A charming small town outside of Austin makes for a lovely weekend getaway. While Waco often comes to mind, another city exudes an even cozier communal charm. Located about an hour and a half west of Austin, Fredericksburg blends German heritage with a local business-driven community, offering a unique culinary and shopping experience, along with ghost and cavern tours for entertainment.
Stay At The Albert Hotel
213 E Austin St
Why You Should Go: A weekend at the newly opened Albert Hotel provides a glimpse into the town’s rich history. Named for Albert Keidel — the great-grandson of Wilhelm Keidel, who came to Fredericksburg as the town doctor and judge in 1847 and the son of Victor Keidel, a doctor and pharmacist who was beloved by the community — the hotel honors a family legacy deeply woven into the community. Albert himself was an architect and a historic preservationist known as a “collector of experiences,” largely inspired by his world travels.
Albert’s knack for preservation is reflected throughout the hotel. Each room emphasizes Fredericksburg's local element and Texas heritage, featuring cozy reading nooks, books curated from local book vendors, woodsy and citrusy soaps by San Saba Soap Company and plush robes from the Houston-based Mirth. Situated in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, Albert Hotel is within walking distance of many fun activities.
Dinner At The Restaurant
213 E Austin St.
Why You Should Go: Housed inside the Albert Hotel, The Restaurant features a menu consisting of artfully crafted southern-inspired dishes, such as quail cushion sat atop a bed of black garlic and black rice and the smoked mushroom plate, with mushroom gravy, yellow grits and chives. The standout, however, is the wagyu ribeye — served with turnip and grilled Brussels sprouts — boasting bold, spice-forward flavor and a buttery, smooth cut.
While most visitors might gravitate towards the city’s German cuisine, The Restaurant is a must while in town. At the very least, we recommend treating yourself with a nightcap at The Saloon, which offers a killer old-fashioned and perhaps the most potent gin and tonic you’ll ever drink.
Sipping And shopping
All along Main Street
Why You Should Go: Sidewalk drinking is permitted throughout the city of Fredericksburg, so visitors can enjoy a warm, mulled wine or an ice-cold beer while shopping at the various stores. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of offerings, from clothes and home fixtures to leather goods and more.
Antiquing At Fredericksburg Trade Days At Sunday Farms
355 Sunday Farms Lane
Why You Should Go: Held on the second weekend of each month, Fredericksburg Trade Days is a must-visit for antique lovers. If your visit to Fredericksburg happens to coincide with the event, you’ll find everything you need at this market, from home furnishings and works of art to unique antiques. Not to mention, lots of live music throughout the farm and local food vendors popping up to satisfy your cravings and you’ve got a perfect day out. As their slogan promises, “If you can’t find it at trade days, you don’t need it.”
Leather Shopping At Parts Unknown
146 E. Main St.
Why You Should Go: Get your fix of leather wallets, shoes and bags at Parts Unknown — a charming little shop on the downtown strip. This outdoor-centric store sells a wide selection of gifts and necessities for the leisurely connoisseur — or anyone simply looking to elevate their southern style.
Haunted Fredericksburg Ghost And Jail Tour
Begins at the corner of Main and Washington St.
Why You Should Go: Fredericksburg boasts a rich history, while also remaining a very walkable town. This 90-minute walking tour, available on Friday and Saturday nights, guides visitors through the city’s historic landmarks and the ghosts that haunt them. Some participants have even caught ghosts on camera and shared chilling videos on social media. Adults can bring their own beverages, which might be needed to get through this spine-tingling tour.
German Cuisine And Live Music At The Auslander
323 E Main St.
Why You Should Go: For an authentic taste of Fredericksburg’s German heritage, we recommend The Auslander for dinner, which hosts live musical performers multiple times a week. The menu featured a variety of German dishes, including a flavorful chicken schnitzel and a hearty Reuben sandwich stacked with corned beef, sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and thousand island dressing on grilled pumpernickel — it’s one of the best Reuben’s we’ve ever had.
Karaoke At Velvet Lounge
401 E Main St.
Why You Should Go: Few things are more enjoyable in a small town than rocking out with the locals. Velvet Lounge in Fredericksburg offers a grungy, rock-star environment where guests can sing their hearts out and dance the night away. Get there early, as the venue fills up fairly quickly.
Aromatherapy Massage At The Spa At The Albert
240 E Main St.
Why You Should Go: The hotel’s spa offers an impressive range of treatments, but we recommend the aromatherapy massage. For this particular treatment, the staff creates custom scents based on a questionnaire targeting specific health goals. We’d never experienced anything like this before — it's a unique experience that leaves you feeling calm and relaxed, perfect after a day of shopping or surviving a ghost tour that made your spine shiver.
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