There is a German influence in the Hill Country of Texas. Towns like New Braunfels, Fredericksburg or Boerne were founded by German immigrants in the 1800’s and pride themselves in their heritage. Generations of the original settlers still call this area home and carry on the old country traditions. The buildings on main street in the smaller towns are reminiscent of a day long ago; however, businesses inside are a little different. The streets thrive with activity from today’s visitors as they duck in and out of chic boutiques, scour souvenir shops or indulge their taste buds at a local restaurant or eatery. Cute, quaint and friendly is the best way to describe these communities.
Gruene
Gruene, outside of New Braunfels, is a village that has come back to life. Founded in 1850 and once boasting a healthy cotton-producing market, this town had all but closed its streets. It has seen a revival within the last 20 years as tourism has replaced agriculture as the primary economic support. Their claim to fame: Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest active dance hall. Typically, the hall plays live music daily. However, thanks to COVID-19, all events had been temporarily postponed.
Fredericksburg
If you want fresh, yummy peaches, then a trip to Fredericksburg is recommended. This town was founded in 1846 and named after Prince Frederick of Prussia. Its Historic District is on the National Registry of Historic Places in Texas. Fredericksburg also hosts some of the best wineries in the area. Claim to fame: the National Museum of the Pacific War a.k.a the Nimitz Museum. The museum is located in the former childhood home of Admiral Chester Nimitz! https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/
Wow I love old towns exploring them is so much fun! Love the German influence. Definitely miss that !
Need little towns. I don’t remember much of Gruene, tho.
I love little old towns, and really enjoyed seeing the pics and hearing your descriptions. Small towns are my choice of places to live.