Fun In Fredericksburg — adlibbing life

We may have to wait a little longer in the Central Texas for it to actually feel like fall, but we can soak in all the seasonal vibes and definitely find an autumnal mood by taking a jaunt to Fredericksburg. When the calendar switched to October so did my frame of mind: it was time for a fun little getaway to visit our darling neighbors in the Hill Country. Pack your bag #mrsmellsamazing, we’re headed to Fredericksburg!

We chose a Sunday to Tuesday stay...fewer crowds and a slower pace sounded perfect. By now you know there is no shortage of wineries in and around the area. The drive along 290 into Fredericksburg provides ample opportunities to stop. Fall is my official red wine drinking season and since #mrsmellsamazing was finally willing to join me in wining the day away (he doesn’t drink white) we took our time celebrating the fact that we’re now drinking in sync (yay!) and toasted appropriately: 4.0 Cellars for a glass of their red blend while listening to live music (Strawberry Wine just happened to be playing….s’cute) and then to Messina Hof to share a bottle of Pinot Noir on the patio. Cheers!

The elegant yet cozy Presidential Suite bedroom at Lincoln Street Inn in Fredericksburg. I can’t say enough good things about this lovely B&B!

Now on to The Lincoln Street Inn, home for the next couple of days. This 1860’s home is just 1.5 blocks off Main Street and THE BEST and most convenient location I have ever stayed at in Fredericksburg I might add! The main house has the Presidential Suite downstairs and three darling suites upstairs all with private bathrooms and distinct decor and personalities. The newest addition to the property, Cardinal Cottage is a one bedroom, one bathroom luxury cottage with a dreamy kitchen, a king bed and a cozy outdoor fireplace and patio. Absolutely darling! The owner Rebecca hosted us in the Presidential Suite which could not have been more charming or perfect. The Suite includes a spacious living room, a large bedroom with a king bed and a huge bathroom with shower and jacuzzi tub. I love the way she’s decorated the space: it’s got all the history Fredericksburg is known for but Rebecca has added modern art from her own collection along with great lighting, accessories and tasteful furnishings in interesting fabrics and textures. It truly feels “designed,” not kitschy, country or hokey. I loved it! Rebecca is great at providing suggestions for food, drinks and other fun while in Fredericksburg. Every detail is tended to yet you won’t even know she’s there: hosting perfection.

Presidential Suite living room at Lincoln Street Inn. Love!

We grabbed dinner on the square at Sozial Haus for yummy pizza, more red wine and Sunday night football (Patriots/Chiefs) and baseball (Astros/Red Sox)….hey, I’m sporty when I need to be. Pepperoni and jalapeño was our flavor of the day. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Lincoln Street Inn, it was an easy walk there are back and a great way to wrap up a casual Sunday.

Cheers to good tastings, tours and more at William Chris Vineyards…a delightful spot rain or shine.

Monday was cold and wet! After a delicious breakfast at Sunset Grill (don’t leave without ordering the French toast), a soggy drive around the area and a luxurious nap, we headed to William Chris Vineyards for an afternoon tasting. The vineyard is located about 20 minutes outside Fredericksburg in Hye, Texas….an easy drive. William Chris is all about Texas-grown wine and their setting is special yet unpretentious; a great way to get educated about what’s in your glass. Casually yet thoughtfully guided through six wines while we enjoyed a cheese board and the cozy surroundings, I decided my favorite of the day was the Hunter blend. (And of course I took home a bottle of Skeleton Key). The nasty weather meant no exploring during our visit but the grounds and views are fabulous on a clear day: a great reason for me to go back soon! Inside there is plenty of inspired and unique art as well as a small menu of tasty snacks to enjoy with your wine. Reservations are required but you can call ahead to check availability if you want to try and catch them as a walk-in. You can also inquire about membership opportunities.

My exquisite pre-dinner cocktail at the V Supper Club bar.

Vaudeville is easily my favorite store and restaurant in Fredericksburg, so experiencing their V Supper Club which is only offered on Monday nights was a real treat. Reservations are required as space fills quickly; this event has garnered quite the following among locals and word is spreading fast. It’s easy to see why. The bar and dining room are perfection. From color scheme to tables to lighting to ambience, it’s as sophisticated as it is warm and inviting. Dinner is a prix fixe menu prepared based on seasonal options and is as exquisitely beautiful as it is delicious with service beyond compare. You can opt for wine pairings with each course or order cocktails, wine and beer a la carte off the menu. Even a torrential downpour outside didn’t dampen the mood of the evening. So lovely!

The Bluebird Suite, one of three upstairs rooms each with private bath at Lincoln Street Inn.

Tuesday morning it was time to head home, but Rebecca informed me the other guest rooms in the main house were unoccupied so I was able to sneak upstairs and snap some pictures of each darling suite. The entire property can be rented accommodating 10 guests...perfect for a girls weekend or couple trip. Lincoln Street Inn is the perfect home base whether you are in Fredericksburg to actively explore or just relax and see where the day takes you.

Stay: Lincoln Street Inn, 106 S Lincoln St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, (866) 244-7897

Sip: William Chris Vineyards, 10352 W US Highway 290, Hye, TX 78635, (830) 998-7654

4.0 Cellars, 10354 E US Highway 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, (830) 997-7470

Messina Hof Hill Country, 9996 US-290 E, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, (830) 990-4653

Dine: V Supper Club at Vaudeville, 230 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, (830) 992-3234

Sunset Grill, 902 S Adams St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, (830) 997-5904

Sozial Haus, 107 S Llano St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, (830) 307-3208