Weekend: New Braunfels, Texas

Southern Living, Apr 2000 by Ford, Gary D

Antiques shops, restaurants, small inns, and a spa await you in New Braunfels and historic Gruene. It's all only half an hour north of San Antonio, right on I-35.

Shopping List

Stroll along West San Antonio Street to find antiques and crafts, just off the Plaza in the center of downtown New Braunfels. Along Seguin you'll find more treasures from yesterday at Headrick Antiques. On the Plaza, tour The Hummel Museum, which preserves the works of Sister Maria Innocentia Hummel, and buy prints and figurines. You'll want to spend a day in Gruene, the historic "town" that has been preserved on the banks of the Guadalupe. You'll find pottery, Texana home accessories, jewelry, attire, and wines. Outlet shopping is available beside I-35 at New Braunfels Marketplace.

Staying Power

Many chain motels line I-35 at the New Braunfels exits, including Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Bed-and-breakfast inns also rise nearby. Prince Sohns Inn dates to 1898. Weekend rates are $95 to $150; (830) 625-9169. The Gruene Homestead Inn has settled into vintage Texas houses, but with amenities such as whirlpools, cable televisions, and coffeemakers. Rates range from $95 to $145; (830) 606-0216. Gruene Mansion Inn sits just above the Guadalupe River, $85 to $200; (830) 629-2641.

Dining Details

Many come for a taste of German fare, easily sated at popular interstate-side eateries such as Oma's Haus and New Braunfels Smokehouse. Wolfgang's Kellar, in the basement of Prince Solms Inn, features German and American fare. In downtown New Braunfels, try Huisache Grill (named for a native tree), featuring seafood specialties and pastas. In Gruene, Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar features its fresh lime margaritas and Texas favorites. Nearby, Gruene Homestead Inn serves elegantly prepared entrees in a casual setting. Hungry for a burger? Drive out Farm Road 1101 to Freiheit Country Store for old-fashioned hamburgers and fries. Just want some pastries? Naegelin's Bakery, in business since 1868, opens at 6:30 a.m., with rows of eclairs, bear claws, pies, doughnuts, and pretzels.

Just the Two of You

Huisache Grill, Gruene Homestead Inn, Wolfgang's Keller, and The Vineyard at Garden Ridge, offer intimate dining. Bring your boots to Gruene Hall and dance late into the night at Texas' oldest dance hall. You may hear country and western or rock 'n' roll. Enjoy a gospel music brunch at Gruene Hall the second Sunday of each month except January.

With the Kids

Many will want to spend a day at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, after it opens for the season April 29. Others will enjoy a picnic at Landa Park, where the Comal River flows through it, green and graceful. Just west of town, wildlife from many continents come right up to your car door when you drive through Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Older youngsters will enjoy tubing on the Guadalupe. Rent tubes on the river just below Gruene.

Insider Tips

Traffic around the Plaza downtown has the right of way. If you come to New Braunfels later than May, you can enjoy live music at Gruene Hall nightly through Labor Day. Right now, it's Thursday through Sunday. While dad and the kids are on the river, mom might like a day at The Retreat-A Day Spa & Specialty Boutique. Call (830) 620-0615.

For More Information

Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 311417, New Braunfels, TX 78131-1417; (830) 625-- 2385, www.nbcham.org. Gary D. Ford