As a Texas local, I skip the crowds in Austin and head west to a charming nearby city with amazing wineries

Fredericksburg, Texas, and its surrounding areas have some incredible scenery and wineries.

Malachi Jacobs/Shutterstock I've lived in Texas for many years, and Fredericksburg is one of my favorite places to visit .

Fredericksburg has incredible wineries, and I like that it isn't too far from Austin or San Antonio.

The small city has a charming, walkable Main Street with some great shops and restaurants.

After more than 15 years of driving between San Antonio and Austin as a longtime Texas local, I've found my favorite detour: Fredericksburg.

Part of the scenic Texas Hill Country, it's a walkable city with German roots, popular for its array of wineries, boutique hotels, and lively downtown.

Although I love Austin and San Antonio , Fredericksburg provides a small-town feel that the aforementioned cities — with populations close to a million each — could never quite achieve.

In my opinion, Fredericksburg's small population of about 12,000 people only lends to its charm.

It's a great break from bigger Texas cities, as it's less than a two-hour drive from Austin or San Antonio.

Here are a few reasons I visit Fredericksburg twice a year and highly recommend it as a travel destination.

In this area, wine is a huge draw Main Street has restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, coffee shops, and bars.

Little Vignettes Photo/Shutterstock Fredericksburg is situated in the heart of Texas wine country , so visiting without enjoying one of its many wineries is like a crime in Texas. (Another crime? Dry brisket.) In Fredericksburg, you can either stop by a multitude of tasting rooms on Main Street or drive out past a ranch or two to find Tuscan-style wineries hidden in plain sight.

One of my favorite wineries is Augusta Vin Winery — and it's worth the extra drive.

I always enjoy sipping reds in the spacious tasting room, with large open windows perfect for taking in the Texas sunshine.