Austin | Fredericksburg

The best travel plans are the ones that are made randomly. This trip was one of them. One weekend, we were sitting and discussing with our friends various places that we would like to travel to in the US. While talking about each other’s wish lists, we just decided to go to Austin and Fredericksburg for a weekend trip together.

And here we go: We booked the hotel for next weekend. The following week was spent finding all the whats, wheres, hows, etc.

Austin

Austin, the state capital of Texas, is a modern and vibrant city. Its tall structures, office buildings, and nightlife culture give the city a different look and feel. It took me almost two years to finally visit this city, which is only a 3.5-hour away from my place. It was a very random and spontaneous decision to visit this place.

The early morning of Saturday, I was excited to travel (which I usually am when it comes to travel). We stayed overnight in Austin.

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Centre

The West Cave is a hidden gem of the hill country. It is a guided canyon tour. You can witness the layers of multiple limestones. At the head of the canyon, the highlight of your hike is the waterfall with a replenishing pool below. You can go behind the waterfall, which is one of the pinnacles of the tour. It also has a limestone bat cave.

The hike is at an easy/moderate level. It is a kid-friendly trail.

Reservations to West Cave are mandatory for this tour. No walk-ins.

Travis Lake

Lake Travis is one of the most visited places by both locals and tourists. It is also popularly called the “Crown Jewel” of Texas. The place is vivacious and offers a majestic view of the lake. The open-sitting restaurants near the lake are the highlight. Enjoy your food with beautiful sunsets and lake views.

State Capitol

The Texas state capitol is the capitol and seat of government. Its buildings house offices and chambers of the legislature. The capitol is also recognized as a Historic landmark.

It is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen. The chandeliers, the brass doors, and the elegant details are simply amazing. It offers both self-guided and guided tours.

The guided tours start at 12.30 pm. However, self-guided tours are convenient with the help of brochures. You can spend as much time as you want at your pace. The surrounding grounds around the state capitol are also gorgeous. The trees and garden are beautifully landscaped.

The visitor parking garage is just opposite of the building. And is free up to 2 hours.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is famously called the German town of Texas, as it still has many older structures and buildings that retain its traditional German style. On our second day, we visited this beautiful town. We stayed overnight in an Air BnB.

The town is famous for three things.

Enchanted Rock State Park

The Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain in the state of Texas. Here, you can go camping, hiking, rock climbing, picnics, nature study, and stargazing. There are many trails, all connected to one big loop, that you can hike depending on your comfort level.

Hiking during summer will be a little challenging. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated on your hike.

Wine Tasting and Vineyards

Fredericksburg has some pretty good vineyards. We couldn’t visit any of them as the plants were still small and had not grown. The best time to see a vineyard is from April to July, when the plants are fully grown.

I wish to visit during the grape stomping seasons.

• Many vineyards and wine-tasting venues do not allow kids and pets. Check before you go.
• Grape Creek Vineyard is one of the best vineyards for a tour.

German Down Town Street

The downtown market street is a beautiful lane of small shops. Multiple cafes and shopping shops are built in the traditional German style. You can enjoy some live music while relaxing at one of the cafes.

Visit the town street during the early hours of the day, as most shops are closed by 5 p.m.

3 Day Itinerary to Fredericksburg

• Day 1: Austin – Westcave Outdoor Discovery Centre, Travis Lake
• Day 2 Austin – State Capitol; Fredericksburg – Vineyard Tour
• Day 3: Fredericksburg – Enchanted Rock State Park, German Town