Fredericksburg,
Texas is a picturesque setting 22 miles north of
Kerrville, Texas. Fredericksburg, Texas was settled in
1846 by German immigrant families and still has a rich
German heritage. The National Historic District is
comprised of several older buildings which retain the
traditional styles of Germany. Many restaurants still
offer traditional German dishes. Oh yes, and German beer
too.
Fredericksburg
celebrates its German heritage through Oktoberfest.
German music, food and drink, arts and crafts,
children's area and family fun are enjoyed each year on
the first weekend in October.
Fredericksburg
is without a doubt the "shopping capital" of
the Hill Country. With over 150 shops, galleries,
boutiques and emporiums, shopping remains one of the
primary reasons visitors come to Fredericksburg. Many of
the shops are concentrated on or near Main Street with
some also located on the side streets. Also worth
mentioning is the National Museum of The Pacific
War located on Main Street. The Museum has grown into a
dynamic, first-class experience that can be enjoyed by
people of all ages and from all backgrounds. In addition
to nearly 34,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space,
the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and
Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and other large artifacts
made famous during the Pacific War.
The area
around Fredericksburg is also said by many to be the
next Napa Valley. The Fredericksburg area has around 14
wineries that are open to tours.
11
miles east of Fredericksburg off
Highway 290 is Luckenbach, Texas (population 3).
Luckenbach is 42 miles from Kerrville. Luckenbach
is famous for its dance hall, unique post office/gift
shop and live country music played under the cool shade
trees directly behind the post office. Notable concert
appearances in the town include Waylon Jennings, Willie
Nelson, Pat Green, Robert Earl Keen, and Lyle Lovett.
The little community is still a very active home to
country music. Every weekend folks gather to listen to
area musicians, eat and drink cold beer. But
please drink sensibly.
Just
North of Fredericksburg is Enchanted
Rock State Natural Area. It is 18 miles from
Fredericksburg along Ranch Road 965 and is a nice
motorcycle ride through scenic country. It is rather
isolated and is not on a direct route to anywhere else. Enchanted
Rock
is several large domes of pinkish granite rising 450
feet above the surrounding plateau. The rock is a
protrusion of volcanic origin, and part of an
underground mass of 90 square miles, one of the largest
such features in the US.
To
get to Fredericksburg from Kerrville is simple. Take
Highway 16 North for 22 miles until you get to Highway
290 east in Fredericksburg. Turn right onto 290 and you
will see the main shopping district ahead.
To
get to Luckenbach continue on Hwy 290 (Main St.) East
for approximately 6 miles. Go right at RR1376 (KOA
Kampgrounds and Shell Gas Station). Go 4.6 miles and
take a right on Luckenbach Town Loop just before the
South Grape Creek Bridge.
To
ride to Enchanted Rock, go on Ranch Road 965 North for
18 miles and you will see the entrance to the park on
the left. If you take the ride to Enchanted Rock during
the Summer months I highly recommend taking a supply of
cold water with you on the ride.
Alternative to
Highway 16 South
For a very scenic ride
back to Kerrville from Fredericksburg/Luckenbach and
points North I highly recommend this route for its
scenic beauty. Take Highway 87 West to Ranch Road 648.
Make a left on Ranch Road 648 and stay on 648/783
through Doss, Texas until you come to Highway 290. Make
a right on 290 then a left on Ranch Road 783 and stay on
783 until you come back into Kerrville.
The ride from
Fredericksburg to Kerrville using this route is 50
miles. It is a very nice ride through some very
beautiful country. If you time this ride in the Spring
or early Summer you will see many wildflowers in bloom
on Ranch Road 648. Keep the camera handy.
Fredericksburg,
Texas is a picturesque setting 22 miles north of
Kerrville, Texas. Fredericksburg, Texas was settled in
1846 by German immigrant families and still has a rich
German heritage. The National Historic District is
comprised of several older buildings which retain the
traditional styles of Germany. Many restaurants still
offer traditional German dishes. Oh yes, and German beer
too.
Fredericksburg
is without a doubt the "shopping capital" of
the Hill Country. With over 150 shops, galleries,
boutiques and emporiums, shopping remains one of the
primary reasons visitors come to Fredericksburg. Many of
the shops are concentrated on or near Main Street with
some also located on the side streets. Also worth
mentioning is the National Museum of The Pacific
War located on Main Street. The Museum has grown into a
dynamic, first-class experience that can be enjoyed by
people of all ages and from all backgrounds. In addition
to nearly 34,000 square feet of indoor exhibit space,
the museum boasts an impressive display of Allied and
Japanese aircraft, tanks, guns and other large artifacts
made famous during the Pacific War.
Rock
is several large domes of pinkish granite rising 450
feet above the surrounding plateau. The rock is a
protrusion of volcanic origin, and part of an
underground mass of 90 square miles, one of the largest
such features in the US.
The
Lone Star Motorcycle Museum displays a wonderful
collection of motorcycles from around the world dating
from the 1910's to modern.
