The journal
Local insight
Guides to buying, selling and living in Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country. New articles every week.
Buying a Short-Term Rental in Fredericksburg: What to Know Before You Make an OfferHow STR permits work in Fredericksburg, Texas, what to ask for in an STR listing, and how to judge a rental property's numbers.Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg 2026: A Local's GuideFredericksburg Oktoberfest 2026 runs Oct. 2 to 4 at Marktplatz. A local's guide to tickets, parking, the park and ride, and what our family does.Our Wedding in Capri, ItalySavannah Sikes and David were married on a terrace above the sea in Capri, Italy. A few favorite photos and why it felt like home.Absolute Charm Real Estate Group Passes $1 Billion in SalesAbsolute Charm Real Estate Group, the Fredericksburg team Savannah Sikes is proud to be part of, has passed $1 billion in Hill Country real estate sales.Living in Boot Ranch: Fredericksburg's Private Golf CommunityA local's guide to Boot Ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas: the golf, Longhorn Lake, the clubhouse, and what to know about buying a home there.My Favorite Places to Eat and Drink in FredericksburgA Fredericksburg native's favorite restaurants and wine spots: Los Tios, Vaudeville, Bottega Salaria, Signor Vineyards, Calivence and Sushi Tiki.Buying a Historic Home in Fredericksburg's Historic DistrictWhat to know about buying a historic limestone home in Fredericksburg, Texas: the historic district, renovation reviews, and STR questions.Private Schools in Fredericksburg, Texas: A Local's GuideA local REALTOR guide to Fredericksburg TX private schools: Heritage School, St. Mary's Catholic School and Ambleside, plus a note on Fredericksburg ISD.Fredericksburg Short-Term Rental Rules in 2026: What the City Ordinance Means for BuyersWhat Fredericksburg's STR ordinance means for buyers: permit types, zoning, occupancy, parking, inspections, 90-day permit transfers and 13% hotel tax.Texas Hill Country Wine Country Real Estate: Living Along Highway 290What it's like to own property along Highway 290 in Texas Hill Country wine country: Stonewall, wineries, vineyard land, STR demand and peaches.Buying Hill Country Land and Ranches: Ag and Wildlife Exemptions, Water, Septic and SurveysWhat to know before buying land or a ranch in Gillespie County: ag and wildlife valuation, wells, septic permits, surveys, restrictions and financing.Moving to Fredericksburg, Texas: A Local's Guide to Neighborhoods, Schools and Everyday LifeA local REALTOR's guide to moving to Fredericksburg, TX: neighborhoods, Fredericksburg ISD, healthcare, Main Street, wineries and nearby towns.Selling a Luxury Home in Fredericksburg: How to Prepare, Price and Market ItHow I prepare, price and market luxury homes in Fredericksburg, TX: staging, pro photo, video and drone, 3D tours, seasonal timing and MLS comps.What Deed Restrictions Mean When You Buy in the Hill CountryHow deed restrictions work in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County: where to find them, common rules on rentals, building and animals, and how to review.Golf in Fredericksburg: Boot Ranch, Lady Bird Johnson Municipal and MoreA local's guide to golf in Fredericksburg, TX: private Boot Ranch, the public Lady Bird Johnson Municipal course, and nearby Hill Country golf.Is a Fredericksburg STR a Good Investment? How to Read the NumbersHow to judge a Fredericksburg short-term rental: gross revenue, occupancy, ADR, RevPAR, real expenses and the 13% hotel occupancy tax, explained.Christmas in Fredericksburg: Holiday Traditions and the Best Time to List or BuyFredericksburg holiday traditions, from Nights of Lights and the Christmas pyramid to the LBJ tree lighting, plus tips for buying or listing in winter.Living Within Walking Distance of Main Street: Pros, Cons and What It Costs to OwnWhat it's like to live near Main Street in Fredericksburg, TX: walkability, festivals, parking, older homes, historic review, STR rules and costs to own.Building a Custom Home in the Hill Country: Lots, Builders, Septic, Wells and TimelinesHow to build a custom home near Fredericksburg, TX: choosing a lot, Gillespie County septic permits, wells, restrictions, builders and timelines.Why I Work With Absolute Charm Real Estate GroupWhy Fredericksburg REALTOR Savannah Sikes works with Absolute Charm Real Estate Group: a family team with deep STR roots and a team behind every client.Day Trips From Fredericksburg: Enchanted Rock, Luckenbach, LBJ Ranch and Wildseed FarmsEasy day trips from Fredericksburg, TX: hiking Enchanted Rock, music in Luckenbach, touring the LBJ Ranch and wildflowers at Wildseed Farms.