Blanco, Texas

(Fifty miles from Fredericksburg)
Scenic Route - take US hwy 290 East to RR 1376, take a right. Continue past Luckenbach Texas to RR 1888, take a left. As you follow RR 1888 into Blanco it will turn into FM 1888. You will arrive in Blanco on the courthouse square (the intersection of Highway 281 and Highway 165).

Blanco, Texas, is just one of those magical places that you love at first sight! The historic district encircles the Old Blanco County Courthouse. Restaurants, art galleries and shops line the streets and Town Creek Nature Trail connects the downtown square to the Blanco State Park. Scenic and charming plus TEXAS HOSPITALITY! Experience the Texas Hill Country!

FTO Favorites:

  • Old Blanco County Courthouse, a Texas Historic Landmark
    The old Blanco County Courthouse, on the town square, in the heart of Blanco, Texas, serves as a visitor center, gift shop and community center. It is located  at the intersection of Highway 281 and Highway 165.
  • Blanco Market Days
    Market Day is the 3rd Saturday of the month (April through November) on the Courthouse square. A special Christmas market day held in December.
  • Blanco Lavender Festival
    Always a wonderful time in the heart of the Texas Hill Country! The annual Blanco Lavender Festival features a Lavender Market on the grounds of the Old Blanco County Courthouse with arts and crafts and local lavender products, live music and a self guided tour of local lavender farms. Experience the beauty of lavender in the fields!
  • Brieger Pottery
    Located on the north side of the square next to the Redbud Cafe. This store and adjoining restaurant is a GEM! Featuring a FANTASTIC collection of handmade stoneware pottery made by the Brieger’s, as well as, works by other local artists and craftsmen. The store also features Hill Country Lavender products year 'round!
  • Redbud Cafe
    If you're planning a visit to Blanco, Texas, Redbud Cafe is a MUST. This delightful cafe features DELICIOUS hill country fare, made fresh daily, using local and organic ingredients whenever possible.
    They also have daily specials centered around seasonal produce.
    Friday and Saturday evenings enjoy LIVE MUSIC. For more information and music schedule visit their website: www.redbud-cafe.com
    410 4th St.
Blanco, Texas 78606
    Redbud Cafe is located just off IH 281, on the north side of the square, right next door to Brieger Pottery, and directly across the street from the Old Blanco Courthouse.
  • The Town Creek Nature Trail
    A beautiful community park that connects the Blanco State Park to the historic Downtown Square.  Have a picnic, take  a walk down to the river... for a Texas Hill Country view that will take your breath away!
  • The Blanco State Park
    Camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, nature study, boating, and fishing. Tube, canoe and kayak rentals are available at the park. Annual Events: Blanco Classic Car Show - 3rd Saturday in May.
Feb 1
17:51

Fredericksburg Texas Online

February 3, 2012 - First Friday Art Walk! The fine art galleries of Fredericksburg, Texas, invite you to CELEBRATE ART! Come early! Stay late! Enjoy Art and fine Wine! For information: www.firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com


First Friday Art Walk-The First Friday of every month.
firstfriday-fbg.blogspot.com
Feb 1
17:28

Fredericksburg Texas Online

February 4 - 5, 11 - 12, and 18 - 19, 2012 - Annual Merlot and Chocolate at Becker Vineyards! Discover the delightful world of Texas Wine and Chocolate! Featuring Merlot by Becker Vineyards and fine Chocolates by Cocoa Luna and Delysia Chocolatier. www.beckervineyards.com


Becker Vineyards - Annual Merlot and Chocolate
www.beckervineyards.com
Jan 15
19:53

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Invite a Nightingale to Lunch and CELEBRATE the nurses in our community!


February 3, 2012 First Friday Community Lunch » $ 8.00 » Fredericksburg Food Ministry
www.tinypay.me
February is Great American Pie month. This year it’s also filled with 29 days to celebrate, including Valentine’s, Groundhog, President’s, and Leap days. First Friday is dubbing February 3 as “Invite a Nightingale to Lunch Day” in honor of the hundreds of nurses in our community who care for us w...
Jan 13
08:21

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Curious....? Carol Hicks Bolton's new FASHION Gallery "Laboratoire de Design" in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas! This will be a FASHION EVENT extraordinaire...


Magnolia Pearl's Photos
Magnolia Pearl Fashion Show at Carol Hicks Bolton's "Laboratoire de Design" Click Image below for more info.
Jan 10
22:41

Fredericksburg Texas Online

January 19, 2012 - Conspirare Presents Joby Talbot's "Path of Miracles" - Craig Hella Johnson, Conducting! A season highlight - the southwestern US premiere of "Path of Miracles" by British composer Joby Talbot. This mystical marvel was inspired by the medieval pilgrimage, still followed today, from the foot of the Pyrenees to Santiago, in northwest Spain! Music connects us in ways that nothing else can! Conspirare garners rave reviews, awards and international acclaim for its refined artistry, virtuosity and expressive singing. Don't miss this INSPIRING CONCERT! St. Mary's Catholic Church at 7:30 pm. www.fredericksburgmusicclub.com

Jan 10
22:33

Fredericksburg Texas Online

February 18, 2012 - Fasching Costume Ball! Join us for a magical evening of merrymaking and mischief at the 1st Annual Fasching Costume Ball! The Conference Center at the Hangar Hotel will be transformed into a winter karneval complete with Ice Sculptures! Vodka Bar! Wine Fountain! Bourbon Bar! Cigar Suite! Karneval-syle Entertainment! Music! Indulge and delight your senses, sip cocktails and savour delightful culinary creations by renowned Don Strange of Texas, while sophisticated, cabaret-style performances swirl around you! Don't miss this FANTASTIC party - an EVENT that will not be forgotten! For information, please visit: www.karnevalfasching.com

Jan 7
19:40

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Thomas Michael Riley Tonight! Luckenbach Texas"Around the old wood stove!" 8:00pm


Thomas Michael Riley
www.youtube.com
Thomas Michael Riley Live in Luckenbach Tx
Jan 7
19:35

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Bret Graham Tonight at Hondo's on Main! 8:00 - 11:30


BRET GRAHAM - RING OF FIRE
www.youtube.com
BRET GRAHAM, KENNY GRIMES, LYN DANIEL on bass,
Jan 3
09:19

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Messina Hof Winery is the most awarded Texas wine in both national and international competitions. Visti the new Messina Hof Hill Country Tasting Room located 10 miles from Fredericksburg, TX, at 9996 US Hwy 290 East. For information about special events, entertainment and wine classes visit their website: www.messinahof.com/mhhillcountry

Jan 3
09:13

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Saturday, January 21, 2012 - Join the Fredericksburg Wine Road 290 "Port 'n Pairings" Trail. Each winery will showcase their Port and pair it with a scrumptous treat - everything from chocolates to cheese to a specialty prepared by one of our TOP local restaurants! Each winery will create a unique pairing experience and offer their regular wine tasting line-up as well. Many of the wineries will also have music and other festivities. Salud! Happy New Year 2012! For more information visit: www.wineroad290.com

Jan 1
13:45

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Come taste some TEXAS LUCK! Torre Di Pietra Vineyards New Year's Day Blackeyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff! Music by the Almost Patsy Cline Band from 2pm - 6pm! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Jan 1
13:44

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Come taste some TEXAS LUCK! Torre Di Pietra Vineyards New Year's Day Blackeyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff! Music by the Almost Patsy Cline Band from 2pm - 6pm! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Jan 1
13:42

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Come taste some TEXAS LUCK! Torre Di Pietra Vineyards New Year's Day Blackeyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff! Music by the Almost Patsy Cline Band from 2pm - 6pm! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012!

Dec 31
17:51

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Bill Lewis Piano Sessions at Luckenbach Texas!

Dec 30
19:14

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Tonight at Hondo's On Main, Thomas Michael Riley's New Year's Eve, Eve! Don't wait to CELEBRATE! Special Guests, including Randy Brown! 8pm - 11:30pm!

Dec 30
17:05

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Drew Landry Band - Luckenbach on February 3rd, 2012!


Sharecropper's Wine by The Drew Landry Band
www.reverbnation.com
The Drew Landry Band | Country | Scott, LA
Dec 29
21:51

Fredericksburg Texas Online

Hill Top New Years Eve 4 Courses of Hill Top Cafe CULINARY MAGIC - 2 Seatings: Early 5 - 9 and Late 9 - 1! Great music by Johnny Nicholas and Hell Bent, featuring Cindy Cashdollar, Bruce Hughes, Scrappy Jud Newcomb, John chipman plus special guest Billy Burdett. For reservations and information call 830.997.8922 or visit: http://www.hilltopcafe.com/

Dec 29
20:15

Fredericksburg Texas Online

The New Year's Day Blackeyed Pea and Cornbread Cookoff at Torre Di Pietra Vineyards made the New York Times "discerning picks for the most interesting things to do around the state this week"! Come on out for a New Year's Day Celebration TEXAS STYLE!


GTT ★
www.nytimes.com
Our quirky, discerning picks for the most interesting things to do around the state this week.
Dec 29
11:47

Fredericksburg Texas Online


Wall Photos
Today in Texas History - On this date 166 years ago, December 29, 1845, Texas (comprised of the present state of Texas and parts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming) was admitted as the 28th state of the Union.

A state constitution, drawn up by the convention, was ratified by popular vote in October 1845 and accepted by the United States Congress on December 29, 1845, the date of Texas’s legal entry into the Union. The formal transfer of authority from the republic to the state was not made until a ceremony held on February 19, 1846. President Anson Jones handed over the reins of state government to Governor James Pinckney Henderson having declared “The final act in this great drama is now performed. The Republic of Texas is no more.”
Dec 29
11:43

Fredericksburg Texas Online

EXQUISITE Maggie!


Maggie Gillespie's Photos
Loved doing this wonderful Christmas wedding in Fredericksburg for Emily and Michael at St.Barnabas Episcopal church and the Nimitz museum...photos courtesy Amy Gawlick photography
FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK
GALLERIES
Bringing Art and Art Lovers together!
Enjoy fine wine from local wineries and the Fredericksburg ART scene!

Find out more >

Texas Hill Country #1
on The New York Times
31 Places to Go This Summer

"Who needs Europe? The Texas Hill Country, west of Austin and north of San Antonio, might be the next best thing to crossing the Atlantic. The region is lush, colorful and, unlike much of the pancake-flat state, dotted with beautiful green hills that are evocative of Tuscany or the south of France. Moreover, the region is speckled with 22 wineries that buzz with food and music festivals year round. And towns like Fredericksburg offer a taste of the Old World, with German-style biergartens and schnitzelhauser. "

The New York Times
Sunday, June 1, 2008

#1 on Away.com's Top 10
"Hidden-Gem"

Wine Regions in the United States Hill Country, TX: Texas Hill Country, north of San Antonio and west of Austin, is one of the nation's fastest growing wine destinations. Boasting 24 wineries  along the Texas Wine Trail, this area is a must-see for its unparalleled wine diversity. Away.com's Top 10 Hidden-Gem Wine Regions In Your Backyard Sep 23, 2010

www.pressroom.orbitz.com

Texas Wins Big at the Lone Star International Wine Competition
Texas Wineries were awarded 220 total medals; 20 gold, 76 silver and 124 bronze

The Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association hosted the 28th Annual Lone Star International Wine Competition (LSIWC) on June 6-7 at the Grapevine Convention Center.  

Texas Hill Country Gold Medal Wines Included:

  • Becker Vineyards
    2009 Merlot
  • Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
    White Black Spanish
  • Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
    2009 Petite Verdot
  • Dry Comal Creek Vineyards
    1096 White Port
  • Duchman Family Winery
    2009 Orange Muscat
  • Flat Creek Estate
    2010 Muscato Blanco
  • Flat Creek Estate
    2008 Syrah
  • Messina Hof
    2010 Riesling
    (Father and Son)
  • Messina Hof
    2008 Reflections of Love
  • Messina Hof
    2009 Zinfandel
    Bell Brother’s
    Merrill’s Vineyard
    Private Reserve
  • Messina Hof
    2009 Shiraz Private Reserve
    Cedar Crest Vineyard
  • Pedernales Cellars
    2009 GSM
  • Singing Water Vineyards
    2009 Texas Reserve
  • Texas Hills Vineyards
    2009 Barbera
  • Texas Hills Vineyards
    2009 Syrah

"Kudos go to Messina Hof Winery in Bryan for their amazing wins with four Gold medals, four Silver medals, and 13 Bronze medals totaling 21 earned medals for their wines. The diversity of the Gold medals amongst Texas wineries is proof that Texas wines are on a level to be reckoned with on an international basis!"

YourHoustonNews.com

Texas Hill Country
By John Graves and
Wyman Meinzer

Two of Texas' most respected artists join their talents to create an unsurpassed portrait of the Texas Hill Country. "Together, John Graves and Wyman Meinzer once again demonstrate that they  are the foremost artists of the Texas landscape. The portrait they create in images and words is as close as you can come to the heart of the Hill Country without being there."

www.utexas.edu

Stardust Carriage Service
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides for All Occasions!

Create romantic memories with horse-drawn carriage rides through historic Fredericksburg, Texas. Carriage rides are the perfect way to celebrate special occasions!

Call Margaret Creamer for reservations!
830.992.0700

Hill Country Trail Riding
Enjoy the AMAZING and BEAUTIFUL Texas Hill Country on horseback!

Come explore 800 gorgeous acres of Texas Hill Country on horseback. Beautiful valleys, hills and views, creek crossings, wildlife and so much more! Adventure awaits you! Call Jen Bursaw to reserve your ride today!
612.961.9441

Hill Country Bicycle Works

You can rent a bike at Hill Country Bicycle Works! Their rental fleets feature road and fitness hybrid bikes. It is recommended that you reserve your rental bike in advance, especially during holidays and weekends. They also have maps and recommendations for rides in and around Fredericksburg, Texas, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country! Located at 702 East Main. Closed Sundays and Wednesdays! 830-990-2609

www.hillcountrybicycle.com

Stagecoach Shuttle Service
Taxi & Transportation Service

Winery tours, shopping tours, transportation for weddings, reunions, and trips around Fredericksburg, Texas, and the beautiful Texas Hill Country!
830-385-7722 or 830-997-1002

stagecoachtaxiandshuttle.com

Fredericksburg First Friday Food Ministry
A movable feast that welcomes everyone to the table.

Fredericksburg Food Ministry is an all-volunteer community-based food and hospitality ministry that provides residents of Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities, a "cloth napkin" dining experience on the first Friday of each month.

You have fed my tummy and my soul with food and blessings! Thank you for sharing your love with me.
- A First Friday lunch guest

fredericksburgfirstfriday.org