Fredericksburg Trip
My friend and I have been more conscious about taking trips for each other’s birthdays each year. For his birthday this year (early June), we decided to travel west to Fredericksburg for a more low-key weekend. His only request: that we watch World Cup games in a cool environment and really lean into the rowdy ‘football’ fan persona.
Thursday, June 25
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM · HEB run, last-minute packing additions, pack up the car (his)
2:00 PM · Drive out to Fredericksburg
4:00 PM · Check in, unpack, and check out the Airbnb.
6:00 PM · Cook and eat dinner at the Airbnb.
8:00 PM · Head to Cultures Grill & Bar (318 E Main St). US game kicks off at 9:00 PM.
11:00 PM · Back to the Airbnb.
Friday, June 26
~8:30 AM · Drive to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (~20 minutes from Fredericksburg).
NOTE
Dog is in tow, so “elevated trails” (like the famous Summit Trail) are off limits. The Loop Trail is dog-friendly the whole way.
Take the Loop Trail south from the main parking area, following it up to the Turkey Pass Trail junction, then turn around and walk the same path back. ~4 miles round trip, mostly scrubby hill country with a river to follow and some exposed granite.
~12:30 PM · Back at the Airbnb. Shower, get ready.
~1:30 PM · Head to West End Pizza Co. (207 E San Antonio St) for the France game at 2:00 PM.
~4:00 PM · After the game, walk around downtown Fredericksburg for a couple hours. No particular agenda, just meander up and down Main Street and duck into whatever looks interesting.
~6:00 PM · Back to the Airbnb. Cook dinner, hot tub.
Saturday, June 27
Morning · Slow morning, same as Friday.
9:45 AM · Head to the shuttle pickup.
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM · 290 Wine Shuttle, departing from 308 S Washington St (upper parking lot, Inn on Barons Creek).
| Time | Stop | Food | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| ~10:00 AM | Barelle Vineyards (6258 US Hwy 290 E) | Light bites | Restored 1902 schoolhouse, boutique, women-crafted reds |
| ~11:00 AM | Barons Creek Vineyards (5865 Hwy 290 E) | Tapas + food and wine pairing | Three distinct Cabs (Crazy Train, Boots, Reserve); dedicated red flight |
| ~12:30 PM | Slate Theory Winery (10915 E US Hwy 290) | Small bites | Underground cellar; Cab Sauv + red blends (Schizophrenic, Insomniac) |
| ~2:30 PM | Longhorn Cellars (315 RR 1376) | Wine-paired tapas | Cozy barn; Bordeaux blend (Cab/Merlot/Petit Verdot); pet-friendly patio |
| ~4:00 PM | Becker Vineyards (464 Becker Farms Rd, Stonewall) | Picnic grounds | Bordeaux/Rhone style; solid Cab Sauv; big but not rowdy |
6:00 PM · Shuttle ends.
6:30 PM · Portugal game.
- Option A: HEB pre-made meals (not sure I want to cook after a full day of wine tasting). Watch from the Airbnb.
- Option B: Sozial Haus (107 S Llano St). Relaxed bar, large TVs, full menu.
Sunday, June 28
Morning · Slow morning. Coffee, games, pack up. Depart when ready.
Game Quick Reference
| Game | Day | Time | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | Thursday | 9:00 PM | Cultures Grill & Bar |
| France | Friday | 2:00 PM | West End Pizza Co. / Auslander |
| Portugal | Saturday | 6:30 PM | Airbnb / Sozial Haus |