From the 1830s to the early 1900s, a significant influx of German immigrants settled in Texas. In recent census data, nearly two million Texans claim German heritage. Some of the notable towns birthed from this migration include Bulverde, New Braunfels, Boerne, Pflugerville, Walburg and Fredericksburg, all in Texas Hill Country. We were fortunate to spend a day exploring Fredericksburg, while boondocking in a field just a bit south of this historic town.
Fredericksburg is the pinnacle of unique shopping experiences. We stepped in and out of countless gift shops and clothing stores along a charming Main Street dotted with centuries old buildings. Since Fredericksburg is recognized as second only to the Napa Valley as a wine mecca (so we are told), it draws folks with discerning palettes who appreciate not only the wine sampling but also the variety of sauces and culinary embellishments sold in the gourmet foodie stores we encountered. Skip was wonderfully patient as I popped in and out of stores. He was in the company of other patient husbands similarly scrolling on their phones whilst the women shopped. Skip even pointed out the fudge store. Good man. I shared.
The old buildings along the main street were amazing! Here was a favorite. You’ll have to ignore the State Farm sign and imagine someone pulling up to this home two hundred years ago in their horse drawn carriage.
Next on our agenda – the National Museum of the Pacific War. Why is this incredible museum in Fredericksburg you ask? Answer: as a tribute to its hometown hero, Admiral Chester Nimitz. He was a central figure in the success of our forces in the Pacific and our country’s ultimate victory over Japan. The museum was vast; it was difficult to absorb so much information. Nonetheless, it was both sobering and inspiring to revisit this critical time in our nation’s history, and the geo-political events and cultures of China and Japan that led to Japan’s decision to bomb Pearl Harbor.
As a powerful conclusion to this museum visit, we experienced a live re-enactment of an American – Japanese battle in Okinawa. The sound of gun shots, the shouts of the soldiers, and a flame thrower made it feel very real. If you are ever visiting Fredericksburg, visiting this impressive museum is a must.
We returned to our boondocking location via a stop at the Bankersmith Saloon. What a hoot! They describe themselves as a quirky dive bar/restaurant which was accurate. Note the old Greyhound bus turned goat haven and the signage in the pictures below. The fries were out-of-this-world! The live music on a Saturday night was a delightful change from our RV camping routine.
We had a one night stop at the South Llano state park on our way towards Big Bend. A delightful hike to an overlook of the entire park was a marvelous reward at the end of our day. At our campsite, an armadillo scurried by.
Next on the adventure journey – Big Bend! We’ll be exploring this national park for 5 days. Hope you’ll come along for the ride!
Love the pics and blog. Love the armadillo, the goat bus, the “stay there if you want to change here” sign. So fun, guys. Have a great time in Big Bend, I know you will. Thanks.
It sounds just perfect!. I would love to wander in and out of those shops. Miss you!
While I like the charm of the old buildings and fudge, my favorite photo is the welcome home sign. I wish that I was “there!”