Go Party with Fred and Barney

You’re in Fredericksburg visiting, but do you really know Fred?

A bunch of our staff got up close and personal with “Fred,” a rhinoceros at Longneck Manor Conservation Park who graces this edition’s cover of GoFredericksburg. The facility also has a “Barney” rhino, namesakes of the dynamic duo of Flintstones fame, giraffes (hence the name) and other exotic wildlife not native to these parts.

There are some people new to Gillespie County with a global view and big hearts. These owners seek to raise awareness to the plight of the majestic species in other parts of the globe, plus give locals and visitors a chance to experience the sights and sounds, the size and even feel of the leathery or furry hides of these neat animals.

These are yet more attractions to add to Fredericksburg and Gillespie County’s rather long list. We hope you enjoy Fred, Barney and the rest of the crew as much as we did.

In addition to Longneck Manor, there is another exotic wildlife viewing opportunity at The Preserve, which has a trio of elephants.

All of these folks moved here with a mission of helping promote and preserve these animals. Please give them a visit and tell ’em we sent you!

Welcome to our fall/winter edition of GoFredericksburg. Our company has promoted Fredericksburg and Gillespie County for the past 45 years with a special publication.

People have taken these all over the world to show family, friends and neighbors what they enjoyed about their visit to Fredericksburg.

We also have a companion website found at go-fredericksburg.com that will highlight all the content included, plus updates on events, attractions and more. Take a copy back to your place of residence for your friends and neighbors and let them know to GoFredericksburg.

Fredericksburg has grown into one of the finest and most popular small-town destinations in the country. And know that none of this happened overnight or by happy accident. The people who built this town from the ground up, starting in 1846, deserve much credit.

Today, we all get to enjoy the fruits of their labors and diligence. The Hill Country is a beautiful part of the Lone Star State, and we want to keep it that way. We take roadside trash seriously (my Rotary club and other civic organizations pick up garbage along a route regularly).

So please enjoy responsibly and, like the old scout saying for campsites goes, “leave it better than you found it.”