Gruene: A Perfect Weekend Getaway!

We all know the best part of summer is going on vacation, and trust us, you deserve one! Luckily, we know just the place. Just outside of San Antonio, you will find the cutest little town, Gruene, which we think might just be the best summer getaway spot in Texas. Gruene has something to offer for every kind of vacationer, whether you just want to relax or prefer an active vacation. Plus, there are a ton of great dining and shopping options.

So here is our quick guide to Gruene:

Things to Do:

Rockin R: One of the highlights of Gruene is the Guadalupe River that runs alongside it. At Rockin' R, we got to rent a tube and enjoy a relaxing float down the river, which felt great in the Texas heat!

Gruene Hall: Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is a live music venue and Texas' oldest continually operating dance hall. We got to see some fantastic local bands while visiting and had a blast kicking up our heels while two-stepping. They have a calendar packed with amazing acts all summer, so you will definitely want to check it out.

The Grapevine: For a laid-back venue for live music, The Grapevine offers a wide variety of Texas wines for you to sip on while enjoying some music on their lovely outdoor patio.

Food and Drinks:

Gristmill: Located in an 1870s cotton gin, the Gristmill is a staple in the Gruene restaurant scene. Their menu consists of all your Texas favorites, including ribs and steak! Best of all, it is right along the river, so you can enjoy your meal with a gorgeous waterside view.

Gruene Coffee Haus: For a morning or any-time-of-day pick-me-up, this coffee shop is the place to go! In addition to their full espresso bar, you can also order Italian soda, smoothies, and delicious pastries.

Mozie's: Just across from Gruene Hall, Mozie's has a full bar that offers specialty cocktails, local beer and wine, and an all-day menu of classic American food with a Texas twist.

Cantina Del Rio: This is the place to go for your Tex-Mex fix! It even boasts "The Best Margarita in New Braunfels" for 12 years running. But we recommend you try one for yourself to be the judge.

Shopping: 

Gruene Hat Co & Gruene Boot Co: If you want the full Gruene experience, then you need a cowboy makeover, which, of course, means new cowboy boots and a rockin’ hat! Luckily, these two shops have tons of styles to choose from, so you can really make the look your own.

Gruene Antique Co: This store boasts over 6,500 square feet of antiques, decor, collectibles, and gifts. Talk about a one-stop souvenir shop! It is also a historically certified landmark and contains its original bank vault from 1903.

Accommodations:

Gruene Mansion Inn: For the cutest lodging in town, you should definitely cozy up at this charming inn. It is right on the river, which makes for a wonderful view first thing in the morning and is the perfect place to wind down after a long day of fun!

If you couldn’t tell, we truly loved our little trip over in Gruene and were never short of things to do. It is perfect for either a quick weekend getaway or a longer, relaxing vacation!

‍