Sunday, December 04, 2011

If you've decided to winter in the Texas Hill Country this year, you don't have to forgo all of the traditional winter activities. Sure anything snow related is probably out of the question (how much skiing do you really do on your trips anyway?). But here's one unexpected winter activity that you don't have to do without: ice skating. Surprisingly enough, you don't have to head to a huge arena in San Antonio either; just head to Fredericksburg for an unexpected Hill Country winter treat.
     Fredericksburg's eisbahn (or ice rink in German) is located in the Marketplatz in a tent. The outdoor ice rink is kept cool and smooth and opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs until New Year's Day. Whether it's 50 degrees outside or 80, the rink is kept constantly solid thanks to special refrigeration units.
      Concessions at the rink include light snacks and hot chocolate; though a number of great Fredericksburg restaurants are a short walk away. Eisbahn is run by the Heritage School and most proceeds go to support the rink and benefit the school, but 10% of funds are donated to Cystic Fibrosis research. Each year, more than 4,000 locals, tourists and other visitors come out to skate at the eisbahn.
      For hours, ticket prices and other information, please visit http://www.skateinfred.com.

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