Situated on the banks of the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels between Austin and San Antonio, the Gruene cotton gin processed crops raised by area farmers until the wooden structure burned to the ground in 1922.  All that remains of the water-powered mill today is the three story brick boiler room – now the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar.

Located in the historic district of Gruene just beneath the famous Gruene water tower, this restaurant opened in 1977, serving steaks and hamburgers from a tiny kitchen in the corner of the building.  The menu features thick steaks and large hamburgers, but the restaurant also serves up popular South Texas fare like chicken fried steak, fried catfish, grilled chicken, enormous sandwiches, fresh fish and special dishes like tomatillo chicken and bronzed catfish.  Fudge pie, the enormous strawberry shortcake and a signature Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie are famous desserts.  A full bar with a good wine list and fresh squeezed lime margaritas are also big hits.

This multi-level restaurant features outdoor and indoor dining with sweeping views of the river, special dining rooms with native stone fireplaces, an indoor bar with waiting area and wood burning stove, a relaxing beer garden and a merchandise store.  The River Grove, added in 1998, is a refreshing open air, bricked patio nestled in a grove of trees overlooking the river.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is the #1 Waterpark in the World for 10 Consecutive Years. Not only is Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort the most popular summertime waterpark in the United States, but it is also ranked as the #1 Kid-Friendly destination in the state of Texas. The park is located on the banks of the spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels, between San Antonio and Austin, in south central Texas.

Schlitterbahn New Braunfels is divided into two parts (East and West), separated by several city blocks.  Free parking is available at both locations and a free shuttle between the two areas.

Schlitterbahn East is further divided into two themed areas; Surfenburg, built in 1991, and Blastenhoff, built in 1996. In 1994, Schlitterbahn opened the first ever uphill water ride, known as the Dragon Blaster. Since then, they have added several other uphill water coasters, the Master Blaster and the Family Blaster. The Master Blaster in particular has often been voted as the best water ride in the US by travel publications and is frequently mentioned on the Travel Channel as such.

In addition to these water coasters, the New Braunfels park now boasts over 3 miles of inner tube rides, 7 water playgrounds for children, 17 water slides, and the world’s first surfing machine (Boogie Bahn, which is used by both professionals and casual visitors).

There is live music seven days a week, and you’ll always find someone on the large dance floor. They have a music calendar on their web site.

The tables are long rows of picnic benches. It’s easy to talk to people sitting near you. Mixed between younger folk and old timers, you’ll find locals and lots of tourists wearing their brand new boots. By the end of the night, most people are exhausted and their boots are off because of the blisters from doing the jitterbug.