Texas local: Skip Austin crowds and head west to a charming nearby city with amazing wineries

A quieter Hill Country detour

Fredericksburg has about 12,000 residents, a scale the writer says gives it a small-town feel unlike Austin and San Antonio, each with populations close to a million. It is less than a two-hour drive from either city.

The city is in the heart of Texas wine country, and the writer recommends making time for its wineries. Augusta Vin Winery is a favorite, with a spacious tasting room and large windows that let in Texas sunshine.

German roots and local food

On Main Street, The Auslander offers a setting reminiscent of a Bavarian beer hall, with beer, schnitzel entrées, sausage plates and German sandwiches. The Restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Michael Fojtasek, serves seasonal Texas Hill Country-inspired food using fresh local ingredients, including peaches, alongside takes on German dishes.

Other stops include Vaudeville, which serves its gumbo on Saturdays; Otto’s cinnamon rolls; and Alstadt Brewery, known for beer and Reuben sandwiches. For coffee, the writer favors Old West-themed Java Ranch and also suggests Kaffee Haus and Caliche Coffee and Roasters. Brooke’s Bubble Bar, an all-pink spot on Main Street, offers drinks and a place for photos.

Easy stays and downtown visits

The writer varies visits among vineyards, cafés and eateries, and says Fredericksburg has a range of accommodations. Options include boutique hotels, the Onera treehouse resort near Main Street, and a guest cabin at Cross Mountain Vineyards. Downtown can be explored without moving a car, the writer says, and ample free parking has been available on Main Street.