Float on Friends!

Tube, CHECK. New bathing suit/trunks, CHECK. Sunscreen, CHECK. All your buddies, DOUBLE CHECK! Cooler packed with beer and other drinks, CHECK! WAIT… WHAT?!

That’s right folks – you CAN do as you have always done on the Guadalupe River above the bridge in Gruene! Bring the beer, bring your buddies, bring on the fun and good times!

We know there are some new rules for floating the rivers this year within New Braunfels city limits, and we will get into that in a bit – BUT for now – let’s focus on what you CAN do on the Guadalupe above the bridge in Gruene – not what you CAN'T. 

See, this girl is having a blast! With a Plastic CUP!

There are NO NEW RULES on the stretch of river just above the bridge in Gruene. So float on friends – be safe, keep the river clean and drink responsibly! 

Click here to read all about it! http://gruenetexas.com/toobinfun.php

 

Map of where to go for NO NEW RULES!

Are you planning on floating on the Comal and Guad within the city limits this summer with your friends and family? We sure are! But before we jump in our tube and hit the river there are a few NEW rules this summer for this particular stretch of the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers.

We went right to the source for all things river related in NB to get the scoop – http://www.watertherules.com/ . Here you will find an informative video featuring Baseball Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan! Check it out.

 

Now that Nolan Ryan has invited you, your family, friends and even pets to come enjoy New Braunfels’ CLEAN rivers – let’s look at what you will need for your river trip!

Bring some drinks!

Since disposable containers are a NO GO, we picked up these little gems here in Gruene at Cotton Eyed Joes –

 You can also order it online – http://gruenetexas.com/store/costore_souvenirs.html

Tip- bring some water too folks – its sure gets hot and hydration is imperative to a fun river trip! Trust us.

Here are some examples of approved and prohibited containers:

You can find more info like this at www.watertherules.com
 

Bring a tube! - you can actually bring two per person!
Bring your SMILE! - this is the most important tubing accessory!

Just follow these easy guidelines and you are sure to have a great float!

Don't miss this awesome contest too!! E-mail your 2012 floating pics with fun captions, of course, to mail@gruenetexas.com! Best picture wins a Rockin'r Rafting trip for 4, and a Night on the Town in Gruene Historic District!

We hope to see y'all out on the rivers this summer! 
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Gruene Gardening

Sad Cactus.

Caring for plants and flowers can be an intimidating task, especially if you’re not a natural green thumb.  Some of us, (cough cough – me) have a hard time keeping a Cactus alive – which really says a lot. Luckily, Gruene’s Head Landscaper Ken Raba volunteered his time to give us tips to keep our plants at home looking like the picture perfect ones in Gruene Historic District.  

Ken, who is also a local musician and actor, has a simple philosophy – let the plants tell you what they need. Be observant, pay attention. There are no magic tricks, no secret fertilizer recipes or special processes going on in the small potting shed that Ken and his two team members operate out of. Yes that’s right, all of Gruene is taken care of by just 3 dedicated grounds keepers. Derek Schnitz has a vast knowledge of all things green in Gruene and has been Ken’s protégé for years. Last but not least is Gruene’s newest addition Tony Taylor, who gardens by day and is a talented local troubadour by night. 

Since Ken makes it all seem so easy and effortless, I thought I might learn a thing or two by hanging out with him for a while. So we hopped in his trusty green golf cart, and had a chat about caring for our lush and lovely grounds. 

The Badlands of South Dakota - Photo Credit Jeff Clow

Gruene Texas Blogger: So Ken, inquiring minds would like to know – Have you always loved to garden and take care of plants?

Ken Raba: No. Not exactly – growing up on the farm, in South Dakota, I loved to eat out of the garden. I suppose we were in there helping to pull weeds – so we ate the potatoes and other vegetables right from it. That’s where I learned most of what I know.

GTB: So how did you end up here?

KR: I found a job that allowed me to pursue music and acting, and I am good at it. (Insert slight smile here.)

Ken is a star on our website www.gruenetexas.com

GTB: I see, well that always helps. I have a hard time keeping anything alive for more than a week – HELP!

KR: There is no excuse for that – really we don’t do anything special. Anyone can do what we do here; it just takes time and attention.

GTB: Ok, you keep telling me that, but maybe I don’t plant when I should – so explain to me and the readers – when is the best time to plant for the Spring/ Summer and for the Fall/ Winter in Central Texas.

KR: Once you see what is available you can begin to plan for the season. Each season it can be different – sometimes you can’t find the plants you are looking for. Once you can see what’s out there you can begin to plan your season. For Spring/Summer – early March may be too soon, you could get hit by a frost – frost is your enemy in Central Texas. Normally the 1^st week in April works out best for us here in Gruene, but sometimes we wait until early May depending on plant availability and weather conditions. For Fall/Winter, November is best. We shoot for either well before the first frost or quickly after.

GTB: Good to know – but what exactly are you planting? For example what flowers have you found last the longest during our HOT Texas Summers?

KR: Ok – for perennials I suggest Salvia Greggii – we plant a lot of it here in Gruene and it looks great for a long time in the Summer.  Pintas are great annuals – they can take the heat.

Beautiful flower bed right next to Gruene Hall.

GTB: How about the best flowers in the sun and the shade?

KR: Sun – Basil, Vinka, Blue Daze, Slavia, Pintas, and Cactus. Shade –Holly Ferns, Foxtail Ferns, Asparagus Ferns – Any Ferns really.

This Grande Hibiscus lives under the water tower

GTB: What is your favorite plant here in town?

KR: I love the Rose bush that grows by the water tower, that’s my favorite hands down.

GTB: Why is that one so special?

KR: (SMILING) It’s really spectacular and dynamic; the way it grows up the leg of the tower – and it is maintenance free!

GTB: It is pretty, so are all of the barrels you have filled with flowers and plants! I noticed you use a lot of herbs in them such as Basil. Why?

KR: Herbs look great year round, we use a lot of Thyme and Regular Sweet Basil in with the flowers– they are really durable in the heat.

GTB: I love the Basil – it looks so yummy!  What about the soil – you must do something special to it, can you share your tips on soil maintenance?

KR: Compost. Compost. Compost. Soil maintenance is important here in Central Texas where the soil is mostly clay and has a high PH.

GTB: Do you have any tips for beginners about gardening in general?

      KR: Sure! 

          1. Pay attention to your plants. 

     2. Know what they need in the location they are in.      

     3.  Keep them trimmed, don’t let them get too big and get rid of the dead heads.

     4. Maintain your soil – fertilize and compost.

     5. Deal with problems appropriately, whether you have a bug problem or a drought.

This bloggers personal favorite in Gruene.

                

GTB: Great tips! I think that paying close attention to your plants is the best one, you really have to care about them don’t you?

KR: Absolutely. If you don’t care, you won’t take good care of them, and if you don’t take good care of them, you have no garden to enjoy. Just be perceptive and you will notice problems early on, before they become a big hassle.

GTB: One last question – what is your biggest challenge out here in Gruene when it comes to keeping everything, well, green?

KR: Deer. Plain and simple; we can’t stop them, and we’ve tried it all…

Maybe we should post these around town. Thoughts?

And that’s where Ken and I left it. Those deer can be hard to deal with and it was evident on Ken’s face that they are enemy #1, but who can blame him. These guys spend hours and hours out here, in the early mornings and on hot days, watering and caring for all the plants in Gruene. Then the deer treat it like a buffet! Ah well – I suppose they have just as much right to be here as we do.

Hopefully all you fellow gardeners out there have learned a thing or two from Ken’s tips – I know I did. Gardening is actually like most things in life – if you pay attention and put in the hard work you will reap the benefits. We are certainly thankful for all that Ken and the guys do around here; everyone just loves the landscape in beautiful Gruene, TX!

Great Mother's Day Weekend in Gruene!

Mother’s Day is that special time once a year when Mom gets showered with love, affection, and most importantly, attention.

 With everyone so busy these days, it’s nice to stop, slow down and thank the woman who gave you life and helped shape you into the person you are today. Whether your Mama is a “Party Queen” or a “Lady Who Lunches” there is something for each type of Mom here in Gruene this Mother’s Day Weekend!! 

 

Here are a few ideas of how to spend some time with your Mama in Gruene Historic District –from listening to some great tunes, shopping and eating in town, to treating her to a spa day, you are sure to have a great time with the whole family celebrating Mom!

 

 

Now I don’t know about you – but my Mama likes to get rowdy in Gruene Hall, and probably will this Friday night at The Turnpike Troubadours concert! This is the perfect show to take your Mom to if she’s a music lover who’s always up for a good ol’ time. Show starts at 8pm, $15 at the door. Saturday night with the talented Radney Foster takes the stage, another great show to share with Mom at Gruene Hall! Tickets are on sale now at www.gruenehall.com. Show starts at 9pm – Tickets are $20.

If you think she’d be more suited for a casual afternoon filled with tunes, the Bill Hearne Trio will be playing on Saturday from 1-5pm, and Sunday Bret Graham is here 12:30-4pm followed by Susan Gibson 5:30-9pm – these are free shows – leaving you with some extra cash to buy the perfect Mother’s Day gift!

If you are already in the know about Gruene Hall’s Gospel Brunch – then we are sure you have tickets to this amazing SOLD OUT Mother’s Day event, Sunday 10:30-12pm. You can always take your Mom next month- who says you should only celebrate her once a year?? Not us. Tickets go on sale 5/13/12 at 1pm online at www.gruenehall.com.

Visit www.gruenehall.com for more info on the Gospel Brunch and all the shows at Gruene Hall! 

 Don’t forget about one of Mom’s favorite activities – SHOPPING. Stop in at Lone Star – Texas Eclectic to enter to win your Mom a gift basket FULL of goodies!

Bring her by Black Swan Antiques and have a listen to their GIANT wind chimes out front! 

Pop in to Pookie Jane’s where Mom is sure to find a new outfit to suit her ever changing style. Also, don’t miss out on getting Mom a “What Would Willie Do” t-shirt at Cotton Eyed Joes or vintage treasure from The Gruene Antique Company.

  

We don’t want her to shop til’ she drops, so take a lunch or dinner break at one of the many dining spots here in Gruene.

 Does she LOVE Chicken Fried Steak? Head to The Gristmill! Is she craving a juicy burger? Check out Mozie’s Char King or Sliders! Or maybe she’s in the mood for a Margarita and Tacos – Ole! Take her to Cantina del Rio where the food is perfectly paired with an ice cold frozen Rita!

For more info on all of the shops and restaurants here in Gruene visit www.gruenetexas.com

 

Now that your Mom has caught a show at Gruene Hall, shopped till she dropped in town, and had a bite to eat – send her off to the Spa. The Gruene Day Spa that is.

This serene little gem is located right behind the main street in Gruene, off of New Braunfels Street. Here you can treat your Mom to a Special Mother’s Day Package that includes a 1 hour massage, a moisturizing facial, and an express pedicure all for $215. Nothing is too good for your Mama right?!

Check out their website for more info on products and services - www.gruenedayspa.com

Happy Mother’s Day to all you amazing Mama’s out there!

Love,

Your friends in the Gruene Historic District

37 Years and Still Honky Tonkin’

This weekend marks the 37^th Anniversary of Gruene Hall being under the ownership of Pat Molak and Mary Jane Nalley! While reminiscing through old photos we have come to appreciate the history of Texas’ Oldest Dance Hall, even more. 

For many musicians, it is one of the great stages to play on – often the “vibe” or “feeling” of the Hall is described by those who love to play here, and the same is true for our patrons. Maybe it’s the history; most likely it’s the good times everyone is having and those lovely old wood floors that are so perfect for dancing on. Either way – there is definitely energy here – and it’s a good one. 

Gruene Hall is actually about 134 years old and we’ve dug out some super old photos to back that up – like this one. The Hall was the center of the town at the time and attracted some seriously cool cowboys, like “Mr. Mustache” leaning very casually on the bar.  ALSO – that pot belly stove you see on the bottom left – it’s still there. Pat and Mary Jane didn’t really change a whole lot when they bought Gruene Hall because frankly, it didn’t need it. Gruene Hall looks pretty much the same as it did back in the old days, just how we all like it. 

  

Speaking of liking Gruene Hall – here is a guy that LOVED IT. Frank Schlather pretty much came with the Hall when Pat bought it and was a fixture at Gruene Hall until he passed. He loved to dance with all the girls, and was always easy to spot with his big crunched up cowboy hat, bowed legs and big smile. Since he was so loved by all – we celebrate him every year on his birthday, June 23^rd by offering ice cold beers for $0.50 from noon till 2pm at the Hall – just how Frank liked em’. 
Click here for more details about Frank and Frank Schlather Day at Gruene Hall - http://gruenetexas.com/frankday.php

 

This photo is of Gruene Hall back in the 20’s or 30’s – Anyone know what kind of car that is?

  

As you can see it used to be called “Gruene’s Hall” because Henry Gruene owned the joint then. 

See that building in the background? That is the Gristmill before it was, “The Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar.”  Still looks the same – rustic and rusty, perfect!

 This picture was taken of Gruene Hall before the road was paved… love those dirt roads. This was right about the time Pat and Mary Jane bought it, fixed what needed fixing and turned it into Legendary Gruene Hall. 

Today Gruene Hall looks like this – the wood bar, boot slick floors and hand carved tables – thanks to our loyal customers (y’all know who you are). Everyone that loves Gruene Hall loves that energy – the feeling you get when you walk in on a Saturday night and you came to see your favorite band – all of your friends are there waiting with a cold beer just for you. It’s hot – real hot – but the heat feels like a much needed hug from an old friend. So this weekend, come on over to the Hall and get that good ol’ feeling. Celebrate 37 years of Honky Tonkin with your friends at Gruene Hall!