As we begin to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic and look toward traveling once again, it’s a perfect time to revisit one of our past travel spots celebrating its 175-year anniversary.
The city of Fredericksburg, Texas, much like Evansville, was settled by German settlers coming to the U.S. in the mid 1800s. The city was founded on May 8, 1846, by Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach (John O. Meusebach) who worked to clear the lands of where Fredericksburg now sits so each new settler could receive a town lot and 10 acres near the settlement.
Today, this city just north of San Antonio and Austin is home to a plethora of relaxing and fun offerings for visitors. In total, there are more than 400 bed and breakfasts, guest houses, and inns; two dozen wineries; 80 restaurants; an airport for private aircrafts; and enough shopping for even the most ambitious shopper.
If you’re ready for a little Texas sunshine and southern charm, Fredericksburg is an ideal location to head to for its 175th anniversary. The city plans to celebrate from May 2021 to May 2022 with many activities and a new theme each month. To check out themes, planned events, and more, visit 175th.org.
When Evansville Living publisher and editor Kristen K. Tucker visited this historic city in 2017, she enjoyed a tour of sites harkening to Fredericksburg’s German heritage as well as the large range of museums and historic sites that cover the town’s long existence. Visit the Vereins Kirche (People’s Church) and Maibaum (Maypole) in the heart of the city. Travel along the Magic Mile, Fredericksburg’s central shopping district which takes advantage of the wide streets and historic commercial buildings.
If U.S. history is your appeal, you can’t miss the Texas White House, home of President Lyndon Baines Johnson, located just 15 miles from Fredericksburg in Stonewall, Texas. For a chance to get “back to basics,” hop over to the tiny town of Luckenbach with its one general store and legendary dancehall with weekly get-togethers.
Need more ideas? Get to planning your trip by visiting visitfredericksburgtx.com!
Photos provided by Gillespie County Historical Society, Steve Rawls, and Julia Ermlich.
