Honkey Tonkin' In Gruene

Dec. 27th - We ventured out to a little town called Gruene (pronounced green). A fun rustic little town with a lot of western background history.

Some History on Gruene...

Arriving in Texas in the mid 1840s, German farmers became the first settlers of what is now known as Gruene, Texas. Ernst Gruene, a German immigrant, and his bride Antoinette, had reached the newly established city of New Braunfels in 1845, but acreage was scarce. Thus, Ernst and his two sons purchased land just down river, and Ernst built the first home in Gruene in early fachwerk style. His second son, Henry D. Gruene, built his home (now Gruene Mansion Inn) and planted his surrounding land with cotton.

Henry D. built houses in various styles -- a Victorian cottage (now Lone Star), a large brick home, and a frame house (now Gruene Haus) for the foreman of his farm. The first mercantile store (now Gruene General Store) was built in 1878 and a cotton gin (now Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar) powered by the Guadalupe River was added soon after. Further construction during this profitable time included a dance hall and saloon (Gruene Hall), which became the center of the community's social life.

The Gruene Mansion Inn - A premier Bed and Breakfast, with 30 rooms. Formerly H.D. Gruene’s home, carriage house, corn crib, and barns. Rustic Victorian elegance and a delightful breakfast.
Not only is the property listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but it is also designated a Texas Historic Landmark.

The Gurene Hall - The Texas club that helped launch the careers of George Strait and many others, celebrates 35 years of cool music and good fun. Includes images and quotes from some of the most famous artists to grace the Hall's stage.
Once a month Gruene Hall puts on a show like no other. This popular two-stepping, toe-tapping hangout is the place to be the second Sunday of each month for its Gospel Brunch.

The Grapevine - A charming, inviting wine bar right on the main street. It has one of the largest selections of Texas wines and offers free tastings every day. Texas is the 5th largest producing wine region in the entire country. The Grapevine specializes in Texas wines. There are 160 wineries in Texas right now.

Gruene River Antiques - 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. Opened in May 2006 with the help of employees and vendors. The store currently consists of thirty vendors. Each vendor was chosen for their quality products and excellence in presentation. You will find a wide array of antiques from different parts of the world and different styles.