Porch Light Hospitality consists of 15 guesthouses in various locations in Fredericksburg and they are all owned by a sweet couple both originating from South Texas. We stayed at The Farmhouse which is one of six units at The Gathering Guesthouses, a small compound of very private guest houses suited for couples and small families. Every unit has an indoor and outdoor space all to itself, and carries a unique character.

Here are some of the Farmhouse amenities:

EAT:

Hill & Vine - Modern restaurant with savory Texas dishes including carnitas nachos, chicken schnitzel, fish, steaks and a large kids menu (chicken tenders, macaroni, Nutella & Jelly, hamburger). They have a beautiful bar with a large selection of wine and beer. If you are looking for a great cocktail I recommend the "Snake in my boot"! There is an outdoor area where my kids were able to casually walk around. 

West End Pizza - Located just a block off of Main Street you'll find this casual pizza spot also serving salads, pasta and sandwiches. They have a full bar with cocktails, wine and a large beer selection. Kids' meals are reasonably priced and come with a drink. Lots of space for kids to play outside and they have games on the front porch.  

Caliche Coffee - local coffee shop on main roasting all coffees in small batches on a Diedrich IR-7. They feature local art, and have indoor and outdoor seating.

Old German Restaurant & Bakery - My #1 stop when I visit Fredericksburg is to stop here for their German pancakes. The kids usually get crepes, and we always grab some fresh made bread and pastries from the bakery to take home. The wait can be long so get there early! 

Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant - one of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas! Large portions, homemade tortillas, casual vibe and great margaritas!

Tubby's Icehouse - 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 the frozen lemonade. 

Clear River Ice Cream - This deli and bakery located on Main Street has something for every sweet tooth 🍬. In the morning they serve baked goods and coffee. For lunch stop in for homemade soup, sandwiches are something sweet like a lemon square, pecan pie bar, cheesecake slice or brownie. We enjoyed their small batch homemade ice cream (over 75 flavors) 🍦

Pioneer Museum - I have visited Fredericksburg dozens of times and this was my first time visiting the Pioneer Museum and it's an absolute MUST visit! I learned so much about the history of Fredericksburg and the German settlers who founded it. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds and take a glimpse in to the German pioneers lives in the Texas hill country. The 3.5 acre grounds, located downtown, features historic homesteads and buildings donated by founding families of Gillespie County. My kids LOVED it and so did the adults!  

Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm

National Museum of the Pacific War - 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 because Fredericksburg is the hometown of Admiral Chester Nimitz, Command in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during WWII. The museum is very family-friendly and boasts interactive exhibits such as a Japanese Submarine, B-25 Bomber, Wildcat fighter jet, partial tanks, and a beautiful Japanese Garden of Peace, a gift from the Japanese government. 

My family loved 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's home to one of the most unique and elaborate reenactment programs which includes weapon demonstrations, musical entertainment and interactive presentations.

Museum Hours: Wed-Mon 9-5pm (last ticket sold at 3:30pm) | Pacific Combat Zone Open Fri-Mon (11am-3pm)

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 picturesque stop where you can grab a glass of wine and relax outside near the pond and trees. My kids enjoy walking around the property and playing with the tractors. Inside the shop you'll find Fischer & Wieser products including their famous Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce (pour on top of a block of cream cheese, add crackers...makes a delicious appetizer)! 

Main Street Shopping - Main Street is lined with cute shops, bakeries and wine tasting rooms. My kids enjoyed shopping at Liebeskind (the most adorable German outfits), Natural Baby and Camp Hayden.

Marktplatz Playground & Garden - Located in the heart of Fredericksburg you'll find Marktplatz which has been the city's social hub for centuries. You will find the Vereins Kirche Museum, public restrooms, a shaded playground and a garden with statues commemorating the town's peace treaty with Native Americans. It's a great place to let your kids get out some energy 😉.

Additional family-friendly activities include Wildseed Farms, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Enchanted Rock State Park.