Need Hill Country info

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

This doesn't have anything to do with the Navy, so I apologize, but I need some help.  I'm helping plan an escorted tour from the RGV to the Fredericksburg area on December 16-18 or 19th.  I've been there, but only to tour the Nimitz Museum which I found really interesting, but probably only some of the men and very few of the women would want to go there.  I know there's some sort of market day going on.  Is that outside of town or walking distance from most of the shops?  There's also a gun and knife show that weekend that some of the men will be interested in.  

Does anyone have a hotel recommendation that's central?  Restaurants? 

The wine trail wants to charge $60 for a tour, plus a tasting fee at each winery, so that's not going to be to everyone's liking.  I'm thinking we go to two or three wineries only.  Any suggestions? 

The LBJ Ranch?  What else is in the area that might be of interest? 

The tour company that's working with me already has a tour set up for Dec. 2 to include the Christmas market, but this group at my park wants to go as close to Christmas as possible.  Of course, events are different for the later weekend. 

We'd probably arrive Friday afternoon and leave either Sunday afternoon or sometime on Monday. 

Thanks so much for the advice.  I know many of you love the Hill Country.

 

Ruth

 

[my3sons]

Ruth, Sandyknits (a new mom) lives in Fredericksburg.  I will see her this weekend and ask her to take a look at your post.  Her daughter doesn't leave for boot camp until the end of June.

[SueS (ABF Mom)]

This is the website for Fredericksburg    http://www.fbgtx.org/

There are quite a few hotels and resturants and little shops.  Not sure what is going on in Dec at LBJ.  The museum is great and I would think the ladies might still like it.  Kerrville isn't too far nor is San Antonio..  Enjoy!  we are going to a wedding there in July... HOT!

[quiltblue]

The winery's are fun, but they are not close to each other so you might have people choose not to go to all of them. Where they hold market is outside of town, and not walking distance unless they have changed that into somewhere else from when I have visited (check the website Sue posted below). I don't know if "Wildseed Farms" will be open, but if you want to see that its really nice. The town closes down pretty much on Sunday's so be prepared to searching for something to do. Try and eat at the "Peachtree Restaurant"... its really good! The men will love "Fredericksburg Brewery", have someone try a Scotch Egg (a deep fried hard-boiled egg surrounded by sausage - delicious!) my husband loves there Red ale best, I like the Pale ale.  Enjoy and have fun!

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

I know Scotch eggs!  My husband and I helped run our local highland games for 12 years.  Sounds good!

[Justatexan89]

My In-Laws used to own a Bed & Breakfast in Fredricksburg so we got to know the area pretty well.   If you have hikers in your group, Enchanted Rock is the 2nd largest granite rock in the world, it has moderate to difficult hiking trails, caves and rock climbing for the more adventursome. The rock is a sacred place to the Indians and ask your guide to include the story behind the "Easter Fires". It is a short drive from downtown Fredricksburg and there are a couple of wineries along the way.   The best winery in the area is Beckers Vinyards -  President Bush served a reserved Merlot during an event at the White House.   Also,  see if there are any events scheduled in Luckenbach, TX. during the time you will be there.   There are only a handful of people but the little town was made famous by Willie Nelsen and other country artists who are know to hold concerts in the barn. LBJ Ranch is a living history ranch/museum. The staff dress in authentic clothing and you can watch as they explain how they lived back in the time of the early settlers.   August E's is an excellent restaurant and OPA's Smokehouse has the best Jerky on the planet. Good luck with your event and I hope everyone has  great time in the beautiful Texas hill country!   

[Ruth, Gun's Mom]

Thank you for all the great info!  That's exactly what I need.

[Sandyknits]

Fredericksburg is a unique town with a strong German heritage.  The Nimitz Museum is a must see.  It has been expanded to include the George Bush Gallery.  It would take you all day to see all there is.  Hotel rooms need to be reserved asap.  They fill up.  I would duggest blocking a group of rooms now.  You will be happy you did.  If you wait evey 3 months prior to your arrival, you may not get enought rooms to cover your group. 

 

Trade Days is held every 3rd Friday of the month and is for the entire weekend.  Trade Days is the Market Place that you are talkign about and it is located to the east of Fredericksburg.  Anohter great place to go to is The Wildseed Farms.  It is across the highway from Trade Days.  I am not sure what they may have during the month of December, as I have only been there in the warmer months.

 

I would suggest you call the local Chamber of Commerce in Fredericksburg as they have a full calendar of events of various things going on.  Their phone number is 830-997-6523.  you can also check their website www.fredericksburg-texas.com.

[TXNavyMom]

Ruth,

I live in Fredericksburg, and am a new Navy Mom.  You ask about hotels, you might try the Fredericksburg Inn which is within walking distance from downtown and the Nimitz Museum, or even the Sunday House which is 2 blocks from the Nimitz Museum on main street. As for places to eat you will find Mamacitas Mexican Restuarant across the street from the Sunday House along with a new Oriental Restuarant next door.  If you are looking for German food try Der Lindenbaum on Main Street.  The Fredericksburg Brewery and Auslander are good for a quick bite. Both are located on Main Street.  Auslander has live music at night.

 

As for as wineries you might want to visit Grape Creek Winery, Torre de Peitra and Becker Vineyards.  The first two are next to each other and Becker is just down the road.  There are also several tasting rooms on Main Street.  One of my favorites is Water 2 Wine that is on the west end of Main Street.

 

While in Fredericksburg, be sure to visit the Christmas store which is on the corner of Main Street and LLano.  If you are looking for that special Christmas Ornament you are bound to find it there along with a lot of other surprises

 

Since things close early in Fredericksburg, you might look into attending a performance at the Rockbox Theatre.  It is a musical variety show which is Amazing! I'm sure if call ahead you might be able to get a group discount.  Since you are coming in December they will be doing their Christmas show and these sell out rather quickly so if you think your group might be interested you will want to plan on getting your tickets early.

 

I hope this has been of some help.  If I can do anything to help with more information please let me know.

TXNavyMom