BUDGET
Getting there: Fredericksburg is 70 miles from San Antonio and 75 miles from Austin. During airfare sale periods, one-way rates to San Antonio start from $79; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay: Nearly a dozen cabins, chalets and a lodge make up the 26-acre Barons CreekSide. One of the cabins is a 1755 farmhouse shipped from Switzerland. Two creeks run through rolling hills at this Swiss-owned and operated resort (complimentary fishing for guests). Rates start from $135-$185; 316 Goehmann Lane, 830-990-4048, www.baronscreekside.com.
Eat: The Sunset Grill is a classic American bistro open daily for breakfast and lunch and for weekend dinners. Select evening entrees, from $10, are California-Asian inspired; 902 S. Adams St., 830-997-5904.
Experience: Visit the six-acre National Museum of the Pacific War. The museum is geared to provide visitors of all ages and backgrounds with a first-class experience within nearly 74,000 square feet of exhibit space. Highlights are the impressive displays of Allied and Japanese aircraft, tanks and guns. Don't miss the Memorial Courtyard and the Japanese Garden of Peace. Adults $12; $10 military; free for WWII vets, 328 E. Main St., 830-997-8600, www.pacificwarmuseum.org.
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MODERATE
Getting there: Regular one-way rates to San Antonio start from $145 with a 21-day advance purchase; nonstop AirTran or Delta. Round-trip rates on nonstop Delta service to Austin start from $370 with a 21-day advance notice; from $238 during sale periods.
Stay: The Hangar Hotel, done up as a vintage WWII military hangar, is noted for its spiffy Officers' Club lounge, a flight Observation Deck and an adjacent classic diner. Uniquely decorated guest accommodations have 1940s touches such as a lounge chair upholstered in bomber jacket leather. Rates from $169 (all with king beds); 155 Airport Road, 830-997-9990, www.hangarhotel.com.
Eat: It's easy to miss the Rathskeller, located in the basement of a historic hospital building. But it's a popular spot from breakfast to dinner with a diverse menu for each meal. Evening entrees and German specialties from $10-$17; 260 E. Main St., 830-990-5858, www.rathskellerrestaurant.com.
Experience: The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park has two visitor areas 14 miles apart. The Stonewall Visitor Center offers visitors free driving permits to the working LBJ ranch. The Johnson City Visitor Center is where visitors can view the boyhood home of the former president and the Johnson Settlement, established in the 1860s; www.nps.gov/lyjo. The 20th Fredericksburg Food and Wine Fest celebrates Hill Country food, wine and music all in one day: Oct. 23 from noon-7 p.m. A $20 adult ticket ($5 for ages 21 and under) includes a souvenir wine glass; six wine tasting tickets (one glass or three samples); cooking school sessions and food samples; www.fbgfoodandwinefest.com.
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SPLURGE
Getting there: One-way, walk-up Business Class rates to San Antonio start from $411; nonstop AirTran or Delta.
Stay: Fredericksburg is the B&B Capital of the World with more than 300 unique properties. One of the finest is the sophisticated and tranquil Hoffman Haus with 14 guest accommodations. Rates are affordable from $135 per night, including delivered breakfast. Spring for the Basse House, an 1871 stone farmhouse with two master suites, two master bathrooms, fireplace, full kitchen (also with fireplace), a living area with leather furnishings and a covered porch that overlooks the garden; $375 for four guests or $225 per couple in one master suite; 608 E. Creek St., 830-997-6739, www.hoffmanhaus.com.
Eat: When in Texas Hill Country, order up buffalo enchiladas ($20) at Cabernet Grill. Traditional entrees and famous Texas steaks are included in the satisfying menu with entrees from $17-$33. Wines and spirits served come from state vineyards and distilleries; 2805 S. State Highway 16, 830-990-5734, www.cottonginlodging.com.
Experience: Take in a family-friendly live rock 'n' roll show at the Rockbox Theater. Professional impressionist performances range from Buddy Holly to the Beatles. Shows are approximately two hours in length with an intermission. Adult tickets from $28-$40; $15 for ages 17 and under; 109 N. Llano St., 866-349-6688, www.rockboxtheater.com.