In this “Under The Radar Destination” column, Travelocity spoke with Selena Reyes, a native Texan with a soft spot in her heart for the Texas Hill Country town of Fredericksburg.
How did you come to be an expert on Fredericksburg? I was born in Dallas and most of my family lives in Texas. A family member took me here for the first time a couple years ago and now every time I fly in I make them take me here for a fun weekend adventure.
Why is Fredericksburg so special to you? Fredericksburg is one of those hidden gem places in the U.S. that gets overshadowed by some of the big cities of Texas. This special place is something totally new and diverse and it should be put on the map.
Where in town would you go to celebrate a special occasion? You get fine dining plus a place that holds historical significance when you eat at Nest Restaurant. It’s a 1900’s home renovated into a restaurant where you can enjoy an elegant evening in a cozy, homelike setting. They use really fresh ingredients across their menu which is small, but includes fresh seafood and steaks. Just south of downtown, it’s in a prime location for any special occasion.
What is a great small, local eatery that only locals know about? One of the greatest eats you will experience is at the Alamo Springs General Store & Cafe. While it is home to classic favorites like hamburgers and onion rings, this place is not afraid to push the envelope. They do a grilled quail over a salad and fried avocados. You can enjoy your meal inside or outside on the patio with live music. And if you really bring your appetite – try Jefe’s Challenge. To win the challenge, first you must eat their cheeseburger with 6 beef patties, 6 slices of cheese and a large order of fries. Not only must you eat your plate clean in 30 minutes or less, but then you have to stay at the table for 15 additional minutes. If you succeed, you get your king sized meal for free, a t-shirt and your picture prominently featured on the “Gluttons Wall-of-Fame.”
What local venues are the best place to catch some live music? If you’re looking to dance and listen to some authentic country music, make your way over to Crossroads Saloon and Steakhouse. You can’t visit Texas without entering a saloon and joining in on a line dance. A wooden dance floor and live music is a combination that is hard to beat. They feature great live music on Fridays & Saturdays.
Main Street, Fredericksburg, TX – Credit: Julia Ermlich
If a visitor wanted to do some true local shopping in Fredericksburg (i.e. local products not available nationally), where would you send them? The central shopping district, referred to as “The Magic Mile”, is separated from the West Main Street shopping district by Marktplatz. On Main Street you will find lots of local and one of a kind shops like Earth Treasures. Here you will find fossils, stones, minerals, beads, natural jewelry, and handcrafted natural stones.
If a beer or wine aficionado came to town, where would you send them to sample locally made “beverages”? To satisfy your inner wino you need to go to the Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Country Restaurant. Even better, it is only a 15-minute drive from the Gillespie County Airport. This place is also the home of the largest Texas Wine List and a full bar with cocktails, beer and wine. You can even enjoy drinks and appetizers in the spectacular courtyard featuring waterfalls and lush grounds.
Admiral Nimitz Museum – Credit: National Museum of the Pacific War
Are there any historical spots/museums/etc., that would help visitors to learn more about Fredericksburg? The National Museum of the Pacific War resides right here in Fredericksburg. This museum is the only institution in the U.S dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum has grown and now resides on a six-acre campus and gained a reputation as one of the premier military museums in the nation. The campus also expanded to accommodate the Memorial Courtyard, the Plaza of Presidents and the Japanese Garden of Peace.
If a visitor wanted to get a feel for the Fredericksburg area, are there any tours, walks, excursions that you would recommend? George’s 290 Wine Tours is a great way to experience the area’s wine country while riding in style – big style – a Ford Excursion stretch limousine. Even lunch is local – provided by Fredericksburg’s famous Peach Tree Restaurant – with the Hill Country vineyards in the background. It’s not everyday you can enjoy a wine tour while being shuttled around in a Texas-sized limo.
Bluebonnets are a Texas tradition – especially in the Hill Country around Fredericksburg.
Other than what we have already discussed, what is a special place that you would take a friend visiting town for the first time? For first timers to Fredericksburg I would suggest making it to Wildseed Farm. It is the largest working wildflower farm in the nation, and is fun for the whole family. It’s a great place to spend a relaxing day in the beautiful Texas Hill country. Acres of Texas Bluebonnets, Corn Poppies, Verbenas, and many other species are planted for seed production. They even have a speciality store on the property where you can buy a wide variety of gifts for both home and garden.
Selena Reyes is a Texas born, California raised gal. After already having lived in the top three largest U.S. cities, she still remains a true Texan at heart, cowboy boots and hat in hand.
Keith Nowak, Travelocity Director of Marketing Communications
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