Austin to Fredericksburg
Add To My Trip
Fredericksburg
The bed-and-breakfast boom-that's about 300 B&Bs now-has joined an explosion in upscale shopping and dining choices to make this one of the busiest towns in the entire Hill Country. But that doesn't mean its rich German roots have been overlooked. Block after block of Main Street, and dozens of blocks in either direction, are filled with appealing buildings constructed of native limestone blocks in the original style called fachwerk. The Pioneer Museum tells the story of this town's early settlers, while a memorial to the Pacific Theater side of World War II is embodied in the marvelous Admiral Nimitz Museum, a state historical park named for the Navy commander from Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg offers 34 economical, 443 moderate, 14 first-class, and 24 deluxe accommodations, including a number of bed-and-breakfasts.
Admiral Nimitz Museum and Historical Center
P.O. Box 777, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
340 E. Main
Phone: (830) 997-4379, Fax: (830) 997-8220
nimitzm@ktc.com
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
The one-of-a-kind Nimitz Hotel, complete with crow's nest and ship's bridge, was built by German navy captain Charles Nimitz, grandfather of Admiral Chester Nimitz. Notable guests of the past included Robert E. Lee and Jesse James. After World War II, the hotel became a museum chronicling the career of the commander-in-chief of the Allied Pacific fleet. On the grounds is the Garden of Peace, presented to the city by the people of Japan, and the History Walk, which leads through a display of WWII guns, tanks, and aircraft.
Outdoor exhibits open daily 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
1617 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
(915) 247-3903, (512) 389-8900 for reservations
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
18 miles north of Fredericksburg on FM 965
Nearly a billion years ago-yes, a billion!-the huge granite dome now known as Enchanted Rock formed deep within the earth from a plug of molten lava. A few hundred million years later, erosion of the overlying limestone exposed the granite, creating a natural laboratory for scientists and nature lovers and a challenging landscape for rock climbers and hikers. On a cool night after a hot day, eerie creaking noises reinforce the old superstitions that the rock is bewitched. Great for a day trip or camping (60 sites, 46 walk-in primitive tent sites).