5 Reasons To Add Gruene to Your Texas Bucket List
Known for its rustic old Texas feel, antique shops, and wine tastings, Gruene Historic District is the ideal place to plan your next Texas Hill Country adventure.
Located within New Braunfels, Gruene is a little over four hours away from the Rio Grande Valley. Established by Henry D. Gruene in 1872, this thriving historic district was originally populated by German cotton farmers dating back to the Civil War. Today it is recognized by the Texas travel industry as a premiere attraction for visitors and has been added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Below are five reasons to consider adding Gruene to your Texas travel bucket list:
1. You can sample a huge selection of local wines
A perfect stop for wine lovers. Located right off the main street, The Grapevine is a wine tasting room that offers a huge selection of delicious local wines for visitors. You can sample the wines inside the shop and then relax out on the patio to enjoy a glass under the beautiful oaks while you listen to live music from local country artists.
Insider Tip: Make sure to taste South Wind’s Blackberry Fruit Wine during your visit. It’s so good you’ll want to take a few extra bottles home with you.
2. You can have dinner overlooking the Guadalupe River
Located right under Gruene’s iconic water tower, in the ruins of what once was a cotton gin in 1878 overlooking the Guadalupe River, the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar is one of the most unique dining spots to eat in Texas. Gristmill’s one-of-a-kind experience is created by a combination of rich history, a unique location, and mouthwatering dishes that will leave you hungry for more.
Insider Tip: Planning a romantic evening? Ask for a table near the side of the restaurant that overlooks the Guadalupe River. Make sure to get there with plenty of time in advance as the wait for this spot can be more than an hour long.
3. You can shop for collectibles at cute antique shops
Shop for antiques, collectibles, gifts and decor at the Great Antique Company and 25 other shops located in Gruene. With over 6,500 sq. ft. of space, this particular large antique mall is a very popular destination for antiquers and browsers alike.
4. Relax at the Gruene Coffee Haus
Caffeine aficionados can get their fix at the cute and rustic Gruene Coffee Haus. Find freshly brewed coffee from Kenya, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and even Brazil in this charming small-town Texas coffee shop.
5. Spend a day tubing on the Guadalupe River
Cool off from the hot sizzling Texas sun at Rockin’ R River Rides in Gruene. This is the spot where most visitors get their tubing equipment and experience the rush of tubing or kayaking down the snaking Guadalupe River.
Insider Tip: Avoid wearing sandals as more than likely they will float away and be lost to the Guadalupe River. Wear lots of sunscreen and consider taking a floating cooler with plenty of drinks and a waterproof speaker to entertain you as you tube down the river for several hours.
Founded by a couple who loves to travel and explore near and far destinations, RGV Wanderlust aims to inspire travelers to plan their next escape by sharing the latest travel tips, destination ideas, and getaway deals. Follow us on social media @RGVWanderlust.
