Whew! The last few days have really been scorchers for us! We had such a great response from our first Weekend GetAways post (Galveston Island), that I thought we’d do another…this time let’s look at a beautiful part of the state full of rivers, shade trees and history…New Braunfels!
From Katy, head West on I-10 to begin your adventure. Ask anyone who has lived in our area for a long time, and they probably have fond memories of time spent on the rivers in the New Braunfels area. The Guadalupe and Comal Rivers offer a refreshing, relaxing escape from a hectic week. Here are some of our favorites places to go and things to do in this part of Texas…
Mountain Breeze Campground. Family owned & operated by our long-time friends, Mountain Breeze is located on River Road right on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Offering cabins, RV sites, and tent camping, these guys are also your full source for tubes and rafts for your trip down the river. Other amenities include fishing, lighted volleyball & horseshoe pits, and hot water showers. Their sports bar & grill has a deck overlooking the river. If you like to camp or you want to float down the Guadalupe…this is your place!
Gruene Hall. Texas’ oldest dance hall! Gruene Hall was built in 1878. The list of entertainers who’ve performed there is like a historical who’s who in Texas music.
The Gristmill River Restaurant. Located in historic Gruene, next to Gruene Hall, the Gristmill makes its home in what was the boiler room of the old water powered cotton mill built in 1878. Sitting on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, this place is a destination of its own…and the food is good too!
Natural Bridge Caverns. Recognized as a national natural landmark, the caverns were discovered 50 years ago by spelunking college students. They offer several different types of tours…everything from the popular walking tour, to lantern tours, and even adventure tours.
Schlitterbahn. No discussion of things to do in New Braunfels is complete without Schlitterbahn! Featured many times on the Travel Channel, the original Schlitterbahn Waterpark is a true Texas gem. Launched in 1966 and opened in 1979 by the Henry family, this is the world’s first “water resort”. Arguably the first family of waterparks, the Henrys created the first surfing ride, the first uphill water coaster, and the first tidal wave river. Schlitterbahn is still family owned. The New Braunfels parks now cover 65 acres and include the original section Schlitterbahn West as well as Blastenhoff and Surfenburg at Schlitterbahn East. And get this…parking is FREE, tubes are FREE, life jackets are FREE and you can bring in your own picnic!
Other family activities in the New Braunfels area include the New Braunfels Railroad Museum, Landa Park (featuring paddle boats, mini golf, mini train rides and walking trails), the City Tube Chute (billed as the longest tube chute in the world) and McKenna Children’s Museum.
And on your way to and from New Braunfels, don’t forget to follow the famous beaver signs to Buc-ee’s on I-10 in Luling…known for their clean restrooms and jerky of all kinds (“except beaver”). 
Safe travels!
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