Travel Texas: Luckenbach

Back in the late 1970’s, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings had a massive hit song about getting “Back to the Basics” in Luckenbach, Texas (written by Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman), and this "country classic" brought worldwide attention and fame to this tiny little burg (population: 3) that’s located just northwest of San Antonio and southeast of Fredericksburg.

Where "Everybody's Somebody"

As a result of the song’s popularity, people flocked to this tiny country hamlet where “Everybody’s Somebody” and where it’s so easy to simply "kick back", relax, and forget about the hustle and bustle of the "rat race" out there in the big, wide world.

"Back to the Basics of Life"

What you’ll actually find in Luckenbach is an old Post Office, General Store, and a tiny Bar (all in one building) and a separate Dance Hall (where live music is often featured). There’s nothing fancy here (after all, it’s all about getting “back to the basics of life”). However, you’ll often find an intriguing mixture of colorful locals and inquisitive tourists – and the place is often "happening". You may find some folks simply talking together, singing, playing checkers or dominos, partaking in a game of "washers" out back behind the bar (a game that’s similar to horseshoes, but with large washers instead of horseshoes - and a hole in the ground instead of a metal bar), or just "pickin' on a guitar or banjo" under one of the old oak trees and "sippin’ a beer".

Souvenirs and Memorabilia

Inside the General Store itself, you’ll find lots of Luckenbach paraphernalia for the tourists, including those obligatory t-shirts, hats, postcards, bandanas, and bumper stickers. You’ll find such posted signs as “Conserve Texas Water. Drink Our Wine” or “If You Can’t Pay For This Beer, You Don’t Need Credit – You Need A Job!”' You’ll also find copies of the local newspaper, “The Luckenbach Moon” (an eight-page monthly), and ads for upcoming special events, which include the annual “150th Birthday Celebration”, “Mud Dauber Festival", “Luckenbach World’s Fair”, and “Hug In" (where people drink beer and hug one another!).

Luckenbach's History

Luckenbach came into existence as a Trading Post back in 1849, which makes it one of the oldest settlements in Gillespie County Texas. The store/post office/beer joint was first opened by a German preacher, August Engel, in 1886 (the story goes that his daughter, Minna, chose the name Luckenbach in honor of her fiancé, Albert Luckenbach). By 1970, the tiny hamlet was not much more than a ghost town, so Benno Engel, the local postmaster, decided to retire; he placed an ad in the local paper: “Town For Sale”. It was purchased by Hondo Crouch and his cohorts (Guich Koock and Kathy Morgan). One "interpretation" of the purchase was that Hondo wanted some place to stop for a drink while traveling from his one ranch to the other (and Luckenbach was that place). Whatever the real reason was, the three became the town – and Hondo proclaimed himself to be the mayor.

Jerry, Waylon, and Willy

In 1973, Texas country singer Jerry Jeff Walker chose this laid-back destination as the place for the recording of his new album, “Viva Terlingua”, which became very popular (and this helped to put Luckenbach on the map). The album included such classics as “Desperadoes Waiting for a Train”' and “Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother” (and Jerry returned here the following year for his wedding - with Hondo serving as the best man). Then Willie and Waylon’s 1977 rendition of “Back to the Basics” hit the airwaves - and Luckenbach’s popularity soared. Willie Nelson’s renowned “Fourth of July Picnic” (with its many celebrity guest singers) was held here for five years in a row (1995-1999), attracting thousands of visitors.

For More Information:

Web site for Luckenbach: www.luckenbachtexas.com

Web site for nearby Fredericksburg: www.fredericksburg-texas.com