars, and The Vintage Cellar all in one day. Read all about A Fredericksburg Wine Trail via Shuttle here.
290 Wine Trail on Our Own
On Sunday we hit the wine trail again but by appointment (with a couple unscheduled stops in between) on our way back home to Houston. A little more structured than A Fredericksburg Wine Trail via Shuttle the day before, and just as enjoyable. We visited Grape Creek Vineyards, Baron’s Creek Vineyards, Kuhlman Cellars, Vinovium, and Ron Yates Wines on the way home. Read all about A Fredericksburg Wine Trail by Appointment here.
It was a lovely weekend, and we look forward to visiting again very soon. It seems every time I go, there is always a new winery popping up. And I do need to “collect them all!”
Usually when we take road trips to Texas wineries, at some point we have to ask for a box to keep our bottles from rolling around the trunk or floorboard. But now that I have a VinGardeValise Petite wine suitcase (holds 8 bottles), I brought it for transport and to keep the wine pseudo-insulated from the Texas heat during stops (read all about how I pack my wine suitcase here). Damn, I love that suitcase.
VinGardeValise – Up to 8 Bottles & All Purpose Wine Travel Suitcase (Silver)
Until next time, Fredericksburg…
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