VISIT:
National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW) - the only museum in the continental U.S. solely dedicated to telling the story of WWII in the Pacific. This 6-acre, one-of-a-kind museum's location is historically significant- Fredericksburg is hometown to Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during WWII. The museum boasts interactive, family-friendly exhibits such as a Japanese submarine, B-25 Bomber, Wildcat fighter jet, partial tanks, an atomic bomb casing, and a beautiful Japanese Garden of Peace, a gift from the Japanese government.
One of our family's favorite exhibits was the Pacific Combat Zone located just a short walk from the main Museum campus. Here you will find the Pacific Theatre of WWII where they have replicated numerous aspects of the terrain. It is home to one of the most unique and elaborate, reenactment programs which includes weapon demonstrations, musical entertainment and interactive presentations. The battle reenactment itself features troop deployment from an authentic LCVP (Landing Craft Vehicle Personnel) Higgins boat, shooting from an operating WWII Stuart tank and live fuel action using an authentic WWII flamethrower. Currently these full reenactments have been paused but they are hoping to relaunch in Spring 2022. We did get to see a live presentation of what the soldiers wore, weapons they carried and got to see a WWII flamethrower in action. We were able to ask questions to the veterans and active military after the presentation and get a closer look at their gear. HIGHLY recommend this experience!
Hours: Open Wed - Monday, 9-5pm (last ticket sold at 3:30pm) | Pacific Combat Zone open 11am-3pm Fri-Sun
Das Peach Haus - Originally started as a roadside fruit stand has quickly become the place to go for the best locally harvested peaches and preserves. This is a beautiful stop where you can grab a glass of wine and relax outside near the water and trees. Inside the shop you'll find Fischer & Wieser products including our favorite Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (pour on top of a block of cream cheese, add crackers...BAM delicious appetizer)!
A few stops we didn't have time to visit were Wildseed Farms and Enchanted Rock, both great family activities!
STAY:
We stayed at the cozy Fredericksburg Inn & Suites located 5 minutes from Main Street. It was the perfect location to walk to dinner, the museum and shops! There are 103 guest rooms with microwaves, mini-refrigerators, coffee makers and large TVs. By far our favorite part was the beautiful pool area located just along Barons creek. The hotel sits on 5 beautiful acres and boasts an open-air, stone gazebo with a fireplace and TV, a scenic picnic area, gas fire pit, a family-sized in-ground hot tube, water slide and two pools. One pool is heated for year round swimming, and one has a volleyball net for fun! There is lots of room for little ones to run around in the grassy area by the creek. They also serve a hot breakfast every morning and have a peaceful outdoor dining area to enjoy it! Check out their site for room options.
EAT:
Tubby's Ice House - neighborhood burger and taco joint that has great indoor and outdoor seating. Their chicken strips are DELICIOUS and they have a full bar featuring margaritas, craft beers, boutique wines and their famous Frosé! My kids loved their frozen lemonade. Open daily 11am - 9pm and conveniently located across the street from the museum.
Clear River Ice Cream & Bakery - This ice cream and bakery shop located on Main Street has something for every sweet tooth 🍦. In the morning they serve hot baked goods and coffee. For lunch stop in for homemade soup, sandwiches or something sweet like a lemon square, pecan pie bar, cheesecake slice or brownie. We enjoyed their small batch homemade ice cream (over 75 flavors).
Mamacita's - One of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas is a must stop for me! Huge portions, all the margaritas your heart desires, and the best homemade tortillas made right in front of you.
Old German Bakery & Restaurant - The owner, Lutz, worked as a German baker for 20 years before coming to the U.S. in 1998 to take over the Old German Bakery in Fredericksburg. This family-owned restaurant serves made from scratch breakfast and lunch. Be warned the wait is long so get there early if you have a large party or send someone to get your name on the list! I ALWAYS get the German pancake and my kids love the crepes. Even if you decide not to sit and dine, you can stop in and grab homemade German bread or pastries from the bakery 🥨. I always take some goodies for the ride home.
I hope this inspires you to take a trip to Fredericksburg as it's one of the cutest towns in Texas with so much history! Check out #coultertravels for more Texas family vacation ideas.
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