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    A Place Every Texan Should Visit

    The ultimate guide for fun, frolic and wine in and around Fredericksburg, pack your bags

    Jayme Lamm
    Jayme lamm
    Jul 11, 2016 | 2:54 pm

    There are so many great places in Texas to stop for a long weekend, an overnight visit, or an extended stay. Too many to count, really. But Fredericksburg is one of those towns that is a must-visit on any Texans list of travels.

    Located about 240 miles west of Houston (70 miles north of San Antonio) sits the town most known for hosting great bachelorette parties and romantic weekends, mostly thanks to Wine Road 290. This luscious route has 15 Texas wineries along the famed highway and Fredericksburg alone has 45 wineries, and it is the #2 wine destination in all of America. If #1 is in California, you’ll see that makes Fredericksburg #1 in the entire state.

    If you’re thinking your significant other or travel companion isn’t into wine, so this trip is out of question, think again. With places like Hye and unique varieties like a whiskey chardonnay at Six Cellar Shooters, it truly has something for everyone. If you’re still not sold, check out the Texas Hill Country Beer Trail, which is packed with independent breweries (more than 20) offering unique tasting rooms, sample flights and growlers to take home.

    A favorite is Fat Ass Ranch Winery, which usually has live music, a taco truck and offers frozen sangria and peach sweet tea (infused with wine, perfect for summertime). If you’re a red wine drinker, check out the Texas Red, which is a blend of six Texas grapes. (If you do a tasting, it’s on both the standard and dry tasting menu, so you won’t miss it.) According to many, the cabernet tastes like steak. The winery has a fun outdoor area with adorable seating and horseshoes to keep you entertained.

    Another great winery is Hilmy, which is considered a working farm, where they use all their animals to prevent using pesticides. They give much bigger tasting pours than most other wineries and are extremely informative not only on wine but also with tips on where to hang out while in town. If you’re new to wine, this is an incredibly educational tasting, just ask for Ace.

    Since we’re on the topic of adult beverages, you should know that “Sidewalk Consumption” is legal in Fredericksburg (specifically Main Street). Many of the tasting rooms and local spots even offer a “to go” cup, so you can bounce around to different venues and shops and not feel stuck in the same place.

    Let Them Do the Driving

    If you plan to hit up the wineries further away (which you most definitely should), use caution driving. Majesty Wine Tours is a locally owned and operated service that will take you and your group to a few of the best wineries, get you there safely, provide insight into the area and even give you a snack during your afternoon. It’s the perfect combination of “let's make new best friends” and having solo time you can spend with your wine tasting buddy. Scout out a few of your favorites, then come back the next day for more.

    Back in town, El Milagro is a great place to hang after dinner on Friday (though they do serve food) with live music and great margaritas and wine. It’s outdoor and usually has a cool breeze and is super casual. It gets pretty crowded, so be prepared to share your table.

    Luckenbach is an absolute must while in the area. Missing this spot would be like traveling all the way to Paris for the first time and not stopping for a quick glance at the Eiffel Tower. It’s unheard of. The Dance Hall/Bar/General Store has live music daily. We got to catch our favorite Texas country star Bart Crow Band. And you never know who’ll show up. (Pro tip: They don’t have Uber in Fredericksburg, but Majesty Tours will get you there and back for $15 per person).

    Another can’t miss are the peaches during the summertime. Summer in the Texas Hill Country means peach season with a plethora of bountiful peach orchards anxiously awaiting pickers. You’ll see many popular roadside stands throughout the summer and won’t be able to resist the temptation.

    Where to Stay

    Fredericksburg is home to more than 900 guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast places. B&B complexes have become popular in the area, some of the most popular include Sugarberry Inn, Hoffman Haus, Splendid Inn, Blacksmith Quarters, and Cotton Gin Village. And the “Sunday House” style cottages are unique to Fredericksburg: Sunday Haus Cottages at the Fredericksburg Herb Farm, Metzger Sunday House. The 1894 Private Pullman Palace Car is definitely a unique place to stay!

    If you’re looking for something slightly more traditional, check out the Inn on Barons Creek, which is just blocks from Main Street, so you can easily park your car and walk around. The Inn also has a spa, a heated pool and a full breakfast bar, complimentary for guests.

    Get Outdoors (Yes, even in the summertime)

    A huge attraction while in the area is Enchanted Rock, a state natural area with breath-taking views — although it’s a tough climb. Go early (take water!), because it gets so full that they often stop allowing people up at a certain time. It’s a short but magnificent trek up the rock’s summit, providing some of the most beautiful views of Texas Hill Country. Take your camera.

    Also check out Lyndon B. Johnson’s State Park, offering a variety of activities (hint: you should pack a picnic!). You can fish or wade in the Pedernales River, go on a hike or take a guided tour. Any area of the Pedernales River is a good time and sort of a hidden gem.

    A weekend in Fredericksburg will re-ignite the passion you have for all things Texas, guaranteed.

    There are 15 Texas wineries along 'Wine Road' 290, making it the second most visited wine region in the country.

    Becker Vineyards Fredericksburg
      
    Photo by McCabe Rawls
    There are 15 Texas wineries along 'Wine Road' 290, making it the second most visited wine region in the country.
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    Riverside Reno

    Fresh makeover turns Hill Country hotel into modern riverside refuge

    Brianna Caleri
    Jun 12, 2025 | 2:36 pm
    Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar
    Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio\u200b
    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool.

    After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. Formerly the Gruene Outpost River Lodge, the property along the Guadalupe River now has 48 renovated rooms, new outdoor sports like pickleball, and updated amenities at the pool.

    The River Lodge's previous aesthetic was DIY and rustic, but the new Hacienda Del Rio has a much more cosmopolitan, contemporary design. The new look is full of midcentury styles, but with other eclectic elements mixed in. A press release declares the space was "designed in the spirit of Spanish colonial architecture," but don't expect anything old-fashioned.

    Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interiorThese earthy tones mellow out an otherwise energetic space.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

    Texas-based hotel group French Cowboys was behind this major makeover, which started in April 2023. That puts Hacienda Del Rio in a family with Camp Comfort and The Meyer Hotel in the Hill Country town of Comfort; the Claire Hotel near Canyon Lake; the Gruene River Inn and Heidelberg Lodges in New Braunfels, and Webber East in Austin.

    The Hacienda can accommodate up to 178 guests in a variety of room layouts including kings, double queens, and suites. Bathrooms and showers are new, and rooms are outfitted with smart TVs, plus custom steel doors and windows. Photos of guestrooms, although they are colorful, show off a streamlined sensibility.

    A new clubhouse and cocktail bar draws guests who may not be staying overnight. Coffee and breakfast will be available in the morning, followed by daytime snacks, and finally a full bar in the evening. Anyone who stops by can enjoy beer, wine, and signature cocktails, plus shuffleboard, a pool table, and even some workspace. There will also be a new conference room for presentations, retreats, and more.

    Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interiorThis lounge is open to hotel guests and the public.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

    Departing from the artsy interior to New Braunfels' beautiful surroundings, guests can play pickleball, beach volleyball, and basketball on a half-court, plus fire pits near the river and kayaks, paddleboards, and floats. River adventures will be facilitated by Paddle Texas, which will offer rentals and experiences. Finally, a renovated pool and deck provide more leisure space.

    “‘Del Rio’ reflects the area’s deep connection to the Guadalupe River, where guests can jump in, float, or just hang out by the water, whether it’s at the river or our pool," said French Cowboys co-founder Dylan Petrich in a press release. "And Hacienda captures our vision of creating a vibrant, social place where people can kick back, enjoy the outdoors, and grab a drink, all in one of the Hill Country’s most iconic destinations, without breaking the bank."

    Rates start at $125 per night, and the food and beverage space is open every day. Introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

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