Gruene’s 15 Hidden Gems: Beyond the Dance Hall
Gruene, Texas is a quaint little town within the New Braunfels city limits. Gruene is a treasure trove of history, culture, and beauty all set amid the best combination of old-world charm & new-world amenities. Gruene is suited best for history buffs, nature lovers, and people who just want to relax. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best 15 things to do in Gruene, Texas.
1. Explore Gruene Historic District
Location
Gruene Historic District is located along the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, Texas.
Overview
The Gruene Historic District is the heart and soul of Gruene. The district retains many historic buildings, shops, restaurants, and bars dating from the mid-19th century.
Why Choose It
A visit to the Gruene Historic District is a trip back in time! With its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and charming atmosphere; it is a “do n’t-miss” feature for anyone interested in Texas history and culture!
Features
- Historic Buildings: the district includes a high concentration of buildings
- Shopping: Unique shops in the area for antiques, clothing, and local crafts.
- Dining: Many dining establishments cover everything from fast food to fine dining.
- Live Music: Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall, features live music performances.
2. Visit Gruene Hall
Location
Gruene Hall is located at 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Gruene Hall opened in 1878 and is the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Many legends of Texas music have headlined the picker’s circle, from Willie Nelson to George Strait and Lyle Lovett.
Why Choose It
With a nice rustic feel, this vibrant yet authentic Texas experience at Gruene Hall is hard to find. This is one of the best places to experience live music and improve your groove.
Features
- Historic Venue: Original 19th Century Dance Hall Fixtures
- Live Music: Lad sports by local and national performers.
- Dancing: Spacious dance floor perfect for two-stepping.
- Outdoor Seating: There are picnic tables and a beer garden for when you want to take a break from all the dancing!
3. Float the Guadalupe River
Location
The Guadalupe River runs through New Braunfels and Gruene.
Overview
Tubing, kayaking, and rafting on the Guadalupe River are universally loved. Due to its clear waters and beautiful locations, it is a well-known destination for nature lovers.
Why Choose It
Floating the Guadalupe River is a rite of passage in Texas. For your downtime — a way to enjoy the beauty of where you are.
Features
- Tubing: Tube rental for a relaxing journey to Float along the river on a slow-moving current.
- Kayaking and Rafting: For a little more activity, go kayaking or rafting.
- Scenic Views: Enjoy the lush greenery and wildlife along the riverbanks.
- Picnic Areas: There are many picnic areas to pull over and enjoy your feast.
4. Shop at Gruene General Store
Location
Gruene General Store is located at 1610 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Gruene General Store opened in 1878 as a local mercantile selling everything from livestock feed to dry goods.
Why Choose It
To walk into the Gruene General Store is to step back in time. This is where to go if you want to find something special that represents your visit to Gruene.
Features
- Old-Fashioned Sodas: check out a soda from one of our old-timey soda fountains.
- Unique Gifts: Assorted souvenirs, Texas-themed gifts, and locally-crafted items.
- Sweet Treats: Fudge, Sweets, and Treats.
- Friendly Atmosphere: Staff are warm and friendly.
5. Dine at The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
Location
The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is located at 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Nestled in a restored 19th-century cotton gin overlooking the Guadalupe River, The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar beckons visitors to enjoy yummy Texas fare.
Why Choose It
The Gristmill offers a one-of-a-kind dining experience inside an old mill with beautiful riverside views. This is the perfect place for a romantic dinner, and also to dine with your family.
Features
- Historic Setting: This unique setting, is an actual building built in the 1870s!
- Scenic Views: Outdoor Seating with a View of the River!
- Texas Cuisine: A menu featuring Steaks, burgers, salads and more.
- Live Music: Every weekend features live music.
6. Sip Wine at The Grapevine
Location
The Grapevine is located at 1612 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Grapevine is a wine tasting room/vino lounge & retail shop in Boerne, TX serving Texas wines, craft beers, and a large selection of imported by the glass or bottles.
Why Choose It
One of these is The Grapevine, where you can relax with a glass of wine and all the splendor that Gruene has to offer. Fantastic location to bring wine lovers or casual drinkers.
Features
- Wine Tasting: Taste some of the best Texas wines around.
- Craft Beers: Locally & Regionry Craft Beers
- Outdoor Seating: A beautiful garden area for enjoying your drinks.
- Events: Regular tastings, plus a small selection of special events.
7. Take a Ghost Tour
Location
It is located at 1275 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
The ghost tours are a great way to experience the darker side of Gruene and have some fun doing it.
Why Choose It
A ghost tour is an entertaining way to experience Gruene’s rich history and hear some spine-chilling stories.
Features
- Historic Stories: About the town’s history and famous ghost stories.
- Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides lead you through the historic district.
- Nighttime Excursions: Normally, these are implemented during the nighttime for a scary impact.
- Family-Friendly: Suitable for all ages.
8. Stay at the Gruene Mansion Inn
Location
The Gruene Mansion Inn is located at 1275 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Gruene Mansion Inn is a historic bed and breakfast that offers delightful lodging right in the heart of Gruene.
Why Choose It
A stay at the Gruene Mansion Inn, and you will truly embrace everything about this ancient town with its charm. The ideal home base to explore all that Gruene has going on
Features
- Historic Rooms: Every room tells a different story.
- Modern Amenities: At home with modern amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning.
- Beautiful Grounds: Beautiful Grounds and Gardens.
- Convenient Location: Located next to everything that is Gruene.
9. Visit the Gruene Antique Company
Location
The Gruene Antique Company is located at 1607 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
The Gruene Antique Company offers various antiques and collectibles from various periods.
Why Choose It
For fans of antiques this store is a veritable cornucopia. It’s an amazing place to get some unique souvenirs.
Features
- Wide Selection: Antique, Collectibles & All Vintage Items
- Knowledgeable Staff: Friendly, knowledgeable staff will assist you in purchasing the perfect gift.
- Historic Building: Located in a charming historic building.
- Frequent Inventory Changes: New items arrive regularly.
10. Attend Gruene Market Days
Location
Gruene Market Days are held in the Gruene Historic District.
Overview
Gruene Market Days take place each month and host multiple handcrafted artisans, and food options for purchase.
Why Choose It
Next time you have some market days in the end, we had a great opportunity here to shop for handcrafted items and browse through dozens of other local artists who come together like a festival on Saturday & Sunday morning so be sure not to miss this experience if ever visiting downtown Historic Gruene again.
Features
- Local Vendors: local artisans and crafters.
- Handmade Goods: Jewelry, artwork, home decor, and more.
- Live Music: Local musicians perform throughout the day.
- Food and Drink: Try the local foods and drinks.
11. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns
Location
Natural Bridge Caverns is located at 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266, about 20 minutes from Gruene.
Overview
The largest and most spectacular cave system in Texas is at Natural Bridge Caverns. It includes Guided tours and much more.
Why Choose It
Visiting the Natural Bridge Caverns will be a thrilling experience for you with exotic formations found inside.
Features
- Cave Tours: Led tours highlighting the spectacular formations in the cave.
- Adventure Tours: More challenging tours for the adventurous.
- Other Attractions: Zip lines, gem mining, and a maze.
- Educational Programs: Information on the geology and history of these caverns.
12. Enjoy Live Music at Mozie’s
Location
Mozie’s is located at 1601 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Mozie’s is a popular bar and grill located in the heart of Gruene. Known for its casual atmosphere and great food, Mozie’s is also a hub for live music and social gatherings.
Why Choose It
It is a great laid-back spot for some eats, drinks, and live music hosted at Mozie’s bar. A great spot to unwind after you’ve spent some time seeing Gruene.
Features
- Live Music: Local artists play regularly.
- Delicious Food: A burger, sandwich, and salad menu
- Full Bar: All Beers, Wines, and Cocktails
- Outdoor Seating: Dine out on our patio with views of the historic district.
13. Tour the Historic Gruene Water Tower
Location
The Gruene Water Tower is located in the Gruene Historic District, visible from most points in the area.
Overview
Gruene Water Tower is a water tower that has been there since the early 1900s, and it is quite an iconic landmark. Although the tower is not available for tours, it makes sense to read into its history as well as other points elsewhere in Tower Gardens.
Why Choose It
The Gruene Water Tower — is emblematic of the town’s historical background. For those that are new to the area, it gives great insight into what this place was built on and you start seeing things in a whole different light or with more compassion.
Features
- Historic Significance: Discover the tower’s place in Gruene’s evolution.
- Photo Opportunity: The tower provides a great backdrop for photos.
- Nearby Attractions: Shops on foot, restaurants, and within walking distance of the Guadalupe River.
- Informative Plaques: Old water tower and its significance to Gruene.
14. Play at Rockin’ R River Rides
Location
Rockin’ R River Rides is located at 1405 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Rockin’ R River Rides is the best provider of river-related services in the Gruene locality. It provides services on tubing, rafting, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers.
Why Choose It
Rockin’ R River Rides offers all the apparatuses and services entailing the use of a river trip. Their well-experienced staff ensures that everyone gets to be safe and enjoy themselves for all ages.
Features
- Tubing Rentals: Tubes and shuttles for an effortless, leisurely ride enjoying the fluid nature of a river.
- Kayak and Raft Rentals: These are options for those who want to have more adventurous routing.
- Paddleboarding: Nautical for divers. Nice and funny in other words creative on the river.
- Family-Friendly: Safe for everyone, and the life jackets and instructions on their use are availed.
15. Relax at The Grapevine Garden
Location
The Grapevine Garden is located at 1612 Hunter Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
Overview
Depending on the wine tasting room, The Grapevine Garden is the new outdoor wine and beer garden that can be accessed from the wine tasting room.
Why Choose It
The Grapevine Garden is another place that will let you breathe in the air of Gruene while contemplating its calmness. It is an ideal place to relax after a day of discoveries and learning.
Features
- Outdoor Seating: Numerous chairs with back support cushions are placed on a beautiful background of a garden.
- Live Music: Live music by local talent is usually provided regularly.
- Wine and Beer: Some wines and craft beers are produced in Texas.
- Casual Atmosphere: Perfect for a laid-back evening with friends or family.
Read Also: 10 Best Pearl Restaurants in San Antonio
Final Suggestions
Gruene, Texas is one of those places that has the perfect mix of history & culture all set in outdoors. Whether you are wandering through the historic area and two-stepping at Gruene Hall or floating down Guadalupe River to wine-tasting The Grapevine, this cute little town has something for everyone. Whether you are just taking a day trip or coming to stay for a while, know that Gruene promises an experience unlike any other – one filled with sweet and salty moments accompanied by Texas-sized kindness.
