HOUSTON – There’s no need for a flight to Napa when Texas Hill Country is a blink away. From wineries and museums to amazing shopping, Fredericksburg is the epicenter of Texas Hill Country AVA, the second-most-visited American viticultural area in the United States, with more than 50 wineries and vineyards.
Several tasting rooms can be found along the town’s historic Main Street. When you head out of downtown, Main Street turns into Highway 290, the equivalent of Napa’s famed Highway 29. While driving on 290, you encounter winery after winery on your way to Stonewall and Johnson City.
Dozens of other wineries and tasting rooms are located on charming farm roads off 290. One bonus of the drive is that you get to experience the exceptional beauty of the Texas Hill Country.
Beyond the wineries, you can immerse yourself in the German heritage that you’ll see in some of the architecture, a variety of biergartens and a wonderful WWII interactive National Museum of the Pacific War.
More than 150 shops line the streets of historic downtown, including many antique vendors and furniture design studios, making the town a popular destination for Texans looking to furnish a home.
Summer is a great time to visit the Texas Hill Country, with plenty of activities and opportunities to get outside. Exploring Fredericksburg midweek provides a more relaxed pace, a more intimate experience at tasting rooms, shorter waits at restaurants and the best rates on lodging.
RELATED: 6 things to do on your next trip to Fredericksburg
KPRC 2, Houston Life and the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau have partnered to give you a chance to win a mid-week getaway. Enter by telling us your favorite thing about Fredericksburg.
The winner will be announced live, June 20 at 1pm on Houston Life.
Enter for your chance to win one of the following:
- Two-night midweek stay for two at The Hangar Hotel -The Hangar Hotel is a stylish hotel that features airplane memorabilia, USO history and the romance of the 1940s. Relax amid the aviation-themed backdrop. The hotel is adjacent to the runway ramp area of the Gillespie County Airport (T82), providing an excellent view of some spectacular flying machines.
- Wine tasting for two at Lost Draw Cellars - Lost Draw Cellars produces quality wines from the Texas High Plains. Grapes are planted in a semi-arid climate and the cellar is committed to growing crops in a sustainable way. Lost Draw is located just a few blocks off Main Street, along the Urban Wine Trail.
- Wine tasting for two at Texas Wine Collective - Three of Texas’ internationally recognized wineries -- McPherson Cellars, Lost Oak Winery and Brennan Vineyards -- have collaborated to at Texas Wine Collective.
- Two passes to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - Enchanted Rock State Natural Area offers more than 8 miles of hiking trails, a natural trail, interpretive exhibits, rock climbing, camping and more.
- Two passes to the National Museum of the Pacific War - Dedicated to those who served in the Pacific War, this Smithsonian Affiliate Museum honors those who served in the Pacific Theater, as well Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who was born in Fredericksburg.
- Two passes to the Pioneer Museum - Fredericksburg’s German heritage stretches back more than 175 years. Get a hands-on glimpse by exploring 13 historic structures and hundreds of artifacts.
- $100 gift certificate to Cabernet Grill - Delicious cuisine and Texas wine are served in a relaxed, rustic and romantic setting, matched with gracious service that leads to an unforgettable evening at Cabernet Grill. The restaurant has twice been featured in Wine Enthusiast Top 100 American restaurants, as well as twice named USA Today’s top 10 American wine restaurants. Whether you’re enjoying an intimate rendezvous or celebrating with a small gathering of friends, you’ll leave with a taste of Texas hospitality tucked in your heart.
- $100 gift certificate to Chase’s Place Cocktails and Kitchen - Chase’s Place Cocktails and Kitchen features handcrafted craft cocktails and a concise menu of unique shareable snacks, sandwiches, seafood and pasta.
- $25 gift certificate to Sunday Supply - Sunday Supply offers coffee house favorites, along with fresh pastries and to-go lunch options on a daily basis.
- $25 gift certificate to Das Peach Haus - Born of a peach orchard planted in 1928 and a roadside produce stand that opened in 1969, the specialty food company that’s founded by Case Fischer and Mark Wieser followed a path toward culinary adventure even before the path had a name. The facility forms the perfect pairing with 150-plus sauces, jams and jellies produced each day by Fischer and Wieser Specialty Foods.
- $25 gift certificate to Clear River Ice Cream and Bakery - Enjoy homemade ice cream like peaches and cream or bourbon and snickers. You can also indulge in a homemade bakery treat, fresh salad or handcrafted sandwich.