Fredericksburg

This area of Central Texas traces its immigrants to Europe, and Germany in particular. Many towns have German names. One of the largest is Fredericksburg, north of San Antonio. They have kept their downtown well restored and apparently it is quite a hit with tourists so we thought we should head up there. It's about an hour and a half from our campground. We knew it was Spring Break but really, who would bring their kids shopping to Fredericksburg? Well, .....a lot of them!

Sorry, to small to read, but the town got its start in 1846 and started to prosper in the 1850's.

The town is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War and the hometown of Admiral Nimitz of WW2 fame. The museum is apparently first rate but takes a good day to view. We just didn't have time.

Lots of limestone block buildings throughout the town. This was the old hospital building.

Always cars or people in the way of a good building picture.

Lots of fun tasting all the samples at Rustlin' Rob's Gourmet Foods. They had samples of everything they sold. Good marketing strategy cause everyone was walking out with a bag full. Yes, us too!

County Court building.

Library building

Market Square with unique hexagonal building used for events.

We had a nice lunch here in this German restaurant

Wouldn't be Texas without a gun show!

Wine Tasting Rooms were abundant. They charge you to taste, then REALLY charge you to buy their wine. Nope, not for us.

St Mary's Church. This is the newer one.

This is the older one.

This is inside the newer one.

We had enough of the crowds in Fredericksburg so we headed down the road a piece to a country icon.........Luckenbach, made famous by the country singers that have made appearances on its stage.

Lots of folks here on a sunny afternoon.

They get some first rate country entertainers here and the place get hoppin.

What ever happened to riding your horse to the local saloon? This is some horse!

Quaint little shops, but only a couple. Folks here are serious about the music!

Hard to tell but this is a gift shop with a US Post Office.

The sign says 'Population - 3'

These guys were GOOD!!! Great musicians and singers. Did I mention the entertainment was free! Some great names have played on this outdoor stage and the larger one that was inside. Willie Nelson for example. He lives less than an hour from here.

You could buy some barbecue here.

They had ice-cold beer here.

After a nice cold beer and some great country music we needed to head down the road. More pretty countryside on the way Southwest to Sisterdale, another iconic dance hall. Many big country artists and bands got their start playing at dances in these small communities.

Sisterdale Dance Hall and Opera House. 

Part of the Sisterdale Dance Hall 

Some good times have been had behind these gates!

A very pretty little town.

On the road to Comfort, another small town is this , well, bar. Just on the side of the highway. Sure draws the tourists in. Nothing going on here, just some guys hobby I guess.

Next was the little town of Comfort. It was getting late and most of the shops were already closed.

We had a great time exploring the Hill Country again today. Fredericksburg was great, but maybe just a bit too busy for us. We really enjoyed the smaller little towns were drove through though. Lots of cowboy history in these parts!

.....and that was Our View From Here!