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Known for its German heritage and culture, the city of Fredericksburg, TX has a population of a little over 11,000 and is not far from some of the largest cities in the state, including Austin and San Antonio. Whether you live in Fredericksburg or are visiting the area, there are some excellent day trips you can go on without having to drive too far from the city. Pack your things, bring your friends or family, and hit the road now! Photo by: Steady Content 3 Unforgettable Day Trips You Can Take From Fredericksburg, TX 1. San Antonio, TX The city of San Antonio is one of the best destinations for a day trip or a weekend escape in the entire state of Texas. Home to one of the most vibrant and beautiful river walks in the southern United States, as well as historical sites such as The Alamo and the San Fernando Cathedral, San Antonio attracts millions of visitors from all over the country every year. Getting here from Fredericksburg takes a little over an hour by car. Once you make your way to the San Antonio city center and find a good parking spot, you can begin exploring with a walking tour along some of the area's most famous spots. Head to the Tower of the Americas for a stunning panoramic view of the city, then check out the La Villita Historic Arts Village before going for a stroll along the San Antonio River Walk towards The Alamo. 2. Austin, TX Located a little under 80 miles east of Fredericksburg, the capital city of the state of Texas is another excellent urban day trip destination. The Austin metropolitan area has a population of just under 2,3 million and is known for its many music venues and cultural sites, as well as for being home to the University of Texas. Getting here by car takes a little over an hour and a half, driving along route US-290 E. Although Austin is smaller than San Antonio and does not have the charming river walk of its southern neighbor, it also has several touristic spots that attract visitors from all over the country. Some of the places you should not miss during your visit to Austin include the Texas Capitol building, the Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park, and the small restaurants, cafés, and shops along Congress Avenue in the city center. 3. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area If you are looking for a place to get lost in nature and get away from the stress of the city, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is an excellent day trip destination. Located just 17 miles north of downtown Fredericksburg, it offers visitors some challenging hiking trails and the best views of a huge pink granite mountain. Getting here takes a little over 20 minutes by car, driving north along Ranch Road 965. Are you planning an exciting day trip to take your friends or family on an adventure? Stop by Crenwelge Motor Sales and check out the different new and pre-owned vehicles we have available for you.

Fredericksburg, Texas, is an ideal place to visit for anyone who loves a great glass of wine. Many people call the area around this city Texas Wine Country, and it has more than 50 wineries and vineyards. The first settlers in the area used native mustang grapes to make delicious wine. You can visit a winery with friends or family members and enjoy some of the excellent drinks made in the region. Here are some excellent wineries that you can tour in Fredericksburg. more Barons Creek Vineyards Barons Creek Vineyards has an intimate, attractive tasting room that holds 10 people. Larger groups can try wine in the equally well-appointed barrel room or tank room. You can also spend time on the patio or the 2,400-square-foot pavilion, hang out next to the fountain, or enjoy a weekend getaway in one of their luxurious villas. A sunset champagne toast in the winery tower is optional, and the views are beautiful. There's also a gift shop with a range of wine-related gifts and gadgets. Barons Creek is a popular place for weddings, and there's live music every Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. It's open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday until 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Augusta Vin Augusta Vin has a beautiful, two-story tasting room with timber frames, and their knowledgeable staff can suggest the best wines for your preferences. This 60-acre vineyard was planted in 2017 with grape varieties from around the world that can thrive in Texas's climate.  Many musicians perform here, and it's popular for many types of special events. People can visit daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. William Chris Vineyards These idyllic vineyards are in a century-old farmhouse near Fredericksburg, and the cozy tasting room has wooden tables and a view of the surrounding landscape. There's also a larger, more modern room next door for bigger groups. William Chris Vineyards makes about 10 award-winning wines from their crops and from grapes grown at other vineyards in the state. There's live music on weekends, and members of their wine club have the first opportunity to purchase new wines. They're open Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations are required on weekends. Becker Vineyards Becker Vineyards is a 10,000-square-foot winery with an underground wine cellar, a tasting room, a log cabin built in the 1890s, 56 acres of vineyards, a reception hall for special events, a lavender farm, a pavilion, and more. The first tour on weekends is at 11:30 a.m., and others follow hourly until 4:30 p.m. Visiting a winery is an excellent way for you to see the lush landscape around Fredericksburg. You can also meet new people, relax, sample some of the best wines in the area, and learn more about local culture. Please Drink Responsibly. Image via Pixabay.com by fancycrave1

2020 is almost here and its time to start filling up your new calendars. There are lots of significant events planned around Fredericksburg this year, and we composed a list of some of the best activities to markdown. Get ready to have a year full of great fun and festivities! Here are the events you need to save the date for. more 13th Annual Blues Festival Mark your calendar for January 18, 2020. The 13th Annual Blues Festival at Luckenbach Texas in Fredericksburg is a great event for those who love the blues. The festival is family-friendly and has some great acts booked throughout the day. Tickets are on sale for $30, and children under eight get in for free. Fredericksburg Crawfish Festival From May 22-24, this event runs from 6 p.m. to Midnight on Friday; 11 a.m. to Midnight on Saturday; Noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. This Memorial Day weekend festival is a great time for all. The festival hosts live music, games, and crafts for kids. There is plenty of food and fun to be had. Fredericksburg Fourth of July Parade The annual Fourth of July Parade is a great time worth saving the date for. The parade gets set up behind the Gillespie County Courthouse and gets started at the corner of Main St and Adams St. The parade travels east three blocks on Main Street before it takes a U-turn at Washington Street near the Nimitz Museum. The parade continues west on Main Street for another eight blocks where it ends at Bowie Street. The parade is a great way to enjoy Independence Day, and the city even puts on a firework display at night. Oktoberfest Fredericksburg, TX The 40th anniversary of Fredericksburg's Oktoberfest comes from October 2, 3, & 4, 2020. Located at 100 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas. The festival is in celebration of the cities German heritage. Great German music, food, and drink will be available throughout the festival, and there is plenty of excellent activities for children. The festival has a large assortment of vendors and has been a successful event for the last 40 years. Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest Oct 24, 2020, is the annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Fest, where you can find great food, craft beer, and fantastic wine. The festival has lots of vendors selling all sorts of products and showcasing their food or beverages. The festival has live music for entertainment and is a great event that you won't want to miss out on. The Food & Wine Fest is held at the Marktplatz in Downtown Fredericksburg. So add these events to your new calendar this year and make sure you show up! These are some of Fredericksburg's best events throughout the year. We hope this helps you plan your year, making sure you get your fill of fun for you and the whole family.   Image via Pixabay.com by sherrymckinley

If you are looking for the SUV that is much more than that, look at the new 2020 Dodge Durango. With nothing but power, all trims offer incredible performance. There's no hybrid or fuel economy engine here, just raw American muscle. This is the breakdown of why the new Durango is a muscle car in an SUVs body. more The Engine Options For the new Dodge Durango, your base model engine is the 3.6-liter V6 engine, with 295 horsepower and 260 pound-foot of torque. With plenty of power for towing and getting down the road in a hurry, the R/T has a 5.7-liter V8 engine with 360 horsepower and 390 pound-foot of torque. For those who want a real muscle car engine, the SRT comes loaded with a 6.4-liter V8 engine, with a massive 475 horsepower and 470 pound-foot of torque. The Suspension The stock suspension on the new Durango is a perfect balance of stiff and sporty, with just the right amount of comfort. As you get higher in the trim levels, Dodge makes some serious performance upgrades to suspension and braking system components. Giving this SUV the real muscle car performance, you would never expect to get from your family SUV. Brembo Brakes, and performance-tuned suspension, dropping the body of this SUV lower all add to the Durango SRT's exceptional performance on the road. The Transmission and Drivetrain The new Durango's automatic eight-speed transmission paired with the rear-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive Drivetrain makes your drive flawless. The transmission shifts smoothly and when paired with the all-wheel-drive package, you get superior performance on the road. The standard rear-wheel-drive does make the Durango a fun, sporty ride as well. The responsiveness of this SUV is what makes the new Durango stand out of the pack. Even with the V6 engine, this SUV is quick and sporty. The Interior The interior of the new Durango is sporty and comfortable, just as you would expect from the finest of muscle cars. With optional leather packages and bucket seats, this SUV's interior is set to give you the ultimate feeling of being in a muscle car, so much so that you could almost forget you were driving an SUV. The 8.4-inch infotainment system is one of the best in modern automotive technology and has features like Apple CarPlay and Android Connect accessibility. The SUV has adaptive cruise control and tons of great safety features, like blind-spot assistance and emergency braking. The styling of the new Durango is made to feel sharp and aggressive. While being a powerhouse that is comparable to any modern muscle car, this SUV is exceptional for towing and still gets a fair amount of fuel economy. If you are looking for the ultimate sport SUV, check out the 2020 Dodge Durango, With the right performance upgrades, you are sure to feel a rush every time you get behind the wheel. So if you are ready to take the leap, come down to the dealership and test drive a new Durango today.   Image via Dodge.com

Have your children outgrown sharing the back seat without an issue? Check out the 2020 Chrysler Voyager, the ideal minivan for any family. Don't back out on the carpool for lack of space. Bring everybody to their next practice or game with ease and have fun. Pack up your family and take off on a much-needed vacation from your daily routine. more Entertainment Keeping everyone happy in the van is important, whether you are going across town or out of state. The 2020 Chrysler Voyager LX solves the boredom problem. Find your favorite station on SiriusXM or use the Bluetooth connection to let them access favorite apps. The integrated voice controls mean you can adjust things for your passengers without taking your eyes off the road. If you are planning a longer trip, ask about the available DVD player. When you add the DVD player to the vehicle, it does not take up extra space. Instead, the movies play through an integrated player with the screen opening from the ceiling. Let your kids pack their favorite movies and listen to them laugh as the miles of highway pass. The van's built-in active noise cancellation feature means that they will not have to turn the movie up loud as the sounds from the outside stay outside. Space Everyone has plenty of space in both Voyager trims. If you choose the L trim, the second- and third-row seats are bench seats. The LX features second-row bucket seats that allow your passengers to recline and rest during your journey. If you don't need all seven seats, fold the third-row bench seat into the floor and make sure you pack all of the essentials and fun gear for your trip. If any of your equipment needs to charge on the road, there is a 12-volt DC connection in the cargo area. For additional storage, consider adding the available second-row storage bins. These bins fit in the floor between the first- and second-row seats. They are a good place for secure storage of sensitive items such as purses and jackets when you arrive at your destination or during a long rest break. Safety Keeping everyone safe on the road is a priority no matter how long you are in the van. Chrysler gives you an array of available safety options to ease your mind. Add the available blind-spot monitoring system for an extra set of eyes on a busy highway. It alerts you through audio and visual cues if someone is in your blind spot before you attempt a lane change. The available cross-traffic alert warns you if someone or something is approaching the van before you pull out of your parking spot. There are also airbags throughout the vehicle to protect you if something happens. Are you daydreaming of your next quiet ride or already looking at ideas for your next vacation? Bring the family with you as you visit Crenwelge Motor Sales. Our friendly staff looks forward to getting you into your new Chrysler Voyager today.   Image via Chrysler.com

With Halloween coming up, everyone's getting into the spooky spirit. Yards are decorated with skeletons, jack-0-lanterns, and fake spider webs. Haunted houses welcome daring guests. If you are feeling brave, check out these haunted places in Fredericksburg, Texas, area for a spooky time. more Historic Fredericksburg Ghost Tours For a full history of the spookiness in the historic area of Fredericksburg, take a 90-minute guided walking tour. For just $20 per person, you can walk along East Main Street and North Washington Street around the cemetery starting at the Nimitz Museum. Guests have taken creepy photos during the tours over the years. Tour spots are available by phone or by visiting the website. Bring along some wine or beer and enjoy a creepy one-mile walk with friends. Baby Head Cemetery Just a 50-minute drive north of Fredericksburg, you'll find Baby Head Cemetery. Yes, it's as creepy as it sounds. The story behind this haunted spot is quite sad. The legend is that in the 1850s a baby girl was kidnapped and beheaded. Her abductors allegedly dug her a grave in the cemetery, giving it its name. Many locals have said they can hear crying noises as they walk the cemetery. If you decide to visit this spot, be sure to bring a companion or two. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area The Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is only a 20-minute drive away and has been the site of many reported supernatural experiences in the past. Native American tribes that used to live in the area believed that spirits lived inside the mountain, which is why it is called "enchanted rock." Some visitors have reported seeing floating lights around the rock. Some say that these lights are the spirits of human sacrifices offered on the rock. As legend has it, the rock even moans at night. Kerr County Courthouse The Kerr County Courthouse also has a tragic story attached to its haunting. A long time ago, a couple was fighting near the courthouse at a drive-in movie theater. The boyfriend is said to have locked his girlfriend in the theater's concession stand and burned it down. Afterward, he apparently hung himself on a tree outside of the courthouse. Locals have reported seeing the ghost of a man hanging in the tree and a girl running around it. Some have said that they can hear the couple arguing nearby. This haunted spot is just 30 minutes southwest of Fredericksburg. The Devil's Backbone If you're looking for a creepy drive, you should head to Blanco, TX, and drive along what's called the Devil's Backbone. This is a limestone ridge that stretches all the way to Wimberly. With the rich history of this area, there's plenty of potential for hauntings. Local ranchers say that you can see ghosts of Confederate soldiers and Native Americans. Drive along this section of Highway 32 at night for a fright. Get into the spooky Halloween mindset this fall by creating your own ghost tour. Visit these nearby haunted places with friends for a fright and a walk through the history of Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country.   Image via Pixabay by PublicDomainPictures

As life is full of stress and busy days, we need to remember to take some time to get away from it all with that special person. Here are five romantic places around Fredericksburg, Texas, where you can enjoy some relaxing time away with someone you love. more Rose Hill Manor Escape to a beautiful old manor in the heart of the Texas Hill Country when you book a room at Rose Hill Manor. Rooms are romantic and charming with several different options to choose from. Magnolia Hall Ultra Suites are new and take design cues from the famous Magnolia designs by Johanna Gaines. These suites include full kitchens with farmhouse sinks, bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, and king size beds. If you're looking for more privacy, you can book one of their individual cottages. True to the bed and breakfast name, Rose Hill offers three-course breakfast available every morning during your stay. You can enjoy classic dishes like omelets, French toast, and eggs benedict. Indulge with some of their extra amenities like fresh flowers, in-room wine service, and chocolate-covered strawberries. Magnolia House Another great bed and breakfast option in Fredericksburg is Magnolia House. This getaway option offers special packages like the Wine and Dine package, which include tours of three Texas wineries, or the Capture the Romance package, which includes flowers and chocolate or champagne and chocolate delivered to your room. Book the Bluebonnet Suite for a private bath, hardwood floors, and other romantic amenities. Cotton Gin Village At Cotton Gin Village, you can enjoy a more rustic romantic getaway in one of their private lodges. Cabins feature cozy amenities like stone fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and modern kitchens. Just a few steps away is the Cabernet Grill where you can choose from a full menu of locally sourced foods, wine from Texas vineyards, and meals prepared with spices from their very own herb garden. Miraval Austin Staying at the Miraval Resort in Austin is worth the two-hour drive. This place is a romantic getaway that will make you and your partner feel like celebrities. Choose between available suites, guest rooms, and private lodges for your accommodations. Features like outdoor showers, Tibetan singing bowls, and room service delivering healthy gourmet meals are just some of the things you won't forget. Escondida Resort Located in Medina, just under an hour from Fredericksburg, the Escondida Resort treats guests to amenities that are sure to melt away the stresses of everyday life. Guest rooms include gas fireplaces, private balconies or patios, and top-notch housekeeping services. Book a room for the weekend with someone special and take advantage of the available spa services during your stay. Go for a swim in the pool, relax in the hot tub, and enjoy a soothing body treatment or facial. On-site activities include Plein air painting and birdwatching. Whether you're looking for a way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or another special occasion, Fredericksburg and the surrounding areas have a lot to offer. Plan your getaway today.   Image via Pixelbay by Nietjuh

Halloween is just around the corner and it's time for both kids and adults to think about how they'll celebrate it. Its large variety of traditions and cultures makes the state of Texas home to plenty of fun and exciting Halloween activities for everyone to enjoy, and this year is no different. 9th Annual Houston Halloween Festival This amazing Halloween festival is a fun experience for people of all ages. Attendees will be treated to thrilling live music shows, food trucks serving delicious dishes, beer tents, art vendors, costume contests for kids, and plenty of Halloween fun. All proceeds from this event go to the Too Ghoul For School Scholarship Fund, which helps students, teachers, and other charities all over the state of Texas. more Historic Galveston Ghost Tours Halloween is all about having a scary good time and there's nothing scarier than a ghost tour. This fascinatingly frightening tour lasts for an hour and a half and features some local ghost stories that are sure to raise the hairs on the back of your neck. Get ready to explore a cemetery with more than 10,000 undead souls who can't find their peace and are absolutely dying to meet you. Screams and Nightmares: Halloween Ball If you're looking to fully get into the Halloween spirit but you're also in the mood for partying, Houston National Museum of Funeral History's Halloween ball has everything you need. The only way to get to the dance floor is by walking through their terrifying haunted house, but once you get there you will have an amazing time, thanks to the live DJ, two bars, and overall great atmosphere. Port Isabel's Day of the Dead Celebration Many Mexican traditions have found their way to Texas, and the yearly Day of the Dead celebrations are some of the most popular. Several Southern Texas towns celebrate it every year around Halloween, but the historic Texan town of Port Isabel arguably has the most unique of them all. Brightly-colored skeletons will be everywhere, along with street dancers, food vendors, and many people in scary costumes. The festivities start in late October and last until November 2. Boo at the Zoo Many zoos across Texas celebrate Halloween by hosting the Boo at the Zoo celebration. Zoos such as the ones in Fort Worth, Houston, Dallas, Waco, Bryan, and more will feature special festivities that include carnival games, hayrides, face painting, lots of Halloween candy, haunted houses, and plenty of other fun scary activities that kids will surely remember for a long time. The unique mix of a zoo environment and Halloween activities make the Boo at the Zoo events very popular with residents all over Texas. Halloween is a special holiday, one where we face our fears and inner demons, only to come out of it stronger and with a bag full of candy. By visiting any of the places on this list you and your friends or family are guaranteed to have an amazing time while getting scared and scaring others in the process. Some rights reserved by Joe Shlabotnik

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator is here, and it's everything we wanted from a pickup truck. With enough best-in-class features to leave the competition in the dust, the all-new Gladiator is ready to take on your life's adventures. Here are five of the top features you'll love on the 2020 Gladiator: Truck Bed First thing's first — the 2020 Jeep Gladiator's truck bed finally gives drivers a pickup with Jeep-level capability.  It has can handle up to 1,600 pounds in payload, which is a best-in-class feat that lets you upgrade your weekend warrior trips. It has four tie-down loops and available power outlets in the side walls. With the available Trail Rail cargo system, you can organize your gear for easy packing and access. The available roll-up bed cover protects that gear from the elements. Equip your Gladiator to take on your trips with style and utility. more Towing The 2020 Gladiator, when properly equipped, can tow up to 7,650 pounds — another best-in-class number. Use the available trailer brake controller and the towing-friendly rearview camera to maintain control over your trailer. The Gladiator has enough strength to pull campers, dirt bikes, boats — whatever you need for your next adventure. The Gladiator's powerful performance makes it one of the best midsize trucks to tackle your lifestyle's needs. Off-Road Readiness Naturally, this Jeep will be ready to forge its own paths. It's equipped with enough off-road features to let you explore more and worry less. The four-wheel-drive system each Gladiator comes with is designed to give you the best levels of traction on the road, paved or otherwise. For the highest-performing off-roading truck, go for the Gladiator Rubicon. It's loaded with gear such as locking front and rear differentials, rock rails, FOX shocks, and an electronic disconnecting sway bar to let you tackle rocky roads with ease. Driver-Assist Technologies Not only is the Gladiator tough, but it's also smarter than the average truck. The available drive-assist technologies help you stay safer on the road by improving your awareness. Blind sport monitoring looks out for vehicles in your blind spot to make changing lanes easier. The forward collision warning with active braking system scans the road ahead to detect possible collisions, and it will even apply the truck's brakes if you haven't done so. These smart features make navigating the world less worrisome, so you can focus on your trip. Multimedia The 2020 Gladiator's touch screen system keeps you more in tune with the world around you when you want to be. It's compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to let you use your favorite phone features hands-free. The premium navigation system keeps you on the straight and narrow. Look through your Jeep's cameras, listen to your favorite albums, control your truck's climate — the number of tasks you can perform with this system is extensive. Ready to explore the 2020 Jeep Gladiator in person? Visit us at Crenwelge Motor Sales Inc. in Fredericksburg, Texas, to get your test drive today. Some rights reserved by Crown Star Images

Although the history of the United States only spans a few centuries, every area of the country is filled with stories and traditions. That's certainly the case for Fredericksburg, Texas, a town that combines American, German, and Mexican cultures in a totally unique way. Here are the best places to go if you want to explore the town's history. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site Named after the nation's 36th president Lyndon B. Johnson, who was born only 15 miles east of Fredericksburg, this park celebrates his time in office, but it's also a great place to discover the area's natural landscape and the way German immigrants left their mark on local culture. Fans of the president can visit his boyhood home and the first school that he attended as a 4-year-old. This is a good way to get a glimpse into LBJ's formative years. They can also pay respects at the Johnson family cemetery, where he and his family are buried. There's more to the park, however than President Johnson's memory. Visitors can explore the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, a World War I-era establishment where rangers dressed in period clothes still raise crops and animals like in the old days. There are also some historic cabins, built by German immigrants in the 19th century, which can be explored to get a better idea of how German traditions had an impact on the local community. National Historic District Heart of Fredericksburg Fredericksburg's historic district has been well-preserved, so one of the most fun and effective ways of discovering the town's roots is by simply taking a stroll through it. The Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center will provide you with insight on what you're about to see, so all you have to do is walk around the district and discover how Fredericksburg's architecture has evolved from the town's early days. Over 700 historically significant structures still stand, from very old log cabins to Hill Country-style homes built at the beginning of this century. The National Museum of the Pacific War Located on Fredericksburg's Main Street, this fascinating museum is the only one on continental U.S. that is entirely dedicated to honoring the millions of brave Americans which fought in World War II's Asiatic-Pacific Theater in the name of freedom. Spread over more than 50,000 square feet, it features fascinating exhibits, well-reserved archives and collections, as well as interactive media presentations which recreate the struggle and the triumph of our troops in the Pacific. Outside the museum building, visitors will find various outdoor exhibits and memorials. History will always play a big part in our future progress, as the only way to build a better tomorrow is to learn the lessons given by our past. Those visiting or living in Fredericksburg have the opportunity to explore not only local history, with the fascinating blend of people and cultures that built the town, but also American history and the sacrifices that our forefathers had to endure so that we can enjoy life in freedom and prosperity. Some rights reserved by Manuel Delgado Tenori