This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Texas

Since its founding in 1846 by German settlers, Fredericksburg, in the Central Texas Hill Country, has thrived as a warm and welcoming community. While the town grew quickly in its early years, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that tourism became a focal point, with events and museums attracting visitors. Today, Fredericksburg is known as one of the friendliest towns in Texas, inviting travelers from across the country to experience its well-preserved German heritage, abundant vineyards, famous Fredericksburg peaches, and signature southern hospitality. Whether you're stopping by or staying a while, you’ll feel right at home in this inviting Texas town.

Community Festivals

With over 400 special events and festivals each year, Fredericksburg always has something to celebrate. Oktoberfest is the town’s largest festival, taking place each October and celebrating its German roots through activities like oompah music, various beers, and German foods like schnitzel, potato pancakes, Kraut dogs, and German tacos. There will also be plenty of local artisans at the event selling authentic German clothing, soaps, jewelry, pottery, woodwork, handcrafted toys, and more.

The Knights of Columbus Bestfest also takes place in October and celebrates German sausage, craft beer, and polka music. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy all-you-can-eat handcrafted sausages, polka and country bands, bucket raffles, and beer, wine, and soft drinks. Fredericksburg also takes pride in its wine heritage, especially during the Food & Wine Festival, where over 75 Texas wineries and dozens of food producers come together for a day of sipping and sampling.

Parades are a big deal in town, too. The town goes all out for the 4th of July with a grand parade featuring nearly 100 patriotic floats, as well as country-style fun like a Willie Nelson look-alike contest, dance lessons, live music, and great food. It is no surprise that people from across the Hill Country also flock here for the holidays. On the first Friday of December, Fredericksburg hosts the annual Light the Night Christmas Parade, an illuminated spectacle with more than 150 floats—a beloved tradition for over 30 years.

Farms & Orchards

Fredericksburg is in one of the largest peach-producing counties in the state, home to around 600 acres of peach trees. The peach season takes place from around mid-May through mid-August, making it a great time to check out some of the nearby friendly orchards, many of which are family-owned and operated. Travelers can pick their own peaches during this season at Jenschke Orchards, which offers u-pick peach experiences. During other parts of the year, the orchard also offers U-pick strawberries, blackberries, pumpkins, and Christmas trees. Wildseed Farms is another important part of the agricultural community, a 200-acre wildflower farm and vineyard. Travelers can explore the wildflowers along a half-mile walking trail, as well as taste the estate grapes that the farm uses in its highly awarded wines. After exploring the farm, make sure to stop by the plant nursery, which is one of the largest in the area.

Wineries and Vineyards

With over 100 wineries in the surrounding Texas Hill Country, it is no wonder why Fredericksburg residents are so relaxed. On the evenings or weekends, residents are often found enjoying a glass at one of their nearby wineries, such as Grape Creek Vineyards. This vineyard off Highway 290 offers a variety of interactive experiences, such as tours of the facilities and tasting experiences with knowledgeable local guides. The vineyard also offers a more accessible tasting room on Fredericksburg’s Main Street, where guests can sample some of the vineyard’s highest-rated wines. Augusta Vin is another welcoming winery worth adding to your itinerary. With no reservations required, visitors can drop by at their convenience and enjoy a variety of tasting experiences, from a relaxed seated bar tasting to elegant bottle service on the outdoor patio.

Restaurants

Positioned among farms, vineyards, and orchards, Fredericksburg’s restaurants play an important role in supporting local agriculture with farm-to-table dining and locally sourced wines. Hill & Vine, just two blocks from Main Street, is the perfect example of this commitment to the local community. Many of the ingredients in the dishes are sourced from local Texas farmers, like Hill Country Ribeye and Roadside Fried Pies made with local peaches.

Fredericksburg also celebrates its German heritage with several traditional restaurants, making it worth planning a dinner at one during your visit. At Altdorg Biergarten, travelers can find classic German fare with a Texan twist, with options like sauerkraut balls, pretzels, currywurst, and an extensive list of beers.

Embracing Fredericksburg's Warmth and Heritage

The entire state of Texas is known for its hospitality, making it tough to narrow down the friendliest town. However, Fredericksburg stands out, home to German-themed festivals, a close-knit farming community, and welcoming farm-to-table restaurants: all hallmarks of a town where neighbors look out for one another. So take a step back, embrace the warmth of this town, and make Fredericksburg your perfect getaway in 2025!