Gruene and New Braunfels: the river, the dance hall, the bakery
Photo: Nicolas Henderson from Coppell, Texas / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
New Braunfels is a German town on two rivers, and Gruene is its 1870s cotton village with the oldest dance hall in Texas at the center. Do the river in summer and the dance hall all year.
Naegelin's Bakery
Texas's oldest bakery, 1868, on the square. Strudel and bear claws before they sell out.
Landa Park
The Comal springs, a miniature train, paddle boats and the spring fed pool in summer. The city park every other city wishes it had.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
Terraced decks in a cotton gin ruin over the Guadalupe. Chicken fried steak and a river view, behind Gruene Hall.
Gruene Hall
Free music most afternoons, a bigger name most nights. Buy a Shiner, dance, and read the names carved in the tables.
Krause's Cafe
Schnitzel, sausage and 70 taps under the oaks in the beer garden, with polka on the weekends. Dinner before the drive home.
If you have time
Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark
The original, on the Comal. A whole day on its own; do it instead of the rest in July.
Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park
On the way back in San Marcos. An earthquake-formed cave, a petting zoo and an anti-gravity house for the kids.