Gruene is a historic German town in New Braunfels, Texas situated next to the Guadalupe River. Gruene’s historic downtown has many restaurants, shops, and music venues. My family and I did not realize that 5 minutes from where we were staying in New Braunfels there was this unique and peaceful town. As soon as we arrived to Gruene, I felt at home.
As you enter into the Gruene Historic District you immediately see the water tower which has been there since the town was founded in the mid-1800s. Many of the businesses and shops are upheld in the original buildings from when the town was founded and many of the new shops that have been added are upheld by old cottages, so each shop has its own unique style. You can see many of these shops have old license plates nailed to the floor boards, like how cool is that! Gruene truly is a hidden gem.
Gruene Hall, The Oldest Dance Hall in Texas-A Hidden Gem in a Hidden Gem
One of the more notably famous things about Gruene is Gruene Hall, which is in fact the Oldest Dance Hall in Texas. Gruene Hall has been here since the town was founded and even through the Depression Gruence Hall was one business that never closed in the town. Many notable country musicians have played at Gruene Hall, such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, and Willie Nelson. Unfortunately, we did not get to catch a music performance during our visit, but they have musical act every night. We had no idea that this hidden gem was in Gruene, Texas! Everyone from up and comers to big stars are welcome!
1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Check out their website to see upcoming performances: https://gruenehall.com/
The Antiques
If you know me, you know that I love antique and thrift stores. There are two antique stores in Gruene, Black Swan Antiques and Gruene Antique Company.
Black Swan Antiques is located in one of the old cottages homes of Gruene and contains higher end antique items. I would suggest Black Swan Antiques if you are looking for a specific piece of china or victorian farmhouse decor. However, even if you aren’t looking for anything like that it really is like walking around a museum, so take a stroll through!
Gruene Antique Company truly holds my heart! One of my favorite antique shops I have ever visited. This shop was everything I could dream up in an antique shop. If there is an antique shop I am always on the mission to find two things every time…perfume bottles and vinyl records. I hit the jackpot! So, my family and I combed through so many crates of records while we reminisced and shouted out if we found a record that we all loved. We were definitely just in the records section for an hour as I made my selection of records.
I think of antique shops as museums. You never know the hidden gems you will uncover and you find items that are more geared toward the culture of the area you are in, which I love! Gruene Antique Company has a varied selection of vintage tees, western wear, and home items as well. I swear this place had it all! I even picked up a really interesting moonstone crystal from their selection. If you are ever in the area, I highly recommend this place if you enjoy antiques and browsing to see what hidden treasures you can uncover.
Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar
After a little antiquing, hunger began in set in. The Grismill River Restaurant and Bar is the perfect lunch spot. This eatery is made up of the remains of the old Gruene cotton gin. The kitchen is inside the old boiler room…is it just me or how cool is that! Their sandwiches are amazing and as a certified dip queen getting the spinach and artichoke dip is a must. The House Sangria was super refreshing on a hot Texas afternoon. If you go here when you visit, then you need to sit outside because the restaurant overlooks the Guadalupe River.
Speaking of the Guadalupe River
If you travel to Gruene, which is within the city of New Braunfels, you have to go to the river! We had a family reunion which took place on the Guadalupe River. Head to the river If you want a peaceful day soaking up the Texas sun with a cold beer in your hand! This is the perfect place to relax on a hot Texas summer day!
Live Music and Good Drinks
We found an actual hidden gem in Gruene, when we stumbled a crossed a small outdoor stage and an walk up drink stand called Cactus Jacks. This area was tucked away in a gated courtyard sounded by more shops. This area was kind of off the beaten path and I am so glad that we stayed for a bit. We were here on our second day we spent in Gruene and we had already been walking around for a bit, so it was the perfect time for a little drink break! They had waters and sodas but the start of the show was the daiquiris. Perfect for cooling down on a hot Texas day! Then on this small stage a comedy singing duo started to perform and they were great! When you are here, go to this small courtyard. You. never know what you my stumble upon!
Gruene, Texas is a hidden gem in New Braunfels, Texas with many hidden gems inside the town! If you are in New Braunfels or in the San Antonio area I highly recommend spending a day in here!