Shopping

Hill Country [1] heritage aside, Fredericksburg’s [2] big draw is the shopping. The town’s sidewalks are lined with chalkboard signs, and sweet smells of flowery domestic products entice passers-by with promises of newly imported stock and bargains galore. Though most offer similar types of kountry kitchen–style pricey furniture and knick-knacks, there are some worthy boutiques and galleries featuring uncommon objects and rustic-without-being-cute home furnishings.

Among the more chic establishments is Homestead and Friends (230 E. Main St., 830/997-5551, www.homesteadstores.com [3]), specializing in antique and modern furniture, ranging from small sconces to enormous armoires.

Not as trendy yet equally as compelling is Trader Jack’s (117 N. Adams St., 830/997-3213), a “Wild West outfitter” that proudly bills itself as the “Greatest Store on Earth.” That may be a slight exaggeration, but at least it’s an entertaining place, filled with vintage and new Western clothing (vests, boots, coats, hats, spurs, belts), Mexican and Native-American blankets, and Western jewelry.

Another popular spot is Phil Jackson’s Granite & Iron Store (206 E. Main St., 866/353-0152, www.granite-iron.com [4]), specializing in Mr. Jackson’s signature custom tables, most featuring rare granite slabs and intricate ironwork. The home décor items here are also noteworthy, including tasteful lamps, clocks, pottery, and mirrors.

Finally, a stroll down ye olde Main Street would be incomplete without stopping by Fredericksburg Fudge (105 N. Llano St. a half-block north of Main, 877/324-3834, www.fbgfudge.com [5]). This traditional candy shop has been doling out thick chunks of rich, sweet, made-from-scratch fudge for decades, and provides the perfect souvenir for that special someone who’d rather enjoy a taste of Fredericksburg [2] than have a memento of it sitting on a shelf.