World's best water park

If you’re looking for a place your whole family can enjoy during summer vacation, look no further than Schlitterbahn in NewBraunfels, Texas.  With attractions ranging from water slides and tube rides that will leave the bravest among your clan thrilled and breathless to gentle heated pools and kiddie play areas, this attraction has been voted World’s Best Waterpark for 23 years in a row.

My family has been going to Schlitterbahn since it was a relatively small water park on the Comal River. Now it is enormous, with four distinct sections. Each one is as large as most regional water parks and contains a swim-up bar, not-so-lazy river, children’s area and a variety of river rides, pools, waterslides, and adventures from mild to wild. In fact, it was so perfect for all ages and activity levels that several years ago we booked a family reunion involving 29 people for a three-day stay.

What’s new

Schlitterbahn recently opened for the 2022 season, featuring upgrades and improvements totaling $4.5 million. Guest entry has been streamlined, accommodations have received upgrades, and busses have been added to the free shuttle fleet.

Darren Hill, vice president and general manager of Schlitterbahn, New Braunfels, explains, “This season we are using our 40 years of experience of providing fun for our guests as we add more shade, new food options, and important upgrades to iconic attractions.”

What to expect at Schlitterbahn

Miles of rivers in the Original Section (still a favorite area) are powered by natural spring water from the Comal River. There’s the largest and most eclectic collection of water rides in the world, making Schlitterbahn the “Hottest, Coolest Time in Texas.” Several water playgrounds are designed for the youngest guests. Even though there are numerous food options available for purchase, coolers are always welcome in the park, so you can bring drinks and snacks for your crowd and avoid resort prices, if that’s what you prefer.

Cabanas are available for rent, but if you arrive reasonably early in the morning you should be able to find a shady area with tables or chairs to use as home base for the day. If you want to stay longer, Schlitterbahn Resort includes several accommodation options such as cabins, hotel, and a lodge, as well as condos and luxury suites that are located right next to the water park. 

For our group, we rented several condos that were walking distance from the water park gates. Families could enjoy attractions in the morning, play for several hours, return to their condos for a mid-day break (especially nice with small children), and then go back for another round of thrills and spills later in the day. We were also close to pools outside the gate and a large picnic area where we had dinners together in the cooling shade of large oak trees. Staying on site also enables guests to save up to 40% on admission fees.

Ready to go

Test your mettle on tube rides like Raging River, The Falls, Black Knight, Bahnzai Pipeline, and AquaVeyer. Body slides including Back Splash, Double Look, and Soda Straw will have you screaming, smiling, and going back for more.

Little tykes and their parents will find fun and relaxation at Crystal River, Kiddie Coast, Gator Bowl Activity Pool, and Sea Creature Cove. Wave pools provide just enough challenge and cooling off opportunities for all ages.

Away from the water, take time to check out historic New Braunfels and nearby Guene with its famous dance hall. The beautiful Texas Hill Country also features other attractions including caves, wildlife park, golf courses, and nearby San Antonio. 

Schlitterbahn can be a one-stop attraction with something for everyone. 400 N. Liberty Ave, New Braunfels, Texas, 830-625-2351

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

  

Best places for a family reunion

YMCA of the Rockies is an excellent place to set up a
 family reunion. Plenty of activities in neighboring Estes Park.

Time to get the clan together? It’s not always easy to find a place that’s suitable for a variety of ages and interests. If you’re planning a reunion that encompasses several generations, one of these locations might be just what you’re looking for.

Branson truly has something for 
everyone.

Branson, Missouri                                        

Known as the “Live Music Show Capital of the World,” Branson can provide world-class entertainment (it’s not all music) for the whole family. With 52 live performance theaters, the hardest part will be choosing which shows to attend. 

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, this all-American vacation destination also has three pristine lakes for fishing and relaxing, 12 championship golf courses, an award-winning theme park (Silver Dollar City), and dozens of attractions and museums including the acclaimed Titanic Museum. 

Nightly light shows of the river are pure delight.

There’s a full range of shopping on The Branson Landing in the heart of downtown on Lake Taneycomo, with waterfront dining and whimsical light shows at night.

New Braunfels, Texas                                  

The wave pool is fun for all ages--with plenty of funky rides for the brave.

Home of Schlitterbahn, the largest and most creative water park in the world, New Braunfels is the perfect destination for families that crave excitement. From toddler wade pools to simple water slides inside a castle-like tower to some of the fastest, scariest, and funest (yes, that’s a word) rides, there’s something exciting for every member of the family.

Try the ropes challenge, a zipline, and cave visit when visiting New Braunfels.

When not blasting down a variety of water rides, you can visit Natural Bridge Caverns, a family-friendly experience with incredible views of underground formations plus a ropes course, zipline, and mining adventure keep kids busy for hours. Enjoy delicious German food and dance to polka bands scattered throughout New Braunfels.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee                                 

A visit to the aquarium is fun for all.

Weddings are wonderful occasions for families to get together, why not plan an extended vacation at Gatlinburg, Wedding Capital of the South? Scenic mountains, whitewater rafting, ziplining, golf, and fishing—not to mention proximity to Great Smokey Mountain National Park, the most visited national park in the country—make Gatlinburg as excellent destination for special events. Its small town charm belies amenities like a world-class aquarium and a Space Needle observation tower.

Gatlinburg is a gateway to Great Smokey Mountain National Park.
 

Other destinations that multiple generations would enjoy include Gulf Shores, Alabama and Rosemary Beach, Florida—ideal places to dig your toes into soft sand. Both are located on the protected waters of the Gulf of Mexico. If your group prefers mountains, head west to Rocky Mountain National Park. YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado specializes in accommodating large family groups.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 days, 4 events: Gruene Music and Wine Festival

Mark your calendars for October 9-12, 2014 and raise your glass. The 28^th Annual Gruene Music & Wine Festival, presented by Gruene Hall and KNBT 92.1 FM, is right around the corner.  It’s just a quick hour’s drive from Austin in a historic section of the Lone Star state near New Braunfels. Come for a weekend full of Texas music, wine and food, all to benefit the United Way of Comal County. Tickets may be purchased at www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org    

 

Events Schedule

That’s Right, It’s Not From Texas - Thursday, October 9th

5:30 - 7:30pm: The Grapevine – Kick-off event featuring New World & German wines, live jazz music and, best of all, spectacular “Not From Texas” vacation package door prizes including trips to Savannah, GA; Orlando, FL; Kansas City, KS and more.

8:00pm: Gruene Hall – Uncle Lucius

 

Rockin’ With Texas Wine & Food – Friday, October 10th

5:30 - 8:30pm: Gruene Hall – Private show and meet ‘n’ greet with Robert Earl Keen, catered dinner by Gristmill River Restaurant and a wine tasting with McPherson Cellars, Texas Southwind Winery and Texas Hills Wineries. Silent auction and The Great Guitar Auction with autographed guitars by George Strait, Willie Nelson, Robert Earl Keen, The Mavericks, Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, Joe Ely, Lisa Marie Presley, Jerry Jeff Walker, Joe Ely, The Old 97’s, Stoney LaRue, Chris Isaak, Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and The Departed with Cody Canada and Seth James.

9:30pm: Gruene Hall – Robert Earl Keen

 

Texas Tastings & Tunes – Saturday, October 11th

Noon – 6:00pm: The Grapevine Grounds – Taste over 90 different Texas wines from over 30 different wineries, grab a snack in Le Cordon Gruene Food Alley and shop the craft market all to the beat of live, original Texas music.

9:00pm: Gruene Hall – Cory Morrow

 

Texas-Style Music Fest – Sunday, October 12th

10:30am – Noon: Gruene Hall – Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist catered by the Gristmill River Restaurant

1:00 – 6:00pm: The Grapevine Grounds – Brew-n-Que with the very best in beer and Texas BBQ. Original Texas tunes showcased live throughout the day.

2:00 – 10:00pm: Gruene Hall – Eight full hours of the very best in Americana music on two stages.

 

Among the 32 confirmed wineries that will have tastings and bottles for sale are Bell Springs, Fall Creek, Georgetown, Grape Creek, Pedernales Cellars, Pleasant Hill, Stone House Vineyard, Three Dudes, Val Verde, Westcave, and many more. For complete listings of all vendors, please visit www.gruenemusicandwinefest.org.

 

Information and photos courtesy of Katie Molack, marketing consultant for Gruene Historic District.

 

                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

Take the Discovery Tour at Natural Bridge Caverns in central Texas

Last week, with family visiting from Michigan, we drove to Natural Bridge Caverns near New Braunfels, Texas, about one and a quarter hours from Austin.  The largest public cave in Texas was discovered in the early 1960s when a group of college students asked the landowners if they could explore on the property. It was suspected that a system of caverns existed, but no one had really attempted to find what lay underground.

This post includes a series of pictures taken inside the caverns, showing some of the beautiful formations that have been developed and preserved for future generations. Still owned by members of the original ranching family, the caverns (and surrounding area)provide one of the most popular attractions for visitors to central Texas, especially with the addition of new family-friendly activities in recent years.

We went on the original guided Discovery Tour, which takes visitors along the path taken by the first explorers.  Established paths are easy to navigate these days as you view Sherwood Forest, Castle of the White Giants, and Hall of the Mountain King, a room the size of a football field.

During the 75 minute three-quarter-mile tour, we viewed gigantic limestone monuments in beautiful chambers 170 feet underground. Unlike some caves that tend to the cool side, Natural Bridge Caverns (yes, there is a natural stone bridge over the opening—hence the name), the temperature was about mid-70s throughout.

A few years ago the Hidden Passages tour was also opened, giving visitors a choice of tours. It features spectacular glistening formations highlighted in unique ways.  If you’re really adventurous, check out the three-hour “wild cave” tour where you negotiate obstacles through mud or on your tummy and climb up a 25-foot mud-covered slope. 

After the tour, plan to hang around, so your family can enjoy other attractions at the site including a challenging ropes course, four zip lines, a mineral exhibit and panning opportunity, and of course gift shops and food venues. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds.

Tours leave every 40 minutes, sometimes more often in summer. Purchase tickets online or at the caverns.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in central Texas opens expansion

Seven new animal species and  a growing giraffe population call the new, 50-acre preserve home.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch’s 100-year legacy in land heritage continues with the opening of Tower Creek, the Ranch’s largest expansion to its 400-acre preserve in 15 years.

Tower Creek, the newest expansion at the Wildlife Ranch, opened this spring.

“It’s been a labor of love,” says Tiffany Soechting, Natural Bridge WildlifeRanch marketing director and animal specialist. “Since 2010, we have carefully planned—repurposing untouched Texas Hill Country ranch land that has been in our family for over 150 years. It was our duty and honor to protect it, to provide more space for visitors to learn about the wild and endangered animals that share our earth.”

 The 50-acre expansion traverses Cibolo Creek and is home to seven animal species new to the ranch, including Impala, Zebu, Grant’s Gazelles, Sable Antelope, as well as African endangered species Nile Lechwe, Arabian Oryx, Dama Gazelle, and Bongo Antelope.

Get a close-up look at zebras at
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Reticulated Giraffes roam in an open enclosure environment in the center of Tower Creek. It’s the first time in the ranch’s history where visitors are able to feed the Reticulated Giraffes from their vehicles.

“After the birth of the twin Reticulated Giraffes last year, we knew it was time to bring visitors a bit closer to these amazing creatures,” Soechting says. “It’s the reason we named the expansion Tower Creek. Tower is a herd of giraffe—and that’s what visitors will see at as they descend onto the property.” 

The one-year old twin Reticulated Giraffes, Nakato and Wasswa, born in 2013, are thriving and have proved to be a big attraction at the Wildlife Ranch. Their enclosure remains at the entrance of the ranch for their safety, allowing ranch personnel easier access for feeding and care.

This fellow checks out passengers in a car driving
on the Wildlife Ranch's road.

Over 31,000 cubic feet of limestone was milled from the bluff over Tower Creek, which was used to build the 2-mile road through the expansion. Visitors are able to see the depth of the limestone rock wall, which is exposed at the expansion’s entrance.  “It’s a unique opportunity to see the geology of the Texas Hill Country,” said Soechting.

The Safari Sweet Spot, the Ranch’s new eatery that offers ice cream, fudge, and candy, is located under a grove of oak trees in Tower Creek, providing visitors a unique perch to watch the giraffes roam. “It just brings people closer to the giraffes and gives them  a comfortable space to see the giraffes  frolic, run, and play,” Soechting says.



 Touring the Wildlife Ranch give visitors
an appreciation for unique animals.

Opened in 1984, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch has become one of Texas’ most recognized entertainment attractions. The Ranch covers 450 acres of Texas hill country terrain and provides 6 miles of paved roads where guests drive through and witness the natural animal behaviors of over 500 animals from 40 exotic, native, and endangered animal species worldwide.  The natural, free-roaming environment is home to many unique animals, including Southern White Rhinoceros’, North American Buffalo, Reticulated Giraffes, as well as many zebras, emus, ostriches, elk, gazelle and wildebeests.

While there, plan to spend time touring the caves and enjoying Discovery Village, the newest addition at adjacent Natural Bridge Caverns. Located near New Braunfels, the Natural Bridge attractions are conveniently situated between San Antonio and Austin.

Read more here: http://stripedpot.com/2014/04/01/discovery-village-adds-more-fun-to-natural-bridge-caverns

Information courtesy of Melissa Welch, PR. Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Remember the past; enjoy the present in Gruene, Texas

 

The water tower is one of Gruene's
most recognizable features.

Did you ever have an old metal lunchbox with Roy Rogers and his horse Trigger painted on the outside?  If you were born a generation later, you might have carried a plastic Barbie or GI Joe lunchbox with matching Thermos bottle to school. Memories like these are easy to come by in Gruene, Texas, especially when browsing around the original 1870-era mercantile store--now a nostalgic trip back in time for many visitors.

Sure, Gruene is a wonderful place to reminisce about the “good old days,” but did you know that this mid-1800s German settlement on the Guadalupe River in central Texas almost became a ghost town before being rescued from oblivion? 

Today, Gruene has developed into a major year- round entertainment center with an emphasis on families sharing good times. Named for Ernest and Antoinette Gruene, who were among the German immigrants arriving in the 1840s, Gruene is just 45 minutes from Austin and 30 minutes by car from San Antonio.

In 1872, the Gruene family set up a tenant farming system for raising cotton, and one of the sons opened the first business in the new town, a small mercantile shop and cotton gin. Henrich D. Gruene also opened Gruene Hall, which became a gathering place for the tenants. About that time, the town became known as Gruene.

Gruene Hall hosts world-famous musicians and other programs,
many free and open to the public.

When H.D. Gruene died in 1920, the small town began to decline. The original grist mill was destroyed by a fire and replaced with an electric cotton gin. A boll weevil infestation destroyed cotton crops in 1925 and with it the livelihood of most of Gruene’s residents. Then came the stock market crash, which devastated the remaining residents of Gruene. The final blow occurred when the family foreman hanged himself from the (now iconic) water tower.

The Grapevine has many Texas wines. Special events are
often held in the garden.

Fast forward to 1975, when Pat Molak discovered Gruene and decided to purchase the abandoned dance hall. After a few necessary repairs were made, the 6,000 square foot open-air dance hall continued its tradition as Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall.

The General Store is full of items you'll
recognize from your childhood--or share
with your own children, who haven't a
clue what those things are.

In 1977, Molak and Mary Jane Nalley joined forces to purchase the original cotton gin, a three-story brick boiler room, and they created the Gristmill River Restaurantand Bar in the old building. The pair expanded their acquisitions to include the old Mercantile building, one of the Gruene family’s original homes, portions of the Gruene lumberyard, and the Greuen brothers’ garage. These building have been transformed into tourist-pleasing businesses including Gruene Antique Company, Lone Star Texas Electric, Buck Pottery, Gruene General Store, Cotton Eyed Joes, Gruene Outfitters, and The Grapevine, a wine tasting venue.

The official Historic District of Gruene, which is actually part of the city of NewBraunfels, covers a little over 15 acres. It was placed on the NationalRegister of Historic Places in 1975, and since then most of the building have been awarded a Texas Medallion from the Texas Historical Commission. A wide variety of business line the walkable streets, and this quaint area now draws more than a million visitors annually.

Texas Clay Fest attracts potters from
far and wide--great opportunity to
purchase unique pieces.

A plethora of special events fill Gruene’s calendar, including Gruene Music and Wine Festival, the Americana Music Jam, Tour de Gruene bicycle race, Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist (held most Sundays in Gruene Hall), Texas Clay Fest (attracting artisans from all over the state), various 5K and 10K walks and runs, Old Gruene Market Days (held the third weekend each month), and more.

 

Tour de Gruene is a favorite event.

With so much happening in Gruene, it’s no wonder this historic district has become a major tourist attraction in Texas.

Katie Molak, Marketing Coordinator, assisted with historical information.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier (except potter and bike race, which were provided by Katie Molak).

 

Climb underground or soar in the sky: Natural Bridge Caverns offers more than caves

Delicate soda straws and unusually beautiful formations never exposed to outside air are highlights of the Hidden Passages Tour at Natural Bridge Caverns near New Braunfels and San Antonio, Texas. Accessed by 180 steps with several landings at scenic points, this second cave is dramatically lit to maximize presentation of several glistening formations. For sheer beauty, take the 70-minute Hidden Passages Tour and see some of the most spectacular underground scenery anywhere in the U.S.

 

Gorgeous formations on the Hidden Passages Tour

These additional passages were left undeveloped for nearly two decades during which time the Wuest family, owners of the ranch on which the caverns are located, developed and opened the main cave for others to enjoy.

In 1960 four college students requested permission to explore the area around a 60-foot natural limestone bridge and a large sinkhole. As suspected, they found huge underground passages that led to additional rooms and openings. In all, they explored two miles before returning to the surface to share their discovery with the landowners. Natural Bridge Caverns, billed as Texas’ Largest Underground Adventure, has been attracting visitors since it opened to the public in the mid-1960s. 

This natural bridge protects the opening to the original cavern discovery.

The guided Discovery Tour takes visitors along the path taken by the first explorers through Sherwood Forest, Castle of the White Giants, and Hall of the Mountain King, a room the size of a football field. For 75 minutes you can view gigantic stone monuments in beautiful chambers 170 feet underground. If you’re really adventurous, check out the three-hour “wild cave” tour where you negotiate obstacles through mud or on your tummy and climb up a 25-foot mid-covered slope.

Plan to hang around all day so your family can enjoy other attractions at the site. Travis Wuest, whose grandmother was the original entrepreneur, continues to create activities on the property, all geared toward helping families learn to appreciate the geology of the area and the natural beauty found there.

More spectacular formations at Natural Bridge Caverns

For example, Canopy Challenge Adventure Course and Zip Lines opened in July 2012. Big kids and adults navigate a winding maze of 47 bridges, obstacles and balance beams while tethered to a cable for safety as they climb up the 60-foot four-tier adventure course. Little kids get a similar experience at a scaled-down Canopy Kids course. Although it takes place high in the air, the experience is not unlike cavern discovery, which also required agility and a bit of daring.

A fun and challenging adventure

four zip lines give guests spectacular views of Texas Hill Country landscape while they soar along cables more than 1400 feet in the air. Guests of all ages also enjoy searching for treasures at the Mining Company, where bags containing sand and dirt as well as actual gems and minerals, are available for guests to pan. Bags containing arrowheads and fossils are also available—a fun way to teach kids history and a bit of anthropology. Picnic facilities, café, and gift shop are also available on premises.

Wuest, who grew up on the family ranch and has been around the caves all his life, says he and his brother are finishing the legacy begun by his grandmother and father. Because of his personal ties to Natural Bridge Caverns, keeping it a family destination and learning experience is a priority.

A zebra approaches a car in the wildlife park

If you have time after exploring the caves, stop by Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, adjacent to the Caverns and owned by Wuest’s aunt, where twin reticulated giraffes, the only living set of twins born in the United States, were delivered in May 2013.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Step into history at Gristmill Restaurant in Gruene, Texas

I’m sitting in the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar in the Gruene Historic District enjoying skewered bacon-wrapped shrimp layered on a green salad. Larry and I have been visiting sites around New Braunfels (Gruene is officially part of New Braunfels) that families might enjoy on vacation this summer, and this was the perfect place to reflect on our findings over lunch.

Remnant of burned wall on Gristmill Restaurant

It’s hard to beat the Gristmill for delicious food, great views, and a friendly, casual ambience. Built from the remaining structure of a water-powered cotton gin that burned to the ground in 1922, the Gristmill has grown and expanded into a multi-level facility that can seat 950 people. Some days, especially on weekends, the tables are full. Indoor and outdoor bars provide relaxing places to wait, if necessary.

 In 1977 Pat Molak, who had also purchased and restored the aging Gruene Hall, began cooking and serving hamburgers and steaks from one corner of the former cotton gin. It was so successful that he added sprawling lower decks facing the Guadalupe River. Eventually the Turkey and Boar rooms, aptly named for the stuffed animals used as décor, were added and outfitted with stone fireplaces. The River Grove, an open air, brick patio overlooking the river, was added in 1998.

The Boar Room is great for special events.

Located just 30 minutes from San Antonio by car and 45 minutes from Austin, the Gristmill was placed on the National Register ofHistoric Places in 1975. With its scenic location on a bluff overlooking the Guadalupe River, the restaurant is a destination for thousands of visitors (locals love it, too) each year. The menu still features Texas fare including chicken fried steak (Larry’s choice), fresh fish, and enormous sandwiches.

Be sure to get an order of the thick, chunky onion rings (small size is plenty!) If you save room for dessert, the Jack Daniel’s Pecan Pie is a customer favorite. Hang around after dining to shop antique or specialty stores that line the streets of this historic German settlement, or listen to live music in Gruene Hall next door. Families and couples enjoy strolling around the town that time forgot. For me, the Gristmill has certainly contributed to Gruene’s reputation as a major tourist attraction in Texas.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Read more travel stories at Striped Pot and Austin Adventure Travel