Disclaimer: My experiences were hosted by Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau during a Geiger & Associates press trip. All opinions and photos are mine.
There is something special about Fredericksburg, Texas. It’s a feeling you get the moment you arrive in town. The Hill Country town, founded in 1846, is deeply rooted in its German heritage while remaining true to modern life.
Award-winning restaurants, an almost endless winery trail, boutiques, and picture-worthy lodging make the town visit-worthy.
After a first-time visit, you may not want to leave.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE
WEATHER
Winter’s temperatures crest in the upper 60 degrees, and summer nights cool off in the pleasant 70-degree range.
GETTING AROUND
As a first-time visitor, you should provide a vehicle, especially if staying overnight at lodging outside of town. You’ll want a car when driving along the Urban Wine Trail beyond town. If you prefer not to drive, reserve a wine bus tour.
Parking downtown is free, and plenty of it is along Main Street or behind Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor’s Center (302 E. Austin St.), plus they provide accessible public bathrooms.
Additionally, Fredericksburg Tours is an excellent way to learn about the German history of the town in one hour from a climate-controlled luxury trolley.
SAVORING LOCAL FLAVOR
You can expect an almost endless list of restaurants to choose from when dining in Fredericksburg. After dining at several of them, I can confidently recommend casual and fine dining establishments worthy of sharing with others.
CASUAL DINING
Whether your tastebuds crave a slice of pizza or oak-smoked brisket with a side of creamy mac-n-cheese, you’ll find it on the menu at locally owned eateries downtown.
West End Pizza Company
This restaurant is more than a typical pizza joint. You won’t find pies under heat lamps at West End Pizza Company. (207 E. San Antonio St.). The menu comprises of made-to-order specialty and custom pizzas, pasta, and irresistible appetizers ideal for sharing.
I was fond of the restaurant’s capese made with custom seasoned ricotta cheese and the top-selling double-meat pizza, The Meatza. Perhaps a nod to Chicago pizza, the pie arrived at the table sliced in squares, which I found a novel idea. The crust was medium in thickness.
PRO TIP: The community-forward restaurant is family-friendly, featuring outdoor seating/play areas, and TVs are available to watch the game indoors. Every table is adorned with a board game meant to prompt conversation for all ages.
Eaker Barbecue
You’ve probably enjoyed good barbecue but have yet to indulge in a mouth-watering at Eaker Barbecue (607 W. Main St.), where traditional cooking techniques mesh with Korean flavor. And when Texas Monthly‘s barbecue editor includes it on the list of The 50 Best BBQ Joints, you know you’ve arrived at the right place.
Lance Eaker, and his wife, Boo, serve barbecue enthusiasts food that is undeniably delicious. During my visit, I sampled a taste of their slow-smoked meats and side dishes. I’m a fan of Korean spice, so I appreciated the marinated and smoked gochujang pork ribs with a side of kimchi. For traditionalists, Eaker’s dry rub ribs, pulled pork, and country-style sausage links satisfy.
PRO TIP: Build in time to sneak away and watch the master at work outdoors at the smokers while the kitchen prepares your meal. Don’t leave without devouring dessert. Boozy Banana Pudding, Pecan Pie Bar, and Lemon Cookies are heavenly.
FINE DINING
Fredericksburg’s fine dining restaurant scene is flourishing, and many kitchens’ award-winning chefs deserve the accolades. You can count on menu selections to list regionally sourced ingredients, often highlighting the area’s abundance of pecan and peach production.
Cabernet Grill Texas Wine Restaurant
At Cabernet Grill (2805 S. State Hwy 16), gourmet food combined with elegant presentation is a normal occurrence. Additionally, the restaurant anchors a complex of restored pioneer homes turned bed and breakfast, Cotton Gin Village.
During our multi-course dinner, the chef’s interpretation of Bacon Wrapped Grilled Lockhart Quail stuffed with Pulled Pork & Candied Jalapeño Cream Cheese impressed me. Under dim lights surrounded by wine racks, I savored every bite of San Saba Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese and Petite Butterscotch and Walnut Bread Pudding with Salted Caramel Ice Cream between wine pairings.
PRO TIP: Cabernet Grill is known for its list of Texas-produced wines. Ask about three-glass flights consisting of four-ounce pours. Not a drinker? The bar serves four un-inebriated cocktails.
Alla Campagna
Alla Campagna (342 W. Main St) is one of the newest restaurants in town, delivering Tuscan-like vibes and serving homemade pasta dishes. Groups will appreciate the large outdoor patio surrounded by stone walls and a hand-chiseled water feature. A cozy indoor dining room suits couples and solo travelers.
The kitchen produces large portions of Italian salads, soups, and pasta. Roasted Chicken Creamy White Sauce served over Handmade Pasta topped with Pine Nuts and Parsley proved an excellent menu choice.
Sage Restaurant and Lounge
At Sage Restaurant and Lounge (241 E. Austin St.), the staff goes above and beyond to impress and create an atmosphere that makes a lasting impression. Founded by friends of various culinary backgrounds, they spared no expense in creating a stunning dining lounge and patio.
While I didn’t have time to enjoy dinner, I was privileged enough to enjoy Sage’s Signature Old Fashioned and small bites . If you made a reservation, expect modern cuisine in the downtown stairs dining room or libations served in the second-story speakeasy-style lounge.
Fischer & Weiser Culinary Adventure Cooking School
Fischer & Wieser Culinary Adventure Cooking School (1405 US-87 S.) teaches the art of crafting dishes with farm-to-table ingredients and how to entertain guests. The multi-generational, family-owned business is a brand name with condiments and sauces finding their way to dining tables everywhere.
At private cooking classes of eight people or more, you can choose the menu and pace or select from existing menus. Although I didn’t take the class, the chef’s cooking demonstrated mastery.
PRO TIP: Das Peach Haus, which is located on-site to select from over 150 jarred preserves, bottled sauces, and packaged gourmet foods. The Original Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce® and Texas Agarita Jelly® are best sellers.
DESSERT DESTINATIONS
Chocolat
Visiting Chocolat (251 W. Main St.) is better than Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory because you can sample the sweets. The owner and chocolatier studied with the best in the business before developing spirit-filled chocolates. Vodka, whiskey, wine-filled chocolates, you name it, she’s probably perfected it. My go-to? Irish cream.
PRO TIP: If you’re extra sweet to the owner, she may take you on a tour of the backroom production facility.
Pritzer Sweet Shop
Don’t be ashamed of your sweet tooth – celebrate it at Pritzer Sweet Shop (141 E. Main St.), where they understand your love of irresistible baked goods. The quaint shop sells goodies like the Sweet German Pretzel, Hazelnut Chocolate Croissant, and Cowboy Cookie.
Clear River Ice Cream, Bakery & Deli
I couldn’t pass up a chance to indulge in creamy Texas peach ice cream at Clear River Ice Cream, Bakery, & Deli (138 E. Main St.). Choose from dozens of homemade ice cream flavors served in a cup or cone. If you’re searching for something more substantial to eat for breakfast or lunch, view the bakery and lunch menus.
COFFEE SHOPS
Kaffee Haus
Shoppers who need to refuel with a boost of caffeine should stop at Kaffee Haus (218 E. Main St.) where the espresso drinks are strong. During my one-hour whirlwind shopping tour, a frothy vanilla latté in a to-go cup was exactly what I needed. Good luck leaving with only a coffee. The Snickledoodle cookies are tempting.
Sunday Supply
Sunday Supply (206 S Adams St.), an early morning or mid-afternoon hangout, is a short drive beyond Main Street, where java lovers are in good company. If you’ve already enjoyed coffee on the day of your visit, consider a hot tea and pair it with a freshly baked kolache. The savory Czech pastry is a Texas breakfast staple.
SIPPING CRAFT COCKTAILS & BEER
Drinkers interested in sipping spirits or craft beer will find many places to toast to the town with Texas Heart and German Soul.
DIETZ DISTILLERY
Dietz Distillery (1434 S. US Hwy 87) is a small-batch spirts producer with family roots in the area. The distillery is located near the family’s orchard, so some of the distillates are fruit-forward. The owner’s Texas-style gin and raspberry flavored vodka appear in cocktail recipes served from the tasting room bar – order the Berry Lemon Drop.
An un-oaked peach aperitif, as well as the other bottled spirits, are available for purchase.
FREDERICKSBURG BREWING COMPANY
Fredericksburg Brewing Company (245 E. Main St.), established in 1994, is the oldest operating brewpub in Texas. The list of over 20 varieties of beers is ever-changing, and you can expect to find German brew favorites on the menu.
Drink a pint of Honey Kölsch seated in the indoor biergarten or enjoy it with a traditional Wurst Sandwich or Jager Schnitzel in the dining room.
SAMPLING VINO AT HILL COUNTRY WINERIES
AB ASTRIS WINERY
Ab Abstris Winery (320 Klein Rd.) should be your first stop when touring wineries for its quality pours, outdoor scenery, and kind staff who make you feel at home. After a tasting flight, the wine will be just as good, if not better, than the California or Oregon varieties you may be accustomed to drinking.
One hundred percent of the grapes are grown in Texas, creating quality wine – don’t leave without sampling crisp 2022 Aurora Rosé and bold 2017 Tannat. Reservations are required for groups of six people or more.
SIGNOR VINEYARDS
Signor Vineyards (362 Livesay Ln.), voted USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Best Winery Tour 2022, is a popular stop on the wine trail. More than just a tasting room, the complex features an event space, grab-n-go food at Joanna’s Market, and manicured gardens.
The owners use Texas and Oregon grapes to produce reds, whites, and rosés. Walk-ins welcome, or opt for a private tasting with a lead wine steward. Order a full 2019 Sangiovese Rogue Valley glass to accompany an artfully crafted charcuterie board.
MEIERSTONE VINEYARDS
Meierstone Vineyards (573 Meier-Stone Rd.) is one of the newest additions to the wine scene, and drop-ins are welcome. Voted Top Texas Wine at the 2024 Houston International Wine Competition, you can expect nearly 12 current-release wines to be sampled at the tasting room on the family’s ranch. Curated tastings last about an hour.
My wine tasting, 2021 Airship, delivered medium-bodied, delightful cherry notes.
SHOPPING ON MAIN STREET AND BEYOND
Fredericksburg is a shopper’s delight with over 150 boutiques and retail stores. Most of the shops are located on Main Street. Park your car (free!) and walk up and down the corridor to discover clothing, kitchenware, jewelry, western wear, candles, and more.
HOME DECOR AND BATH
DISH
Located less than a five-minute drive from Main Street, Dish (305 S. Lincoln St.) is part of an extensive collection of stores within the Woerner Warehouse complex. Collections of colored glass, kitchenware, cookbooks and textiles featuring casual, Texas style are available for purchase.
CAROL HICKS BOLTON ANTIQÜITÉS
Imagine a warehouse with antique European-style cabinets and furniture as far as the eye can see. At Carol Hicks Bolton Antiqütiés (301 S. Lincoln St.), the items for sale are as unique as the collectors in search of them.
Curiosities ranging from eyeglasses to mercury balls sit inside glass tables. Rusty pulleys and industrial tools hang from the ceiling on strings.
ROOM NO. 5
The designed beds inside Room No. 5 (301 S. Lincoln St.) deliver country style meets shabby chic elegance. Homeowners hoping to redesign a bedroom with linens or get inspired by living room vignettes showcasing neutral tones and textures will feel inclined to shop.
BLACK CHALK HOME & LAUNDRY
The home interiors shopping continues across the street at Black Chalk Home & Laundry (306 S. Lincoln St.). The building is a historic showpiece consisting of hand-curated gifts and home decor pieces.
Don’t be surprised if you’re inclined to purchase a brightly colored, embroidered pillow, a woven chair for home, or perhaps a beaded necklace for yourself.
SAN SABA SOAP COMPANY
The owner of San Saba Soap Company (102 W. Austin St.) knew they were on to something grand when they used Texas pecan oil to develop a bath, skincare, and fragrance line like no other. Each product is scented with a subtle, uni-sex fragrance.
I can vouch that the perfume oil was not overpowering and long-lasting. The Texas Fig bath soap lathered well and softened my skin.
GOURMET FOOD
RUSTLIN’ ROB’S TEXAS GOURMET FOODS
In search of a gourmet food store, the locals told me I had to stop at Rustlin’ Rob’s (121 E. Main St.) where I spent least a half-hour perusing store shelves and sampling condiments. Jars of spicy jams, spreads, mustards, and sauces are stacked from counter to ceiling in organized alcoves – spicy versions available in each category.
DAS PEACH HAUS
They say, “life taste better here” at Das Peach Haus (315 E. Main St.). The owners started peddling peach preserves and agarita jelly as a vendor at local events, and today the business is booming. Known for its Texas-inspired dips, salsas, marinades, and jellies, Das Peach Haus appeals to kitchen cooks who want to take the flavor of Texas home.
ART
FREDERICKSBURG ART GUILD
Creatives and wannabe artists will appreciate the town’s art galleries, especially Fredericksburg Art Guild (308 E. Austin St.), which is within walking distance of the visitor’s center. The gallery features artists’ work of various mediums, often depicting natural scenes from Texas Hill Country.
During my tour, I viewed the annual adult student art exhibition and talked to artists. Plan your visit by viewing the calendar of events.
EXPLORING HISTORICAL LANDMARKS & MUSEUMS
GERMAN HERITAGE
German families settled in Texas hoping to find better work opportunities and inexpensive land. They also wanted to leave overcrowding conditions in Germany. Founded in 1846, John O. Meusebach chose the area and appealed to Germans to relocate there. Settlers were promised in-town lots and 10 acres outside of Fredericksburg.
Meusebach negotiated with the already present Comanche Native American tribesmen. German settlers were allowed to farmland, and the Comanche were welcomed in town.
The town’s German heritage is evident wherever you go. Authentic food and drink is served at restaurants and breweries. Oktoberfest honors Fredericksburg as the Polka Capital of Texas.
VEREINS KIRCHE MUSEUM
German settlers built Vereins Kirche (100 W. Main St.), the first public building in town, which was erected in 1846 to serve as a community building, school, and church. Today, a replica with original beams and cornerstone stands in Marktplaz city park in the center of Fredericksburg.
I recommend touring the building at the onset of your trip to town to get a glimpse into the town’s history to present day. Buy the Pioneer Museum day pass, which includes admission to Vereins Kirche.
PRO TIP: Look up upon entry. The murals, created by Lee and Matt Casbeer, are a pictorial history of the town’s German heritage.
PIONEER MUSEUM
Pioneer Museum (325 W. Main St.) is a must-visit attraction. Visitors learn about the town’s earliest residents and how they lived in the 1840s. German families left their country hoping for a better way of life and quickly learned to acclimate to the Texas climate.
During a self-guided tour, I walked in and out of homestead buildings, each showcasing artifacts and preserved architecture. Motion sensors detected my entry into the log cabin and Sunday House prompting an audio narration that provided context.
The Pioneer Museum and surrounding grounds take at least an hour to tour. The museum was voted a top destination to bring children because of its living history experiences and Little Pioneers programs. Reactors interpret history in period clothing on the first Saturday of the each month.
PRO TIP: The museum gift shop is the quintessential place to purchase Texas-themed gifts and seasonal merchandise.
SUNDAY HOUSES
What is a Sunday House? It’s an 1800s-era residence built by rural families to use while visiting town on the weekends. Families would leave the farm and come to town to shop on Saturday and attend church services on Sunday. Many of the tiny two-story residences serve as renovated rental properties today.
WAR HISTORY
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PACIFIC WAR
National Museum of the Pacific War (311 E. Austin St.) is an impressive attraction where visitors can easily spend an entire day learning about the events of WWII in the Pacific.
Start the tour inside the Wells Orientation Theater for a visual summary of the war and tour galleries featuring interactive stations and artifacts of each battle, ending with the Price of Freedom exhibit.
I suspect you’ll appreciate the enormity of the the museum and its high-tech displays. The Children on the Homefront: Growing Up With War may leave you speechless.
Outside, a sidewalk winds visitors through the Plaza of Presidents, Memorial Courtyard, and Japanese Garden of Peace. There, the sound of falling water and koi splashing create a peaceful setting.
General admission gains visitors access to galleries, outdoor areas, and the Pacific Combat Zone. For some military or history enthusiasts, touring the museum compound is easily an all-day experience.
PRO TIP: Learn about Fredericksburg native Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who led the United States naval force over Japan. His statue is visible from Main Street.
LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS WITH SERENITY
THE VINE ON MIDDLE CREEK
Do you love starry night skies and time spent around the fire pit at night enjoying peace and quiet? What about blood-orange sunrises and golden sunsets?
The Vine on Middle Creek (1027 Middle Creek Rd.) is a tranquil country retreat, located 10 minutes outside downtown Fredericksburg.
To access the property, guests drive past their vineyard and drive a short winding road to the bed and breakfast property located underneath a canopy of oak trees. To my delight, each guest is assigned a beautiful bedroom suite complete with a walk-in shower and jacuzzi tub.
Each of the eight suites comes with a California King-sized bed featuring remote massage setting in direct view of an electric fireplace and flatscreen television. The owner considered the guests’ experience when adding plush towels, full-sized toiletries, a Keurig coffee maker, a valuable’s safe, and an umbrella for rainy weather days.
I enjoyed sitting outdoors admiring the view from a private porch swing when I wasn’t playing with the property’s cute dog, Zoey. In the morning, I walked a short distance to the community building for a home-cooked breakfast.
Guests are encouraged to use the community space as if it’s theirs by enjoying a roaring fire with a glass of wine. The owner and his team of helpful friends quickly ensure that each guests feels 100 percent comfortable and welcome during their stay.
A first-time visitor to Fredericksburg, I could easily see myself returning to the place Architectural Digest named “the prettiest town.”
With so much to love about Fredericksburg, you should plan your trip around their calendar of events – Oktoberfest, Food & Wine Fest, and Light the Night Christmas Parade draw crowds.
And while you’re planning your adventure, consider combining it with a trip to the Texas capital city, only 78 miles from Fredericksburg. Discover How to Spend 48 Hours in Austin, Texas, my travel guide featuring downtown restaurants and attractions.
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale as the owner, Ron, told us the brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters. They are the only brewing in town that serves beer on nitrogen.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
Just like everything else in Fort Dodge, this TV-turned-fishbowl was yet another unique surprise to what could have been a typical stop for coffee experience.
We were pleased with the friendly customer service (the owner does it all!) and impressed by the breakfast menu featuring Eggels (bagel sandwiches) and an Acai Energy Bowl for health-conscious eaters.
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
Opened in its original location in 2015, the cafe won Best Atmosphere for two years running by Restaurant Guru. You’ll love the casual, comfy ambiance of the café, which reminded me of The Perk in the TV show Friends. Trending music plays in the background as patrons sit at tables sipping coffee and bent over laptops. Paired-up friends chat about the day’s happenings.
It is nearly impossible to order at the register without spying on a delicious homemade pastry in the bakery case. The owner told me she had just pulled warm blueberry muffins from the oven so it was a no-brainer. It was the perfect pairing with my chai latté.
KC Wine Co. is not just a tasting room next to a vineyard. It’s a winery destination located on five acres with a multitude of things for visitors to enjoy.
Inside The Barrel Room, adults can savor tasting flights ranging from dry whites and reds to sweeter varieties. You’ll discover an expansive open-air building with outdoor seating and a scenic view of the vineyards just beyond its doors. An oversized KC Wine Co. lights up at night, providing a picture-worthy moment.
Plan your visit to the winery around one of their popular 
The red barn is also open to visitors. Walk inside to order a wine slushy, a pint of Free State Brewing Company craft beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Look for a seasonal display with a bench to take a photo with friends or family.
The building is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and outdoor patio space with you can sit back and be yourself, plus dogs are allowed on the patio.
The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening last spring. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to my character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.
The food menu included a short list of flatbreads. When they told me that the brisket on the Meats Pizza was made by an American Royal award-winning barbecuer, 
My suite was a 456 sq. ft. living room separated from the bedroom by a privacy door. I appreciated its amenities, including free WiFi and a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Each room had a 42-inch HDTV, and the king-size bed was as comfy and plush.
The five-generations, family-owned vineyard and winery produce more than 20 wines, hard ciders, and wine slushies. During my taproom visit, I discussed the winery’s history with the owner while savoring the “Thankful for Wine” $10 flight (5, 2oz pours), a wide-ranging selection of dry to sweet wines.
Their best-selling wine, Hoftoberfest, tastes semi-sweet with pineapple notes that finish crisp. I prefer full-body, dry reds, so, I was a fan of Zin XXI, which had blackberry and plum notes.
Outside, wine enthusiasts can take advantage of patio seating and covered seating inside a second building also available for group parties. I recommend planning your visit around the sunset hour.
I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game.
PRO TIP: The brewery is closed Mondays, so you’ll want to plan your visit when the brewery and the food truck are open. View the hours 
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominated the menu, and the place smelled like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Not in the mood for ice cream? Choose a hazelnut iced coffee, latte, or vanilla macchiato from the Espresso Bar menu.
A quick scan of the shelves and I noticed that they sell their bagged coffee beans, so I kept it simple and ordered a tall drip coffee. Irresistible pastries stared back at me from the glass case. A warm strawberry homemade Pop-Tart and a slice of quiche tasted delightful while I watched it rain outside from a window seat. Nearby, a cabinet with jewelry, branded merchandise, and retail candles sat on display.
The owner of Junque Drawer also owns Holiday House across the street (101 W. Cedar), which is one-stop shopping for all things festive. Thematic rooms are designed by style and color creating Christmas decor and ornaments. Wait until you see the bathroom shower filled with pillows!
PRO TIP: Start on the third floor and work your way down, ending the shopping experience at the register. If you’re searching for a specific gift item, ask the friendly staff to point you in the right direction.
I recommend scanning the bakery case and the menu before ordering breakfast or lunch. I was searching for lighter fare and chose a flakey scratch-made croissant filled with chocolate. The chef could be seen in the kitchen busily cooking eggs for someone’s breakfast order.
PRO TIP: Don’t be surprised if they say you can pay for your order after dining in. Bring cash, or you must spend $5 for a credit card purchase.
The menu includes drool-inducing sandwiches like The Z-Man Sandwich, made with slow-smoked beef brisket topped with provolone cheese and onion rings. People rave about it for a good reason. It’s filling, so consider ordering the regular sandwich instead of the jumbo portion.
The food Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is putting out is pure kitchen magic. Do you want to try a variety of smoked meats? Order a Combo Sandwich or a Two Meat Dinner. Save room for dessert – ask about the seasonal dessert while ordering your meal. 
PRO TIP: Walk across the parking lot and check out 
When the owners are not busy making wine or socializing with customers, they also make preserves, jams, and jellies available for sale in the tasting room.
The veteran-owned and operated winery’s tasting room is centrally located downtown across from Hay Market Square. They are open for wine tastings and retail shopping. I chose a seat at the tasting room counter and ordered the Tasting of the Month, a flight of five selections.
A flight lets you discover a wine you will appreciate the most – take home a bottle for your personal collection. They also sell jarred jellies and gifts for all of the wine lovers in your life.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine tasting flights, slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers. After selecting four one-ounce pours for my dry wine flight, we exited to the partially sun-drenched patio. I preferred to sip Petite Pearl, a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Aronia.
The tasting room also serves flatbread naan and artisan pizza prepared fresh to order with farm-to-table ingredients.
Located on 10 acres, the tasting room is open Thursday-Sunday from 12 pm-5 pm or by appointment. Marc and Pame Rowe have operated the vineyard since 2005 and depend on volunteers to help them harvest grapes from over 3,000 vines.
I recommend bringing someone with you to the tasting room, and each purchases a different flight so you can sample all of the wines. When in doubt, choose the dry to semi-sweet flight. Bottles range from $17-$18, and fruit wine bottles are $16. View the current list of wines available 
An indoor tasting room also serves about a dozen wine drinkers at a time. Bottles of wine are available for purchase. I recommend arriving when they open on the weekend to avoid waiting to be served, or you can book a tasting 
There is always a fun event planned at the winery. Check 
The building has been several businesses over the years but has always remained a memorable landmark on the edge of downtown Shawnee.
Reservations are highly recommended; however, I stopped by the castle for a wine flight during the late afternoon between meal times and was served swiftly in the bar area. I chose Reds of the World, a flight that included three pours from Portugal, Washington, and Spain ($16). Premium wine flights are $26. I loved them all.
The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the award-winning wines. They carry two dozen wine varieties grown a short drive west of town.
A popular venue for hosting weddings, receptions, and private parties, the barn below is available for rental. A nearby patio attached to the tasting room provides outdoor seating.
Visit the tasting room to enjoy the winery’s long list of varieties, order a wine flight or ask about the Wine of the Week. I would highly recommend asking for a guided tour to fully appreciate the winery. Visitors can schedule an informative tour by appointment.
Can’t make it to a winery? Tune into the KNSS 98.7FM radio show, 
It may have been a sweltering 99-degree summer day in Kansas, but it certainly conjured up thoughts of winter. I thought, “Why does this town love Christmas so much?”
Since 1950, the town has lived up to its nickname when local businessmen displayed a 35′ Christmas tree covered in 3,000 lights in the center of town. The tree and display are lit the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stay illuminated until New Year’s Day.
Some of the decorations stay up the entire year along Main Street and inside its businesses. How many trees will you spot around town?
I was craving a hearty and comforting meal. I ordered the Breakfast Plate of eggs, potatoes, and toast along with a freshly brewed coffee. I could hear the cook, who I assumed was the owner, whistling while she prepared meals in the kitchen.
It’s meticulously restored, spacious, thoughtfully decorated, and clean. It has all of the comforts of home. Five beds and three bathrooms provide roomy accommodations for a family visiting the area.
The museum’s textiles date from the early 1800s-1970s. Many of the museum’s items were donated by families in the area. Can you imagine walking the streets of WaKeeney and seeing women wearing dresses like the ones below as they headed off to church or a formal occasion?
A newer addition to the Trego County Historical Museum includes a large mural depicting the life of an earlier time. Governor John P. St. John signed a proclamation to organize the county on June 21, 1879. What do you notice about the mural below that tells the story of the county?
One exhibit that the museum is continuously working hard to build is the Trego County Honor Roll that features names of residents who have served in the military. I felt a sense of patriotism as I read about the soldiers who wore the uniforms on display. The collection dates back to World War I. The artifacts in the case situated left of the honor roll wall are phenomenal.
Several tiny towns in Trego County eventually combined into one school district. The one-room schoolhouse pictured below is available for visitors to enjoy with access provided by museum employees. It was used from 1910 to the early 1960s.
PRO TIP: Start your self-guided tour by learning more about the town and its founders. WaKeeney was named after Albert Warren and James Keeney who dreamed of a city with 80′ wide brick streets. They got their wish.
PRO TIP: Stop by The Studio 128 (128 N. Main) to ask for an address directory to help you locate all of the trees on the tour. Like me, you may simply stumble upon them as you walk around the main square of WaKeeney. I spotted the tree below in front of my lodging accommodations at 1909 Cottage House.
I’m told that the town’s youngest residents love the Green River, a super sweet drink. One of about forty authentic soda fountains still in operation in the state, Gibson’s includes seating for nine patrons. Thirsty? Flag down any employee who is ready to happily whip up a nostalgic drink for you.
A popular venue for hosting weddings, receptions, and private parties, the barn below is available for rental. A nearby patio attached to the tasting room provides outdoor seating. The winery and event spaces stay consistently busy, but they always welcome wine lovers who show up to the tasting room.
The WaKeeney Water Park sits adjacent to a manicured city park – one of four in town. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a covered picnic inside a pavilion or play a game of disc golf, WaKeeney’s city parks have something for everyone to enjoy at their pace.
My time in WaKeeney seemed to fly by preventing me from visiting several more places that I look forward to experiencing on my next visit to town. I would love to tour 
It truly is a quintessential American town. I will always have fond memories of my stay in WaKeeney.
