Updated December 17, 2010
Fredericksburg, Texas is so much more than a German country town. Fredericksburg is fast becoming a destination for foodies.We were surprised to find quite a range of foods when visiting Fredericksburg. Foods ranged from the local peaches to an upscale restaurant with a Thai executive chef.
Option 1 - Exercise and Making the Rounds of Eateries
After a rather steep climp up Enchanted Rock, the second largest granite dome in the United States, we paused to view the Texas Hill Country waaay down below. It was a great hike, didn't take us more than 40 minutes, and would be fun for the whole family. As we hiked down the pink granite dome, we saw young children scrambling up the trail followed by their rather out-of-breath parents.
We felt we worked off our breakfast doing the hike but weren't prepared for the gastronomic offerings of Fredericksburg. Once heralded as a German heritage town with great German food, Fredericksburg is now drawing gourmets and food enthusiasts who have more than apfel strudel in mind.
Our lunch at the Herb Farm provided us with some very creative organic cuisine served outdoors with a view of herb gardens. When you go, be sure and visit their gift shop for candles, lotions and potions made right there. The new owners have developed a relaxing spa surrounded by little cottages where you can get away from it all.
After lunch we headed back to central Fredericksburg for desert. The little Fredericksburg Pie Company offers an amazing selection of pies, all baked right there. Favorites are the Bourbon Orange Pecan and Key Lime Pies. And yes, they also make Peach Pie.
So after that sweet treat, it was on to Fredericksburg Gourmet Coffee & Tea, a great place to gather and enjoy specialty organic coffees and teas.
Topping off the afternoon tasting of the delights of Fredericksburg was a visit to Fromage du Monde for a little cheese tasting. They offer chocolates, cheeses, pate's and more. The Fredericksburg Herb Farm's former owner is now the manager at Fromage du Monde. You know what that means? Herbal delights. We returned to have lunch the next day and had an out of this world quiche and unusual herbed peach cobbler.
That evening we learned about Texas Wines at the Texas Wine Maker Vintner Dinner at the Cotton Gin Restaurant (newly dubbed the Cabernet Grill). Not only was the multi-course meal exquisite, we found some fantastic red wines proudly served by Torre di Pietra Winery.
Option 2 - Art, Shopping and Culinary Delights
While exercise is good when followed by the foods of the Hill Country, shopping for art can be a great paired activity. We spent time on Main Street perusing the world class art of Fredericksburg and then had a memorable dinner at August E's, just a block away.
Our day started at Whistle Pik Gallery, viewing some supurb local art including the original paintings of internationally known artist, G. Harvey. Then it was on to the Insight Gallery where we enjoyed a variety of local art including paintings by Mark Haworth, a fantastic landscape artist.
We kept on walking down main street and happened upon the Good Art Company. Again, an interesting selection of artists, most of them local. And, they give art lessons!
My favorite artist was Phil Bob Borman, a local who magically captures light in landscapes. Phil Bob is a real cowboy. You may see him at the Fredericksburg Art Gallery in his 10 gallon hat!
Last but not least, we strayed a block from Main Street and entered a quaint historic home/gallery to find the work of yet another cowboy artist, John Bennett. John is known for his sculptures. His studio is right in back of the gallery. You'll see one of his life-sized sculptures in the front garden.
By then we were ready to look forward to a very special dinner. It was back to our hotels and B&B's for a quick change. We were truly looking forward to our dinner at August E's, just a block off main street. Those staying in the downtown area had the ease of walking to everything... art, museums and dinner.
August E's did not disappoint us. They term their offerings Nouveau Texas Cuisine. I'd say there is a strong hint of oriental influence in the menu with sushi and Thai offerings.
But Chef Leu Savanh has taken everyone's tastes into consideration. August E's is a place where locals go for lunch and for special ocassions. He always has some hearty fare available. In fact, I enjoyed a marvelous Kobe Beef. He offers Mesquite Grilled steaks with mashed potatoes and marvelously prepared asparagus. Want something more creative? Try their specials or visit the restaurant on Thai night. August E's is an award-winning restaurant slightly out of place in the heart of Hill Country. We were thrilled to find them!
A great way to enjoy the galleries of Fredericksburg and dine in downtown Fredericksburg would be to attend their First Friday Art Walk.
