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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.

As a mid-size SUV, the 2020 Dodge Durango features powerful engine options, spacious seating, ample cargo space, and state-of-the-art technology. All of these amenities make the vehicle an ideal option for your next adventure. more Performance The standard engine found on the 2020 Durango is a V-6, one that produces 295 horsepower. There are two optional Hemi V-8s that give you additional power. The 5.7-liter V-8 produces 360 horsepower and comes standard with the R/T trim and optional on the Citadel trim. The SRT trim has a 6.4-liter V-8 that produces 475 horsepower. Regardless of which engine you have, an eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard. Also, rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can opt for an all-wheel-drive in most trims. If you plan on towing a trailer for your next excursion, the Durango has one of the highest towing capacities in its class. When properly equipped, the V-6 trims can tow up to 6,200 pounds. With the smaller V-8, you can tow up to 7,400 pounds, while the SRT with the larger V-8 engine can tow up to 8,700 pounds. Interior In its standard configuration, the 2020 Durango seats five people. However, you can opt for third-row seating on the base trim. Third-row seating comes standard on all other trims, and with this addition, the seating capacity increases to seven. Also, three-row models can come with second-row captain's chairs that lower the number to six people. All seats are comfortable, even during long drives. You can easily access the third row, and even adult travelers have enough room once seated. Available options include heated and ventilated front seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, and heated second-row seats. You can also opt for cloth, Nappa leather, and suede upholstery. Cargo Space The 2020 Durango has a decent amount of cargo space, which comes in handy for long road trips. Behind the third row, you get 17.2 cubic feet of space, but folding down these seats increases the space to 43.3 cubic feet. When you fold down both rows of seats, you get a maximum cargo capacity of 85.1 cubic feet. You can also fold down the front passenger seat, which can help when transporting longer items. Technology To keep you and your passengers entertained while on the road, the 2020 Durango has several technology features that come in handy. All trims come standard with the Uconnect infotainment system. The touch-screen display is either 7 or 8.4 inches, depending on the trim. The upper trims come standard with navigation as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Available upgrades include a nine-speaker Alpine stereo or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, satellite radio, and rear-seat DVD entertainment system. No matter if you plan to drive across town or the country, the 2020 Dodge Durango makes for the perfect companion. You can easily transport your family and gear to your destination. To learn more about the Durango, reach out to the professionals at Crenwelge Motor Sales, Inc. They can answer any questions you might have as well as help you drive off the lot in one of these SUVs today.   Image via Dodge.com

People often call the area around Fredericksburg "Texas Hill Country." Its beautiful, diverse landscape has rolling limestone hills, clear rivers and streams, and many types of wildlife. Here are some of the best places to take a scenic drive and explore the beauty of Fredericksburg. more Lost Maples Lost Maples State Natural Area covers 2,174.2 acres along the Sabinal River. It's in Vanderpool, about an hour and 20 minutes away from Fredericksburg. The maples in the park display beautiful colors in fall, and the countryside looks peaceful and attractive. You can take amazing photos, have a picnic, go camping at the natural area, watch local bird species, go fishing, swim, and more. You can use one of the 30 campsites, which are equipped with water and electricity. This place has several species of oak, bigtooth maple, mesquite, sycamore, Texas mountain laurel, Texas persimmon, wild grape, redbud, Texas madrone, and prickly pear. It also has many types of grass, brush, and ferns. It looks awesome all year, but you should be prepared for lots of fellow visitors in fall. Willow City Loop The Willow City Loop is about 15 miles long, and it looks amazing in March and April when wild bluebonnets, Texas's state flowers, bloom. You can also see Indian paintbrush, coreopsis, phlox, sunflowers, Mexican poppies, fire wheels, winecups, yellow and white daisies, horsemint, verbena, and more. It's about 13 miles from Fredericksburg, off SR 16. Cows often graze by the side of the road, and you should watch for crossing cattle. The views are extraordinary all year, and you can see rolling hills and deep, rugged canyons. You can also view jagged cliffs and meandering streams. Visit Harry's on the Loop for some snacks. The Swiss Alps of Texas This drive is around 100 miles, and it goes over hills that are up to 2,400 feet above sea level. It crosses the Medina and Sabinal rivers, and you can see deep canyons formed by the Nueces and Frio rivers, large rock faces, and lots of greenery all year. Most of this scenic drive is in Leakey, about an hour and a half away. Bandera, the cowboy capital of Texas, is nearby, and you can tour a dude ranch or go swimming or tubing in one of the rivers in the area. Enchanted Rock This enormous pink granite rock rises 425 feet above the ground, and it covers 640 acres. The Tonkawa Indians believed that it had spiritual powers, and there's a cave inside the rock. Artifacts up to 11,000 years old have been found there, and it's only about 20 minutes from Fredericksburg. Camping is allowed, and many people stargaze or go rock climbing. There's a nature trail, exhibits about the history and ecology of the area, a picnic area, and a park store. On a scenic drive, you can relax and explore the area around Fredericksburg. You can also learn more about the land nearby and the local culture. Take a drive-by yourself or enjoy a day trip with friends or family members while you check out nearby attractions.   Image via Pixabay.com by i_take_phone_pictures

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

The Jeep family is always expanding and adding great new vehicles to the lineup. From the sport Wrangler to the more compact Renegade, there is definitely something for everyone. You just need to decide which Jeep fits your lifestyle. more Jeep Grand Cherokee Confident on and off-road, the Grand Cherokee might be the most universal Jeep vehicle. This stylish SUV offers 4-wheel drive capability with serious power. There are different engines available: for the Trackhawk, a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 with up to 707 horsepower and for the SRT model, a 6.4-liter V-8 with 475 horsepower. The exterior and interior have some pretty impressive features as well. The aerodynamic design is made to handle both on- and off-road adventures and a variety of 20-inch wheels allow you to customize your look. The interior has high-end finishes and advanced technology such as available leather seating with heating and ventilation. This family-friendly vehicle is great for those who hit the roads with their families in tow. Jeep Wrangler Looking for something sportier? The Wrangler might be the perfect fit for you. Unrivaled performance and high-tech options let you explore the wilderness easily. The two engine options, the 2.0-liter Turbo and the 3.6-liter Pentastar, provide smooth gear shifts with the ability to navigate through snow, dirt, rocks, and mud. There are also features that help to make your ride more fun. With available Sky One-Touch Power Top, for example, you can remove the top with just the touch of a button. The inside boasts high-quality craftsmanship with premium cloth and leather seating. Advanced technology such as Amazon Alexa and phone integration let you access your navigation to guide you in the right direction. Jeep Renegade Not ready to give up the iconic Jeep look but want something more fuel-efficient? The Renegade has you covered. Engine options include the 1.3-liter MultiAir Turbo and the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 that provides great fuel economy with horsepower up to 180. Standard safety features make this a family-friendly vehicle. You will also get stylish features such as deluxe cloth seating or premium leather. Jeep Gladiator Jeep style and truck capability. The Gladiator might look like a Wrangler from the front but the back is all truck. This all-new Jeep comes with a full truck bed, providing you with a great ability to haul loads and tow up to 7,650 pounds. There are options to also take the top off and have as much freedom as the Wrangler. You can also easily explore off-road adventures since this truck is the only Trail Rated 4x4 ever. Inside you will find advanced technology and high-quality finishes. The Overland edition comes with leather-trimmed seats, wrapped dash with soft-touch surfaces and accent seating, along with platinum chrome bezel accents. If you have questions about any of the great Jeep models we have, please don't hesitate to contact us. The sales crew here at Crenwelge Motor Sales Inc would love to set you up for a test drive or answer any questions you may have. We look forward to working with you.   Image via Jeep.com

Capable and ready for anything, the Ram 1500 is back and better than ever. Impressive hauling and payload, multifunctional interior and exterior features, and so much more, make it one of the best trucks on the market. Here are our top reasons why you should put the 2020 Ram 1500 to work. more Impressive Hauling The different engine options available in the Ram 1500 all provide excellent tow ratings. With the 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 and its eTorque Hybrid Technology, you can tow up to 12,750 pounds. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 8-speed automatic transmission lets you comfortably pull up to 6,730 pounds. Each model has great payload ratings, as well, to let you haul as much as you want, with confidence and ease. Tailgate Upgrade The 60/40 split allows you to easily access the bed of the truck while still being able to comfortably handle whatever else you are carrying. Foldaway doors make it possible to even load the bed with a forklift. You will also find it is easier to load, unload, and even wash out the bed of the truck. RamBox The available class-exclusive RamBox makes it easier than ever to keep everything you need for work within easy reach. This cargo management system has enough room for tools, drinks, and basically whatever else you need to make it through the workday. State of the Art Technology The incorporation of new technology has made the Ram 1500 even more work-capable. Sensors located around the vehicle can help you to haul a trailer easier by implementing safety alerts. The available largest-in-class 12-inch touchscreen lets you access navigation if you are heading out to a new site, or it can help to keep you entertained while on a long drive. You can easily integrate your smartphone to access navigation, music, and contacts if you need them. Interior Storage Options With ever-advancing interior options, you will be able to configure the inside of your truck exactly the way you want. With an interior 151.1-liter storage volume you can bring along all of those tools you don't have room for in the bed. There is also an available reconfigurable center console. With up to four different options, you can set it up so you can easily access your phone, chargers, laptop, and even file folders for your office on-the-go office.  Available in-floor storage bins can be found under the rear floor mats. There is enough room to store tie-downs and a 4-inch drop hitch. The possibilities are endless. Safety Options There are over 100 safety and security features on the 2020 Ram 1500. Available safety features include LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist. In the event of a collision, the high strength steel frame and advanced safety airbag system will help to keep you safe and protected. If you have questions or would like to set up a test drive in one of the new 2020 Ram 1500s, please don't hesitate to contact us at Crenwelge Motor Sales Inc. We look forward to working with you.   Image via Ramtrucks.com

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