New Braunfels

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Pop. 27,334Alt. 720
 

General - Seat of Comal County, established 1845 on Comal River by German settlers led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. Successful farming, ranching, abundant water from large springs contributed to early prosperity of settlement. German influence in tradition, culture and language still prominent; famous for sausages, breads, and popular river resorts. Mill Store Plaza is one of state's largest factory-direct stores with some 50 manufacturers selling direct. Plaza is open at 9 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. daily except 6 p.m. Sun. Exit I87 or I89 on I-35. Wurstfest (Sausage Festival), 10 days early Nov., salutes the best of the wurst. Features singing societies, traditional German bands, dancing groups and sausage of every description. Historical exhibits, art shows and special events.

Alamo Classic Car Museum - Take a trip down memory lane among dozens of classic and vintage cars. Open daily 10 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. On I -35 south near city limits, exits 180 or 182.

Baetge House - Good example of fachwerk construction, two-story house was built in 1852. Furnishings on first floor predate 1860; second floor allows inspection of construction technique. Open Sat., Sun. 2-5 p.m. 1370 Church Hill Dr.

Gruene - German immigrants, established village before 1850;now part of New Braunfels. Historic structures, both ruins and restored, include old homes, stores, art gallery, winery, ice cream parlor, and rustic beer hall, circa 1880, still popular for weekend dances. On Guadalupe River, Gruene Rd. off N. Loop 337.

Guadalupe Valley Winery - No vineyard; grapes purchased from Texas vineyards and brought to winery in restored cotton gin, listed on National Register of Historic Places. Tasting room and gift shop open Mon.- Fri. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. Noon- 5 p.m. Tours of winery offered during summer months Sat., Sun. Noon- 4 p.m.; Sept.- May, third Sat. of month. Group tours of 10 or more year round by appointment. Tour fee. 1720 Hunter Road in Gruene. 512/629-2351.

Historic Inns - Faust Hotel - Restored 1920's hotel with ornate, decorative tile, ceiling fans, and candlestick telephones in each room. Verandah Restaurant features Texas and German-style fare; 62 rooms with baths, 240 S. Seguin St. Prince Solms Inn - Small plain-Texan exterior; exquisite antique furnishings, 14-foot ceilings, orange bronze hardware, garden, and patio flagged with huge stones from the Comal County Jailhouse. The Uptown Piano Bar is in basement. Eight rooms with baths and two suites, 295 E. San Antonio St.

Landa Park - Exceptionally scenic city park around crystal springs heading the Comal River. Towering trees, spring-fed swimming pools, tubing, picnicking, boating, bicycling, hiking and golf. Largest springs in state (more than 8 million gallons an hour) form state's shortest river- 2.5 miles. Miniature train ride winds through park.

Lindheimer Home - Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer (1801-1879) was first to classify much of native Texas flora; more than 30 varieties bear his name. The house, circa 1852, displays the fachwerk construction German settlers adapted to Texas cedar and limestone. Many original furnishings. Open May- Aug. daily except Wed. 2- 5 p.m.; Sept.- Apr. Sat., Sun. 2- 5 p.m.; 419 Comal St.

Museum of Texas Handmade Furniture - Housed in historic (1858) Andrea's Breustedt home; displays include dozens of furniture pieces handcrafted in Texas during 1800s. English ironstone, pewter, and other artifacts from 1700s. One-room log cabin features furnishings and tools. Open Memorial Day- Labor Day, Tues.- Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m.; Labor Day- Memorial Day, Sat., Sun. 1-4 p.m. 1370 Church Hill Dr.

Natural Bridge Caverns - Vast subterranean maze on ranch land some 17 miles west, designated a U.S. Natural Landmark. Gigantic rooms and corridors stretch more than a mile, leading to underground Purgatory Creek and awesome cave formations. 12 mi. west via Texas 46 & F.M. 1863. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's; tours every half-hour.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch - 200-acre drive-through preserve spreading over picturesque Texas Hill Country where exotic animals, birds, and Texas wildlife roam freely. Be sure to get a container of complementary food; some animals (African ostrich, Sable antelope, yak and others) will actually put their heads into car window for their treat. Extra feed sold in visitor center for two petting zoos. Snack bar, picnic area. Open daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. ( Jun. - Aug. 9 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.); closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. Near Natural Bridge Caverns FM 3009.

River Camps - River camps/resorts have been popular for decades. Clear, cool spring-fed pools, tubing chutes, rapids, and exceptionally scenic settings for family recreation. Family groups abundant during summer; visitors from northern states during winter. See Visitor Information (below).

River Guides Outfitters - Several New Braunfels outfitters provide raft and canoe rentals, plus guided float trips here and in Big Bend region of far West Texas. See Visitor Information (below).

Scenic Drives - Any of several highways into the Hill Country are scenic. R.M. 32, the "Devils Backbone," northwest of Canyon Reservoir is exceptionally beautiful, as is county road from New Braunfels to Sattler along Guadalupe River.

Schlitterbahn - (Slippery Road) Water Amusement park highlighted by water slides from German-style castle tower; also tube chutes, swimming lagoon, sand beach, bumper boats, giant hot tub, and children's water play areas. Open weekends in May and Sept., daily Memorial Day- Labor Day, 400 N. Liberty St.

Sophienburg Museum - On hilltop site where Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels built a log fortress. Displays many of the nobleman's personal effects, Indian artifacts and household items of pioneer era. Open Mon.- Sat. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 401 W. Coll St. at Academy Ave.

Visitor Information - Details and free literature about New Braunfels historic sites, river camps and river outfitters, accommodations, and current local events available at chamber of commerce, 309 S. Seguin St. Open Mon.- Fri. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
 

Thorough effort has been made to provide accurate event information; however, always confirm dates and times with the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-572-2626.