New Braunfels— A Shining Star in the Texas Hill Country

New York City has the Hamptons. Bay area residents have Napa Valley. And Houston has the Texas Hill Country.

Every year, millions of Houston area folks head out to get away from the big city’s crowded, hectic, busy life. And New Braunfels is one of the shining stars that attracts them to the vacation oasis Texans call the Hill Country.

One of our favorite towns in the Texas Hill Country has always been New Braunfels. Conveniently located between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels has a small town’s friendliness and feel while still offering many amenities of a larger city, with tons of fun things to do.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Our first stop was at the fabulous Natural Bridge Caverns. This underground wonderland was discovered by four college students back in 1960. Since then, the Wuest Heidemann family has explored, expanded, and improved the area to become one of the most spectacular and fun attractions around. The Discovery Tour, Hidden Passages Tour, and the Combo Tour offer various choices to accommodate the young and the old, families, walkers, and adventurers.

They also offer Private VIP Tours & Experiences tailored to your family or small group for an extra special time. For example, on our private tour with just four people, a personal guide took us through the caverns with engaging stories and answers to all kinds of questions to give us an even better understanding of this natural wonder. At the end of our tour, they treated us to a charcuterie board full of tasty treats and a bottle of delicious white wine. A fitting end to a wonderful experience!

Fun and challenges at Twisted Trails at Natural Bridge Caverns

Visitors can choose from the aerial challenges of the Twisted Trails Zip Rails and Ropes Course as they climb, shuffle, and zip their way through this adventurous new attraction. The AMAZEn’ Ranch Roundup is a 5,000-square-foot outdoor maze sure to amuse your family and friends. One of the alltime favorite activities is the Gem and Fossil Mining sluices, where young prospectors can sift through bags of “rough” to find their hidden treasures.

When you’re ready for a break, check out Big Daddy’s Sweets, Treats, and Brew. And there’s always fun shopping in the Trading Post and gift shop.

Guadalupe Brewing for tasty craft beer Guadalupe Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery on the southwest side of New Braunfels. Guadalupe opened their doors in 2012, and have expanded their outdoor seating and stage for live events and improved the landscaping for a welcoming outdoor atmosphere. They have already framed the new pizza kitchen, and it will be ready to serve fresh hot pizzas before the end of the year.

Guadalupe Brewing gets creative with their craft brews. In addition to more traditional brews like Kolsch and Texas Honey Ale, they offer unique flavors like the Smores, Banana Cream Pie, and German Chocolate Cake. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and they make good on their promise “from our hearts the intention is to bring to you the best possible product we can make.”

The Gruene Homestead Inn

The Gruene Homestead Inn is one of the highestrated lodgings in New Braunfels. I was delighted when the Inn agreed to host us for a few nights. Starting with its ideal location, centrally located down the road from historic Gruene with its

outstanding music, shopping, and restaurants like the fabulous Gristmill River Restaurant, this is the perfect place to stay when visiting New Braunfels. Comfortable beds, intimately decorated rooms, and peaceful grounds spread out over eight wellmanicured acres; The Gruene Homestead Inn has it all.

Where to Eat in New Braunfels

New Braunfels is full of great restaurants. Here’s a shortlist to get you started.

Gristmil River Restaurant and Bar The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, overlooking the winding Guadalupe River, is the iconic New Braunfels eatery. Located in the three-story brick boiler room that survived a massive fire in 1922, the building was restored and in 1977 opened as the Gristmill. The restaurant sits on the Guadalupe River banks, the enormously popular destination for thousands of tubers, kayakers, and water lovers. Popular dishes include their famous steaks and burgers, Chicken Fried Steak, melt in your mouth Barbeque and other specialties like their tomatillo chicken and bronzed catfish.

Krause’s Café Feel a little German? You will feel right at home at Krause’s Cafe, the large Café and Biergarten. With the immense German influence first brought in by the founders of New Braunfels, the town is full of the food, cultures, architecture, and traditions of the old homeland. Treat yourself to some of the best schnitzel, bratwurst, Bavarian pretzels, and other German classics. And, of course, Krause’s offers a wide selection of German, Texan, and other refreshing beers to wash down the wonderful food. Also, be sure to check out the schedule for live entertainment throughout the week and the weekly Saturday Farmers’ Market.

Muck & Fuss Craf Beer and Burgers Next door to the historic Prince Solms Inn and the cocktail bar Sidecar, Muck and Fuss has grown to be one of the most popular restaurants in New Braunfels. Relax with some of the tastiest burgers and 26 craft beers on tap from local and national breweries. Owners Terry and Celina Muckenfuss pride themselves on using only the freshest and best ingredients and are determined to serve dishes the whole family can enjoy.

McAdoo’s Seafood Located in the old renovated Post Office built in 1915, McAdoo’s is a popular seafood restaurant downtown, just blocks from the courthouse. Try something off the First Class Seafood Menu, like the delicious Redfish Pontchartrain, a blackened filet with sautéed shrimp and crab, shrimp, a delicious brown butter sauce, and dirty rice. Check out the Oyster Bar and extensive wine and beer menu.

Photos (From opposite L-R): One of the many cool formations at Natural Bridge Caverns; Landscaped gardens with Twisted Trails in the background; Beautiful Gruene Homestead Inn; For great seafood, try McAdoos Redfish Ponchartrain in historic downtown New Braunfels; Charcuterie Board and Wine waiting for us at the end of our personal VIP Tour; Tasty Banana Cream Pie and Smores craft beers at Guadalupe Brewing