Texas Highways, Volume 70, Number 2, February 2023 Page: 78
80 p. : col. ill., mapsView a full description of this periodical.
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82D lTMeS fOR AL 8'AL
Beaumont draws visitors from near
and far to fish, hunt, bird, paddle,
and-yes-even hold live alligators.
On the border of Louisiana, bringing
the Cajun flair, but still as Texan as
Texas can be, you'll find comfortable
and friendly accommodations with
plenty to do and see. In addition to
our amazing biodiversity and nature
hot spots, Beaumont is also a hub of
oil boom history - with museums
and landmarks dedicated to telling
our unique story. When visiting,
you should expect the unexpected
because, as we say, s
d min Beaumont!78 texashighways.com
TH II)W1HIPPI1'S TOP 5
Gruene
The color of TexasBY CHET GARNER
Tucked along the winding Guadalupe River in the Hill Country is a town that's much
bigger in legend than in size. The entire Gruene Historic District located within New
Braunfels is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Though it extends only
about 25 acres, it's filled with more history, food, and lore than cities 100 times
its size. Making a pilgrimage here is a rite of passage for any Texan-just don't
pronounce it "Groo-in."
Downtown Gruene
Drive down Gruene's main street, Hunter Road, and you'll feel like you've stepped into an
idyllic small town painting with mom and pop businesses filling every storefront. Stock
up on knickknacks and grab a hand-dipped ice cream cone from the Gruene General
Store. Personalize your new cowboy hat at Gruene Hat Company-they'll even set it on
fire to give it char marks. Decorate your yard with oddities and tin decor from Gruene
Gardens. At the end of the day, park yourself at an outdoor fire pit with a glass of Texas
wine from The Grapevine.
Wurst in Gruene
The wurst is the best at this food trailer parked at the edge of the Gruene Grove beer
and margarita garden. The tasty bratwurst comes nestled inside a warm pretzel bun,
slathered with your choice of toppings like sauteed onions and fried jalapenos. Add their
house-made sauerkraut to anything on the menu for a tangy kick.
Guadalupe River
Most folks visit this beautiful river in the summer months when it's packed with
swimmers, tubers, and sunbathers. But visit in the winter and you'll find a much calmer
river and an ample supply of trout. After stocking up on supplies and fishing tips at
Gruene Outfitters, head to the water and attempt to catch a rainbow trout. The Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department stocks thousands of the cold-water fish in the river each
winter. You'll definitely catch a great time.
Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar
There may be no restaurant in Texas that serves a better chicken-fried steak. The
building itself is a mix of metal, brick, and wood that was once the town's cotton gin. In
1977 it was saved from near collapse and repurposed into a destination eatery packed
with hundreds of patrons each weekend. Every meal should start with the house onion
rings followed by Texas classics including burgers, pork ribs, and steaks. Save room for
the whiskey pecan pie.
Gruene Hall
No day in Gruene is complete without stepping onto the wooden floor of the oldest
dance hall in Texas, dating to 1878. Like most German towns, Gruene was anchored by a
community hall used for dancing, voting, reunions, and even badger fights. In the 1970s,
two young entrepreneurs turned it into one of Texas' best dance halls. A young George
Strait played here regularly when he was getting started, and country stars from Garth
Brooks to Kacey Musgraves have performed on its stage. Your feet will naturally start
two stepping no matter if you hear a famous band at a ticketed event or listen to a local
troubadour on a weekday night.
So whether you follow my footsteps or forge your own path,
Hope to see you on the road.
Chet Garner is the host of The Daytripper travel show on PBS.
To view the Gruene episode, visit thedaytripper.com.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @chettripper.BEAUM NTI
V1 iTBAV MNr
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Texas. Department of Transportation. Texas Highways, Volume 70, Number 2, February 2023, periodical, February 2023; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1623752/m1/82/: accessed July 16, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.