Spending a Day in Fredericksburg with a Crawfish Festival
Morning in Fredericksburg
When people think of Fredericksburg, TX, they picture rolling vineyards and endless wine tastings. But what if you don’t drink? Or just want to experience the town beyond the grapes? No worries, my friend—I spent a full day in Fredericksburg without a single sip of wine, and let me tell you, it was just as magical.
From wildflower fields to historical sites to adorable boutiques to epic hiking spots, this Texas Hill Country gem has so much more to offer. So grab your walking shoes, charge your camera, and let’s explore Fredericksburg beyond the booze!
A lot of my day was spent outdoors, soaking in the fresh air and taking a break from staring at a work computer. It wasn’t a jam-packed itinerary, but it was the perfect way to experience the town at a slower pace and watch the small tourist city come to life over the weekend.
Where I Went
Willow City Loop
My day started with a scenic drive along the famous Willow City Loop. This winding, rural road is one of the most recommended routes in Texas for wildflower spotting—but here’s where I learned my lesson. Visiting in mid-February meant no wildflowers, just dry, empty hills. If you time it right in the spring, you’ll be rewarded with rolling hills blanketed in bluebonnets and vibrant colors. Despite my unfortunate timing, the drive itself was peaceful, and the dirt roads gave it a rustic charm. If you're planning a visit, aim for March or April when the landscape truly comes to life. (No pictures or else it would look like the dirt lot in your neighborhood)
Das Peach Haus at the F&W Farmstead
After the drive, I made my way to Das Peach Haus at the F&W Farmstead. This charming little slice of heaven is what happens when fresh peaches, gourmet treats, and a lakeside view collide. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by the sweet smell of homemade jams and the sight of shelves lined with Texas-made goodies. I could have spent hours sampling sauces and pretending I knew how to cook with them. The real highlight? The peaceful back patio where I sat and soaked in the scenery while munching on a peach pastry. Absolute bliss.
Wildseed Farms
Next up was Wildseed Farms, the largest wildflower farm in the United States. Even though it wasn’t peak bloom season, the walking trails and the vibrant gift shop (packed with gardening goodies and Texas-themed treasures) made this a worthwhile stop. I can only imagine how breathtaking it must be in the spring when the fields explode with color. If you love flowers or just enjoy a relaxing outdoor stroll, this spot will send your allergies into a gorgeous tailspin.
Where I’ll Head Next Time (Places I Did Not Visit)
I realize I probably could have squeezed in a few more stops had I done a more thorough research journey, but alas this the game of travel, you’re bound to miss something. Here is what I will visit the next time I’m in town.
Old German Bakery & Restaurant – Known for its traditional German pastries and hearty breakfasts A giant, buttery pretzel or a plate of schnitzel and eggs would have been the ultimate start to my day.
Pioneer Museum – Fredericksburg is rich in German heritage, and this museum offers a fascinating deep dive into its history and it offers an immersive museum experience.
National Museum of the Pacific War – I’ve read nothing but rave reviews about this museum dedicated to WWII in the Pacific. It’s supposed to be incredibly well-done, and history buff or not, I know I would have been captivated.
Shopping on Main Street – I drove past the charming boutiques and antique shops but didn’t leave myself enough time to actually explore them. Next time, I’m making a whole afternoon of wandering through these quirky, locally owned stores and seeing what hidden treasures I can find.
Although I didn’t get to everything, my day in Fredericksburg was still an adventure, and now I have an even better game plan for my next visit. Whether you’re skipping the wine for a day or forever, this town is packed with charm, history, and plenty of non-boozy fun. And that, my friends, is something worth toasting with a big glass of peach iced tea.
Crawfish, Music, and True Texas Culture
One of the absolute highlights of my trip was the Fredericksburg Spring Crawfish and Music Festival at Bankersmith, Texas, a historic dive bar and restaurant on the side of the road. This was hands-down one of the most culture-immersed experiences I’ve ever had.
I learned how to properly eat crawfish from some incredible locals who kindly pointed out my rookie mistake—buying just one plate instead of the unlimited option. They laughed, tossed my "old and cold" crawfish, and replaced them with fresh, steaming hot ones. Before I knew it, I was knee-deep in what felt like five pounds of crawfish, learning about different types of dipping sauces and truly experiencing the Texas way of doing things.
The atmosphere was unbeatable—live country music filled the air as I sat at a picnic table, peeling crawfish and chatting with friendly strangers who quickly felt like old friends. The stage, set against an old, rustic bus with a sign that read "Texas is my happy place," made for the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable afternoon.
