Warm weather and culture greet visitors

Warm weather and culture greet visitors

Colorful wildflowers, juicy peaches, delectable wines and a whole lot of

Gemütlichkeit

(warmth and friendliness). These are a part of what makes Gillespie County and Fredericksburg such an appealing place for more than 1.5 million visitors each year. People come to experience all of the above, plus the National Museum of the Pacific War (a Smithsonian affiliate and first-class museum), art galleries, Main Street shops, burgeoning restaurant scene and Luckenbach’s legendary, laid-back environment.

Folks here are independent, a trait leftover from the mid-1800s German settlers. Those people scratched out a living on this land that was difficult to farm and put up with some hostile Native inhabitants. Of course, they reached out to make peace with the Penateka Apache tribe and forged one of the only lasting peaceful agreements between Native Americans and those settling the great wide yonder of Texas in the 1840s.

These days, sixth- and seventh-generation German-Texans living here will warmly and openly welcome Aüslanders (outsiders).

The wine industry has transformed this area and it is still seeing rapid growth. Our caliche soils are good for growing some grape varietals and the knowledge base about making wine — thanks largely to the enology programs at Texas Tech University-Fredericksburg — have helped improve the quality of wines offered. Texas wines are no longer an afterthought or also-ran in the national and international wine contests. The quality of wines has rocketed upward in the past decade.

Consider also our natural attractions from native grasses and plants, to the hilly terrain, to the always impactful granite dome that pushed up thousands of years ago through the middle of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. That state facility just marked its 45th year and it remains one of the anchor attractions for our county. Visitors can find a challenging hike or just a place to have a vespers moment in a quiet part of the park with its peaceful surroundings.

And, of course, agriculture still makes up a huge part of our rural economy, with grapes, peaches, cattle, sheep and more raised by our hardworking farmers and ranchers.

From stout German architecture, to food and festivals that celebrate the culture, Fredericksburg offers a bit of Germany in the heart of the Hill Country.

Willkommen (welcome) and we hope you love your visit to Fredericksburg as much as we love living here.

Ken Esten Cooke Publisher