Texas: 3 Charming Small Towns

Exploring the charming small towns of Texas can be a delightful experience, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Fredericksburg, Marfa, and Gruene each provide unique and accessible travel experiences, ensuring wheelchair travelers can enjoy their visits comfortably. Below, you’ll find detailed information about accessibility, amenities, and potential barriers in these towns.

#1 Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a gem in the heart of Texas Hill Country, known for its German heritage and scenic beauty. The town’s accessibility features make it a welcoming destination for wheelchair travelers.

Attractions

• Main Street: Paved sidewalks with curb cuts provide easy access to numerous shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. However, some older buildings may have steps or narrow entrances, so it’s advisable to check with individual establishments ahead of time.
• National Museum of the Pacific War: The museum is fully accessible with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available for rent at the museum.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: While the main summit trail may be challenging, the park offers accessible trails and viewpoints to enjoy the stunning rock formations. The park has accessible parking, restrooms, and picnic areas. Pathways are generally smooth, with some areas of compact gravel.
• Marktplatz: Offers smooth, paved pathways through the park, making it easy to enjoy the gardens and historic buildings.

Accommodations

• Fredericksburg Inn & Suites: Features accessible rooms with roll-in showers, lowered beds, and ample space for maneuvering. Accessible rooms typically have one king bed or two queen beds. The property has accessible pathways and a lift for the pool.
• Peach Tree Inn & Suites: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and is centrally located for easy exploration of the town. The property includes accessible parking and a ramped entrance. Rooms usually have one king bed or two queen beds.

Places to Eat

• Otto’s German Bistro: Offers accessible seating and a menu of traditional German cuisine. Accessible restroom available.
• Vaudeville: Features a bistro and fine dining with accessible entry and seating. Accessible restroom available.
• Fredericksburg Brewing Company: Provides accessible entrances and restrooms, along with a variety of locally brewed beers and pub fare.

Transportation

• Hill Country Express: Provides wheelchair-accessible taxi services. Contact: (830) 997-8685.
• Fredericksburg Trolley Tours: Offers accessible tours around the town. Contact: (830) 998-8986.

Public Restrooms

• Marktplatz: Accessible restrooms are located in the park area, with ramps and wide doorways.
• Visitor Information Center: Fully accessible restrooms with grab bars and wide stalls.

Potential Barriers

• Some historic buildings and attractions might have steps or narrow doorways. It’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm accessibility.

#2 Marfa

Marfa is a unique small town known for its artsy vibe and mysterious phenomena. Its blend of creativity and intrigue makes it a fascinating spot for travelers.

Attractions

• Prada Marfa: While the art installation is located outside the town, it’s accessible via paved pathways. However, there are no restrooms on-site.
• Marfa Lights Viewing Area: Features accessible pathways and viewing platforms to witness the enigmatic Marfa Lights. The area has accessible parking and restrooms.
• Chinati Foundation: Offers accessible tours of the large-scale art installations, with ramps and accessible restrooms available. Some outdoor areas may have gravel paths, so a power wheelchair or scooter might be beneficial.
• Marfa Public Library & Courthouse: Offers paved walkways and ramps, allowing easy access to the library and scenic views from the courthouse grounds.

Accommodations

• Hotel Saint George: Provides accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and ADA-compliant amenities. The hotel also has an accessible entrance and common areas. Rooms typically have one king bed or two queen beds.
• Riata Inn Marfa: Offers spacious, accessible rooms with roll-in showers and is a short drive from major attractions. The inn has accessible parking and pathways. Rooms usually have one king bed or two queen beds.

Places to Eat

• Jett’s Grill: Located in the Hotel Paisano, offers accessible seating and a mix of American and Southwestern cuisine. Accessible restroom available.
• Stellina: Features accessible entry and seating with a menu of Italian-inspired dishes. Accessible restroom available.
• Marfa Burrito: A casual spot with accessible seating and classic Tex-Mex fare. Accessible restroom available.

Transportation

• Marfa Shuttle Service: Offers wheelchair-accessible vans for local transport. Contact: (432) 295-3051.
• Marfa Trans-Pecos Transit: Provides accessible public transportation. Contact: (432) 729-4906.

Public Restrooms

• Marfa Visitor Center: Fully accessible restrooms with grab bars and wide stalls.
• Marfa Lights Viewing Area: Accessible restrooms are available at the viewing site.

Potential Barriers

• Some attractions are located in remote areas with limited accessibility features. Check accessibility options ahead of time.

#3 Gruene

A historic district within New Braunfels, Gruene retains its 19th-century charm and offers a range of accessible attractions.

Attractions

• Gruene Hall: Texas’ oldest dance hall is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and spacious interiors. There are accessible restrooms, but seating may be limited during busy events.
• Guadalupe River: While river activities may require assistance, there are accessible spots for enjoying the riverside scenery, including accessible parking and picnic areas.
• Gruene Historic District: Paved sidewalks and ramps make it easy to explore the shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. Some older buildings might have steps, but many have been retrofitted with ramps.

Accommodations

• Gruene River Hotel & Retreat: Offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, and scenic views of the Guadalupe River. The hotel has accessible pathways and a lift for the pool. Rooms typically have one king bed or two queen beds.
• The Resort at Schlitterbahn: Provides accessible accommodations with roll-in showers and is close to both Gruene and New Braunfels attractions. The resort includes accessible parking and amenities. Rooms usually have one king bed or two queen beds.

Places to Eat

• Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar: Offers accessible seating with stunning views of the Guadalupe River. Accessible restroom available.
• Mozie’s: Features a casual menu and accessible seating. Accessible restroom available.
• The Grapevine: An accessible wine bar offering tastings and small plates. Accessible restroom available.

Transportation

• Rockin’ R River Rides: Provides accessible shuttle services for river activities. Contact: (830) 629-9999.
• Gruene Taxi & Shuttle: Offers wheelchair-accessible transport. Contact: (830) 515-4500.

Public Restrooms

• Gruene Hall: Accessible restrooms are available inside the hall with wide stalls and grab bars.
• Gruene Historic District: Public restrooms with accessibility features are available throughout the district, including near the main shopping areas.

Potential Barriers

• Some historic buildings and river access points might have limited accessibility. Verify specific accessibility features with the sites directly.