Save Green, Go Gruene

Many college students look for something fun to do over Spring Break but not everyone can afford to go to Cabo San Lucas. Some students choose to save some green by visiting Gruene, Texas for a unique Spring Break experience.

Gruene, Texas is a historical district located on the Guadalupe River about 15 miles south of San Marcos. Gruene offers unique shopping and dining and a look into the past. The town’s location on the Guadalupe River makes it a good place for recreational water activities.

Gruene is home to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall, which has nurtured many talented country musicians including Texas State alumnus George Strait.

Michael Hayes, a regular patron of Gruene Hall, has been coming to the dance hall since the eighties.

“There are shows seven days a week,” said Hayes. “Saturday and Sunday there are two shows and they are usually free. When I first started coming here we used to go out back and play horseshoes all the time.”

For a list of upcoming shows at Gruene Hall, visit www.gruenehall.com.

Another attraction in Gruene is the Gristmill River Restaurant. The Gristmill was once a cotton gin but has been converted to a large restaurant. The restaurant’s outdoor seating overlooks the Guadalupe River, giving guests a unique, scenic experience.

Alan Nelson, who has worked at the Gristmill for a year and a half, says the restaurant draws a large, varied crowd, especially in the summer months.

“Usually Spring Break marks the beginning of our busiest season, which lasts through the summer and into the fall,” Nelson said. “We feature Americana food in relaxed, scenic environment. We get guests ranging from tourists who are here as part of their vacation to locals who can’t get enough of our great food.”

Gruene also has other dining options including Adobe Verde, also a former cotton gin, which specializes in Mexican food and seafood. Mozie’s Bar and Grill is known for its sliders, garlic fries, and garlic crusted chicken.

The Guadalupe River brings a lot of visitors to Gruene as well. Orlando Cantu, an employee of the Gruene Antique Company, sees a lot of activity on the river.

“In the summer the river is a big attraction,” said Cantu. “You have people coming in starting in June and they’re here through August. During the off-season you have kayaking and other river activities going on. There are a lot of places on the Guadalupe to rent tubes, but Rockin’ R is the biggest one.”

Rockin’ R River Rides has four locations to rent tubes or rafts, four retail stores, three campgrounds, and more. For more information about what Rockin’ R has to offer, visit their website at www.rockinr.com.

The Gruene Antique Company offers a wall-to-wall selection of antiques. Sarah Klinkenberg, a senior at Texas State who works at the store, says they offer a wide variety of antique items including furniture and collectibles.

Gruene is also home to the Gruene General Store, which is fashioned after a traditional general store. The store sells a wide variety of homemade foods and unique gifts. The Grapevine, another store in Gruene, sells a wide selection of wines produced in Texas.

Klinkenberg describes Gruene as a place where people from a variety of backgrounds can come together to enjoy everything the town has to offer.

“Gruene’s small town charm attracts tons of people every year, and during the summer people come from all over the world to visit,” Klinkenberg said. “It is a really neat town with a ton of things to do. It’s historic and beautiful and I think that’s why so many people visit. So many come back every year.”

For more information on Gruene, Texas, visit their website at www.gruenetexas.com.