What I’d Do with My Dad in Fredericksburg, TX
Mary Katherine Fickel- May 8
- 3 min read
There’s something special about traveling with your dad. Whether he’s a “history buff,” a “BBQ connoisseur,” or just in it for the snacks and sightseeing, Fredericksburg, Texas, is surprisingly ideal for a father-focused getaway.
This is not just about drinking beer in the sun (although… there will be beer). It’s about slowing down, reconnecting, and giving Dad a trip he’ll actually brag about to his buddies.
So, here’s what I’d do with my dad in Fredericksburg tailored for maximum bonding, minimal eye-rolling.
☕ Morning: Caffeine, Kolaches, and WWII History
Start the day with a hearty breakfast and a strong cup of coffee at Twisted Sisters Bake Shop. A charming spot that makes homemade pastries and kolaches that even a tough-love dad will admit are “pretty dang good.”
From there, we’re off to the National Museum of the Pacific War, one of the most impressive and comprehensive WWII museums in the country. If your dad is the kind who leaves his TV on the History Channel for background noise, he’s going to lose his mind over this place.
Pro Tip: Give him space to read all the placards. Just nod. Let him have this.
🍖 Midday: BBQ, Beer & Beautiful Views
Next stop: Backwoods BBQ for lunch. It’s laid-back, messy in the best way, and the brisket could make a grown man cry. There are no small portions here so don’t try to “split something light.” He’ll judge you.
After lunch, we’d cruise the Willow City Loop for a scenic drive. If it’s spring, the wildflowers are out in full glory. If not, it’s still Texas Hill Country, which means endless skies and those “dad-style” road trip photo ops (read: selfies with zero emotion).
🔗 Willow City Loop Info
Then we’re swinging by Altstadt Brewery, a local German-style brewery housed in what looks like a Bavarian castle. Bonus points if your dad’s a beer snob who refers to pilsners as “crisp.”
🖼️ Afternoon: Art Appreciation (Really)
Here’s where I gently nudge my dad into The Good Art Company gallery. At first, he might grumble: “I don’t know anything about art.” But then he sees a rugged Texas landscape or moody seascape and softens:“I like this one... reminds me of a place I camped in the '70s.”
Victory.
We talk about color, about brushstrokes, about how art tells a story; something he respects. It becomes less about “understanding art” and more about feeling it.
And guess what? He ends up buying a small piece for his study.
So if your dad thinks he “doesn’t do art,” bring him anyway. Let the work do the talking.
🥃 Evening: Bourbon, Baseball, and Big Skies
As the sun starts to dip, we’re heading to Garrison Brothers Distillery, Texas’s first legal bourbon distillery. It’s a 30-minute drive from Fredericksburg, but it’s worth it for the views and the whiskey. Tours, tastings, and a porch with a view that encourages real conversation.
After that? Maybe we head back into town and catch the game at a local bar, grab some late-night tacos, and call it a day. You can’t beat baseball, bourbon, and bonding.
🎨 Bonus Dad Tips:
He hates crowds? Visit mid-week for a more relaxed vibe.
He loves history? Swing by Fort Martin Scott or the Vereins Kirche.
He’s secretly emotional? Bring tissues to the Pacific War Museum (just sayin').
💡 Ready to Start Your Art Collection Together?
Are you and your dad inspired to start collecting art? Whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned collector, our Free Digital Guide to Collecting Art is a must-read.
It’s packed with tips, stories, and strategies to help you:
Understand what makes art valuable
Discover your taste and style
Make smart, meaningful purchases
Bring beauty, stories, and substance into your home one piece at a time.
Hi there! I’m MK, owner of The Good Art Company and The Good Artist Mentorship. Thanks for joining me in Fredericksburg.
To keep up with our latest announcements, events, and art, follow us on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. And don’t forget to visit our Online Art Shop daily for new available artwork! Thank you for reading What I’d Do with My Dad in Fredericksburg, TX.
What I’d Do with My Dad in Fredericksburg, TX
