Family Friendly Fourth of July!

Looking for the best ways to spend Independence Day (or week!) as a family? We've rounded up the best of the best, and planned a full week of old fashioned family fun for you and the whole gang in New Braunfels, Texas!



Monday, July 1st - Check the crew into the newly renovated Schlitterbahn Treehaus Suites (one suite can sleep up to 12!) and unwind. Send the kiddos out to the river while you unpack the week's worth of luggage. Once you're settled in, head over the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar for dinner along the Guadalupe River. Recently named one of America's most popular family-friendly restaurants by UrbanSpoon, the Gristmill has something for everyone, and the relaxed outdoor atmosphere will keep the whole family entertained!

Tuesday, July 2nd - Let the kids release a little energy at Schlitterbahn parks. They open at 10 am, and be sure to get there early to avoid the lines! With your stay at the resort, you get free access to the park, so be sure to get your fill of the Boogie Bahn and the Master Blaster! At 6 pm, head on over to legendary Gruene Hall for Swing Dance Lessons for the whole family. Then stay to try out your new moves at Two Ton Tuesdays starting at 8:30 pm.

Wednesday, July 3rd - Take a break from the water, and head out to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch and Caverns. See the brand new baby (twin!!) giraffes, along with the other African animals, and then beat the heat in the afternoon in the deep caverns learning about stalactites and stalagmites!

Thursday, July 4th - Get an early morning start at the Landa Park Spring-fed Pool, then, when the kids get hungry (and the park starts to get too crowded) head over to Cantina del Rio in Gruene for lunch, and some of the best fish and shrimp tacos in the area. Stay all day for the two free concerts at Gruene Hall with the Danny Brooks Band and The Damn Quails - the kids can play P-I-G on the old basketball hoop Hal Ketchum built in the '80s - then head back to Landa Park for the fireworks!

Friday, July 5th - Now that the holiday is over, and the crowds have died down (a little), it's time for the river!! Head down to Rockin' R River Rides, hop in a raft, and relax! Let a guide steer the way, or take to the rapids of the Guad yourself. Finish the float back at Rockin' R, head up the hill to Gruene, and finish your week with some shopping. The kids will love an ice cream cone or root beer float from the old fashioned soda fountain at the General Store, and you'll love the wine and beer tastings from the Grapevine - the best of both worlds! Make sure to stop by Buck Pottery where the kiddos can watch a pottery demonstration, and maybe even make their own!

For some, the road may end here, but should you choose to stay through the weekend, Gruene Hall has live music all weekend, Schlitterbahn remains open, and you might also want to stop by the Snake Farm or Bucee's.
We hope you have a blast in New Braunfels!!

17th Annual Americana Music Jam Donation!

  17^th ANNUAL KNBT AMERICANA MUSIC JAM RAISES OVER $60,000 FOR NON-PROFIT

KNBT Radio & Gruene Hall Present Donation Check to Connections

 

Pictured (Left to Right): Kris Mund (Mund Group Casualty Co.), Trevor Bird (Gruene Harley Davidson), Mattson Rainer (KNBT 92.1 FM, Project Director), Pat Molak (Gruene Hall, Owner), Chris Young (Val-Mark Chevrolet), Shane Wolf (Rockin’ R), Brian Betsworth (Christus Santa Rosa Hospital), Kellie Stalling (Connections, Exec. Director) and Doug Miller, II (Connections, Board VP)

Not pictured: Wynn Wallace (NB Mattress)

 

JUNE 20: (GRUENE, TX) – Mattson Rainer, General Manager of KNBT 92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels, and Pat Molak, owner of Gruene Hall, presented $60,698.43 to Connections Individual and Family Services, the benefiting organization of this year’s 17th Annual KNBT Americana Music Jam. The Jam was held on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Gruene Hall.

The KNBT Americana Music Jam is an annual celebration of Americana music featuring exceptional artists of the genre. Sponsors of this year's Jam were NB Mattress, Rockin’ R River Rides, Christus Santa Rosa New Braunfels, ValMark Chevrolet, Gruene Harley Davidson and The Mund Group.

The music lineup included Jack Ingram, Randy Rogers, Hayes Carll, Reckless Kelly, Cody Canada & The Departed, Wade Bowen, Sean McConnell, Uncle Lucius, Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, Slaid Cleaves, Monty Byrom Band, Zack Walther, Midnight River Choir, Bleu Edmondson, Statesboro Revue and Dustin Welch. Most of the performers are long-time veterans of the Americana Music Jam, and were thrilled to help such a great cause once again, and to support KNBT and Gruene Hall, both of which are major advocates of Americana music.

Connections Individual and Family Services

Connections is a 501(c)3 private, non-profit organization that was founded by a group of community leaders in 1981 to provide a safe and secure alternative to the “streets” for homeless, abused, or at-risk youth. Today, Connections provides program services in eighteen (18) rural counties and operates thirteen (13) counseling offices and three (3) residential locations. Connections provides social services to families and individuals to include:
1) Counseling and prevention education services for youth, adults, and families
2) Short-term residential services for runaway, abused or neglected, homeless, and at-risk youth
3) Chrysalis Transitional Living Program for older youth ages 16-21
4) Crisis hotline and referral services
5) Kids Exchange/supervised visitation services
6) Substance Abuse Prevention

Gruene Hall is a true Texas tradition. The 6,000 square foot, open air dance hall has remained much the same since its start. The wood floors, antique advertisements on the walls and rustic stage provide perfect examples. A favorite music venue for artists and patrons alike, the overriding attraction from the late ‘70s has always been the magic and intimacy created between the audience and performer due to the close proximity of the stage to the dance floor. The booking direction is focused on singer-songwriters and artists who play original material, and the Hall stage has proved to be a fertile ground for many former “new talents” such as George Strait, Hal Ketchum and Lyle Lovett. For a lengthier list of artists who have played the Hall, please visit our website. For information, call (830) 606-1281 or visit www.gruenehall.com.

KNBT 92.1 FM Radio New Braunfels is the leading Americana radio station in the nation and is designed to attract a loyal and attentive audience of passionate Americana music fans. Between achieving national recognition and being a local New Braunfels radio favorite, KNBT has carved out a unique place on the radio dial and on the web, with its Americana music. Featuring artists like Alison Krauss, Robert Earl Keen, Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams and other acclaimed singer/songwriters, the Americana format brings together some of the most desirable listener demographics in music and radio.

5 Ways to Celebrate Father's Day - Texas Style!!

Join us in Gruene Historic District for a Texas-sized Father's Day this June! It'll be one he never forgets!

1. Texas Wine Sippin'
With one of the largest seletions of Texas wines in the state, The Grapevine in Gruene is the perfect setting for the whole family to celebrate Father's Day. Grab a glass of your favorite wine (maybe Dad will like Three Dudes ;)) or a pint of craft beer, and plop down in the garden to enjoy the sounds of the Bo Porter Duo from 3-6pm.

2. Big Texas Eatin'
From mouth-watering ribs, bone-in ribeyes and chicken fried steaks with towering onion rings at the Gristmill, to sizzlin' fajitas at Cantina del Rio and a 1/2 lb Char-King or sirloin cooked Hofffbrau-style at Mozie's, we've got the dad-palate down to a T. We get it - good food and lots of it!

3. Texas Two-Steppin'
Tell Dad to put on his cowboy boots and head to Gruene Hall for a little two steppin! Ruby Jane Smith will be at the Hall from 12:30-4:30 followed by Shinyribs from 5-9pm, both free shows. Buy him a Lone Star and call it a day!

4. Texas River Floatin'
Throw on your swimmin' trunks and head for the Guadalupe! Grab a toob, or put the whole family in a raft, and get to floatin'! While the river's not rippin' and roarin', it is perfect for all ages, and makes for the perfect Sunday in the Texas heat.

5. Texas Style Cookin'
If your dad prefers home-style celebrations, make sure to stop by Gruene Market Days (June 15-16) and grab some Blanco Valley Farms seasonings, dips and salsas to add a Texas kick to your meal.

Yee haw, Dad!

Gettin' to Gruene This Summer

 

 

Even though we have made a point of Gently Resisting Change since 1872, we can't fight progress!

TxDot road improvements have started in the Gruene Historic District area! While it will be great when it's done (no more waitin' on trains!), it will take a little while to execute. So, in the meantime, if you are traveling to Historic Gruene via IH 35, we have a few alternate routes for less congestion and arrive faster so you can get to two steppin', river floatin' and enjoying a cold one a lot quicker! 

 

If you can't avoid IH 35 Exit 191 to Canyon Lake, there will be signs to lead you in the right direction, as the left turn lane and protected turn signal have been eliminated. But, if you can take the scenic route, we suggest you take one of these! See you soon!

From San Antonio on IH 35:
1. Head North.

2. Exit 184 toward TX 337 Loop/Rueckle Rd.
3. Turn left onto TX 337 Loop/Rueckle Rd. and stay on the loop for 5.5 miles.
4. Take the Rock Street exit just past the light at River Road (be careful, it's easy to miss) and turn left at the stop sign. 
5. Cross the railroad tracks and continue left on to Gruene Road. Cruise over the Gruene River Bridge (you should be able to see the Gruene water tower) and head up the hill. Veer right, and you'll end up directly in front of Gruene Hall!
 

From Austin on IH 35:
1. Head South.

2. Exit 195 toward Watson Lane/Old Bastrop Road.
3. Turn right onto Watson Lane and go about a mile.
4. Watson Lane ends at Hunter Road (FM 1102). Turn Left.
5. Go about 4.5 miles and go straight through the light at FM 306, and the road will turn into Common Street. You should be able to see the Gruene Water Tower now!
6. Take the first right on Old FM 306.
7. Take the first left onto Hunter Road. 1 mile to Gruene Historic District!

For a larger map, click here.

Comin' from further out?? Make sure to check our directions page.

UPDATE: Americana Music Jam Schedule + More!

The time is here again! This Sunday, May 19th marks the 17th Annual Americana Music Jam!! Tickets are $50 each, and all proceeds will benefit the Connections Individual and Family Services. To see photos from the Jam last year, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gruenehall/sets/72157630060462892/

Scheduled performers include Jack Ingram, Hayes Carll, Reckless Kelly, Cody Canada & The Departed, Wade Bowen, Sean McConnell, Uncle Lucius, Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueros, Slaid Cleaves, Monty Byrom Band, Zack Walther Band, Midnight River Choir, Statesboro Revue, Dustin Welch, and just added: Bleu Edmondson and very special guest Randy Rogers (acoustic)!!! Tough to beat!

Most of the performers are long-time veterans of the Americana Music Jam, and are excited to come back to help such a great cause, and to support KNBT and Gruene Hall, both of which are major advocates of Americana music.

Music will begin at 12:30 pm, and each of the artists will play on one of the two stages during the 12 hour Jam. The schedule is as follows: 

12:30pm: Midnight River Choir

1:15pm: Dustin Welch

1:55pm: Statesboro Revue

2:30pm: Randy Rogers (acoustic)

3:05pm: Walt Wilkins & The Mystiqueroes

3:50pm: Jack Ingram (acoustic)

4:25pm: Hayes Carll

5:10pm: Slaid Cleaves

5:50pm: Reckless Kelly

6:40pm: Bleu Edmondson

7:10pm: Monty Byrom Band

8:00pm: Zack Walther Band

8:30pm: Sean McConnell (acoustic)

9:20pm: Cody Canada & The Departed

10:05pm: Uncle Lucius

10:45pm: Wade Bowen



 

Festival-style food will be available for sale in Gruene Hall’s beer garden.

Check presentations from 2012.

The Americana Music Jam is an annual non-profit event that celebrates the Americana music genre. Each year, KNBT and Gruene Hall co-sponsor the event in order to give back to the New Braunfels community. Last year, the event raised over $60,000.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 830-629-5077 or visit www.gruenehall.com.

¡Ay, caramba! Feliz Cinco de Mayo

For the first year ever, Gruene Historic District is joining in on the fun of Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Cantina del Rio! On Friday and Saturday, stop by for $3 Sangria and Margaritas and $2.50 Mexican Beers until 7 pm.

On Sunday, the official Cinco de Mayo, we will have a live mariachi band from 2-5 pm, along with food and drink specials all day long! We hope to see you there!

 

 

Not only will we have food and drink specials all weekend at Cantina del Rio, we also wanted to showcase a few signature Cinco de Mayo-themed drinks at the other restaurants in Gruene Historic District. We hope you'll come celebrate with us!

 

Cantina del Rio Premium Margarita

1 3/4 oz Don Julio Tequila

1/2 oz Patron Citronage

5 oz Lime Juice or Margarita Mix

Shake well and enjoy!

Mozie's Mojito

1.5 oz Bacardi Silver Run

1.5 oz Fresh Mint Leaves

2 Lime Wedges

Soda

Muddle mint and lime together in the bottom of the glass. Add rum and stir. Then fill glass with soda and top with mint spring. Ahh!

The Girstmill's House Specialty Margarita (Yields 1.6 gallons)

1 Bottle Tequila (whichever brand you prefer)

1 Cup Triple Sec

3 Cups Fresh Squeezed Lime

2 Cups Sugar

4 Cups Hot Water

Mix sugar with hot water until combined, then add in lime juice, triple sec and tequila. Stir vigorously. Enjoy!

 

5th Annual Lone Star Music Awards

Accepting the award on behalf of Gruene Hall is booking agent Tracie Ferguson.

Gruene Hall Named Best Music Venue

Gruene Hall was recently named the Music Venue of the Year in the 5^th Annual Lone Star Music’s esteemed awards. The winners for each category were voted on by the public, and winners were announced at the Awards Ceremony and concert on Sunday, April 28^th at The Texas Music Theater in San Marcos, TX.

This is the fourth year that Gruene Hall has won Music Venue of the Year. The frist year of the awards did not have a Music Venue category. Other nominees for Music Venue of the Year were Billy’s Ice in New Braunfels, TX, Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, OK, Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, TX, John T. Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, TX, Luckenbach Dancehall in Luckenbach, TX and Texas Music Theater in San Marcos, TX.

The nominees for each of the 15 categories were selected by a pool of 130 industry professionals and 20 “super fans” selected by applicants in contest conducted on Facebook by Lone Star Music. The nominees were then released to the public for voting.

Other notable winners this year included “Goodbye Normal Street” by the Turnpike Troubadours for Album of the Year, “Good Lord Lorrie” by the Turnpike Troubadours for Song of the Year, Cody Canada of The Departed for Musician of the Year and Robert Earl Keen for Best Live Act of the Year and the Hall of Fame Award. A full listing of winners can be found at www.lonestarmusic.com.

 

Entertainment at the Awards Ceremony included performances by The Departed, Robert Earl Keen, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Dustin Welch and John Fullbright, Rob Baird, Jason Eady, Courtney Patton and Shinyribs. It was a fun night of music!

Gruene Hall is a true Texas tradition. The 6,000 square foot, open air dance hall has remained much the same since its start. The wood floors, antique advertisements on the walls and rustic stage provide perfect examples. A favorite music venue for artists and patrons alike, the overriding attraction from the late ‘70s has always been the magic and intimacy created between the audience and performer due to the close proximity of the stage to the dance floor. The booking direction is focused on singer-songwriters and artists who play original material, and the Hall stage has proved to be a fertile ground for many former “new talents” such as George Strait, Hal Ketchum and Lyle Lovett. For a lengthier list of artists who have played the Hall, please visit our website. For information, call (830) 606-1281 or visit www.gruenehall.com.

LoneStarMusic.com was founded in 1999 by diehard Texas music fan, Chad Raney, as a one-stop-shop for fans to find music from both well-known stars to rising artists. Since its origin, it has been a huge success, and a retail store located just steps away from Gruene Hall and a magazine have been added to supplement the original website. In 2009, Lone Star Music changed ownership. Zach and Megan Jennings purchased the company and have helped it flourish in the years since with involvement in Austin’s SWSX Music Festival and a 300% increase in circulation of the magazine. The Lone Star Music Awards were also added to the company’s ventures in 2009. Voting takes place mainly electronically, but paper ballots are also available in each copy of the Lone Star Music Magazine.