Lifestyle

New Braunfels: A Visit to ‘Where the Old Country Meets the Hill Country’

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Tony Maples Photography

 

“Welcome!” “Willkommen!” and “Howdy!” are three things you can expect to hear upon visiting New Braunfels, set deep in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. German settlers founded the town in 1845. Those pioneers held strong ties to one another as new immigrants and maintained their heritage throughout the decades. Today’s New Braunfels residents are happy to have guests in their thriving part of the Lone Star State – a place where history and tradition meet prosperity, growth, and happiness.

No matter the verbiage, the pleasure of the New Braunfels style of hospitality is one afforded to all visitors.  Take a trip to this Hill Country town for great dining, excellent atmosphere, live music, and plenty of historical depth and detail. The shopping is most definitely nothing to sneeze at either!

New Braunfels: A Visit to ‘Where the Old Country Meets the Hill Country’

Photo: Facebook/In New Braunfels

New Braunfels is distinguishable from all other vacation destinations by its superb dining selections, which will entice your taste buds before you can even sit down to read the menu. Those who appreciate excellent food and beverages won’t leave town on an empty stomach, nor without quenching their thirst, with the variety of restaurant options and drink pairings. At the forefront, of course, is the authentic German cuisine (most definitely a local specialty), followed closely by great Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican, delicious homemade pizza, wonderful southern comfort food, and tasty café food fare. New Braunfels’ restaurant selection definitely won’t disappoint.

New Braunfels: A Visit to ‘Where the Old Country Meets the Hill Country’

Photo: Facebook/Alpine House Restaurant

Alpine Haus specializes in the heritage dishes you’ll certainly want to try on a trip to New Braunfels. This upscale eatery serves scratch-made German food complete with a wine and beer garden, all in the charming setting of a historic part of town. In addition, Los Gallos Taco House has nothing but excellent online customer reviews. This taco house features phenomenal serving sizes of your choice of authentic homemade cuisine, ranging from hearty breakfast selections (both Mexican and American) to traditional lunch and dinner offerings that will soothe the savage, hangry vacationer looking for sustenance! You can’t forget Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, offering that mouth-watering, delicious Texas delicacy done low and slow, just how we like it. And that’s not to mention the amazing plethora of sides you’ll have a hard time choosing from! The variety of eateries is on par with the excellent selection of breweries (Faust, New Braunfels, and the Guadalupe Brewing Company) and wine producers (Dry Comal Creek Vineyards, La Cruz de Comal, and Blue Lotus Winery). Foodies and connoisseurs won’t have difficulty in gratifying their appetites or slaking their thirst in New Braunfels!

New Braunfels: A Visit to ‘Where the Old Country Meets the Hill Country’

Photo: Facebook/Schlitterbahn New Braunfels

New Braunfels also promises an unforgettable stay, whether you’re looking specifically for a high-end Texas Hill Country trip, or to simply bring your summer vacation experience to the next level. A variety of lodging choices are all available to you and your friends or family. Some upscale options to consider for your stay include The Resort at Schlitterbahn – with seven unique resort experiences ranging from traditional to luxurious. Offering its guests an abundance of amenities, these accommodations place you right at the center of all the local water park action, while giving you a retreat worthy of the hard work it took for you to get here! It’s a wonderfully inclusive stay and makes for an amazing getaway.

The Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels offers a top-of-the-line set of accommodations, including traditional rooms, suites, and accessible rooms, as well as many added items for your family’s comfort. This contemporary setting boasts on-site dining with a children’s menu, a fitness room and pool, and laundry and valet service. There’s even a convenience store located on-premises, for those who forgot to pack something or if you’re looking for a snack to tide you over. The Hilton Garden Inn New Braunfels provides quick access to Schlitterbahn and is located just minutes from the awesome outdoor experiences which can be had at the Guadalupe River, the Comal River, and Canyon Lake.

New Braunfels: A Visit to ‘Where the Old Country Meets the Hill Country’

Photo: Pixabay

Visiting “where the old country meets the Hill Country” wouldn’t be complete without having experienced historic New Braunfels. If shopping is high on your list of necessities when traveling, the diverse and eclectic shops found in both Historic Downtown New Braunfels and the Gruene Historic District are second-to-none. Everything from antiques to collectibles, clothing, souvenirs, and home décors that will help you define your trip to the area can all be discovered at the boutique shops that line these corridors. Not only that, but access to Texas-sized outlet malls along I-35 is just a stone’s throw away. There you’ll find top brands in clothing, jewelry, perfumes, and so much more.

New Braunfels: A Visit to ‘Where the Old Country Meets the Hill Country’

Photo: Facebook/In New Braunfels

With dining, great drinks, and wonderful accommodations lined up, you can’t forget the selection of live entertainment that can be had in New Braunfels at those icons of Lone Star State life – the Texas dance hall! Gruene Hall (one of the most famous Texas dancehalls) has set the stage for such stellar acts as Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green, Willie Nelson, and George Strait. Most recently, the band Midland was featured there, to a sold-out crowd! Also in close proximity and equally inviting are Whitewater Amphitheatre, Anhalt Hall, and River Road Ice House. You certainly won’t be lacking things to do when visiting New Braunfels. Tourists to the area can experience its arts and culture, take in the outstanding natural beauty, and learn about its local makeup and history. Enjoy the Hill Country nightlife in a high-end vacation atmosphere that won’t break the bank. Explore local rivers, set out for water adventures on Canyon Lake, and learn about the many special festivals and events that make New Braunfels the exciting destination it has become. If you look beyond the shopping and dining, the wonderful holiday experiences, and the area’s rich cultural tapestry, you’ll also see a friendly town that welcomes visitors with tremendous Hill Country charm.