The well-known German Hill Nation city of Fredericksburg is getting the highlight as a must-visit vacation spot in Southern Dwelling’s 2026 South’s Greatest Awards, in addition to its new boutique lodge, a café in Marble Falls, and an iconic Austin barbecue joint.
Fredericksburg claimed the coveted No. 3 spot within the publication’s rating of the Greatest Small Cities within the South.
The annual awards are decided by way of third-party on-line surveys of Southern Dwelling shoppers from July 9 to September 9, 2025. Over 17,000 respondents rated their favourite locations throughout the South, the report stated.
The highest two finest small Southern cities had been St. Augustine, Florida (No. 1), and St. Simons Island/Golden Isles, Georgia (No. 2).
Particularly, Southern Dwelling gave a nod to Fredericksburg’s development and the latest addition of The Albert Lodge, which opened in 2025. The Albert Lodge was ranked the tenth finest new lodge in 2026.
“The town’s premier full-service luxurious lodge revives a cluster of Nineteenth-century landmarks, from a historic saloon to a former pharmacy that’s now a restaurant, deli, and artisan market,” the report stated. “Alongside the 105 minimalist visitor rooms, a holistic spa and a limestone pool present moments of quiet rest.”
All of us want a soothing day poolside on the Albert Lodge pool oasis.Photograph by Chase Daniels
Because the Fredericksburg space grows, Southern Dwelling stated, it nonetheless maintains its cozy, small-town really feel.
“Fredericksburg nonetheless wears its German heritage on its sleeve, evident all through Most important Avenue structure and a energetic cluster of biergartens and long-running seasonal festivals,” the report’s creator wrote. “Wine lovers will really feel significantly at house because of greater than 100 wineries and tasting rooms scattered all through city and the encompassing countryside.”
It is no surprise Southern Dwelling determined to find its 2026 Concept Home there.
Well-liked occasions just like the Fredericksburg Meals & Wine Competition and regionally targeted packages just like the Texas Hill Nation Wineries wine passports attract crowds from all elements of Texas. The city is simply over an hour away from San Antonio, which makes it an ideal weekend or spring break escape. San Antonio-area vacationers may even spot small patches of bluebonnets throughout their highway journey by way of the Hill Nation.
Irrespective of which route you are taking, vacationers ought to e-book further time for a pit cease by way of one other small Texas city known as Marble Falls, which is house to considered one of Southern Dwelling’s most legendary Southern eating places: Blue Bonnet Cafe. In response to the report, its longstanding employees members embody the concept of “southern hospitality” on daily basis.
“There’s one actual motive the Blue Bonnet Cafe is so broadly revered: The parents who run the place have been holding this small-town diner to excessive requirements for years,” the report stated.
Blue Bonnet Cafe opened in 1929 and was later purchased by the Kemper household in 1981, who nonetheless personal and function it as we speak. Southern Dwelling recommends ordering one of many blue plate specials, and a slice of pie is a compulsory deal with.
“With 15 choices — from luxuriously creamy to shiny and fruity — you’re assured to seek out one you’ll love,” the report stated.
Ordering a slice of pie is a requirement, not a suggestion. Blue Bonnet Cafe – Marble Falls, TX/Fb
The one different Texas vacation spot to earn recognition in Southern Dwelling’s annual awards was the enduring Franklin Barbecue in Austin, which was topped the perfect barbecue joint in Texas by the publication’s readers.
“Followers from all over the world queue up for hours to expertise the craftsmanship that has made Franklin a barbecue superstar,” the report stated. “Flawless prime-grade brisket with a candy, tangy glaze remains to be the showstopper right here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage.”
