I first visited Gruene in the late 1970s while living in Corpus Christi. I wanted to take a group of singles from our church on a rafting trip, so—long before the days of the internet—I did a little research and discovered the Gruene River Company. They were wonderful to work with, and our group had a great experience on the Guadalupe River. That trip became my introduction to Gruene and the beginning of my appreciation for this historic Texas community.

Gruene is located along the Guadalupe River within the city limits of New Braunfels, about 35 miles northeast of San Antonio. German immigrant Ernst Gruene and his family settled in the area in the 1840s. His son Henry later developed Gruene into a prosperous cotton-farming community, building homes, a general store, a cotton gin, and the now-famous Gruene Hall.

When the boll weevil devastated the local cotton industry in 1925, most of Gruene’s businesses closed. The dance hall—now known as Gruene Hall—was the town’s only business to remain open. Gruene lay largely dormant until restoration efforts began in 1974 and the community was recognized as a historic district.

The Gruene General Store reopened in its original building in 1989, giving visitors a look at an old-fashioned Texas emporium. The wooden floors are worn and creak as you walk, with some damaged spots patched up with old license plates. Like many historic general stores in Texas, you can still feel the past in the air.

Cheryl and I took our time exploring the entire store. There was so much to see—vintage advertising signs, antique fixtures, old-fashioned candy, homemade fudge, Texas-made foods, Christmas ornaments, and an assortment of fun Texas-themed souvenirs. The store even has a soda fountain, completing the nostalgic experience and making a visit feel like a step back in time.

There is, of course, much more to see and experience in Gruene. The day we visited, the historic district was packed with visitors—and I loved seeing so many people enjoying this special place. Gruene is definitely a Texas treasure.

Cheryl and I can’t wait to introduce our granddaughters to the Gruene experience. And, of course, when we take them to the General Store, we will probably buy them whatever they want. That’s what grandparents do!