Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett
It has seating outside, but we optioned to stay in the air conditioning this time.
Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett
A tad bit more expensive than the Gristmill, but with the rustic and relaxed feel of Gruene.
Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett
7-2013
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Andrew Leggett
It is always busy but the wait is never too long … and the beer garden under the oak trees has plenty of seats.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd
The food is nice and the drinks are delicious!
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Andrew Leggett
We always sit among the trees on the multi-level terrace facing the Guadapule River.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd
The company is invariably good.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd
There are several great eateries in Gruene, but stopping here quickly became our tradition.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Nicki Hurd
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Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
It is not a historical inn but still charming and Gruene. A gourmet breakfast of more than you ever need to eat is presented by the Inn keepers, the family that build it.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
The kitchen is beautiful, and the room adjoining it looks over the back garden that leads to the river.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
The B&B has a nice balance of being serene but fun.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
Just steps from the town square, and on the Guadalupe river, makes it a perfect location.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
It is set up for adults only, allowing it to be quiet but still fun.
Gruene Apple B &B Photo by Nicki Hurd
The bottom floor has a movie theater and game room…
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
and also a sun room that faces the garden at the back over the river. The staff leave at 8:00pm and the first time we stayed here I went out to the car at night and did not take my room key (which also opens the front door) or mobile….luckily, there was someone playing in the game room that let me in. 😉
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
It has 14 rooms that are themed. Mimi’s Attic was available. We booked late and were happy to get one that had a balcony facing the river.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
Mimi’s is a bit festive for us…
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
but the Inn is well maintained and relaxing.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
It has a library.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
A pianola playing cues you that the complimentary wine is served in the lobby.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
We enjoyed our wine on the Lanai and look forward to the next time.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
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Gruene Mansion Inn Photo by Andrew Leggett
Ernst and his family built their home and many of the first buildings in Gruene . The Gruene Mansion was his son Henry’s house.
Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett
We decided to visit for July 4th. Generally we are reluctant to venture out for the busy holiday but Gruene was an excellent choice for us; a great location, only one hour down the interstate from Austin, although, we took a little longer on the country roads from San Marcos after floating down the San Marcos River on kayaks.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Andrew Leggett
The family used a variety of architectural styles, and their constructions included the Gristmill, formally a cotton gin before it burned down, now functioning as a favorite restaurant of many, including us, and the Gruene Hall, still standing and maintaining its purpose as the local dance hall.
Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar Photo by Andrew Leggett
The family and Gruene flourished, then struggled, but no unhappy ghosts linger here. It has returned to being a vibrant place. It has a historical but relaxed and easy feel to it… touristy without being too busy.
Since I first found Gruene myself, I stop in any chance I get when traveling by. We always eat at the Gristmill and stop at Winery on the Gruene to pick up a couple of bottles to support the local business. 
Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett
This time our first meal was at Gruene River Grill. It was very nice, not as busy as the Gristmill, a bit more expensive but not a problem for us, family friendly so not necessarily quieter…. and we ordered too much. Lovely space outside to recover in after.
Gruene River Grill Photo by Andrew Leggett
This was our second time staying at the Gruene Apple B&B.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Andrew Leggett
From the pool area we were able to see the New Braunfels fireworks. It was nice to relax and watch while avoiding the crowds and traveling.
New Braunfels Fireworks from The Gruene Apple B&B
The Gruene Apple is right on the edge of the town square…steps away but quieter and it is only for couples. We booked late but were lucky, Mimi’s Attic (the rooms have themes) a room with a balcony that faces the Guadalupe River was available.
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
After a nights sleep we had a delicious breakfast and ventured to Landa Park in New Braunfels.
Landa Park New Braunfels Photo by Nicki Hurd
Made our way around by bicycle and train. The conductor did not seem to mind that our car’s bottom was sinking and scraping the tracks.
Landa Park New Braunfels Photo by Andrew Leggett
Beautiful birds were posing throughout the park.
Landa Park New Braunfels Photo by Andrew Leggett
After returning to the Gruene Apple…
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
we were greeted by an equally enchanting creature..
Gruene Apple B&B Photo by Nicki Hurd
7-4-2013