2019 SouthWest: Gruene Hall ~ Route Alto 80

Seeing a write-up about Gruene TX in our local paper struck us that it would be our kind type of place to check out. We are attracted to smaller places, that are quirky and historical, and Gruene ticked all those boxes. Plus, it seemed to be a place that would capture the essence of Texas.

‘Gruene’ (pronounced ‘Green’ by the locals) is a former 1800’s German settlement, which is now a historic district within the city of New Braunfels, just east of San Antonio. This area is now on the US National Register of Historic Places.

This link provides an overview of Gruene’s history and how the buidings were saved from demolition due to the initiative of an architectural student...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gruene,_New_Braunfels,_Texas

Gruene’s central attraction is its 1878 circa, wood 6,000 sq.ft. dance hall, ‘Gruene Hall’ is the oldest dance hall in Texas. In the mid-1970’s it was revived back to be a popular music venue, drawing crowds from all over to hear country and blue-grass.
Here is their web site: http://gruenehall.com

After settling into our hotel, we headed over to Greune Hall to catch some live music and absorb the ambiance of this authentic historical place.

the benches get cleared away to make the huge dance floor

While having drinks and listening to the music, we had nice chats with a friendly Texan couple, Janelle and Oscar, and then another local man. We are discovering that Texans are friendly and love to chat...just like we do. They made our visit to the Hall extra special.

Also of interest to us was checking out the mid-1800’s wood homes and buildings, including it’s original water tower. Most of Gruene’s buildings have been preserved and have been turned back into thriving businesses.