Gruene is a charming small town near New Braunfels in the Texas Hill Country.
Visitors will enjoy the antique stores, historic buildings, live entertainment, outdoor activities, and Texas’ oldest dance hall while exploring the town of Gruene.
Weekend Guide to Gruene, Texas
Gruene offers wonderful outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping, and hiking. It’s a great destination for both outdoor adventure and a bit of cowboy heritage. This town is great for a weekend getaway.
See a concert at Gruene Hall
Why is Gruene Hall famous? Gruene is the oldest dance in hall in Texas. Artists like Garth Brooks, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett and more have all sang at Gruene Hall.
Visitors can enjoy live music every day of the week. Don’t have time for a concert? No worries, the doors are open for visitors to walk around, take photos on the wooded floors, or have a drink from the cash-only bar.
Shop at Gruene General Store
The original Gruene Mercantile was founded in 1878 to provide provisions for farmers and families on his cotton fields. Shoppers were able to purchase food, clothing, and Green River Whiskey.
Today, you can purchase candy, tarts, home decor, random novelties, homemade fudge, hot sauces, honey, and toys, and grab a drink at the soda fountain.
Float on the Guadalupe River
Spending the afternoon floating down the river is a must-do every summer in Texas. Rent a tube or raft, or you can even bring your worn.
The Guadalupe River runs right through the middle of Gruene. In the 1800s t he Guadalupe powered the historic Cotton Gin.
Most visitors book a trip with Rockin’ R River Rides, which provides the tubes and shuttle pick-up that will take you back to the parking lot in Gruene.
Guests are allowed to bring food, beverages, and coolers on the river, as long as they follow the guidelines of the city ordinances.
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Grab a drink at Gruene Coffee Haus
This local coffee shop offers freshly brewed coffee, fresh coffee beans, delicious pastries, and a large patio. It’s a great place to grab coffee for energy to shop or take a break from exploring the town.
Stroll along the Gruene Historic District
The Gruene Historic District is an area that consists of 15 acres and sits along the banks of the Guadalupe River.
Guests can walk through the shops, and art galleries, grab a bite to eat, float the river, and listen to live music. This area is charming and the perfect place to spend the day.
Shop at Gruene Antique Company
Located across from the General Store and Gruene Hall, the Gruene Antique Company is a unique shop.
With more than 6,500 sq ft. This antique mall is filled with gifts, decor, collectibles, and antiques. The building itself is housed in a beautiful Texas Landmark building that was built by Henry Gruene.
Shop at Old Gruene Market Days
A twice-monthly event in the Gruene Historic District of New Braunfels is a celebration of the area’s German heritage.
Visitors can enjoy live music, performances, and shop at more than artisans’ stands that offer food, handmade crafts, and artwork.
Old Gruene Market Days are held the 3rd full weekend of each month, February through November, and the 1st weekend of December
Fly Fish on the Guadalupe River
Guadalupe River is the southern most trout stream in the Northern Hemisphere! This is a great spot to catch rainbow trout and other native warm-weather species year long.
Every year, Texas Parks & Wildlife stocks the Guadalupe River with thousands of beautiful rainbow trout. So with the right equipment and a little patience, you’ll be able to catch some fish.
Wine Tasting at The Grapevine
After a long day of shopping Gruene, heads to The Grapevine to relax.
Visitors can enjoy a glass of wine or beer while enjoying the views of the historic water tower and Gruene Hall.
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Eat at the Gristmill Restaurant & Bar
Charming ambiance, delicious cruise, and Texas-size portions are what you’ll find at the Gristmill. It’s been a Texas staple since it opened its doors in 1978.
It offers up a large outdoor patio overlooking the river, a bar, a wood-burning stove, and a beer garden. It’s no wonder this is the most popular restaurant in Gruene.
Menu options include sandwiches, catfish, chicken fried steak, and Jack Daniels pecan pie. It’s a restaurant where everyone needs to dine at least once.
Dine at Gruene River Grill
Overlooking the Guadalupe River in the historic district of Gruene, the Gruene River Grill has an outdoor patio and a large indoor dining space.
They are best known for the patio views, meatloaf, and chicken fried steak.
Buy a pair of Texas Cowboy Boots
Gruene Boot Company is known as the best little boot shop in Texas. It’s fitting that it’s located in the Gruene Mercantile Building which is next to the famous Gruene Hall.
They offer a wide array of men’s and women’s cowboy boots along with other Western goods such as leather belts, gloves, and cowhide products.
Stay at the Gruene Mansion Inn
This is a typical bed and breakfast that is located in an Eastlake Victorian home and cotton plantation that was built in 1872.
It is one of the oldest homes in the area and has been restored to its original beauty. The Inn offers rooms and suites with private balconies that overall the Guadalupe River.
Olive Oil Tasting
The Gruene Olive Tasting Room is a beautiful shop located in historic Gruene, Texas. They offer fresh Olive Oil & Vinegar on tap, gourmet chocolates, pasta, pesto, and sauces.
This adorable Texas Hill Country shop is a great place to buy delicious olive oil and gifts. Shoppers can enjoy the tastings and recipe ideas for the products.
Grab Dessert at Rhea’s Ice Cream
If you want a cool treat, then ordering a scoop of ice cream from Rhea’s is the way to go.
Whether you prefer classic vanilla or something more adventurous like Goat Cheese & Raspberry Jam, there’s a flavor for everyone at Rhea’s.
Grab snacks at the Great Texas Pecan Company
Is there another snack more Texan than pecans?
Shoppers at the Great Texas Pecan Company can purchase Texas-themed gifts, pecan candy, assorted boxes of pecan, pecan pie, cake balls, and a variety of gift baskets.
Cruise around town on a golf cart
Renting a golf cart is a fun way to cruise around Gruene. There are multiple places around town to rent 4 and six-seater golf carts.
There are numerous free parking places around Main Street. Plus the golf carts make it quick and easy to cruise around town without your gas.
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Fun Facts about Gruene, TX
The historic town of Gruene, Texas is pronounced as ‘Green’, Texas.
In 1845, Ernest Gruene, a German immigrant purchased land on the Guadalupe and began building and developing the town.
In its heyday, the town had two railroad stations, a school, a bank, a dance hall, a grist mill, and three large cotton gins. It was a booming town until the Great Depression and was a ghost town by 1950.
In the 1970’s a restoration of the historic buildings began. Gruene Historic District is now on the National Register of Historic Places and this charming town is now a wonderful tourist destination.
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