A visit to Texas to gather with family is always a fun adventure for us. We always enjoy our time with our Texas family. So when sweet man’s sister suggested we visit historical Gruene, Texas. We jumped right in. And what a fabulous suggestion it was!
The famous water tower is what points you into the right direction of Gruene, Texas.
This historical area is part of New Braunfels, Texas. In 1845 Ernst Gruene bought acreage, along with his sons, just outside of New Braunfels. Later his one son, Henry D. Gruene, built his Victorian style home which is now The Gruene Mansion Inn Bed and Breakfast.
Surrounding his home he planted Cotton. And since Cotton was big money in those days several families came to Gruene area to help with the cotton production.
In 1878 the first store was built which is now called The General Store.
A Cotton Gin was built and now it’s the wonderful Gristmill Restaurant where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. (I suggest the Fried Catfish! And a delightful appetizer to share of their very large onion rings. We were on vacation so no diet rules allowed!) Back in the day, the Cotton Gin was powered by the Guadalupe River. Which is located next to the restaurant.
The restaurant is quite large with areas to eat inside and out. The beautiful grounds are full of gardens that were in bloom in February!
Of course we went Antiquing right across the street at Gruene Antique Company which was once the Mercantile Building.
And yes… a few things were purchased and brought home. You may see them in future posts! 😊
The Historical District is wonderful because the attractions are located closely and can all be accessed by foot.
After shopping we ventured back across the street and next door to the Gristmill Restaurant is the famous Gruene Dance Hall.
It’s known as the Oldest Dance Hall in Texas. Built in 1878 for all the people to have a place to socialize and dance! Everything is pretty much the same. The bar is up front…
The Dance Floor is in the back…
Many of the greats of Country music have played at Gruene Dance Hall.
Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Gregg Allman and Lyle Lovett are just a few to name. George Strait started his career here. It’s here where John Travolta did the famous dance scene from the movie Michael. There is live music everyday. When warmer weather comes and tourists gather, more music is provided throughout the day and evening.
There are festivals to be had such as …
The Music and Wine Festival, Tour de Gruene, Gruene Country Christmas and Market Days are every third weekend.
River Rides
…are provided on the Guadalupe River. Which sounds like fun.
Many little Boutiques line Main St.
…which we all enjoyed very much. And when we were finished shopping we enjoyed an outdoor complimentary wine and craft beer tasting at The Grapevine. It’s located right on Main Street across the street from the Gruene Antique Company. Music was played outside while we tasted some lovely wines and a Raspberry Craft Beer.
The Grapevine says they have some of Texas’ best wine and craft beers. Like I said, we got to sample some and they all were wonderful. It was a beautiful place and outdoor area for a wine tasting. A perfect ending to a wonderful day in Gruene, Texas!
We hope you get to visit Gruene, Texas one day… we sure enjoyed our visit!
Thank you so much for reading…
Great commentary!!
Thank you! It was a beautiful place to visit!
Thank you for the enjoyable tour via your lens, Nancy! Beautiful photos of the restaurant inside and out. 🙂
Oh Amy… I know you have been to Texas. When you return… I hope you are able to head there. It’s a lovely day trip!
Will visit there soon. Thank you, Nancy!
Nancy, thank you for the tour, it was excellent! We were there in August of 2014 and we enjoyed it immensely!
I’m so glad you got to visit. It’s a fun little town with lots to offer. 😊
Looks like a lovely place to visit, I love that B&B.
It had a 5 star rating.
We enjoyed the area very much!
Great post! We enjoyed wandering around Gruene a few years ago when we were in Texas. I loved hearing music in the dance hall. Thanks for reminding me of that fun day.
It’s a fun area! I am glad you have been there and you have a wonderful memory of the place!
You were right in my backyard! One of my first jobs in high school was working at a restaurant in Gruene. My husband I I just recently saw Los Lobos at Gruene Hall- it was an awesome show. So glad you enjoyed it- Gruene is worth the trip!
Wow! We could have met up!
We really liked it and will go back.
Sounds like a very fun vacation, loved seeing this historic town through your camera Nancy!
Jenna
Glad you popped over to visit! It was a fun little town!
Thank you for the tour and history lesson, Nance! That sure looks like an interesting spot in our world.
And a fun spot! Thank you for visiting!
What a wonderful place!! I have never heard of it- but I’d love to visit it now– I am particularly drawn to the history around it. Thank you sooo much for sharing this fun trip, Nancy!
You are quite Welcome my sweet friend!
Gruene really is a great place, isn’t it? So you enjoyed the food at the Gristmill, too, and the location. 🙂 We like that pl;ace, too. We once spent our anniversary there and had a great time [https://wp.me/p1wnbs-yU]. And like you, we could spent – and did spend – hours in the antique stores. As Gruene is not far from here, we go there once in a while, and usually get a few more antique items.
I thought of you when I was writing this post! I knew you didn’t live too far away and probably visited here more then once. Thanks for reading!
You’re welcome, Nancy. And yes, wo certainly like Gruene. There’s one disadvantage, though, with our visits: we always come back with more stuff for the house! 😀
I hear you! I brought “More Stuff” back on the airplane with me!
🙂
What a wonderful post, Nancy. I SO enjoy your blog, photos, travels, and history lessons! Your Virginia friend, Mitzy 🙂
And I enjoy yours very much as well! Thank you for always stopping by!
Love it!
I am so glad you enjoyed! It’s a great place to visit!