Gruene is the perfect day tripfrom Austin or San Antonio at approximately 40 minutes from either city (varies with traffic). Although they still need to fill the majority of the shops, it's a great place for photo opps! Gruene Music & Wine Festival occurs during the beautifulfall season and isone of Gruene's most popular annual events. It's ranked as one of the top 40 places to visit in Texas and is packed to the brim with food, toys, books, and unique Texas souvenirs. Central Texas is known for its great wineries, and The Grapevine is the best place in Gruene to sample the offerings. As an Amazon Associate, Lone Star Travel Guide earns from qualifying purchases. They are beautifully preserved and restored to their 19th-century glory. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall has an illustrious history andlike its neighbor not far away in Luckenbachremains a favorite of artists both famous and up-and-coming. This antique store has over 6,500 ft of space filled with antiques and collectibles of every kind. Things to Do in Texas This Weekend | Eventbrite Proceeds of the event are donated to the local . If you go to Gruene Hall, be prepared to have a good time with a fun crowd. The Gristmill Restaurant represents a bit ofthe towns later history. FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a small referral fee from purchases at no additional cost to you. The options for outdoor adventures in and around Gruene are endless, and Gruene River Outfitters is the perfect place to stock up on all of the gear you need. The historic town of Gruene, Texas is pronounced as Green, Texas. (Think George Straight, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Lyle Lovett, amongst others.). Although very little has changed since theGruene General Store was established in 1925, it remains as one of the most popular tourist attractions in town. 17 Great Things to Do in Gruene, Texas - Lone Star Travel Guide 17 Great Things to Do in Gruene, Texas Looking for a charming small town that makes a great day trip from Austin or San Antonio? Located along Hunter Road, in a historic building dating back to 1872, Gruene General Store is one of the oldest continuously operated establishments in several Texas towns. Touring Texas: Gruene Handmade by CoPilot Creative Co. With stages in multiple locations, free music daily, plus ticketed shows and special events, Gruene is where every music-lover makes memories. Is the Grapevine okay to visit with children? Gruene was founded in the 1840's by German farmers and was once a booming commerce center. Cl Houston, TX. Saturday at 2:00 PM. The primary reason for Gruenes charm is its storied history which goes back to the pre-Civil War era. One of the highlights of the event is taking photos with Cowboy Kringle in Gruene. You have totry the Pecan Roca Toffee!! Click on each image to see it larger and view the source. There are plenty of things to do in the city from museums including the Childrens Museum, Railroad Museum, and History Museum to the famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Nearly 100 Texas artisans selling their wares, rain or shine. Things to Do and See in Wimberley and Surrounding Areas - Guide to the Happenings in the Texas Hill Country Jacob's Well Natural Area JWNA .the first Hays County - owned preserve includes 81.5 acres surrounding the Jacob's Well artesian spring. Ive never even heard of this place before and now I really want to go! Generations after generations have laughed, danced, sung, and hung out here. Pin It for Later: 10 Things To Do in Gruene Texas, PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE. Originally settled by German farmers in the 1840s, Gruene is now known for food, wine, shopping, seasonal events, and the oldest continuously operating dance hall in the state of Texas. Europe So, last but definitely not least. Great post! Now powered by tourism, this quaint historic town is home to general stores . At nightfall, visitors flock to Gruene Hallthe oldest continually operating dance hall in Texasfor some two-stepping fun under its vintage tin roof ceilings or stroll along pebble paths lined with twinkling lights while listening to live music echoing from local venues. You will also see pictures of celebrities that have performed. Also Read: 10 Best German Towns in Texas. January 29, 2023 Sharing is caring! Gruene River Grill has been serving the New Braunfels area in San Antonio and Austin since 2004. And dont forget about Old Gruene Market Days with over 200 vendors offering handmade goods you wont find anywhere else, plus live music performances all day long. In 1974, most of the Gruene estate was sold and new businesses were established. It's a new(ish) shopping village and is very picturesque. If you are overwhelmed by the number of offerings, you can always ask for a sample to narrow down your choice. PERFECT . Theres also a variety of local wineries offering tastings and tours so you can sample some delicious vintages while enjoying beautiful views. You can still see signs from the 1930s and 1940s on the walls of the hall. Dec 2, 2022 13 min read Roberto Galan / shutterstock.com Gruene, Texas, is a unique place to visit, offering a one-of-a-kind-experiencesfrom the antique shops to the riverfront hotels and restaurants to iconic establishments. The inn is currently a 31-room bed & breakfast, but it once served as the townfounder's home. Upcoming Events & Festivals | New Braunfels, Texas Heres a tip: if you are visiting in the fall, definitely try the pumpkin spice latte. Start your Thanksgiving Day with an exhilarating 5K run/walk through Gruene Historic District. This is Texas oldest dance hall and it has a very unique history. If you're seeking a unique travel destination, Gruene is one of my favorite small towns in Texas! Its small-town Texas charm also makes it one of the best places to get together with friends and socialize. One of the most popular things to do near Gruene in the spring and summer is to spend time on the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers. For local service, Rockin R has both a location in Gruene and a private exit on the Comal River. The Gristmill has a perfect location downtown overlooking the Guadalupe River and created in the place of an old cotton gin. 13 Best Beaches in Dallas, TX (+ Nearby! Two main roads connect it all Gruene Road and Hunter Road. Gruene General Store is a must-stop while exploring this charming historic town. The restaurant is popular for its delicious food including fresh fish, chicken fried steak, and amazing desserts especially the Jack Daniels Pecan Pie! Gruene Texas, what a fun place to spend a weekend. Market hours are 10am - 5pm. Whether youre looking for an evening of fun or want to step back into simpler times, Gruene Hall is an ideal spot for experiencing the unique culture that makes Texas so special. Of course, the Green dance hall is the focus of many of these activities. If you get a chance, stop by there, too! Steeped in Gruene, Texas history, the inn welcomes all visitors with its signature southern hospitality. Gruene, Texas - Fun Things to See & Do | Texas Outside About Travel Addicts Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Great Texas Pecan Company. Grapevine has a large semi-fenced outdoor seating area with picnic tables and I see kids running around that area all the time. My parents are coming to visit me in May and Im taking them to Gruene. (Obviously,alldiets are off when visiting the mill!) 2023. Old Gruene Market Days is a delightful festival full of culture, entertainment, and shopping opportunities. Now, the building offers distinctly different merchandise in its 6500 square feet of space. Gruene was placed on The National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Festival of Trees Have fun! Events from September 9 - August 25 - Gruene Tony Taylor at The Gristmill. This was destroyed in the same fire that burned the cotton gin in 1922. What is the name of the place with he roosters? Pottery is a unique skill that takes a lot of refined practice. The historic Gruene Mansion Inn is centrally located and just steps away from Gruene Hall and The Gristmill Restaurant. They operate under tents thatare set up on the main street (Hunter St.) in front of Adobe Verde. The building housing the restaurant was originally the Old Cotton Gin from the 1880s. You can buy gear at a place like Gruene Outfitters and strike out on your own or connect with one of the many local guides who lead regular trips along the Guadalupe River and beyond. You can try out their toffee, grab some popcorn, munch on some brittle, and even grab some seasoned nuts for the road. Sit back, grab some chips and queso and sip on a delicious margarita as you reminisce over the day you had. You can read our affiliate policy here. Fly fishing in Gruene, Texas, is an experience like no other. Nearly 100 Texas artisans selling their wares, rain or shine. Another option is the historic Gruene Cottages. If you happen to visit during holiday time you will also find Texas-themed ornaments. ), 25 Amazing Things to Do in the Texas Hill Country, Texas Trade Days: 12 Coolest Flea Markets in Texas (+ Tips! About. We recommend a stay here for families. This is the cities version of Oktoberfest. Let us know below. At Gruene Antique Company, visitors can also get a sense of the towns history as well as what makes central Texas so unique. Today, Gruene is one of the best small towns to visit in Texas to experience German heritage and architecture. Here are the top 7 things to do in San Antonio this weekend Paige Turner. From antique stores to spicy pickles, these are some of the best things to do in Gruene, Texas! 3rd full weekend of each month February through November and the 1st weekend of December. Best Things To Do In Gruene: Two Step at Gruene Hall. Located right in front of the Gristmill is Historic Gruene Hall. There are tons of historic hotels, condos, and Air BnBs located within walking distance of fun shops and restaurants in Gruene and New Braunfels. Today, the home and its surrounding buildings have been converted into a bed and breakfast called the Gruene Mansion Inn. Gruene is a very small town, so you'll need to search far in advance if you're planning to visit during a weekend when a major event is scheduled. Tennessee You will love browsing through their collection of jewelry and purses. The city of Gruene is filled with a rich culture steeped in German heritage that dates back to 1845 when Henry D. Gruene first settled there with his family. Even the famous water tower receives acolorful treatment that can be seen from neighboring small towns! You'll want to turn off Hunter Street onto the little dead-end road next to the #2, because it's a huge parking lot that's rarely evercompletely full. Something to satisfy every taste bud, youll find craveable favorites from a two-handed sandwich or burger, to sizzling fajitas and fall-off-the-bone ribs all within walking distance. Destinations Gruene Coffee Haus is an idyllic spot in the heart of Historic Gruene, Texas. Grab some caffeine at Gruene Coffee Haus. Were Lance and Laura, two busy professionals who love photography and travel the world as much as our real world vacation schedules allow. Driving The Golden Circle: Waterfalls, Geysirs and Hot Springs. The most magical part of the eveningis when he flips a special switch andthe entire town alights with the twinklyglow of Christmas lights. The decor and overall vibe of this place are also really nice and trendy. Whether youre trying the Oriental Shrimp Salad, pan-seared redfish, salmon piccata, or the fried catfish, you wont be disappointed by the quality of food served here. Itypically order their delicious old-fashioned burger with round cut Gristmill fries. This weekend. Some of the greats, including Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson, have stood upon the Gruene Hall stage. Did you know that you can take kids floating too? Learn how your comment data is processed. USA That's when the entire town is aglow with lights, and everything looks so magical! We'll This antique store offers 6,500 square feetof antiques and collectibles for visitors to explore. It's known for its historic buildings and charming downtown district filled with antique stores, art galleries, and restaurants. Courtesy of The Gruene Historic District. Less than an hour south of Austin is Gruene, Texas, an area with a colorful history that's perfect for a day trip or weekend away. Grab some unique pottery at Barn Pottery. Here you can shop for handcrafted gifts and gourmet goods. Near Gruene & New Braunfels Phone: (830)-625-8300 Cell: (830) 237-6302. Landa Park downtown also has an RV park in case you want to camp out. Also, the Canyon Lake New Braunfels road trip will take you along the scenic River Road. The first cotton gin burned down to the ground in a fire in 1922. Gruene Coffee Haus also offers guests many other amenities, including freshly baked goods, espresso drinks, cold brews on tap, teas, and juices. Gruenes name comes from the towns German roots, and you can see the German heritage woven into every street downtown. Built in 1878, the 6,000-square-foot hall with a high-pitched tin roof will take you back to those days when music was simple and people were carefree. The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is the most popular restaurant in Gruene for good reasonnot only is the food great, but the setting is unlike any other restaurant youll find. From dinosaurs to song and dance, there's no shortage of fun activities happening over . Gruene, Texas, is a day trip destination that should be on everyones list. Tubing and rafting top the list of ways to beat the heat in the area with different companies offering not only tube rentals but shuttle service back to your car or hotel. [email protected] Gruene, pronounced "green." is a German-Texas town settled by German cotton farmers in the 1840s. 14 Top Things To Do In Gruene Texas (Updated 2023) | Koko - A Taste of Koko Also owned by the same owners as Gruene Outfitters, the Pomegranate is an excellent store to shop for womens apparel. You can buy postcards, magnets, cowboy hats, boots, decor, puzzles, wall signs, Gruene hall logo shirts, and more. There is a lot of beer Bavarian foods, polka music, and dancing. If you click through a link on Lone Star Travel Guide, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Theres also a huge outdoor garden perfect for soaking up some sunshine while listening to live music. That store is called Rusty Bugs & Roosters. Halloween 2023 Events & Activities Near New Braunfels Area - AllEvents.in Chat with their knowledgeable staff for insider advice on gear, nearby waters and local guides. For over ten years, this family-owned and operated hole-in-the-wall has provided locals and visitors with specialty coffee made from freshly roasted beans. If you are in a hurry to get to your next stop, grab your coffee to go and get a new flavor to try. 1/ Gruene Hall gruenehall No matter how many tourists come from everywhere around, Gruene has stayed true to its roots and stayed small and quaint. Dont forget to take lots of Gruene hall pictures for the gram while you are here! Do your best to choose a sunny day for your day trip to Kerrville. From Wurstfest in the fall, Troutfest in winter, Folkfest in the spring, and Texas's largest county fair at the end of summer, and plenty in between, you'll find fun events both big and small all year long. Enjoy a refreshing couples massage at the Gruene Day Spa followed by some Texas wines at the Grapevine Wine bar. Think hand-crafted leather, Texas photographs and artwork, jewelry, canned goods, children's clothing, spices/dips, etc. She loves ordering scoops of Blue Bell Ice Cream in a cone, while I prefersampling the fudgevarieties. Located in the Texas Hill Country, exactly midway between Austin and San Antonio, you will find a slice of Texas past: the Gruene Dance Hall. Articles. Explore the Best Things to Do in Charming Gruene, Texas There are so many options for different styles and types of coffee that everyone will get exactly what they need to start the day off right. This amazing place was built in 1872 and offers you plenty of options for your stay in Gruene. Texas, pecans, and sweetswhat can be a better combination? Hahaha! Gruene Hall, Texas oldest continually operating dance hall! The local roastery and coffee house, Gruene Coffee House has visitors needs covered from morning to night. Contact If you've never visited, you're missing out on one of the most adorable little towns in the Texas Hill Country. Related Reading: Enjoy the Holidays in Gruene TX. Attending concerts at Gruene Hall here is an amazing experience. of 22 Texas-based . In Gruene, Santa is better known as Cowboy Kringle and he sports a cowboy hat, chaps and boots. That's where he visits with the crowd and hands out candy canes. Just steps from the dance hall, Gruene Mansion Inn occupies the 1872 Victorian home that once belonged to Henry D, Gruene, the towns founder. This was originally the Gruene Family Home and has beautiful Victorian architecture. Otherwise, you should be able to find accommodations easily! Daisy and I like to park in Historic Gruene and walk down Hunter Street until we hit the bridge, then kick off our shoes and go exploring. Gruene constructedthis Victorian home as his place of residence along the Guadelupe. The only catch is that you must buy a glass of your favorite one to enjoy outside on the patio or inside in the ac. Blog, The Ideal 10-Day Iceland Ring Road Itinerary, Northern Ireland and Ireland Driving Itinerary, Best Snorkeling Gear for An Underwater Adventure. After spending time checking out Gruene attractions, be sure to visit Downtown New Braunfels. Things to do in Harker Heights. The water is cold, but on a hot summer day in Texas it's just the ticket! There are a surprising number of things to do around Gruene, Texas. AS AN AMAZON AFFILIATE, WE EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES, 21 Best Things to do in Sugar Land, Texas, 13 Best Things to do at Inks Lake State Park, Texas. He built the first home here in the traditional Fachwerkhaus style of architecture of Germany. Old Gruene Market Days happens the first full 3rd weekend of each month (except January) and the event showcaseslocal artisans who offer a wide variety of handcrafted items. The restaurant has served many famous guests including actor John Travolta, Governor Rick Perry, Texas Country star Lyle Lovett, among others. There are also clothing boutiques, boho-chic fair-trade fashions . Although the toweronce supplied water to the town of Gruene, it no longer serves that purpose and is now a decorativesymbol of the city. Gruene is a perfect stop for any road trip and with great food, shopping, and plenty of outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Located directly underneath the iconic water tower, you will find the Gristmill River Restaurant. Events Around Texas Big-time rodeos, spectacular air shows, food and wine festivals, musical performances. If you have never been fly fishing, then one of the perfect places to have your first trip is on the Guadalupe River in Gruene. For those who prefer land-based activities, hiking trails make it easy to explore wooded areas and grassy meadows where wildflowers bloom in springtime. I absolutely adore Gruene Hall! A page for locals and newcomers! Maybe it's because I'm drawn to almost anything with history and character, but it's long been a favorite spot of mine. About Even when visiting during the winter months, Daisy can't help but roll up her jeans and dip her toes in the crystal clear water of the Guadalupe! Please let me know in the comments if you have any questions. 5 Texas Hill Country Weekend Road Trip Ideas - ONE CHEL OF AN ADVENTURE If you want them to sit at the table with you, Id suggest buying them an ice cream cone from the general store next door and they can bring it to Grapevine. Posted on Last updated: February 13, 2023. Guadalupe River is gentle and calm; the raft type tubes with bottoms are great for kindergartners and preteens. She graduates in 2 months! Whitewater Amphitheater, a "Texas-sized" outdoor concert venue, hosts local and national bands on the banks of the Guadalupe. ft. store offers a variety of treasures ranging from rare collectibles to one-of-a-kind decor items. If youre looking for a quirky coffee shop that also serves breakfast then visit Gruene Coffee Haus. He wears chaps and a cowboy hat, and he has a bag full of candy canes that he passes out to the kids. Aside from all the great shops I've already mentioned, here are a few more you might want to check out while you're in the area: Gruene Lake Village is a short drive from the main street area. The Grapevine is probably one of the first establishments you'll spot if youpark in the main parking lot in Gruene. It is also next door to the historic Gruene Hall where you can enjoy live concerts. Also Read: 10 Best German Towns in Central Texas. At Gruene River Grill, they pride themselves on using local vendors to bring fresh and quality ingredients for scratch-made recipes. Nothing here is generic or mass-producedeverything is original and made by the vendors themselves. How cute is the ice cream and soda fountain area at Gruene General Store?! It has a bar, a small stage, and an open place for dancing. It had its own school, bank, dance hall, grist mill, and three large cotton gins. In the 19th century, this charming building was surrounded by the Gruene family cotton plantation. This is one of the best tubing spots in Texas and a variety of float trips down the river are available. Work With Us The Gruene Antique Company began welcoming visitors through its doors over a century ago when it was the dry goods market for local tenant farmers. 5 Texas Hill Country Weekend Road Trip Itineraries Road Trips Overview Road Trip: True Texas Hill Country Boerne, TX Luckenbach, TX Fredericksburg, TX Road Trip: Small Town Gems East of Austin Bastrop, TX Smithville, TX Round Top, TX Road Trip: New Braunfels to Wimberley to Dripping Springs New Braunfels San Marcos, TX Wimberley, TX Blanco, TX The boll weevil beetle that devastated the cotton industry in the southern states affected Gruene too. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns. Look no further than all of the fun things to do in Gruene, Texas! ), How to Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, TX (+ Photos & FAQ), 10 Great Texas Gulf Coast RV Parks (Beach Trip Ideas), 10+ Tips for Round Top, TX Shopping Trips (Antiques Fair Advice! In the past, the dance hall has hosted George Strait, Hal Ketchum, Buddy Guy, Willie Nelson, and more. At the Grapevine, you get free tastings of any beer or wine you want to try. A road trip to Gruene is definitely not complete without stopping at Gruene Coffee Haus where you can get your caffeine fix. This restaurant is now as famous for it's stunning tiered patio along the Guadalupe River as forits mouthwatering burgers and chicken fried steak. I wrote this post about the historic section of Gruene (the main 2 blocks), but theres a newer section that has some fantastic shopping that I also need to write about. Spend the night at the Gruene Mansion Inn. Wondering what movie was filmed at Gruene Hall in Texas? While you are checking out all the cool Gruene attractions, you can stop in to get a special one-of-a-kind and handmade piece of pottery that is a perfect souvenir to take from this quaint little town. Watching that show inspires my travels half the time. Check in to a charming B&B. Located in a stunning historic building across Gruene Hall, the 6,500 sq. Other activities include beautiful Holiday Lights and an annual Pony Express Ride. Free 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tony Taylor July 16 @ 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Gruene hosts many special events and festivals such as the Gruene Music and Wine Festival in October and Tour De Gruene in November. Definitely worth the trip! Theres no better way to enjoy all that Gruene has to offer than to wake up in the historic district. The historic buildings in Gruene downtown are on the National Register of Historic Places. [] every month. This is definitely the best place to stay in Gruene, Texas, and has also been featured on the list of best historic inns in the US. With past performances from thelikes of Willie Nelson, Gregg Allman, Hal Ketchum and more, you can enjoy a fun-filled night of dancing at Gruene Hallwith some of the best country musicians in Texas. Established byHenry D. Gruene in 1872, this thriving district was originally populated by German cotton farmers dating back to before the Civil War. They sell all types of coins. The Historic Kuebler Waldrip Haus B&B is happy to provide an annual calendar for the Gruene and New Braunfels Texas area. Ive lived in San Antonio for 3 years now, but have never been. (Wisconsin) I cant make out the wording on the side of the building. Around many of the corners in Gruene, you will find antique stores that are busting at the seams with treasures from every decade. They have free wifi, a complimentary continental breakfast, and free parking. The oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall welcomes performers every night of the week to its stage in the center of the historic district. The buildings have a late Victorian style of architecture. Thats right, the town has its own Western version of Santa Claus complete with hats and boots. You can have a ball in the quaint town of Gruene, here is just a sampling of what to do: Some links in this post may be affiliate links. 28 Awesome Things to do in Canyon Lake, Texas - Enchanting Texas Gruene is definitely one of the best places to spend Christmas in Texas.