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

When Visiting Luckenbach Texas

Hill Country travelers frequent the attractions Luckenbach has to offer, much like Willie, Waylon and the boys did in 1977.

Known for its “Everybody’s Somebody” attitude and live entertainment, Luckenbach Texas is a popular destination for music fans, bikers and all those interested in discovering the tiny town in the tune heard by millions.

With its store, dance hall and picnic tables underneath arching live oak trees, Luckenbach (a sign jokes “Population 3”) is a destination in its own.

Open daily at 9 a.m., the family-friendly store offers visitors an old-fashioned experience and merchandise ranging from the nostalgic to items bearing the town’s oval-shaped logo.

The town also hosts regional and national acts. During quieter times, one can find a picker’s circle for those who want to swap tunes and musically mingle with the locals.

With nearly daily performances on the outside stage or in the dancehall, visitors can sit back and enjoy a beverage of choice while enjoying the musicians who provide tunes with a Texas flair.

History

Luckenbach began in 1852 when Jacob Luckenbach and his brothers, William and August, moved to the area from Fredericksburg and began farming.

William Luckenbach opened a post office under the name of South Grape Creek in 1854 and it operated for 11 years.

In 1886, August Engel Jr. reopened a post office for the community along with a general store in the Engel homestead. It was named Luckenbach by Minna Engel, who had just married Carl Albert Luckenbach.

Engel and his descendants later moved the post office and general store down the street and added a blacksmith shop, dance hall and cotton gin.

In the 1970s, the Engel family sold the town to Hondo Crouch, Kathy Morgan and Guich Koock.

During the years that followed, Luckenbach gained national attention as a “metropolis of mirth,” thanks in large part to Crouch’s farreaching humor and charismatic personality.

Jerry Jeff Walker later enhanced the town’s reputation by recording his live album there, “Viva Terlingua.”

From 1995 through 1999, Willie Nelson held his storied Fourth of July Picnic at Luckenbach.

Today, one can find local and traveling musicians on stage or at a Picker’s Circle, a weekend dance in the hall or one of the many special events the town has scheduled.

Check luckenbachtexas.com for current performer and event info.