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…