Southern Living Honors Austin and Hill Country in 2026 Awards

An iconic Austin barbecue spot and a famous German town in the Hill Country are recognized.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Southern Living magazine has named several Austin and Hill Country destinations as winners in its 2026 South's Best Awards, including a renowned Austin barbecue joint and the historic German town of Fredericksburg. The annual awards highlight the best of Southern culture, food, and travel.

Why it matters

The Southern Living awards are highly influential in driving tourism and recognition for the featured destinations. This recognition helps showcase the vibrant food, culture, and natural beauty of the Austin and Hill Country region to a national audience.

The details

Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards highlighted an iconic Austin barbecue restaurant as a must-visit destination, as well as the charming German town of Fredericksburg in the Texas Hill Country. The awards celebrate the best of Southern culture, food, travel, and lifestyle across the region.

  • The 2026 South's Best Awards were announced on March 16, 2026.

The players

Southern Living

A popular lifestyle magazine that covers the American South, focusing on topics like food, travel, home design, and culture.

Fredericksburg, Texas

A historic German-settled town in the Texas Hill Country known for its wineries, boutique shopping, and natural beauty.

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The takeaway

The recognition from Southern Living's prestigious awards highlights the growing national reputation of Austin and the Texas Hill Country as premier destinations for food, culture, and travel in the American South.