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New Braunfels and Gruene Winter Getaway
Shopping and safaris, spelunking and songs--whatever
your interest, you'll find it in New Braunfels and the historic neighborhood
of Gruene. Located just a quick ride north of San Antonio on I-35, this
community offers a full month's worth of fun, especially in the weeks
leading up to the holiday season.
The activities begin with the city's best-known event:
Wurstfest. This annual salute
to sausage, one of the country's largest German festivals, brings the
spirit of the Old World to this community with song, schnitzel, and lots
of suds. All across town, you'll find special events coinciding with the
Wurstfest dates, ranging from art shows to historic home tours.
Can't make it to New Braunfels in early November?
Don't worry--whenever you visit, you'll find plenty of attractions for
the whole family both indoors and outside. Although the community is well-known
for its summer fun at Schlitterbahn, cool months continue to mean plenty
of outdoor fun in New Braunfels thanks to the city's two nearby parks:
Natural Bridge
Wildlife Ranch and Natural
Bridge Caverns.
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the longest-running,
most-visited safari park in the state. Family-operated, this park is home
to over 50 species from around the world, ones found throughout the 400-acre
ranch. On the 4 1/2-mile drive, you'll be able to see everything from
addax antelope to zebras. You'll also have the opportunity to feed animals
along the drive and to view many of the endangered species which call
this ranch home, animals including the white rhino, reticulated giraffe,
jaguar, ringtailed lemur, and others.
Next door, you can continue to explore the outdoor
wonders of the Hill Country, from underground, that is, at Natural Bridge
Caverns. These Texas-size caverns offer a look at spectacular cave formations
on several different guided cave tours. For a traditional look at the
cave, take part in the North Cavern Tour, filled with lots of oohs and
ahs, all along wide, well-lit trails.
During the winter, the caverns host one of the most
unique holiday events found in the Hill Country: Caroling in the Caverns.
You'll need to make reservations early for this always popular event and
the chance to hear the season's long-time favorite songs reverberating
off the cavern walls.
The holiday spirit that's found at Caroling in the
Caverns echoes all through New Braunfels and Gruene. A full month's worth
of activities is coming up with events that range from tree lightings
to German-style shopping markets to meeting St. Nicholas at the Sophienburg
Museum, where the spirit of the holidays remains year around thanks to
Sophie's Shop, a Christmas store featuring German and Bavarian hand-made
ornaments.
Another unique event is the Gospel Brunch with a
Texas Twist, held at the state's oldest dance hall, Gruene
Hall. Since 1878, the hall has shook to popular sounds. During this
monthly New Orleans-style gospel brunch, the tunes turn to gospel; during
the December event, the sounds of holidays are included as well.
Along with music, shopping is another good reason to plan a visit to the
neighborhood of Gruene, once a separate community. Gruene (pronounced
Green) is a favorite with shoppers thanks to its unique boutiques and
its spectacular Market Days,
a temptation for anyone who loves arts, crafts, and a genuine festival
spirit. Scheduled for the third weekend of the month with a special Christmas
market on the first weekend of December, this event features vendors with
talents that produce everything from jewelry to furniture, clothing to
glassware.
Gruene's many boutiques and shops are also a draw
for holiday shoppers. Stores like The Cellar in Gruene, located at 1263
Gruene Road, feature work of Texas artists in various media including
watercolor, pottery, and more. You'll also find one-of-a-kind jewelry
as well as home décor in this shop.
Return to New
Braunfels Travel Guide and Gruene
Travel Guide
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