This Small Town In Texas Is A Must-Visit For German Food Lovers

Foodie travelers may associate the Lone Star State with iconic foods that originated in Texas like pecan pie and smoked brisket, but the state offers a melting pot of cuisines for the culinary-inclined to sample. Fredericksburg, one of the most foodie-friendly small towns in America, is one such destination that offers a taste of Germany without needing to board a plane. The town was founded by German immigrants in 1846, and its Marktplatz has seen its share of events over the years, including Oktoberfest. 

Downtown Fredericksburg is walkable, so visitors can tuck into locally-owned shops in between sampling wine at various tasting rooms and snacking on dishes. A range of restaurants offer simple traditional schnitzel and plenty of classic German dishes to try at least once, including braised red cabbage and lingonberry jam to swipe onto bread. The Ausländer Restaurant and Biergarten is known for its Bavarian cuisine, and the Der Lindenbaum Restaurant serves up generous slices of Black Forest cake. The Old German Bakery has been serving made-from-scratch comfort foods to locals and visitors for decades, with visitors commenting, "There are no words for how good it was," on Google. 

After feasting on pretzels and potatoes, both the Fredericksburg Brewing Company and Altstadt Brewery can help you quench your thirst with beer that is brewed onsite. While exploring the area, visitors may notice Basse block buildings, a construction substitute for hewn limestone. Beyond Fredericksburg, the region of Texas Hill Country is known for its many wineries and vineyards.

Before heading home, aspiring home cooks may want to stop into the kitchen supply store Der Kuchen Laden. Here, chefs have been stocking their kitchens with what they need to embrace the flavors of German recipes and place their own spins on traditional favorites since 1979. A quick stop at the smokehouse Opa's Smoked Meats — an operating business since 1947 – can get you quality ingredients and great snacks, like Texas pralines, for the trip home. To experience Fredericksburg in its full glory, schedule your visit for the annual Oktoberfest held in October. Enjoy the live music and dancing alongside the town's residents while sampling brats, kraut, and American fare in a lively setting.