Fredericksburg, Texas, has quietly gained a loyal following of tourists and seasonal residents, not just for its beautiful rolling hills and quaint bed and breakfasts, but also its pervasive German culture. German immigrants, banded together in an organization called the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas, founded the town in 1846.

Today, this town of approximately 7,800 serves as a year-round residence for some, and a seasonal respite for others. Its Victorian architecture, small-town environment and easy access to bustling Austin (75 miles) and San Antonio (65 miles) -- as well as other German-flavored Hill Country towns like New Braunfels -- makes it unique in a state well-known for its skyscrapers and booming businesses. Although a diverse array of businesses call the town and its surrounding areas home, a substantial percentage of Fredericksburg's economic base comes from the hospitality industry. In fact, more than 300 bed and breakfasts exist here. With an average annual temperature of 67 degrees, beautiful Texas sunsets, a reasonable cost of living and plenty of recreational opportunities, Fredericksburg is one of the Southwest's best-kept secrets.

Although the town's architecture is certainly one of its largest draws, plenty of other attractions will keep you busy in Fredericksburg. Among them: the Admiral Nimitz State Historical Park, home to a vast collection of World War II artifacts and the History Walk of the Pacific War. The Pioneer Museum Complex is comprised of the Fort Martin Scott, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and LBJ State and National Historical Parks. Presidential historians will want to take the LBJ Ranch Bus Tour, which leads visitors through the birthplace and former ranch of Lyndon Baines Johnson. The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm is a trip back in time. This pioneer-era farm has been brought to life. Traditional activities including sheep-sheering and canning still take place at the farm today.

For the aspiring gardener, seven miles east of Fredericksburg are the Wildseed Farms, one of the United States' largest functioning wildflower farms. The Fredericksburg Herb Farm, an organic herb garden, is a unique stop on your tour. In addition to its extensive garden, the farm includes a tearoom, candle shop, day spa and retail shops.

Although many of us wouldn't associate Texas with fine wines, Texas Hill Country is home to several vineyards, including several throughout the Fredericksburg/Gillespie County area: Becker Vineyards, Bell Mountain Winery, Fredericksburg Winery and Grape Creek Vineyard.

Because the weather in Fredericksburg is friendly throughout the year, recreational sports and activities are popular both with residents and tourists. The town's recreational facilities include the Lady Bird Johnson Golf Center, an 18-hole championship course; and some 15 tennis courts. Along the pathways of hiking and biking routes,you'll find a variety of beautiful wildflowers unique to Texas Hill Country.

Nature-lovers will feel right at home in Fredericksburg. In addition to the wildflowers, Hill Country is home to natural streams, oak trees, and an extraordinary array of wild game. Local companies host various nature walks and ecotourism adventures. The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, mentioned above, is a 1,643-acre granite park where visitors come to hike, picnic, camp or just take in the scenery.

If "roughing it" isn't your style, you'll want to head to the historic district of Fredericksburg, where more than 80 historic points of interest are located. The Fredericksburg Visitor Center offers a map that will guide you on a self-guided tour of the district. The town's Dulcimer Factory leads visitors on a guided tour of a facility where handcrafted dulcimers (a type of musical instrument) are made. The Jeep Collins Handcrafted Jewelry Workshop is another popular stop. And the Bauer Toy Museum will delight children and take their parents back in time to their grandparents' era. The museum houses an extensive collection of historic dolls and toys.

According to Fredericksburg Realty, Fredericksburg taxes rank as the Texas' fourth-lowest, and the town's electricity rate is the state's lowest. Families relocating to this area may choose either to live in town or in surrounding Hill Country. Residential real estate offerings range from modern ranch-style or rambling, historic single-family homes to large ranches and small "ranchettes." Lots come in every shape and size. Your choice depends, of course, on whether you're seeking a no- or low-maintenance lifestyle or a working ranch. Asking prices, too, are quite diverse, ranging anywhere from under $100,000 to $500,000 and up. Many single-family homes in the area tend to be one-story and without basements. Residents enjoy a relatively strong local school district and one-hour accessibility to San Antonio and Austin.

While Austin certainly has done its part to spread the word about the beauty of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg isn't far behind. This town offers a comparatively slower pace of life while providing its residents with the ease of big-city life just an hour away. With its Victorian architecture and wealth of history, Fredericksburg is a trip back in time. If a relocation to the area isn't in your plans, a trip to one of the 300-plus B&Bs in Fredericksburg should be.

Published: December 24, 1998

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