Do It Like a Local, A Weekend Guide to New Braunfels

The Texas Hill Country is steeped in German history, and New Braunfels could be considered the epicenter of it all. Founded around 1845, this tidy little community still features architecturally significant historic structures, authentic German eateries, and Wurstfest, one of the biggest celebrations of German culture in the region. Because it was built with horse and buggy in mind, getting to the best of New Braunfels' attractions is within easy walking distance if you stay in the downtown area around the Plaza. But don't look for the usual tourist attractions while you're there; New Braunfels' charm is the quiet elegance of the community, the homes and the commercial structures that this community was founded on. And for the kids, New Braunfels has Schlitternbahn Water Park, one of the largest water theme parks in the world, making this little town situated between Austin and San Antonio a perfect weekend getaway for anyone.

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Landa RV and Campground
One of New Braunfel's greatest assets is the spring-fed Comal River that gently winds through town. Landa RV and Campground happens to be located along this warm river, and features cheap float tube rentals and downstream shuttle service for visitors and campground guests. Because of the warm water temperature, floating the lazy Comal... More >
One of New Braunfel's greatest assets is the spring-fed Comal River that gently winds through town. Landa RV and Campground happens to be located along this warm river, and features cheap float tube rentals and downstream shuttle service for visitors and campground guests. Because of the warm water temperature, floating the lazy Comal River can be done any time of year. Springtime is the most popular, however, so be prepared for large weekend party crowds. If you're seeking more solitude than action, stop by during the week when it's quieter. If you choose to camp at Landa, the facility has basic camping facilities for tents and RVs, but they come with a dislcaimer: bring earplugs, because railroad tracks run right alongside the property. Of course, if you spend an afternoon partying on the river, by nightfall you may not even notice that there's a freight train 50 feet away from your tent.
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Landa Park
New Braunfels has two town centers; the historic downtown filled with shops and restaurants, and the beautiful, shady Landa Park where the community gathers for festivals and events all year long. Getting to Landa Park is easy. It's within walking distance from downtown, and once you're there you can rest your weary toes in the cool s... More >
New Braunfels has two town centers; the historic downtown filled with shops and restaurants, and the beautiful, shady Landa Park where the community gathers for festivals and events all year long. Getting to Landa Park is easy. It's within walking distance from downtown, and once you're there you can rest your weary toes in the cool spring fed river water, swim in the community pool, or paddle around Landa Lake in a human powered watercraft rental. This is one of the best places to spend the afternoon in New Braunfels, any time of year. This 51-acre park also features amenities such as walking and hiking trails, ball courts, a golf course, children's railroad, festival facilities and picnic tables (available on a first-come, first-served basis for $10 a day).
Originally built in 1898 as the Comal Hotel, the Prince Solms Inn is the oldest hotel in New Braunfels.
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Naegelin's Bakery
The Texas Hill Country was founded mainly by German immigrants, and today their heritage still shines through in places like Naegelin's German Bakery, located in downtown New Braunfels. From homemade German pastries to donuts, from sandwich bread to Texas-style tortillas, stop by Naegelin's first thing in the morning to get the best s... More >
The Texas Hill Country was founded mainly by German immigrants, and today their heritage still shines through in places like Naegelin's German Bakery, located in downtown New Braunfels. From homemade German pastries to donuts, from sandwich bread to Texas-style tortillas, stop by Naegelin's first thing in the morning to get the best selections, hot out of the oven. This is not the place to come to if you're watching your weight, but if you're willing to expend a few calories to taste some of the greatest pastries in Texas, Naegelins is worth it. At over 139 years old and reportedly the oldest continuously operating bakery in Texas, you know they're doing something right. Don't miss it.
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Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar
The Guadalupe River is the heart of fun and games in the Hill Country, and many riverfront restaurants are situated on its shady banks, serving up great food and allowing customers to take advantage of the people watching opportunities on the water. Out of all the riverfront restaurants in New Braunfels, the Gristmill is one of the be... More >
The Guadalupe River is the heart of fun and games in the Hill Country, and many riverfront restaurants are situated on its shady banks, serving up great food and allowing customers to take advantage of the people watching opportunities on the water. Out of all the riverfront restaurants in New Braunfels, the Gristmill is one of the best places to relax with a beer or indulge in an all out Tex-Mex eating fest. Even on the hottest summer days, the shady trees hovering over the Gristmill's riverfront deck provide a great place to relax with good friends and great food.
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Lindheimer House
New Braunfels isn't the kind of tourist town where you'll find strip malls and chain restaurants in the main corridor. Instead, local proprietors have opened up historic homes and buildings to give tourists an authentic, educational Hill Country experience. The Lindheimer House is one of the many historic homes open for tours. Built ... More >
New Braunfels isn't the kind of tourist town where you'll find strip malls and chain restaurants in the main corridor. Instead, local proprietors have opened up historic homes and buildings to give tourists an authentic, educational Hill Country experience. The Lindheimer House is one of the many historic homes open for tours. Built in 1845 by a prominent resident and operated today by the New Braunfels Conservation Society, this is one of the oldest structures in the community. This half-timbered home still shines as an excellent example of life during the mid-1800s. This downtown property is one of a handful of historic structures open for tours and operated by the New Braunfels Conservation Society.
The Lindheimer House is one of the many historic homes open for tours.
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Prince Solms Inn
Originally built in 1898 as the Comal Hotel, the Prince Solms Inn is the oldest hotel in New Braunfels. Located just off the Plaza, this 14 room boutique B&B was built by hand from mud taken out of the nearby Guadalupe River. Today its rooms feature thoughtfully appointed period style furnishings, large German-style breakfasts and warm hospitality for weekenders, weddings and business travelers. This designated historic lan... More
Originally built in 1898 as the Comal Hotel, the Prince Solms Inn is the oldest hotel in New Braunfels. Located just off the Plaza, this 14 room boutique B&B was built by hand from mud taken out of the nearby Guadalupe River. Today its rooms feature thoughtfully appointed period style furnishings, large German-style breakfasts and warm hospitality for weekenders, weddings and business travelers. This designated historic landmark is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of New Braunfels and within walking distance of the city's best attractions.
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
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