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When I read the line "Luckenbach is like Brigadoon, you're almost afraid to go back because it might not be there again", my heart somehow urged me to include Luckenbach as a must visit hamlet in our first weekend trip (September 19) out of Austin city. Located about 13 miles from Fredericksburg in southeastern Gillespie County of Texas, United States, Luckenbach was founded in 1850 by German pioneers and named after Carl Albert Luckenbach - the son-in-law of a German itinerant preacher. It is located along Ranch Road 1376 and if you are driving there, trust your instinct instead of relying on the signs!


Established as a small community post, Luckenbach's population increased to 492 in 1904 but by in 1960s, Luckenbach was cited as almost a ghost town. Until in 1970, an ad in newspaper offered 'town - pop.3 - for sale' which resulted Hondo Crouch to partner with Kathy Morgan and Guich Koock to buy Luckenbach for $30,000.

The two oldest buildings are the must-photographed. One of them is the unpainted general store which also serves as Luckenbach Post Office, souvenir store, a saloon and a beer tavern. Walk and explore and be amazed with the little treasures it houses! From the medicines that could be dated decades ago to the cologne/perfumes that I had never seen before, every item here has its own story to tell. And another old building across is the dance hall, right beside the one and only feeding corner - Feed Lot!








Luckenbach is popular, "happening" and hosts a wide range of visitors each weekend. On the same Saturday when we were there, there was a wedding reception going on at Luckenbach! Bikers, picnickers, guitar strummers and casual folks like us also were spotted there. It seems common for people to bring instruments, spontaneously entertain each other and take turns performing under the huge old live oaks or just outside the bar. There is also a performance stage next to the public bathroom for the professional to flock.








Practically, everybody comes here to have fun but be reminded - no hard liquor is allowed. Yet there is no law enforcement as the crowd tends to self-police.


At Luckenbach - just have fun !

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