Tucked in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is a picturesque haven known for its vineyards, rich German heritage (founded by German immigrants in 1846), and vibrant modern-day cultural scene. The town offers many distinctive venues and hotels, suitable for event planners looking to host intimate business dinners, large corporate events, and everything in between.
Vibe: The area is “known for its more than 70 wineries and vineyards,” says Shannon Overby, national sales director at the Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau. “Some would say we’re the Napa Valley of Texas.” The community’s walkable streets, abundance of attractions and venues, and bustling dining and arts scene give it a small-town feel with big-city amenities.
Transportation: Fredericksburg is between San Antonio International Airport and Austin-Bergstrom Inter-national Airport, both of which offer nonstop service from cities across the U.S. Both airports are a 75-minute drive from Fredericksburg, and the “drive is gorgeous as you’re coming into the Texas Hill Country with its wildflowers [that bloom in spring],” says Overby. “You land in a major metropolitan area, and then as you drive, you relax out of the hustle and bustle of the city.”
Hotels: The Inn on Barons Creek and Fredericksburg Inn & Suites both accommodate 150 people and sit along the city’s Main Street. The Hangar Hotel is built from two airplane hangars, one with sleeping space and the other with meeting and event space. Opened in January, Albert Hotel is a full-service luxury hotel that sleeps 104 and boasts a spa, multiple restaurants, and 3,600 square feet of event space.
Venues: Contigo Ranch Fredericksburg and Barons Creek Vineyards are two of Fredericksburg’s hallmark event spaces, with capacity for 350 and 150 people, respectively. Overby notes, “Many of Fredericksburg’s wineries have space for board meetings, small conferences, and banquets.” For larger events, planners might take attendees to Rockbox Theater, a traditional theater with capacity for up to 325 people. Longneck Manor is a destination where event venue meets conservation zoo. Here, planners can host gatherings in the company of giraffes and rhinos that roam the property’s vast pasture, or they can arrange a private tour of the conservation site.
Restaurants: Vaudeville is a hip New American restaurant, and groups might also consider upscale Mexican restaurant Casa Chloe and Italian eatery Alla Campagna—all of which accommodate groups. True to its roots, the town is home to many German restaurants and Biergartens, such as Altstadt Brewery and The Auslander, and both can host events. For interactive culinary experiences, Overby recommends Fischer & Wieser, a venue with “a cooking school where you can take part in the cooking and enjoy the meal you cooked,” she notes.
Must-Sees & -Dos: Main Street is an ideal hot spot for attendees, lined with many small businesses. “We have a saying, ‘No chains on Main,’ so we have over 150 boutiques, shops, art galleries, museums, and wine-tasting rooms, all walkable along Main Street,” says Overby. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is a must-stop for nature lovers and provides a serene backdrop for team-building strolls. History buffs might stop by the National Museum of the Pacific War, where attendees can gather amid its numerous galleries showcasing the Asia-Pacific perspective throughout World War II.
