The town of Gruene, Texas looks more like a movie set than a real town. If you’re visiting the city and want to eat, shop or just experience something, this is the place for you! Here you will find the best that Gruene has to offer.
Located on the banks of the Guadalupe River, this small Texas town has gently resisted change since 1872. With a handful of restored turn-of-the-century buildings, it’s no surprise that the city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to snap a photo of the infamous Gruene Hall, where legends like Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Strait and Lyle Lovett have played. It was also a filming location for the film Michael starring John Travolta.
If you’re wondering how to pronounce “Gruene,” it sounds like the word “green.”
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get started…
Food and Drink
But first coffee. Green coffee house is a family-run hole-in-the-wall in historic Gruene. They offer a full espresso menu, a selection of gourmet drip coffee, 24-hour cold coffee, many frappé flavors, smoothies, Italian sodas and pastries. They also offer locally brewed beer and wine from Dry Comal Creek Vineyards! You can pick up beer and wine to take with you as you stroll through the city. They are there for you from morning to evening. They also have the cutest murals, including this one featuring our favorite painting, George Strait!
For a small town, Gruene still has plenty of restaurants to offer! Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar is one of the best known. Below Gruene’s landmark water tower, in the ruins of an 1878 cotton mill overlooking the Guadalupe River, the historic Gristmill has been considered one of the most unique dining establishments in Texas for nearly half a century. A rare combination of history, location and turn-of-the-century architecture make up the Gristmill’s legendary Texas experience.
For all you wine lovers out there, there are two great places to try: The grapevine And Winery on the Gruene. Both smaller wineries are located in the historic district. Don’t miss this opportunity to support local wineries!
Shopping
Gruene Hat Company is located in the Mercantile Building right in the heart of the historic district. The Gruene Hat Company offers a wide selection of felt, straw, hemp and palm leaf hats, as well as other fun western items such as wild rags, leather gloves and cowhide products. With less than 250 square feet of space, Gruene Hat Co. has a hat to square foot ratio of 4:1, making it “The Best Small Hat House in Texas.”
There are also many other great shopping experiences in the city, such as sister stores pomegranate And Green outfitters.
Experience
Gruene Hall is considered the “Oldest Dance Hall in Texas.” This famous dance hall has seen a number of musicians over the years and, as previously mentioned, was the setting for the dance scene in the 1996 film Michael starring John Travolta. And just last year Garth Brooks included the hall on his Dive Bar tour!
If you’re wondering how commonly “house” is used in this city, we have the answer. German farmers settled here in the 1840s and the town has retained its charm ever since. Find out everything about the history of the city Here.
Believe it or not, there is more to do! In the picturesque town you can shop, eat and experience everything Green Lake Villagethat you will definitely want to visit again this Christmas! You can even spend a nice day outdoors Launda Park. Here you can play a round of mini golf, relax in the playground, walk the trails and even take a ride on the miniature train!
Remain
With so much to see and eat, you may want to spend more than one day in Gruene! Why not make your sleeping space as unique as the city you’re staying in? With the creation of Airbnb, finding unique places to stay has become both trendy and convenient. Tiny houses, shipping containers and rustic farmhouse decor are the latest trends and this city fits the trend perfectly. The difference is that you get more of the historic B&B experience. We recommend; The farmhouse in Gruene or Green Mansion Inn.
