This Quiet Texas Town Is An Underrated Gem For 2026

With 2026 just around the corner, it is already time to start thinking about travel plans for the year ahead. No need to panic, though; some of the work is already done. In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, beautiful towns are all over, but this article skips the usual hot spots like Wimberley and Fredericksburg. Instead, our focus turns to Gruene (pronounced “green”), a small community on the edge of New Braunfels that traces its roots back to German farmers in the 1840s.

Featuring a National Historic District of 15 walkable acres, this little community truly feels like a step back in time, with many of its original buildings still standing, including the state’s oldest dance hall! With its location on the river, it is the perfect spot to cool off when the weather gets warm. So pack a swimsuit and a good pair of two-stepping boots, and get ready to explore the streets of Gruene.

Recreation on the Guadalupe River

Gruene sits on the banks of the Guadalupe River, a 230-mile-long river that stretches from the Texas Hill Country down to the Gulf of Mexico. Lined with cypress trees and limestone bluffs, Gruene’s portion of the river is particularly scenic, making it perfect for fishing, canoeing, and tubing. On those hot and muggy Texas days, you can enjoy a refreshing float with Rockin’ R River Rides, which offers both day passes and season passes down the Guadalupe, with a spot departing right from the heart of Gruene.

If you prefer to spend the afternoon fly fishing and need some gear, stop by Gruene Outfitters, a local outfitter that has been serving the community for over three decades! A few of the items you’ll find here include fresh and saltwater fly tackle, outdoor wear, hats, and rods.

Music and Dancing

Gruene is filled with music venues, making it easy to find live music performances every day of the week. Perhaps most famously in Gruene, you’ll find Gruene Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in the state, dating all the way back to 1878. Most of this dance hall’s features have remained completely unchanged, making a visit feel like a trip back in time. Covering 6,000 square feet, the dance hall has a high-pitched tin roof, side flaps for open-air dancing, and a small, lighted stage in the back. The music you hear during your visit is just about guaranteed to be incredible! If you visit Gruene in October, you might be able to attend the Gruene Music & Wine Fest. This festival takes place over four days, celebrating Texas and Americana music, as well as Texas-made wine and beer.

Art & History

With its 19th-century roots and German heritage, Gruene is filled with historic landmarks to explore. One of the most popular is the Henry Gruene Mansion, a Victorian-style home built in 1872 that draws in thousands of visitors each year. Today, this mansion operates as an inn, giving you the chance to spend the night in a chapter of Gruene’s history!

Keep your eye out for the Gruene Water Tower as you wander through town as well. The history of this tower goes back to the early 20th century, when town residents recognized the need for a standing water supply for industry and irrigation. The original tower, made of cypress, was destroyed in a fire in 1922 and replaced with the current steel one in 1924. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to remember your time in Gruene, there’s no better place to visit than the Gallerie at Gruene, a contemporary fine art gallery established by six artists, exhibiting handcrafted jewelry, pottery, sculptures, and paintings.

Food & Wine

You’re going to want to bring your appetite with you to Gruene, because the culinary scene is fantastic. You can start the morning at the Gruene Coffee Haus, a local coffee shop that serves all kinds of warm and iced beverages, such as drip coffee, cold brew, espresso, chai, matcha, and Italian sodas. For lunch, swing by the Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, which is set on the ruins of an old 1878 cotton gin! Most of the items on the menu are made from scratch, serving entrees such as juicy burgers, succulent chicken, thick steaks, and more. For a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting, don’t forget to visit the Winery on the Gruene, the town’s signature tasting room that has over 95 wines available for guests to try.

Extending Your Trip

Thanks to its Hill Country location, Gruene is surrounded by plenty of other beautiful towns, making it easy to extend your trip if you have a little extra time. If you’re looking for a beach-like vacation, you’ll love visiting the town of Canyon Lake, which is just a half hour northwest of Gruene, sitting on the shores of a massive, 8,200-acre lake. With several beaches, marinas, and campgrounds in the area, it is easy to immerse yourself in the outdoors.

If you enjoyed Gruene’s atmosphere and want another town known for its restaurants, live music, and shopping, Wimberley is an easy next stop, just a half-hour drive north. It is also home to iconic natural spots, such as Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well. And these towns are just the beginning. San Marcos, Fredericksburg, and Salado are just a few of the other nearby towns you can check out.

A Town You Can’t Miss

Texas’s size can make trip planning feel overwhelming at times. However, don’t let the abundance of places stop you from finding some of its most gorgeous, underrated destinations. Gruene is the perfect example, a historic community that offers a wonderful mix of water recreation, historic landmarks, live music, dancing, wine sipping, and good food. Don’t be surprised if you find another gem or two that you would add to this list during your visit!