Day Trip to Gruene Texas
Recently, during our anniversary trip to San Antonio, my husband and I took a little day trip to Gruene Texas. Many friends and family had suggested it and we were so happy to have taken their advice. It turned out to be a terrific day enjoying this small, charming little town.
Origins
Gruene, Texas is a small community, originally settled by German farmers, dating back to the mid 1800s. The Guadalupe River runs along the edge of this adorable little town, offering even more beauty to this delightful community.
Landmarks within a Landmark
Among the numerous sites to see and places to visit in Gruene, are a couple that are very well known. The first being the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. It was originally a Cotton Gin, from the late 1800s, powered by the Guadalupe River. Now, it is an absolutely beautiful and unique restaurant with amazing food! People drive across Texas just to eat at this restaurant. Right next to the Gristmill is Gruene Hall.
From the Gruene Hall Website …
Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. By design, not much has physically changed since the Hall was first built. The 6,000 square foot dance hall with a high pitched tin roof still has the original layout with side flaps for open air dancing, a bar in the front, a small lighted stage in the back and a huge outdoor garden. Advertisement signs from the 1930s and 40s still hang in the old hall and around the stage.
The history alone is remarkable, but the structure, as it sits, is very alluring. Much of the action within this little town is centered around Gruene Hall.
Day Trip to Gruene Texas – Things to Do
The very first mercantile in Gruene is still there, now the Gruene General Store. It is nestled in with a variety of other small businesses that now see many, many visitors. There are antique shops, a day spa, wineries, river outfitters, a variety of specialty shops and terrific places to eat.
On our stroll around town, we ended up finding a bunch a great deals! We brought home some terrific finds that I have had so much fun putting together!
While enjoying the view of the community, visitors strolling by and laughing and talking, Kris and I decided to have a seat at one of the local establishments for a wine tasting. While enjoying my Pinot Grigio, I struck up a conversation with another couple of visitors, Sharon and Randy Young. We had a lovely time talking about the town and all that it offers. (And, on a side not, as a southern girl myself, I always love the fact that the people are so pleasant and open to chatting!)
Enjoying Nature in Gruene
The beautiful Guadalupe River runs along the town, hosting a fun day of floating to its visitors. Many people, friends, families and groups plan visits to float the river every year. The Rockin’ R and Gruene River Company are both situated right on the river, behind the Grist Mill.
Take a Day Trip to Gruene Texas and see for yourself!
Gruene, Texas is not a huge, past paced city, but rather a small Texas community with so much to offer. It was truly like stepping into a piece of history. Kris and I are very much looking forward to our next opportunity to visit!
We enjoyed our trip very much, but to be honest, we would have enjoyed it, no matter where we went. The point was to spend some time together, enjoying each other’s company. You could check out another of my posts on just that subject. Together, Time Well Spent
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