Fredericksburg to see the wildflowers and to sample the wine
 

I am planning a three day visit to Fredericksburg in mid April. I will be traveling south from Dallas so I would be interested in recommendations regarding the best route/s to see the wildflowers and scenery. I have read that Fredericksburg over the last several years has fostered a number of wineries. Any recommendations regarding which wineries to visit would be appreciated. Lastly, any restaurants that you might recommend would be great,

One of the best places to see wildflowers near Fredericksburg is Willow City Loop. To get there from Fredericksburg, head north on State Route 16 for approximately 13 miles to Willow City, go east on Ranch Road 1323 for nearly 3 miles, then turn left onto Willow City Loop.

I second the Willow City loop. Best done midweek if at all possible, as it can get congested on weekends at the peak. There are other pretty drives. Because we come from San Antonio to Fredericksburg, we take the backroad from Bandera to F'berg. Its a very pretty drive too, with flowers all along the way (tho nothing like Willow City Loop). By the way….where there are signs posted along the Willow City Loop saying "no trespassing", they absolutely mean it. Enjoy it from the car or side of the road. Some of the ranchers in the area are getting to be understandably testy.

We usually end up for lunch at Altdorf's following an Enchanted Rock hike.

The best route from Dallas to FBG is Texas 281. Head south to Glen Rose, then go a little bit west and pick up Hwy 281. It's a straight drive down 281 to hwy 290, which takes you to FBG. In Hico, you can stop for home cooking and delicious pies at the Koffee Kup. If you aren't hungry in Hico, keep going south to the Bluebonnet Cafe in Marble Falls for more home cooking and even better pie.

As for the wineries, check out: http://www.wineroad290.com I would recommend looking at each winery's website to see what wines they offer so you can pick ones that will fit your tastes. IMHO, a MUST is Becker and Texas Hills. These are two of the most beautiful wineries in Texas, and they are also my favorites because they make a variety of delicious wines.

In Fredericksburg, try the Woerner Warehouse or Mahaley's for lunch. Sadly, I am not a fan of German food, so I usually end up getting the American stuff when we dine in FBG.

If you haven't made your lodging reservations yet, check out: http://www.fbglodging.com They have many different lodgings, from guest houses to B&Bs, and most are less expensive and much more luxurious than a chain hotel room!

Good luck, and have a wonderful time!

Staying at the Country Inn & Cottages just on outskirts of Fredericksburg. Look forward to the trip and for time outside of Big D. Thanks again

Have you Googled 'Texas Wine and Wildflower Trail"? They have a website with all the stuff.
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The Museum of the Pacific War is next to the boyhood home of Chester Nimitz. They even have a small Japanese submarine that was in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
There are a couple of good German restaurants in town as well.