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A highlight of any trip to Texas Hill Country has to be the small, historical town of Gruene, Texas. Pronounced Green, if you didn’t know.
Gruene is a well known historic town which was founded in the late 19th century by a German cotton trader, who’s profitable business expanded the town into what you see today.
Much of the wealth generated by this cotton-trade industry is still evident in the historic buildings, which look as though time has stood still. It’s one of the main draws to Gruene, although that’s not all there is.
As well as exploring historical landmarks, there are many more things to do in Gruene, from diving into bars to watch live music, eating the most craveable farm-to-table food, and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
If you are unsure what to do in Gruene, here are some of the things we got up to. It’s easy to explore this town in one day.
History of Gruene, Texas
In 1872, a German immigrant, Ernst Gruene, and his bride Antoinette, went searching for farm land after learning that land was scarce at nearby city of New Braunfels.
They found land at Gruene, Texas and founded a successful cotton business that brought more families to the area.
It was a very profitable time and the town grew to include various homes, a mercantile store and a cotton gin powered by the Guadalupe River.
The Gruene Hall in Texas became the center of town life.
The death of Ernst’s second son Henry D Gruene in 1920 brought an end to the town’s good fortune and development. The family businesses went under except for Gruene Hall; it never closed.
In the 70’s, new purchasers came into revive Gruene TX into this charming relic of timeless community gathering and grew it to become listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The three street town located near the water tower is indeed thriving again and the Gruene dance hall still remains the center of community life.
The streets are filled with boutique and antique stores in old homes, a general store with a soda and ice cream bar, and restaurants.
Fun things to do in Gruene Texas
I visited Gruene twice, once with the girls for a quick hour, and then for a few days over New Years on an extended trip to Texas Hill Country.
Here are some of the attractions I enjoyed on both visits.
1. Seasonal summer fun – Tube on the Guadalupe River
Obviously, being in Gruene over the Christmas holidays and the winter period, we were not going to be jumping in a tube to float down the Guadalupe River.
However, during the warmer months, I say jump on in!
There is a launching spot right underneath the Gristmill in the center of the town i.e the water tower. You can rent a tube from Rockin’ R River Rides is New Braunfels, or bring your own.
You can walk down and look at the river during the colder months. It sure does run fast and I can imagine how pretty it must look with the Spanish moss and oak trees overhanging it when in full bloom.
2. Have Lunch at the Gristmill River Restaurant
Beneath the water tower in the 1870’s cotton gin is the Gristmill River Restaurant.
This restaurant is massive, which is great for its popularity. Chances are you’ll get a seat in one of its many rooms or the beautiful deck dining with views of the Guadalupe River.
The Gristmill is one of those restaurants in Gruene that personifies the adage that everything is bigger in Texas.
They were some of the biggest meal servings I’ve ever seen, and for a decent price.
Savannah’s chicken tenders were seriously the size of half a chook. Our chicken on a bone with a side of mash and broccoli was humongous and fall-off-the-bone delicious!
The menu is a combination of classic American food such as burgers and fries, and Texas flare – try the Texas BBQ items if you can, such as bone ribs, or Guadalupe Chopped Steak.
There is a beer garden outside the Gristmill Gruene with fire pits for the colder months and sometimes live music.
3. Walk around Gruene Town
The charming town of Gruene
Time to walk some of that lunch off before you hit Gruene Hall for dancing.
Walk in a circle around the town and you’ll find antique stores like The Gruene Antique Company housed in the GH.D Gruene’s landmark mercantile building, or specialty stores with Texas and Gruene themed gifts and souvenirs at shops like Cotton Eyed Joe’s and dancing Bear and plenty of boutique shops for the ladies.
The historic district of Gruene is very small and all attractions are within walking distance of each other.
Check out Pookie Jane’s and Tipsy Gypsy. How could you pass up shops with those names?
Gruene Day Spa
You can pick up a coffee from Gruene Coffee Haus, or an ice cream float from the Gruene General Store soda fountain.
You may even want to stop in at Gruene Day Spa for a relaxing massage.
4. Hit the Dance Floor at Gruene Hall (or just enjoy the music)
Aaron Stephens rocking Gruene Hall
It doesn’t matter what time or day you visit, the Gruene music scene is always fun and happening in Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas. Gruene Hall was first built in 1878.
Bring your cowboy boots and hat, and cash – it’s the only way they take your payment. Just like the good ole days.
Generally, the live music from 1-5pm each day is free and the evening show is ticketed.
The Gruene Hall in Texas is the place where Country and Americana music legends like George Strait, Hal Ketchum, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett have played and even current superstars like Maren Morris – before Meet me in the Middle made her a household name. (I saw her in Raleigh just before this!!)
What a fantastic music venue!
I absolutely loved the relaxed, country home grown vibe of this dance hall, and it’s one of the don’t miss things to do in Gruene!
It’s a place you can just let down your hair down and be yourself. Music-lovers will love this place!
You’ll be welcomed with a hat tip and a bottle raise!
On New Years Eve day, we loved the Aaron Stephens band who was enthusiastically embraced by the crowd with wahoos and cheers. A mixture of Ben Harper and Lenny Kravitz smooth soul and funk, this guy was an incredible singer.
It was loads of fun and I could have stayed there all day.
There is a large outside area if you want some fresh air or the kids want to play in the sand pit and climb trees. I saw a group of younger children up the back of the hall with their dolls playing; it really is that kind of place.
Don’t be afraid to dance up the front right near the band or up the back with the larger dance floor space.
Plenty of little girls were out dancing with their dads and Savannah did me the honor of dancing with me, after a bit of cajoling.
She was always my dancing partner with her only intention of experiencing joy.
She’s now started to become more self conscious, which is devastating to me, and shaky ground I’m navigating to help her understand the more she fears what others think, the less she’ll live and and experience joy.
I took great joy in watching Betty on my first afternoon with just the girls and experiencing more of a traditional country rock band.
Betty was a groover, her moves not giving a clear indication of her age. Many people told me on social media after that Betty was quite the fixture in Gruene Hall, visiting daily to dance.
I loved her spirit and could only hope that I have the same vibrancy and enthusiasm at her age, even at my age now. She was a great lesson on how to live.
I only learned of her name on our next visit, when she stopped right near where I was sitting beside the fire pit at the Grapevine Winery. I had a bit of a fangirl moment and couldn’t let the opportunity pass to chat with her.
“They call me the Dancing Queen. I’m 84 and have been dancing today for the past 6 hours. I just can’t help it when I hear the music I just have to dance.”
She’s a national treasure.
With Betty
She went on to tell me how much she loved Gruene and the townspeople who always look out for her. They buy her drinks and make sure she’s getting home okay.
I gave her a big hug and she took a photo with me. Look at her sweet beaming face.
“You know I’m so blessed. I get so many hugs from people every day.”
That’s because you are just a national treasure Betty. The uninhibited joy you exude is what everyone wishes they had the courage to express.
If you happen to be visiting on a Two-Ton Tuesday night (every Tuesday from June 3rd to August 12th), you can take swing dance lessons, which are held one hour before the show. You can then show off your moves when the band play.
5. More live music, fire pits, and wine at The Grapevine
Sitting around the campfire at The Grapevine
After you’ve done dancing, cross the road at the Sheriff’s command, and enter The Grapevine.
It’s a cute wooden shack with two outdoor sitting areas. One larger one with tables and fire pits and live music, and a smaller one out the front of the porch with a fire pit under the tree.
The Grapevine is a wine tasting room and bar located in Gruene Historic District. They feature one of the largest selections of Texas wines available, as well as Texas craft beers and select wines from around the world.
You can also buy glasses and pints to drink outside, or even a bottle from their extensive collection if you are drinking with friends.
There are lots of local wines and a delicious mixture of flavors perfect for a cool evening around the fire pit listening to a Bob Dylan wannabe have the time of his life singing the best songwriter in the world’s songs to the crowds. One after the other.
I cracked up when he said, I have another Bob Dylan song for you. The fifth one in a row!! I could tell by the large glasses of wine he was consuming between sets that he too was having the time of his life in Gruene.
We left just after the setting sun painted the sky pink and orange giving this historical town a soft glow of timeless good times.
6. Attend Old Gruene Market Days
If you’re visiting February – December, time your visit to attend Gruene Market Days, a farmers market that showcases nearly 100 artisans selling handmade items.
It’s free to visit and also has free music and food vendors.
7. Snap a selfie with Cowboy Kringle
If you’re visiting around the Christmas holidays, take the kids to see a Texan Santa at the breezeway between The Grapevine and Gruene General Store.
This is another reason I love Gruene. They’re very own Santa wears a cowboy hat and boots, and sits on a hay bale.
Where to stay in Gruene Texas
In Gruene town itself, you have two accommodation options, the Gruene Mansion Inn and the Gruene River Hotel & Retreat.
Both hotels are set in rustic Victorian houses and designed with a timeless elegance. They are B&B style and come with individually styled rooms with period furnishings, cozy porches, and cooked breakfast each day.
The Gruene Mansion Inn is slightly more expensive and less modern. The Gruene River Hotel has more modern conveniences such as a hot tub, elevator, and soundproof rooms.
Otherwise, you will find more accommodation options across the river in New Braunfels:
The Hilton Garden Inn in New Braunfels would be a good option. We find this chain quite trustworthy and great for families. See prices and reviews here.
Final thoughts
I fell in love with the historic charm of Gruene and the fun that lives inside the walls of the historic Gruene Hall, which for us Aussies would be like showing up to that Outback shed for a barn dance.
Video of Gruene
Watch us explore Gruene in the following travel video:
More Texas Travel Tips
Are you planning on visiting Gruene, Texas? Will you go to the Gruene Dance Hall? Let us know in the comments.
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