Whether your aviation experience is just taking off or a lifelong aviator Gear Up, Flight Level’s aviation blog, brings you industry insights, aircraft reviews, business aviation news, and everything flight level.

Cameron Tipton 11/29/18 Cameron Tipton 11/29/18

Fly To: Fredericksburg

For many, aviation is about freedom. Whether its for work or for play, general aviation grants unparalleled opportunities to access locales that would otherwise be out of reach. In our new blog series “Fly To”, we will show you some of the places where we like to fly and pass along a few ideas of what to do when you get there. First stop, Fredericksburg.

A Texas Holiday Destination

Fredericksburg, Texas

Established: 1846

Population: 10,530

Elevation: 1,700 FT

Closest Major City: San Antonio, TX

Spend the Holiday Season in Fredericksburg

There is something about visiting a small town in the Texas Hill Country in the winter that just seems right. Maybe its that old world charm - the remnant impact of the German settlers that called Fredericksburg home in the early 1800’s. Or maybe its the liberal application of Christmas lights (virtually any place within 20 yards of an electric outlet). Fredericksburg is simply a great place to spend the holidays.

Where to Land

T82 Boasts its own hotel and diner, an AVGeeks dream

T82 - Gillespie County Airport

Gillespie County Airport has made the short-list of many aviation enthusiasts by offering a truly unique airport experience. The Hangar Hotel and its accompanied diner have a retro vibe and allow guests an opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day of plane-watching.

FBO Open 8 AM - 6 PM Daily
24/7 Access to FBO Facilities
5,000 X 75 FT Runway
Rental Cars Available
AVGAS & Jet A Available
RNAV & VOR Approaches

What to do in fredericksburg

Winery Tours

Vineyard to Vineyard

There are dozens of wineries just outside of Fredericksburg. The most popular method to enjoy the “Texas Wine Country” is to hire a limousine that will stop at a number of vineyards for a day of sampling the best grapes Texas has to offer.

Main Street

Shop, Eat, & Drink Along the Way

Fredericksburg may seem like a small town but is actually home to countless shops, restaurants, and bars. Main Street is a great (walkable) starting point.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Hike to the Top of a Solid Granite Mountain

Enchanted Rock SNA is a quick 20 minute drive from Fredericksburg. The cornerstone of the park is the massive pink granite “rock”. Climb to the top to get unobstructed views of the entire area.

National Museum of the Pacific War

Small Town - World Class Museum

For the history buffs, head over to the Admiral Nimitz National Museum of the Pacific War. The museum underwent extensive updating and reopened in 2009 offering a unique look at the Pacific theaters of war during WWII.

Best Places to Eat in Fredericksburg

Otto's

Upscale German Eaterie

Otto’s restaurant has become a Fredericksburg staple, and for good reason. The menu offers a variety of German-fusion dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients. The small, cottage-style building has a tendency to fill-up quick so reservations are a safe bet.

Vaudeville Bistro

Comfort Food Served Right

Vaudeville Bistro is on the lower level of a 3-story store of the same name. The Bistro serves a huge variety of options and boasts a fair amount of gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Hondo's

Texan.

Hondo’s is a no-frills sorta place - self described as a “self help restaurant”. Hondo’s is the spot for Texas favorites like Chicken Fried Steak or BBQ. Grab a seat on the beautiful patio and enjoy live music nearly everyday.

Woerner Warehouse

Half Antiques Half Cafe

Woerner’s is one of the stranger combinations of stores - half being restored antique furniture and the other (definitely less than half) half being a cafe. Woerner’s has an extensive breakfast menu and serves great pizza and sandwiches for lunch.

Best Places to Drink in Fredericksburg

Treaty House

Exceptional in Every Way

The Treaty House will “wow” you the moment you step inside. The inside is reminiscent of prohibition-era grandeur - complete with a grand piano in the center of the main room. The patio is equally impressive - with a massive limestone fireplace providing warmth in the winter.

The Stable House

Step into the Christmas Spirit

The Stable House is off the “main drag” through town and feels like a hidden gem. The small cottage sits atop a creek-bed and boasts maybe 30 seats in total. They offer a seasonal cocktail menu (and loads of Christmas decorations) to get you into the holiday spirit.

Elk Store

Moonshine is Alive and Well

The Elk Store 1895 Winery and Distillery offer guests a variety of house-made spirits in addition to their extensive wine/beer/cocktail menu. The staff is exceedingly knowledgeable and sure knows how to whip up a tasty drink

Becker Vineyards

Heart of the Texas Wine Country

People may not know that Texas has been cranking out award-winning wines for decades. Becker Vineyards is one of many world-class vineyards open for tastings right outside of Fredericksburg. Their estate is complete with a fantastic outdoor space, rustic limestone-rich interior and a private room in the cellar open for occasional special tastings or events.

Best Places to Stay in Fredericksburg

Barons Creekside

Sugarberry Inn

Hoffman Haus