Gruene, TX (USA)

The kids had some time off from school (sort of a Fall Break), so I took vacation time and we headed off towards San Antonio. We really enjoyed our trip there last year (see NOV 2009) - and we wanted to visit Sea World one more time. Weather was great - not hot at all. Since we left around 1100, we were able to get through Fort Worth on I-35 without any trouble. We made it past Waco around 1300 and had lunch (we brought with us) at one of the many picnic areas along the highway. We got through Austin before 1500 and then took our time the rest of the way. I'd wanted to investigate the New Braunfels area - it has a great reputation for summer (water) fun. I got tricked by a sign on the interstate - it mentioned water recreation areas. That actually meant river tubing. I was actually looking for signs to Schlitterbahn, the premier water park in the heart of Texas. Eventually, after some wrong turns, Nicky spotted a sign and we found the town of New Braunfels. It was quaint and quiet - at least now that the summer season has ended. There was evidence of a vacation infrastructure - huge parking lots, parks and traffic control signs. We saw lots of signs for the upcoming Wurstfest (sort of like Oktoberfest). The signs in town confused us again and it wasn't until we finally arrived at Schlitterbahn that I understood that there are TWO separate parts of the park. We checked out the resort - natural river tubing and other water sports - and made plans for a possible return. We did find one place that was open: a Christmas store outside the park. The nice ladies there told us about the park and town and suggested some places to eat. After picking up some more ornaments and decorations, we drove out of New Braunfels towards Gruene (pronounced Greene). I really liked that little place - even more than the apparent "tourist trap" of it's larger neighbor. Gruene was "founded" by a German immigrant family who built nearly all of the buildings there. Most have been converted into other things (bed & breakfasts, stores, restaurants) but one place was still hopping: Gruene Hall (a "honky-tonk"). Apparently, many Texas country-western singers got their start at the establishment. We ate on a pretty balcony over the Guadalupe River at the Gristmill River Restaurant (1700). Several slightly spicy appetizers, catfish and sausages later, we saw the sun set in the distance (1845). We spent another hour walking around in the pleasant night air. One lady spotted my shirt - from Mount Evans (see JUN 2010) - and got excited that I too must have climbed one of the famous 14s. When I told her I drove up, she got really disappointed and hinted that I really hadn't experienced the mountain until I had hiked it. I promised I would - at my earliest opportunity - and walked on, feeling like she put me in my place... We drove back to I-35 after that and made good time to I-410 and our hotel (near the Medical Center off I-10). Everyone was happy to get to San Antonio and quickly got ready for bed so the next day would come sooner!