Treffen Hill Country March 29 – April 2, 2017

Fluss Strasse nach Gruene (River Road to Gruene)

Thursday, March 30th and Saturday April 1st

River Road is a 10.6-mile scenic drive between Canyon Lake Dam and New Braunfels, crossing the Guadalupe

River four times. The river cuts through tall limestone bluffs and towering cypress trees. There are occasional

rapids, but for the most part the river flows along lazily. Millions of people float this 20-mile stretch of the river

between Sattler and New Braunfels every summer, but we’re going to drive.

Even with the remarkable growth of this once sleepy little town, the main

focus of Gruene is, and continues to be, bona fide Texas. Everything from

the wares they sell to the music they play speaks to a commitment to

preserve the authenticity of Gruene and providing its guests with an

experience that has the signature seal of the Lone Star State. Visit Gruene

Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, and enjoy lunch in a restaurant on the

banks of the Guadalupe River

Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is Texas’ oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. By design, not much has physically changed since the Hall was first built. The 6,000 square foot dance hall with a high pitched tin roof still has the original layout with side flaps for open air dancing, a bar in the front, a small lighted stage in the back and a huge outdoor garden. Advertisement signs from the 1930s and 40s still hang in the old hall and around the stage. Gruene Hall has also become a place where working songwriters, such as John Hiatt or Rodney Crowell, Kevin Welch or Jim Lauderdale, can try out new material or just take a breather between tour dates; where music icons such as Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Merle Haggard or Kris Kristofferson can play in a more intimate venue; where former “up and comers” such as Garth Brooks, Chris Isaak or the Dixie Chicks can extend their tour; and where big names such as Willie Nelson and Aaron Neville have chosen to perform. Through the years, the big winners have always been Gruene Hall’s patrons. A person watching a show never knows if the artist they see at the Hall today will be a star tomorrow, but they can know that the music they hear will always be top notch.

River Road Scenic Drive

The Gristmill: Since 1977 Situated on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, this spectacular restaurant nestled under the shade of towering oak trees has been the perfect getaway for a unique casual dining experience for thirty years.

Fluss Strasse nach Gruene (River Road to Gruene) • 95 miles, 2 hours, 20 minutes • Lunch included at the Gristmill; free time to shop and explore the famous Gruene Hall • Plan to depart Gruene by 1:00 pm to arrive back to the Hyatt by 3:00 pm

Fluss Strasse nach Gruene (River Road to Gruene) – Return Route • 72 miles, 1 hour 56 minutes

SHOP IN GRUENE HISTORIC DISTRICT

ANTIQUES

BLACK SWAN ANTIQUES | (830) 625-7122 - Old World Antiques and collectibles shipped directly from England and Europe. Furniture, porcelain, stoneware, copper, bottles, books, McCalls Country Candles and more. FICKLE PICKLES ANTIQUES AND PICKLES (830) 627-8999 - As seen in Southern Living magazine. Offering a unique blend of interesting antiques and one of the best pickle recipes you've ever tasted. GRUENE ANTIQUE COMPANY | (830) 629-7781 - Over 6,500 square feet of antiques, collectibles, gifts and decorator items. Housed in H.D. Gruene's Texas Landmark mercantile building (c. 1903) with original bank vault. SPECIALTY SHOPS THE BARN POTTERY | (830) 629-7975 - (Formerly Buck Pottery) Come see a craftsman at work. Featuring hand-thrown, wood fired pottery. Also showing the handwork of other skilled potters, jewelers, metal smiths and wood workers. COTTON EYED JOE'S | (830) 620-1995 - Steeped in Gruene's rustic atmosphere, you'll find a great collection of Texas and Gruene-themed gifts, souvenirs, and, of course, T-shirts! DANCING BEAR | (830) 629-2059 - Unique collectibles, inspirational, candles, scents, home decor, signs, specialty foods, jewelry, purses & accessories. Visit the gardens. ELEMENT 29 | (830) 625-2929 - There's nothing ordinary about this boutique. Design-driven apparel, accessories, decor & more. Locally designed and printed infantwear and gifts, plus a wall of uncommon socks. GALLERIE AT GRUENE | (830) 629-2059 - Contemporary fine art created by six local artists. Paintings, sculpture, pottery and handcrafted jewelry. GOT TOYS | (830) 620-4700 - Not your average toy store! Carrying an eclectic mix of toys for newborns to adults. Feel young again with a variety of classic tin toys, joke items, retro games and much more. Come see the giant duck! THE GRAPEVINE (830) 606-0093 - Complimentary daily tastings of 20+ wines; large selection of Texas wine. Craft beers on tap, New World & German wines and wine accessories. Outdoor area with season fire pits or misters and live music. Friday Happy Hour all year long! THE GREAT TEXAS PECAN CANDY CO. | (830) 627-3343 - Handmade Pecan Candies.

GRUENE GENERAL STORE | (830) 629-6021 or (800) 974-8353 - Selected as one of the 40 best places to visit in Texas: soda fountain, homemade fudge, Texas foods, unusual gifts, books, cards, antiques, signs and tins, all in a nostalgic setting. THE GRUENE HAUS | (830) 837-5590 - A historical landmark full of fabulous Texas treasures! From trendy clothing and accessories to home decor, this small cottage has big style! GRUENE OUTFITTERS | (830) 625-4440 or (888) 477-3474 - Top-of-the-line outdoor wear, fresh and saltwater fly tackle, footwear and fine accessories such as hats, sunglasses and travel gear. Also, fly fishing lessons. GRUENE ROSE @ TEXAS HOMEGROWN | (830) 629-3176 - Offering sassy ladies apparel, footwear, jewelry, scarves and art items with a Texas flare. Lots of purses! Home of the $6.99 earrings. Open daily. GRUENE WITH ENVY / GIDDYUP GRUENE | (830) 627-0612 - Two great stores under one tin roof! Specialty boutique apparel, Yellow Box and Volatile Shoes, Corral "cowgirl" boots, accessories & more. GRUENEWERKS (830) 708-4446 - Leasing commercial space in Gruene. HUNTER JUNCTION | (830) 629-4900 - Since 1981, Gruene's first retail shop. Suppliers of quality t-shirts, sportswear, gifts and souvenirs. Located in the 1854 Rudolf du Menil building. Open daily, year round. NATURAL SELECTIONS | (830) 627-2922 - Located in the Casa de Pablo Lopez. Specializing in rocks, fossils, jewelry, antiquities from abroad with arrowheads and artifacts. Including home accents, framed art and unique gifts with a Texas twist. THE POMEGRANATE | (830) 609-9790 - Exceptional clothing & footwear for the local lifestyle. Boys & girls sizes 2T - Youth XL. Ladies outdoor wear and gifts, home accessories and instant gratification. POOKIE JANE'S | (830) 626-6446 - A boutique filled with women's apparel, jewelry, shoes, gifts and much more. Home of the original "MANCAVE". Find Pookie Jane's on Facebook. SIMPLY DETAILED BOUTIQUE | (830) 620-6200 - Where classy and confident unite to make fabulous, one outfit at a time. Women's apparel, footwear and accessories. Offering sizes small to 3X. SMILING EYES PHOTO GALLERY | (830) 629-7474 - Old time photos since 1975. Award winning western themed portraits. Costumes and props provided. Individuals, couples, families and groups.