Romantic Getaway: Fredericksburg, Texas
Recommended for: B&Bs, shopping

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Whether your idea of romance is curling up in front of a fireplace in a secluded log cabin or enjoying a glass of champagne in a whirlpool built for two, Fredericksburg is your kind of place.

This small Hill Country town is the capital city of Texas’s burgeoning bed-and-breakfast business. Within Gillespie County, hundreds of B&B properties invite guests to enjoy a pampered getaway at prices far lower than those for hotel suites.

Fredericksburg is best known as the home of the gästehaus or guest house, a bed-and-breakfast where visitors enjoy the privacy of their own abode. Unlike traditional bed-and-breakfasts where the owners or managers reside on the premises, guest houses are usually managed by a reservation service. After check in with the service, guests receive directions and the keys. Often a breakfast, which may range from simple continental to a spread of sausage wraps and homemade pastries, awaits in the refrigerator.

Couples make up a large percentage of the city’s overnight guests. “Fredericksburg has really gotten into the romance business,” explains Donna Mittel, proprietor of Gästehaus Schmidt (830-997-5612, www.fbglodging.com), a reservation service with numerous area properties of every description. “Couples are getting away from the kids for the weekend. And we’re in a real history-oriented society right now. The interest here in historical properties is unreal.”

A popular guest house for couples is Das Kleine Nest (830-997-5612). Every detail of this B&B, from its name (which means the little nest) to its bedroom loft tucked above a spiral staircase, speaks of romance. Built over a century ago by a hopeful fiancé whose wedding never took place, today this bed-and-breakfast has its own chapel, located behind the home. Whether you come here as a honeymooner or just to enjoy a weekend of romance, you’ll find Das Kleine Nest a Lilliputian hideaway, with sleeping quarters that overlook the living and dining area. Rock walls and wood floors as well as antique furnishings recall the home’s early days.

One of the most romantically decorated properties in Fredericksburg is Annie’s Cabin, one of five guest houses located within the Austin Street Retreat (830-997-5612, www.fbglodging.com). The term “cabin” belies the structure’s hedonistic accoutrements, such as smoky rose walls that cast a sinful glow on the king-size bed and Cupid’s arrow headboard. A whirlpool tub invites couples to share a bubbly retreat beneath a skylight.

Nearby, Kristen’s Cabin lures guests into a romantic mood with a king-size bed and a majestic fireplace. The bathroom boasts a two-person whirlpool seated atop a limestone base. Over the years, this room has served as a stable, a dining room, and, in 1885, even a jail. Bars on the windows still recall its role as a cell—today one that only takes two prisoners at a time.

Kristen’s Cabin, located just a block from the shopping of Main Street, also gives guests the feeling of quiet seclusion with a private courtyard. Pull up a chair on the limestone terrace and enjoy the sound of a three-tiered fountain playing beneath shady pecans.

For some travelers, romance comes from real seclusion—away from the flurry of town and the temptation of shopping. One remote retreat is the Schmidt Barn (830-997-5612, www.b-and-b-schmidt-barn.com), located one and a half miles from town. Originally a barn, today this 1860s structure is a cozy guest house filled with antiques, a wood-burning stove, and the atmosphere of early Texas. As a further enticement, a Mexican tile tub invites guests to take a leisurely soak. The guest house sits next to the residence of the owners, descendants of some of Fredericksburg’s first settlers.

Several guest homes are also available east of town for those seeking country comfort. The sprawling Settlers’ Crossing (830-997-2722, www.settlerscrossing.com), five miles from town, presents a collection of historic structures located on a 35-acre ranch. Populated by wandering burros and sheep, the ranch is large enough that each guest house affords guests plenty of privacy, whether for an evening stroll or just an afternoon of sipping tea on the front porch.

The Settlers’ Crossing guest houses create a peek back into Fredericksburg’s past. The Pioneer Homestead, constructed in the 1850s by one of Fredericksburg’s first families, brims with period touches, from antique textiles to pine tables to a bedroom ceiling surrounded by intricate stenciling.

The nearby Baag Farm House, built in the 1920s as a wedding gift, offers a full kitchen for guests who don’t even want to venture from the property for meals. The Indiana House, a log cabin reconstructed on site, holds plenty of period antiques, from its double wedding quilt to the camel back sofa.

But of all the Settlers’ Crossing properties, perhaps the most romantic is the Von Heinrich Home. This two-story Pennsylvania Dutch fachwerk home was constructed in 1787. Its early days are recalled with folk art, antique rugs, and a Shaker table, and couples can also enjoy a whirlpool tub built for two.

Short and Sweet

Getting There:
From Austin, head west on US 290 for 48 miles to the town of Johnson City, and continue west for 30 miles to Fredericksburg. From San Antonio, go north on US 281 to US 290, then turn west and continue for 30 miles.

Festivals:
October is also Texas Wine Month, the perfect excuse to explore the wineries of the Fredericksburg region and the surrounding Hill Country. You can purchase a "passport" explore over a dozen local wineries. Valid for the month of October, the passport serves as your entry into participating wineries. With each visit, get your passport stamped; after at least eight stamps, you'll be eligible to win prizes from the wineries. For more information on purchasing a passport, call 830-868-2321.

Local winery activities continue into the first two weekends of December with the "Holiday Wine Trail," when wineries celebrate the season with wine, special dinners, and more

Nearby Attractions:
Wine lovers get ready—this area is home to several excellent wineries. Save time for a tour of Grape Creek Vineyards (between Fredericksburg and Stonewall on US 290, 830-644-2710, www.grapecreek.com). . Wine aficionados should pick up a copy of the Texas Hill Country Wine Trail brochure, available from the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau at 106 North Adams or on-line at www.texaswinetrail.com. The trail showcases wineries throughout the region.

The largest attraction in town is The National Museum of the Pacific War (340 E. Main St., 830-997-4379, www.nimitz-museum.org). This is the only museum in the US that is dedicated to remembering the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. Visitors view exhibits like the Admiral Nimitz Museum, Veterans’ Walk of Honor, and the Pacific War Combat Zone.

For a look at an earlier time in history, visit the Pioneer Museum Complex (312 W. San Antonio St.., 830-997-2835, www.pioneermuseum.com) to see a collection of typical 19th-century homes, including the “Sunday house.” Sunday houses were built by farmers who traveled long distances to do business in town, often staying the weekend.

The rich farmland that surrounds Fredericksburg is also home to several attractions. Outdoor lovers shouldn't miss Wildseed Farm, the largest family-owned wildflower seed farm in the United States. There's a self-guided walking tour through the colorful grounds as well as a market center featuring all types of gift items. The farm is located seven miles east of Fredericksburg on US 290 daily from 9:30 to 6; admission is free. For information, call 800-848-0078 or see www.wildseedfarms.com.

Another unique environmental attraction is the Fredericksburg Butterfly Ranch and Habitat, located at 508 West Main. Native Texas butterflies fill the Butterfly House; colorful Monarch butterflies flit through the room like beautiful tissue paper. The farm is open seasonally through the end of November . Call 830-990-0735 for more information.

Nature lovers also appreciate the Fredericksburg Herb Farm, an organic farm which produces flowers, herbs, beauty products, and more. The farm is home to a day spa, restaurant, and even a bed and breakfast.

Dining:
Nothing is more romantic than dining outdoors, so if you visit on a pretty day stop for lunch at the Altdorf German Biergarten and Restaurant (301 W. Main St., 830-997-7865), which specializes in German dishes. There’s also dining in an adjacent stone building erected by the city’s pioneers. For more good German food, also try Friedhelm’s Bavarian Inn (905 W. Main, 830-997-6300), where we enjoyed some of the best schnitzel in the state. One of the most well-known restaurants in Fredericksburg is open for lunch only. The Peach Tree Tea Room (210 S. Adams St., 830-997-9527, www.peach-tree.com) serves up light dishes such as quiche, soup, and salad. Reservations are recommended.

Shopping:
Fredericksburg is a shopper’s dream. Regardless of what you’re looking for—cowboy kitsch, collectibles, antiques, hand-made candles, dulcimers, iron art, one-of-a-kind clothing—you’ll find it here. Weekends are busy with day trippers from San Antonio, who fill Main Street and give the entire downtown a festive atmosphere. You can park and walk to many of the shops.

Bridal Bits:
Adjacent to Das Klein Nest B&B sits Antonette Marie’s Wedding Chapel and Social Manor (208 E. San Antonio, 830-997-1753). You can arrive at this quaint chapel by horse-drawn carriage and then enjoy a wedding, vow renewal, or reception for up to 60 people inside or outdoors on the brick-paved patio beneath tall pecan trees.

Fredericksburg also offers many reception sites for couples looking for a relaxed setting. The small community offers several unique venues including a 4,000-square-foot facility for up to 200 guests at the Fredericksburg Brewing Company microbrewery and facilities for up to 75 at the Wildseed Farms Brewbonnet Biergarten, set amidst acres of commercial wildflower fields.

Active groups will also find meeting space at the community’s golf course: Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course. The 18 hole championship golf course is home to the Cardinal Room with meeting space overlooking the course for 100 attendees. The Lady Bird Johnson Park is home to the Tatsch House, a restored historic farmhouse with facilities for 75 attendees as well as a pool and tennis courts. The park’s Pioneer Pavilion offers a large heated pavilion and catering kitchen for groups of up to 500.

At the LBJ State Park in nearby Stonewall, a party house accommodates up to 100 attendees and includes not only a catering kitchen but picnic grounds on the Pedernales River. Turner Hall, an historic social hall, can seat up to 200 guests and also offers a wooden dance floor.

One of Fredericksburg’s most unique sites is Tin Star Ranch (800.722.8564, www.tinstarranch.com), a 370-acre facility 12 miles north of Fredericksburg. The ranch’s Longhorn Palace, a replica of an 1880's Victorian style saloon, can accommodate 160 for dinner or 350 reception style. The facility has 14 guest rooms upstairs, each with full bath facilities, and four B&B's on site. Over 30 head of longhorn cattle graze nearby pastures.

Tin Star Ranch is located near Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, an enormous dome of pink granite that rises 325 feet above the small stream flowing at its base. Covering over a square mile, the formation is second in size only to Georgia's Stone Mountain. The park is a favorite with rock climbers and hikers.

Eight miles east of Fredericksburg lies Luckenbach, the historic community immortalized in the popular country song. Along with a general store and bar, Luckenbach is home to a dancehall available for group rental, perfect for wedding parties looking for a unique, truly Texas style reception site.

Reservation Services:
For reservations at any of these properties, contact Gästehaus Schmidt (231 W. Main, 830-997-5612, www.fbglodging.com). Other reservation services include Bed and Breakfast of Fredericksburg (619 W. Main, 210-997-4712) and Be My Guest (110 N. Milam, 830-997-7227).

For More Information:
Contact the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at (830) 997-6523 or visit www.fredericksburg-texas.com.