While September may be the meteorological start to fall, anyone who lives in Central Texas will tell you it doesn’t feel like fall until October. That’s when the scorching summer heat starts to cool down, and people step outside to pleasant mornings and warm days that invite all to come and enjoy the welcomed reprieve.
Camp Hideaway is the perfect spot to celebrate the beginning of this glorious fall season. With so much to do on our properties, you may never want to leave, but our Camp Hideaway Fredericksburg and Camp Hideaway Gruene locations are in such prime areas, we’ll understand if you step out for a while to take in the local attractions, events, food and beverages, shopping, scenery…Suffice it to say, there’s a lot to do in these historic, charming Texas towns. Whether you’re coming solo or bringing a large group, there are always unique and fun things to do in Fredericksburg and Gruene!
We’ll break down what there is to do around each Camp Hideaway so you can plan your visit. Of course, we’re always here to answer questions or help you choose from the many options. Our staff knows the areas well, with many of us living nearby for years, even our whole lives. Take a look at just a few of the things you may want to check out while you’re here.
It’s Fall, Y’all!
Gruene
Gruene is great any time of year, but there are some pretty exciting and fun things that only come around in the fall. Of course, there’s always the river, so bring your swimsuit, even if there’s a nip in the air!
Wurstfest
Just a stone’s throw away from Gruene is a historic German town, New Braunfels (pronounced “Brawn-fulls”). Here’s where you’ll find the German culture alive and well at Wurstfest, a festival tradition that dates back to 1961. What once was a day to celebrate sausage is now a 10-day event that welcomes as many as 240,000 visitors. You’ll get your fill of sausage, beer and fare from dozens of food trucks, vendors, traditional German music and so much more. It’s worth the trip to Camp Hideaway just to see this marvel. Festival runs from November 1-10, 2024. Purchase tickets here.
Holidays in Gruene
Small towns seem to celebrate the holidays a bit differently, with some of the charm of days gone by. Gruene hosts a variety of holiday events that will remind you of the good ol’ days. Old Gruene Market Days host nearly 100 vendors + photos with Cowboy Kringle. Then there’s the 16th Annual Gruene Turkey Trot for anyone here on Thanksgiving. Don’t miss the 38th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Festival at The Grapevine, benefitting United Way. See event calendar here.
Texas Tubes
You may not think of floating a river in the fall, but one of the best things about Central Texas is the Comal River that runs through Gruene. This 100% spring-fed river is not only crystal clear, but it averages a comfortable 72 degrees year-round. That means you can tube and swim any time (weather permitting, of course). Not all tubing companies are on the Comal, but Texas Tubes is, so grab a cooler and some friends and get on the river 10 am to 4 pm!
Gruene Hall
There’s always someone great playing at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest and one of the most beloved dance halls. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall has incredible live music all year long. From Jack Ingram and Junior Brown to Randy Rogers Band and Ray Wylie Hubbard, you’ll hear some of the best music Texas has to offer. Bring your cowboy boots and be ready to honky tonk.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is one of Texas’ favorite small towns. It may be small, but there is so much to see, eat and do that you’ll want to come back to try it all. Fall is a wonderful season to experience this quaint German town.
Oktoberfest
If you’re even thinking about a trip to Fredericksburg in the fall, you must plan it around Oktoberfest (October 4-6,2024), a downtown celebration that “celebrates Fredericksburg’s German heritage with four stages of continuous oompah music, arts, crafts, shopping, a children’s area, 50 varieties of American, Texas and imported beers, Texas Wine Country selections, great food and fun all weekend long!” More information here.
Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival
If you’re a foodie, you won’t want to miss this amazing Festival that attracts thousands of people near and far. You’ll experience some of the best food and wine in the world, with over 25 culinary booths, 45+ wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The Festival (October 24-26, 2024) is a non-profit organization that supports charitable organizations in the Texas Hill Country. Learn more here and get your badge ASAP, as they will sell out.
Texas Mesquite & Fine Art Spectacular
You can’t go far in Central Texas without spotting a mesquite tree, and its wood is a prized material for all kinds of artists. You’ll find them and their creations at this fun arts festival, where artisans from across the globe gather to showcase their handcrafted mesquite products. You’ll find everything from mesquite coasters and Christmas tree ornaments to beds and other furniture you won’t find anywhere else. Festival runs from October 11-13, 2024. Learn more here.
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Maze
No October is complete without picking your own pumpkin to carve. Several Fredericksburg farms offer pumpkin patches for pictures or for pickin’. While you’re here, check out Jenschke Orchard’s fantastic corn maze, sure to get you in the fall spirit. Bring the family to enjoy their giant corn maze, play corn hole, take a wagon ride, and so much more good, clean fall fun.
Pumpkin info here. And Corn Maze info here.
Light the Night Christmas Parade
The Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce hosts this annual Christmas holiday tradition, where historic Main Street is made even more beautiful a glow with millions of lights. And what small-town holiday would be complete without a parade? Bring the whole family to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. You can also lace up your rented skates and hit the ice at Peppermint Platz. Get there early to get a good spot on December 6, 2024. More info here.
Come Spend Your Fall with Us
As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Gruene and Fredericksburg this fall. The German heritage runs deep in both areas and so does the incredible food, wine, beer and spirits. Fall is perhaps one of the best times to visit Camp Hideaway. Book your stay with us this fall, and enjoy a simpler (and more fun) life in the Texas Hill Country. We’re saving a rocking chair for you!
We’d love to hear about and share your experiences! Tag us on Instagram at camphideawaytretreat and let us know how you spent your time in Fredericksburg or Gruene!
