Fun things to do in Fredericksburg

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Thinking back on our visit to the LBJ Ranch, I'm really glad we took the tour and had a chance to see a ranch in Texas. We were able to see the rolling landscape that provides grazing land for the animals, up close and personal rather than just driving down a highway and seeing cattle in the fields.

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We took the tour with the Park Ranger to see the LBJ Ranch. This is the only way to see the other buildings and the farm part of the ranch. Our first stop was at the home where President Johnson was born. We were able to walk through all the rooms and the Park Ranger offered lots of interesting information about the Johnson family.

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Off the side streets you will see the original Sunday House here and there. You can identify them because they have stairs on the outside. They were built for the German people who lived a great distance from town, so they would have a place to stay when they came into town for church on the weekend.

There is free parking everywhere in Fredericksburg so you don't have to worry about your car. The Main Street is loaded with shops that are housed in old buildings that are part of The National Register of Historic Places. The plaque outside the building will tell you what the building was when it was originally built.
Here is where you will find a lot of restaurants, antique shops, bakeries and museums.

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The author of '1000 Places to See Before You Die' notes Fredericksburg for the wonderfully preserved German-style architecture comprising a large part of the town.

A self-guided walking tour gave us a glimpse of its earlier days--the German influence is still very strong and further illustrated by the number of biergartens and heavenly bakeries.

Fredericksburg is about 61 miles from San Antonio, Texas and is located in Gillespie County. Gillespie County was named for Captain Richard Addison Gillespie.

Known as Robert to most, he was a Texas Ranger and had been a hero of the Mexican War. Gillespie County was officially established on June 5, 1848. Before this, it had been part of Bexar County.

Robert Gillespie was mortally wounded in the battle of Monterrey, Mexico on September 22, 1846.

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When my husband and our friend learned of the Re-enactment, they were thrilled. It was a busy weekend in Fredericksburg and many people chose to attend this event. I tried to capture some of what transpired, but we were seated several rows from the front.

Since it was Veterans Day weekend, a number of these soldiers participated in the Re-enactment (picture 4). They demonstrated U.S. weaponry, including an actual flamethrower and brought vehicles from this era out for viewing (pictures 2-3).

The military strategy of the Japanese, their fighting style and a demonstration of some of their weapons was highlighted, as well. We witnessed an 'attack' on a Japanese bunker and the skirmish that ensued. The kids in the audience were thoroughly awestruck! It proved to be a very interesting event.

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Although my husband and I would sooner leave winter far behind, we did enjoy ice skating. Fredericksburg residents can enjoy this cold weather sport at the Marketplatz, in the center of town on Main Street.

As mentioned in my earlier tip, Marketplatz was the original "hub" of the town where people bought and sold produce. Tucked at one end of this public park,a small ice skating rink has been constructed--EISBAHN.

The rink opens on the Friday after Thanksgiving and remains open until early January. Prices and hours: $10 per day (includes skate rental). Hours are Mon-Thurs. 4:00 pm-8:00 pm; Fri., Sat. & and School Holidays from 10:00 am-10:00 pm; Sun. 1pm-8pm.

The rink can be privately rented for parties, see internet: www.eisbahnfbg.com. Proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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This huge, 425-foot-high granite rock formation is one of Texas' most impressive natural sights. It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

If you have time, take the hike around the rock. Another good one is up to the summit and back. Both are moderately demanding. Either way, you will be rewarded with some spectacular views.