In the Texas Hill Country, a relatively relaxed small area of the state is Fredericksburg. The vibe is usually laid-back, whether you’re here to sample the vineyards of the 290 Wine Trail or to browse till you fall in the many stores along Main Street. But being informal need not imply sacrificing quality for money. Here are five opulent things to do in Fredericksburg.
A Special Dinner for Two at Sage by the Chef
American food that is creative, diversified, and influenced by the world is served at Sage. Expect occasional menu changes since the chef loves to keep things interesting and uses locally sourced ingredients.
With a few brunch-like dishes on the noon menu, the establishment offers both lunch and supper. Eating at Sage always seems like a special occasion, regardless of what you choose or when you arrive, but if you truly need to increase the ante, choose the Chef’s Featured Dinner for Two. The eating areas at Sage are very stylish and cozy.
Request a nightcap or dessert in the owner’s lounge up above if you truly want to boost your experience. A private elevator leads to this opulent lounge, which has a balcony overlooking the dining area. Most visitors are unaware of the experience since it is by invitation only. Even while asking doesn’t ensure admission, it doesn’t harm to try.
The Fischer and Weiser Cooking School
Consider taking a cooking lesson or seeing a demo at Fischer and Weiser if you’d want a more involved part in the meal preparation. A four-course private supper with wine pairings, a hands-on workshop, or a demo session are all options for guests. Based on the kind of event you choose, the culinary school may handle teams of 2 to 24.
Das Peach Haus, a specialty store that sells jams as well as other delights and enamels, is located on the Fischer and Weiser property. You may get your preferred items from their shop and most of these items will be on the lists of components for your dinner.
I suggest scheduling your trips as you’ll be there at the conclusion of the day since there is a garden space where you can have a glass of red wine and a lakeside scenery that is especially beautiful at sunset.
Pro Tip: Stop by Dietz Distillery for a drink if you’re not ready to go home when the sun sets. This small-batch distillery creates a variety of sophisticated and creative drinks in addition to gin and fruit brandies. I’ll admit that I don’t often like gin, but I did appreciate the French 75, a cocktail made with gin, lemon, and prosecco.
A Sophisticated Treehouse Stay
Onera is a serene complex of opulent tree homes, along with yurts and Airstreams, just beyond the downtown Fredericksburg, if you’ve ever longed to spend the night in a wooden house. You won’t feel as if this home is near to a city, and you’ll enjoy the tranquility that goes with vacationing in the midst of nothing.
When I went on a tour of the site in April, I became infatuated with The Spyglass. Luxurious and cozy, the bedroom area opens to a relaxing pool with a panorama of the trees. Onera is best characterized as dreamlike, that is appropriate given that the Greek term for “dreams” is onera.
Additionally, there is a communal space with a container pool, a barrel sauna, and areas for visitors to unwind and socialize.
The majority of the Onera apartments, especially the swimming pool, have a few steps to negotiate. In case a visitor is unable to maneuver through the pool area, the Live Oak Lodge features a hot tub and a plunging pool on the deck. Be aware that the roof terrace does not have ADA accessibility.
The prices for the accommodations might reach $900 per night during the summer or the first few weeks of October. If your dates are flexible, you may be able to locate a better rate during the week in January or February as those months are friendlier on the pocketbook.
Luxurious Stay For Ololo
Less than 5 miles from Fredericksburg’s center lies the Ololo neighborhood, which consists of four cabins arranged in a semicircle. The cottages are intended for couples, but if you have a bigger party, you may want to consider renting the whole estate or more than just a single apartment. Every house is tastefully furnished with furnishings from the posh household goods shop Black Chalk Laundry in downtown Fredericksburg. The Black Chalk Laundry proprietor also runs Ololo, so if the farmhouse decor inspires you, you can buy the furnishings there.
Every apartment includes a front terrace with furnishings where you may enjoy a glass of wine or your morning brew. Early morning deer encounters are frequent if you keep quiet. Every cottage has a private garden with a hot tub, which is ideal for admiring the magnificent stars at night. Because Fredericksburg has no light interference, you can view stars in the night sky that you won’t view in Austin or San Antonio, which are close by.
Ololo is useful for those with mobility problems. A paved walkway leads to the doorway of the single-story apartments. There’s a sizable walk-in shower in the bathroom. The front porch has stairs leading up to it, but it may also be reached from within the apartment without them.
Ololo costs anything from $154 to $485 overnight, based on the season. Similar to Onera, midweek stays in January and February are less expensive.
I keep an eye on this location since I’d want to return and stay there again, and I’ve noticed some differences between reserving straight via the website and renting through Airbnb, so make the assessments.
Heath Vineyards’ Sparkling Wine Tastings
One of the primary draws for tourists is the area’s vineyards. The sole establishment on the 290 Wine Trail presently serving sparkling wine is Heath Vineyards, which is situated beside Grape Creek Vineyards. While there are many excellent wines produced in this region, Heath Vineyards capitalizes on the fact that sparkling enriches the wine pleasure.
The 21+ policy at Heath (as well as Grape Creek Vineyards) distinguishes it from the majority of other family-friendly region vineyards. Heath’s contemporary, minimalist design and floor to roof windows provide an opulent atmosphere for tastings. They presently offer four wines along with fresh small snacks to go along with the tastings, which are interactive tastings where a visual background gives the impression that you are participating in the winemaking procedure. Bookings are advised; tastings cost roughly $35.
I hope you treat yourself to one of these events to enhance your next vacation to Texas Hill Country more special, whether you’re indulging yourself for a wedding, engagement, or other special event or simply want that touch of luxury when you make the journey.
