As fall sets in and another winter fast approaches, your body naturally responds to the changing seasons. You may not hibernate, but millions of years of well-honed instincts tell you to slow down, bulk up, and conserve your energy to better deal with the winter months. In a modern world full of on-demand food and well-heated homes, however, this natural impulse to pack on weight and lounge around is not necessary. For many, it’s completely undesirable.

For those who try to stick to a more structured workout routine, this “winter slump” can be even more noticeable–and even more frustrating. Your muscles may start to feel less responsive as the temperatures dip, and the psychological challenges can be even worse than the physical. As winter rolls around, you may find you’re having a difficult time flipping that adrenaline switch from “blegh” to “beast mode,” even with your heaviest workout playlist going full blast.

Add to these natural responses the temptation of holiday feasts and sweets, and you have a troubling formula for undoing all of last year’s exercise efforts in the span of a few cold months. Thankfully, there are some simple things you can do to keep yourself on track, raise your winter energy levels, and stay feeling great–physically and mentally–throughout the colder months.

3 Tips for Beating the Winter Slump

Overcoming your human nature is not as simple as setting a few phone alarms to remind you that it’s workout time, and there is no secret workout supplement that can completely flip your attitude and make you impervious to the weather at the same time. Even if you thoughtfully implement the following three tips, it will still require dedication and effort on your end, the same as any other worthwhile fitness plan.

It’s impossible to offer a magic solution to the challenges of winter fitness, but you can use these tips to better adjust your fitness routine to the dropping temperatures and gloomier weather. By doing this successfully, you can maintain your momentum, keep the winter weight gain manageable, and go into each day feeling energized, no matter what the forecast has to say about it.

1. Adapt Your Gear (Layer Up!)

Late fall and winter weather around the New Braunfels, TX area isn’t simply chillier but more unpredictable. Here in the heart of Texas, the onset of winter doesn’t mean guaranteed snowstorms, but it can mean that you don’t know whether to plan for 35 degrees or 70 degrees when you leave the house. As temperatures and humidity levels drop, shift, and dance around like the instructor in that jazzercise class you tried once, changing up your workout gear can make a huge difference.

Many people who love outdoor exercise–think running, hiking, team sports, or outdoor strength training–actually prefer the cooler temperatures for high-impact activity. However, the line between “refreshing” and “too cold” can be a very narrow one, especially when you’re in that sweaty, post-workout cooldown phase. Being able to quickly add–or remove–a layer is always a win for active lifestyles, but it becomes even more important in colder temperatures.

Try the following:

• Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away.
• Incorporate a warmer mid-layer, like a fleece vest or lightweight sweatshirt, that can be tied around your waist or stowed in your backpack when not needed.
• Have a windproof outer shell available for days when it’s necessary.
• Keep light gloves, thicker sock options, and a winter hat or headband in your workout bag.

2. Adjust Your Warm-Up Routine

When the temperature goes down, you’ll want to warm yourself up a bit more than usual before you really start working out. In particular, cold weather affects your muscles, making them less flexible and, in turn, more prone to injury. Warming up thoroughly before exercise is always important but becomes absolutely crucial for those colder autumn and winter workouts.

When designing your own winter warm-up routine, consider:

• Start with dynamic, low-impact stretches: arm circles, toe-touches, and other basics can help you get your larger muscle groups loosened up on a cold morning without the risk of straining or shocking them.
• Once you’re starting to feel well-stretched, incorporate some full-body movements with a mild cardio element, like jumping jacks or lunges, as an intermediate warm-up. This continues to stretch and warm your muscles and joints while also increasing blood flow throughout your body.
• Give yourself ample time to warm up, and very gradually increase the intensity of pre-workout stretches and calisthenics (rather than doing a few quick stretches and then jumping right into your main workout).

3. Mix it Up

For some folks, one particularly difficult element of the winter slump is that it can feel never-ending. To overcome this psychological hurdle, try mixing up your workouts with new exercises and experiences. Plan a cross-training style workout with combined indoor and outdoor elements.

If you feel like your workout routine has fallen into an icy rut this winter, try to change it up with:

• Taking Classes – If the cold weather is ruining your exercise routine by making you want to stay inside, head to your gym and sign up for an (indoor) class you’ve never taken before. Trying a whole new type of workout in a structured setting will keep your mind engaged, keep your body warm, and maybe even work some muscle groups you didn’t realize you were neglecting.
• Strength Training – The cold weather can make it hard to get into the proper mindset for long runs and other intense cardio activities. Instead of beating yourself up about this and forcing yourself to complete activities that are uncomfortable and not enjoyable, it’s okay to shift more of your focus to strength training and weightlifting during the colder months. You don’t need to give up cardio completely and start making every day bicep day, but give yourself a little flexibility (and a little change of pace) so that your winter workouts are something you look forward to instead of something you grow to dread.
• Home Workouts – There are a ton of websites, videos, and even whole apps packed with exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home. The at-home workout has truly become a fitness category unto itself. You can find something worthwhile, with minimal equipment required, whether you’re trying to work major muscle groups on a day you can’t get to the gym because of a bad storm, or you just want to get your blood flowing with a 15-minute mini-workout.

Feeling Under the Weather? Try Ours Instead

If you’re really feeling those winter workout blues, have you considered that maybe it’s time to move yourself to a more temperate location? Mayfair is a vibrant and modern residential community in beautiful New Braunfels, TX. We are conveniently located near some of the state’s best gyms, trails, and parks, and are nestled up against the legendary Texas Hill Country with its many acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. New units are available regularly, so be sure to bookmark the Mayfair website and visit often.

The holiday season is all about joy, warmth, festive get-togethers, and, of course, delicious food. In the spirit of celebrating the festive season by way of our taste buds, the team at Mayfair is delighted to share some of our favorite holiday recipes and local New Braunfels dining and shopping secrets so you can find the perfect ingredient to elevate your holiday feast or a last-minute stocking stuffer for the fellow foodie in your life. 

Sharing food around the holidays is a great way to connect with loved ones and create lasting memories that carry into the new year and beyond. Whether it’s a “Friendsgiving” potluck, a traditional dinner with your extended family, or your neighborhood cookie exchange, preparing and enjoying food as a family or community holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many people.

Here in New Braunfels, TX, we’re fortunate to have access to so many fresh, local ingredients from farmers’ markets and specialty shops to make our holiday dishes even more special. We are also inspired by the intricately interwoven threads of cultural traditions, from old-world Bavarian sausages to some of the best Tex-Mex we’ve ever tasted to our very own wine and olive oil producers in the adjacent Texas Hill Country.

Join us on this culinary journey through mouth-watering recipes, cherished holiday traditions, and the best New Braunfels has to offer.

The Mayfair Team’s Favorite Holiday Recipes

From our hearts and families to your own, we hope these recipes are gifts that keep giving year after year. Whether you’re looking for feasting staples, unique ideas, or sweet treats, the Mayfair team has got you covered this holiday season.

Green Bean Casserole

Todd Richert, Broker

Let’s start it off with Todd’s perfected version of a must-have Thanksgiving side dish: green bean casserole. Cream of mushroom soup and milk (use whole milk or even whipping cream for maximum thickness) come together to form a rich medium for succulent green beans and crispy onions.

Ingredients: 

• 2 cans of green beans (substitute fresh if desired) 
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup 
• ½ cup milk 
• 1 tsp soy sauce 
• Black pepper as desired 
• 1 1/3 cups french fried onion rings 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Stir soup mix, soy sauce, milk, black pepper, green beans, and 2/3 of the onion rings together in a 1 ½ quart casserole dish. 
• Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbling. 
• Remove and stir; add the remaining onion rings on top. 
• Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until onions are golden brown.

Butter Bundt Bread

Thad Rutherford, President & CEO

What could be better than a steaming bundt bread fresh from the oven on a holiday morning? Thad’s recipe makes it easy for a busy family to treat themselves on Christmas morning (or any morning) by allowing packaged biscuits to do the heavy lifting.

Ingredients: 

• 1 stick butter 
• 3 packages of Hungry Jack biscuits (10 oz) 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Melt one stick of butter in a bundt pan. 
• Arrange the biscuits in the pan without separating them. 
• Bake for 25-35 minutes. 
• Use a rack to cool.

Grandma’s Simple Sage Cornbread Stuffing

Terry Ramirez, Vice President of Operations

Real Thanksgiving connoisseurs know that stuffing can make or break a meal. Terry has us covered with this savory classic stuffing.

Ingredients: 

• 6 cups of pre-prepared cornbread, slightly stale/dry and broken into chunks 
• ½ stick of butter 
• 3-4 stalks of celery, chopped 
• 1 large onion, diced 
• 1 cup turkey, chicken, or vegetable stock 

• 2 tablespoons sage (fresh chopped if available, dried if not) 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Melt your butter in a large skillet, ideally cast iron. 
• Cook onion and celery until they just start to soften and become translucent. 
• Add half of your stock and simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, uncovered. 
• Turn off the heat. Stir in the cornbread, sage, and the rest of the stock. 
• Dump the stuffing mix into a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top layer of stuffing begins to brown and crisp.

Green Stuff Recipe 

Noelle Hemphill, Lifestye Coordinator

This make-ahead recipe from Noelle takes some of the stress out of Thanksgiving day food preparation!

Ingredients:

• 3.4 ounce package instant pistachio pudding mix
• 20 ounce can crushed pineapple 
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 1/2 cup pecans chopped
• 8 ounce container Cool Whip thawed

Instructions:

Start by mixing together the dry pudding mix, crushed pineapple, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans. 

Next, fold in the thawed Cool Whip until well combined.

Chill overnight and have it ready to serve the next day.

Thanksgiving Dressing

James Tipton, Development Manager

No matter how you lean in the stuffing-dressing debate, James has got you covered with this wonderfully savory Thanksgiving dressing.

Ingredients: 

• 1 bag Pepperidge Farm cornbread stuffing 
• 1 bag Pepperidge Farm herb-seasoned stuffing 
• 1 lb breakfast sausage 
• 1 cup onion, chopped 
• 1 cup celery, chopped 

• 3 eggs 
• ¼ cup butter, melted 
• 4 cups chicken broth 

Instructions: 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Mix stuffing, eggs, and butter. 
• In a skillet, brown the sausage, then add the celery and onion. Cook until translucent. 
• Add the sausage and vegetables to the stuffing mix. 
• Add chicken broth until the stuffing is very moist. 
• Bake for 30 minutes or until fully heated through.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pecan Bread Pudding

Kristi Robinson, Director of Marketing & Community Relations

Bread puddings and pecan-based treats make for hearty, wholesome favorites for many families this time of year, and Kristi’s pumpkin-fueled take maximizes those holiday vibes. This slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it while you work on your wrapping and decorating.

Ingredients: 

• 8 cups stale (or oven-dried) bread, cut into cubes 
• ½ cup toasted pecans, chopped 
• ½ cup cinnamon chips 

• 4 eggs 
• 1 cup canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling) 
• 1 cup heavy cream 
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed 
• ½ cup butter, melted 
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• ½ tsp cinnamon 
• ½ tsp nutmeg 
• ¼ tsp ground ginger 
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves 

Instructions: 

• Grease your slow cooker and place your bread cubes, cinnamon chips, and toasted pecans inside. 
• Whisk your eggs with the pumpkin, cream, sugar, butter, and spices. 
• Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes; if necessary, stir very gently to ensure complete coating. 
• Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on low heat for around 4 hours. 
• Optional: Serve with vanilla ice cream!

Mayfair’s Favorite Holiday Traditions and Decor 

What good is an epic Christmas feast if you don’t have the decor to go with it and great people to join the celebration? The crew at Mayfair also has some thoughts about those all-important holiday aesthetics and the beloved family traditions that stand the test of time: 

• Tree decorating (James Tipton). “Whenever our tree goes up (usually the first week of November), everyone in the house takes turns hanging their personal Christmas ornaments until the tree is full. It’s a simple but fun time to get together and watch that year’s tree come to life.” 
• Advent calendars (Kristi Robinson). “My favorite home decoration is our advent calendar. My mom made it when our daughter was born, and we count down the days until Christmas by pinning fabric items to the holiday scene. As she got older, we started racing to see who could mark the most—it helps my record greatly now that she’s a teenager and sleeps in half the month!” 
• Cut-your-own Christmas tree (Thad Rutherford). “I loved when I used to take the kids to Elgin and cut down a Christmas tree, even in Texas! (Although it was small…)” 
• Christmas morning stockings (Terry Ramirez). “I love having the stockings hanging empty all month long. In our house, Santa fills the stockings, so it’s always a joy to watch the kids (at any age) come down Christmas morning to see their stockings filled.” 
• Christmas light cruise (Todd Richert). “My favorite Christmas tradition is driving around on Christmas Eve looking at Christmas lights, then heading to midnight mass.”
• Hidden Pickle Ornament (Noelle Hemphill). “On Christmas morning, we search for a hidden pickle ornament in the Christmas tree. The first person to find it gets a prize. I believe this is an old German tradition.”

Mayfair’s Favorite Holiday Hotspots for Shopping

New Braunfels’ charming downtown offers a unique opportunity to get out and experience the magic of the holiday season firsthand. Stroll down the beautifully decorated streets, explore one-of-a-kind boutiques, and find local treasures you won’t discover anywhere else. From cozy shops with locally made gifts to specialty stores brimming with festive vibes, holiday shopping in New Braunfels is about the experience as much as it’s about your gift list.

If you still need some gift ideas, these New Braunfels restaurants and gift shops are Holiday game-changers. Here are some of our favorite local shopping (and eating) secrets: 

• Farmer’s Market & 2tarts (James Tipton). “We’re big fans of the farmers market that sets up in the Krause parking lot every Saturday. There are so many different vendors and random things you can buy, from food to houseplants. We are also guaranteed to make our way through 2tarts at least once over the holidays for a fun treat.” 
• The Local & Huisache Grill (Noelle Hemphill). “We love shopping at The Local in New Braunfels for Christmas presents because it offers unique, custom finds while supporting small vendors of New Braunfels. Afterward, we love stopping by Huisache Grill for their tortilla soup, especially on colder days.”
• New Braunfels Smokehouse & Stahlman’s at Bear Creek (Kristi Robinson). “I always stop by New Braunfels Smokehouse during the holidays for Pecan and Raspberry Kringle. They are delicious! Then Stahlman’s at Bear Creek has amazing local jams, jellies, sauces, and even cute fresh holiday décor.” 
• New Braunfels Candle Company. Everyone loves a nice candle for a Christmas present, and you won’t find any finer than the handmade offerings right here in New Braunfels at the New Braunfels Candle Company on Castell Avenue. In addition to some of the highest quality candles in Texas, they also have candle-making classes and a lovely line of bath and body products. 
• New Braunfels Art League. For a truly one-of-a-kind gift, there’s no better source than your friendly local artists—and the New Braunfels Art League has the work of hundreds of them curated in one convenient location for shopping or just a little art appreciation. Put the New Braunfels Art League on your list of destinations for holiday shopping this year, and you’re sure to find something brand new for that person who truly has everything. 

We always love a chance to shout out some of our New Braunfels favorites; our hometown has a vibrant economy, with new businesses trying their hand every year. However, temporary events like art shows and craft fairs also offer unique opportunities for picking up meaningful gifts with local flavor. Sometimes, our favorite shopping experiences in New Braunfels happen when we simply take a walk and see what we can find.

Mayfair – Your Home for the Holidays and New Braunfels Dining

The whole team at Mayfair would like to wish you and yours a wonderful holiday season this year, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year. However you choose to celebrate this time of year with your family and your community, we hope it will involve lots of laughs, hugs, and memories made (plus some great food). For more great tips on New Braunfels living, and to stay up to date on all developments at Mayfair, including new units available, please bookmark our website and visit often.

New Braunfels, TX, is known for its unique old-world charm, its beautiful location at the rim of the Texas Hill Country, and its ability to give residents and visitors a genuine small-town feel within easy striking distance of San Antonio and its many amenities. For more than a week every autumn, however, New Braunfels is also known for a paradox. That’s because every November, the best thing about New Braunfels… is the wurst.

What Is Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas?

Wurstfest is an Oktoberfest-style celebration that occurs at a seriously impressive scale, outdoing even many celebrations “back in the old country.” Wurstfest New Braunfels includes everything you’d expect from a Texas-sized celebration of German culture: 

• Dancing and music, including traditional Alpine folk music as well as some more contemporary acts. There are a number of different musical acts scheduled for each night of the festival, so be sure to take a look at this year’s schedule to find your favorites before planning your trip.
• Plenty of Bavarian and Texan beers, with multiple locations for purchasing liquid refreshments located throughout the festival grounds. 
• Thrilling carnival-style games and rides 
• Authentic German cuisine (with plenty of Texan BBQ within striking distance for those looking for alternatives) 

While New Braunfels residents are among the most dedicated revelers, the New Braunfels Wurstfest also sees an annual influx of out-of-town visitors, with total Wurstfest attendance nearing a quarter million people in recent years! The festival is so large that portions of major New Braunfels thoroughfares, namely Landa Street, temporarily close to vehicle traffic. Be sure to read up on festival-related road closures and detours before heading into town.

When Is Wurstfest in New Braunfels?

Wurstfest New Braunfels occurs each year in early November, with the exact schedule and hours varying from year to year. Vacationers planning a trip to Texas centered on a visit to Wurstfest will enjoy roughly a ten-day window in which to make their way to our unique Alpine-Texan celebration, but be aware that the schedule of events and entertainers changes from day to day, and not only from year to year. If your favorite musical act is only scheduled for one night of Wurstfest, for example, you’ll want to plan your trip accordingly.

For a full, up-to-date schedule, you can pay a visit to the official New Braunfels, Texas, Wurstfest website at wurstfest.com, which features a detailed breakdown of where and when all your favorite Wurstfest acts will be performed. 

Some of our favorite iconic Wurstfest acts that have played in recent years include:

• Jodie Mikula Orchestra – Accordionist Jodie Mikula established this beloved family band focusing on traditional Czech polka numbers.
• Squeezebox with Mollie B – Squeezebox takes the supergroup formula and applies it to the world of polka. Featuring Mollie B of the Polka Party TV Show fame.
• Cloverleaf Orchestra – No strangers to the Wurstfest stage, this versatile outfit specializes in the traditional German music that Wurstfest is known for but can seamlessly switch to other dance-worthy styles if the mood calls for it.
• AlpenMusikanten – Thankfully, you don’t have to attempt to pronounce the band name to enjoy this vintage polka outfit that has been evolving and delighting audiences since its formation as a trio back in 1990.
• Chris Rybak – Dynamic Texas accordionist Chris Rybak knows how to pack a dance floor–or, in the case of Wurstfest, a lively beer hall.
• Mark Halata & Texavia – Another standard bearer in the proud tradition of Texan-Czech accordionists, Mark Halata’s Texavia hails from the Houston area.
• Yodel Blitz – Comedy and German folk music may not seem a natural pairing at first glance, but Yodel Blitz deftly weaves the two genres into a brilliant art form all its own.
• Terry Cavanagh & Alpine Express – Self-styled as “America’s Oktoberfest band,” you need only hear a few bars of their jaunty and expertly performed tunes to agree it’s a well-earned title.
• Das Ist Lustig – The band name translates to “this is funny,” but their mastery of a vast catalog of beloved polka, folk, and variety songs is anything but laughable.
• Austin Polka Band – They may not get any points for creative band naming, but this polka band from Austin makes up for it with every toe-tapping tune they deliver.
• And so many other great acts are also slated to perform!

Getting Involved in New Braunfels Wurstfest

If you’re ready to be part of the Alpine action and celebrate Old World Bavaria under the big Texas sky, there are a number of ways you can get involved in Wurstfest: 

• Tickets – Simply attending Wurstfest is, of course, the best first step for most people. There are various options for purchasing both admission and drink tickets online before the event, which can save you a lot of time when you arrive. It can also save you a ton of disappointment if gate tickets aren’t available when you arrive. Admission fees vary depending on the day and year you visit, but certain special days in recent years’ festivals have even been free to the public. Children may also be eligible for free admittance to Wurstfest–check the official website for details. The prospect of free tickets for kids makes the festival a great choice for families looking for a big Texas experience on a budget.
• Vendors – If you have a business or brand that you think would make a great fit for Wurstfest, you can apply to be a vendor by downloading a form from the Wurstfest website and then returning it to the festival organizers via mail or e-mail. 
• Employment – When your celebration of German culture and heritage attracts over 200,000 revelers every year, it takes a lot of dedicated workers to make it all run smoothly. Becoming one of them is a great way to take a hands-on role in the annual fun while also earning an income. You can apply for a seasonal position with the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels through a page on Wurstfest’s official website. 
• Attend Satellite Events – While the main focus of this ten-day Bavarian boogie is Wurstfest itself, many local businesses and groups throughout New Braunfels add to the celebration in their own independent ways. Look for all sorts of specials and events throughout New Braunfels and the surrounding area while Wurstfest continues. Take part in museum tours, the annual Wurst five-mile run/walk, or even the Wurstfest Regatta on Canyon Lake in the nearby Texas Hill Country. 
• Move to New Braunfels – If Wurstfest is the highlight of your year, maybe it’s time to consider moving to the heart of it all. The “Wurstwagen” shuttle service offered by the festival organizers is great, but it can’t compare to actually living near the festival grounds and being a part of New Braunfels year-round. The Mayfair residential development resonates with the charming, small-town spirit of New Braunfels and makes an awesome home base for Wurstfest fun, excursions to the Texas Hill Country wine trail, and a lifetime of other big Texas adventures.

Wurstfest Through the Years

You might be surprised to learn that Wurstfest is over 50 years old. First conceived in the early 1960s, Wurstfest has developed a storied history over the ensuing decades, reaching a place of prominence as one of the world’s premiere Oktoberfest-style community festivals. As the festival steadily grows and flourishes, each year sees exciting new artists and vendors attracted to the gathering.

You can check the Mayfair blog for a more complete rundown of the Wurstfest timeline, but some of our favorite highlights include:

• 1961 – A community festival is launched, apparently with the intention of celebrating or selling sausages.
• 1963 – Only two years after its inception, the festival has already expanded to a full “Wurst Week” format.
• 1974 – The festival grounds see a major upgrade with the addition of a Biergarten and improved facilities.
• 1998 – Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr headlines the fest’s musical entertainment.
• 2007 – The Kinderhalle debuts: a special space at the festival with entertainment and activities just for children.
• 2011 – Wurstfest celebrates its 50th anniversary–not bad for what began as a single-day sausage celebration!

Whatever the future of Wurstfest holds, New Braunfels hopes you’ll come be a part of it. While the festival is known for its world-class entertainment and foods from the other side of the globe, one of the things that makes every Wurstfest special is the friendly, small-town atmosphere of New Braunfels that permeates even this bustling festival. No matter where you’re from or how long you’re staying, Wurstfest feels like a much-needed get-together with your best friends.

Mayfair, TX – The Ultimate Home for Wurstfest Enthusiasts

Planning that once-in-a-lifetime (or, better yet, annual) trip to Wurstfest is exciting, but living in New Braunfels full-time allows you to take in the town’s captivating old-world charm every day on your morning commute or your evening stroll along the Comal River. For many Wurstfest fanatics, it’s only a matter of time before the daydreams of moving to New Braunfels permanently begin to take hold.

If you love the Bavarian vibes and Old World charm of your annual Wurstfest visit, a permanent home in New Braunfels might be more accessible than you think. Visit the Mayfair New Braunfels main page and click the “Stay Connected” link in the upper left corner so that you can be the first to know about new units available. 

The Pantone color of the year 2024 has been crowned, and this year belongs to the aptly-named “Peach Fuzz.” The name alone alludes to soft textures and wholesome food, and this is spot-on visually, as the color seems to induce a sense of comfort and warmth while providing a feast for the eyes. Between pink and orange, this modern take on a classic peachy tone is both eye-catching and nurturing . The tastemakers at Pantone laud their 2024 Color of the Year in abstract but accurate terms like “recalibration,” “tenderness,” “cocooned warmth,” and “a sense of belonging.”

Beyond the walls of the Pantone Color Institute, some of the folks embracing Peach Fuzz with the most enthusiasm are designers and homeowners who have found themselves burned out after a decade of drab earth tones, serious grays, and forgettable neutrals filling up the bulk of each recent year’s “trending paint colors” list. The 2024 color of the year offers a bite of something sweeter and more refreshing. While Peach Fuzz does retain a little of the versatile neutrality and natural vibe that kept earth tones on trend for so long, a room or exterior that tastefully implements Peach Fuzz is going to be anything but drab or forgettable.

How to use Peach Fuzz, Pantone Color of the Year 2024

It’s one thing to admire a color on our computer monitors and hang pretty adjectives on it, but let’s pivot to the real-world applications for Peach Fuzz. Homeowners here in New Braunfels, Texas, for example, can implement the color in a variety of ways to reflect and reinforce our tight-knit, neighborly values. In fact, “community,” “collaboration,” and “caring and sharing” are also among the descriptors Pantone used when talking up their 2024 color of the year.

A few prime ways to use Peach Fuzz for softening up your own property include:

• Warm, Welcoming Walls – Peach Fuzz is kind of like the Southern comfort food of paints. Using it on an accent wall, door, baseboard, or window frame (or even as the primary color in a bold living room, dining room, or entryway) will make guests and residents feel warm, welcome, and at ease within your walls, much like the smell of a freshly baked peach pie coming out of the oven. If you like how Peach Fuzz looks on a baseboard or trim elements and decide you want to pull in more of the color on a vertical surface without painting an entire wall, you can expand the concept by finding window treatments that closely match the tone.
• Cozy Furnishings – If you have an end table, dresser, cabinet, lamp, or some other furnishing that needs refinishing, consider a coat of Peach Fuzz to really make it pop. Add some throw pillows, blankets, lampshades, or small rugs in a matching tone to tie things together. Re-doing a single piece of furniture is a great way to see how the color works in your home before fully committing to a Peach Fuzz-oriented redesign.
• Artistic Accents – For a more subtle taste of Peach Fuzz on your walls, consider painting a set of picture frames or an abstract wall hanging. Even using a little bit of Peach Fuzz on a carefully selected handful of art pieces or decorative items can imbue a room with the color’s harmonious, nurturing vibes.

Choosing Complementary Colors for Peach Fuzz

While Peach Fuzz is not exactly a “neutral” or “earthy” hue, it does have an anchor to the natural world as a fruit-inspired color, and this can make it incredibly versatile in the sense that it plays well with lots of different color schemes. When looking for other colors to use alongside the 2024 color of the year, trust your eyes and your own personal style first and foremost, but if you need a starting point, consider:

• Soft Greens – Lean into the fruit factor by pairing Peach Fuzz with a lighter green color reminiscent of new spring growth.
• Elegant Blues – Today’s most popular blue paints range from the super subtle to the brilliantly bold. Many of the colors on this spectrum, when combined with Peach Fuzz, can create a look that is highly sophisticated without being either too boring or too challenging on the eyes.
• Neutral Tones – Don’t dispose of all those earthy neutral paints you collected over the past few years. Many neutrals can take on surprising new life when you contrast them effectively with a more vibrant color like Peach Fuzz.

Incorporating Peach Fuzz Into Your Design in New Braunfels, TX

If you’re sold on the Peach Fuzz color and ready to make it a focal point of a major room redesign or painting project, there are many reputable professionals available in New Braunfels. A few of our favorite hometown firms to work with include:

• Parker Home & Design – Offering full-service interior design, home styling, and real estate insights, Megan and Madison at Parker Home & Design are on a mission to beautify Central Texas homes by curating spaces that are both functional and personal.
• Drift Home Interiors – With a new storefront now serving shoppers in downtown New Braunfels, Drift Home Interiors is renowned for specializing in beautiful Moroccan rugs but can also offer comprehensive help designing and furnishing interiors.
• Currents Decor & Design – This local operation trades in world-class interior design services and high-end home decor to suit a variety of tastes. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit Currents Decor & Design on East San Antonio Street, did we mention they also have a full beer and wine garden on-site?

Even if you’re not looking for full-service interior design help, we encourage you to visit the businesses above, as well as peruse New Braunfels’ thriving local art scene and antique shops. Getting out into the community and seeing firsthand what local businesses and craftspeople have to offer is the perfect way to find those unique decorating touches that help to make a house a home.

Mayfair, TX – Where Life is Peachy!

Mayfair is an exciting new residential development in the heart of New Braunfels, with new units in a variety of floorplans available soon. For more fun and useful insights into home design and New Braunfels living, please be sure to bookmark the Mayfair website and check back regularly for new content. We hope to see you this year at the launch of our first annual Mayfest event in 2024, where our community will celebrate with a day of food, friends, and fun.

The charm and whimsy of New Braunfels, TX, with its old-world architectural flourishes and small-town atmosphere, make it a great place to feel that vintage Christmas spirit. One of the best ways to embrace this festive magic is with New Braunfels shopping at our local shops to help you finish up those stubborn entries on your gift-giving list or add a one-of-kind touch to your holiday decor with pieces from local artists and craftspeople. 

The area offers no shortage of great destinations for those looking to Christmas shop in New Braunfels, TX, from high-end boutiques to major department stores to New Braunfels resale shops and antique experts. Today, we’ll zoom in on a small slice of this vibrant holiday retail scene by focusing on five of our favorite uniquely local New Braunfels holiday shopping destinations. 

Stahlman’s at Bear Creek – Farm Stand and Pecans 

Starting from New Braunfels’ Mayfair residential development, a scenic half-hour drive toward Canyon Lake and the Texas Hill Country will bring you to Stahlman’s at Bear Creek. In our opinion, this charming store’s Google Maps classification as “Grocery and Pecans” is a major under-sell. Make no mistake, Stahlman’s is your one-stop shop for farm-fresh groceries and delicious pecan products, but it has so much more to offer, especially during this most festive time of year. 

Beyond the fresh veggies, meats, and dairy products sourced from the Stahlmans’ own local, family-run farming operations, Stahlman’s at Bear Creek also offers a variety of gift-worthy items. When you venture past the “farm stand” storefront and go inside, the building becomes a deli and general store stocked with a wealth of amazing gift possibilities, including lovingly handmade jams, pasta, candles, pickles, sauces, and more—including seasonal crafts to give your home’s Christmas decorations a one-of-a-kind touch. 

The Barn – Handmade Pottery and Fine Art Gallery 

A barn nestled within the historic Gruene area, The Barn is an active pottery operation and art gallery that continues the legacy of Buck Pottery, established on the site in 1982. The Barn’s primary business is showcasing work made on-site by local artists, but it has expanded to become a hub of the local art scene. The Barn’s unique setting and lovingly maintained gallery serve as a testament to the timeless art of pottery and the power of art. 

With a diverse selection of pottery and other art for sale, The Barn is a must-visit for anyone seeking the most unique handmade gifts. Don’t miss a chance to witness the creative process in action and take home your own tangible, functional piece of New Braunfels’ creative spirit, whether as a gift, an upscale Christmas decoration, or a practical everyday item for your home. 

Black Swan Antiques

While the New Braunfels Antique Mall in downtown New Braunfels is a bit more high traffic (and no wonder, as it hosts over 60 vendors), the area also has some quirkier, more under-the-radar antique collections that are worth perusing, especially when you’re shopping for those hard-to-gift folks on your list. One of our favorites is Black Swan Antiques, located in the historic Hempe House. 

While many of the region’s antiques vendors tend to focus on Texas and the Old West, Black Swan stands out because they also specialize in importing antiques directly from collections throughout Europe. From furniture to stoneware and copper artifacts, the store curates a collection that is highly eclectic while still being accessible to a variety of tastes. 

Regarding Christmas gift shopping, it’s worth noting that Black Swan Antiques is also an exclusive vendor for products from Verbena Soap Co. and Carolina Moon Jewelry, allowing you to potentially scratch some non-antique items off your gift list with a visit. 

Gruene General Store

You can’t have a proper, old-fashioned New Braunfels Christmas without visiting the iconic Gruene General Store. Established in 1878 by Henry Gruene himself, this charming shop is not just a local fixture but a major tourist destination and an essential stop for anyone who wants to step back in time for a taste of Texas’s Wild West history. 

Located in the heart of New Braunfels’ historic Gruene district, there’s no better place to find locally made fudge, honey, salsa, local souvenirs, and great Texas-made products. The old-school wooden floors and nostalgic displays are a treat year-round, but Christmastime is when the store comes alive. 

For those who want to feel like they’re stepping into a Hallmark Christmas movie set in New Braunfels, the Gruene General Store’s vintage charm might rival a winter trip to The Barn. 

The Local

Conveniently located on North Castell Avenue, The Local is perfect for those seeking unique gifts with a vintage flair. This shop is known for its steadfast support of local artists, a laid-back atmosphere, and friendly staff. Well-stocked with art, apparel, and other gift items, The Local is an excellent stop for special and unique gifts. 

If you’ve been on your feet shopping all day, consider stopping into The Local to check out their cozy sitting area and browse their great selection of new and used books to find a gift for the reader on your list. Then, when you’re feeling re-energized, get up and take a look at all the beautiful artwork, shirts, and locally-made items before you check out. 

New Braunfels Shopping – A One-of-a-Kind Holiday Experience for the Whole Family 

This holiday season, immerse yourself in the rich local flavors of New Braunfels and its vibrant scene of artists, farmers, and creators. From farm-fresh foods for the Christmas table to handmade pottery and rare antique treasures, each store on this list—and so many others in town—offers a distinctly memorable and satisfying shopping experience. 

Embrace the spirit of a classic hometown holiday right here in New Braunfels by supporting local businesses and finding one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone who made it onto Santa’s “nice” list this year—and be sure to read more from the What’s Happening Mayfair blog often for more great local tips. 

At Mayfair, we believe building a sustainable community lies in the dedication and expertise of our team. We’re delighted to introduce the newest addition to our team, Development Manager James Tipton. As development manager, James is responsible for overseeing the development activities and guiding the execution of the vision for Mayfair.

A Texas A&M graduate with over five years in property development and management, James brings with him a wealth of knowledge and passion for community growth in New Braunfels. We sat down with our newest team member to learn more about his career journey and what inspired him to join Mayfair and New Braunfels.

Q: Can you share a bit about your background and experience in development?

Prior to coming to Mayfair, I worked with another development group in New Braunfels that was developing a master-planned community similar to Mayfair in size and scope. Most of my experience in development was gleaned from that project.

Q: What motivated you to take on the role of Development Manager at Mayfair?

I saw the advertisements for the Mayfair community and had done a fair amount of research on Southstar to know that the product they will deliver would be special and positively impact New Braunfels.

Q: New Braunfels is a unique and vibrant community. How do you envision aligning your expertise with the values and aspirations of its residents?

New Braunfels feels like a small town with so many charming characteristics, and being a part of the community itself, I particularly enjoy that small-town feel. I believe that sentiment is the exact outcome that Mayfair is trying to replicate in New Braunfels. We want Mayfair to be a small town in and of itself.

Q: What are your top priorities for enhancing the living experience for residents and the New Braunfels community?

I want residents to want to be in Mayfair for more than just where they start and end their day. Mayfair has the potential to be a one-stop shop for all kinds of living, and I want to help deliver that vision. There will be numerous benefits in the public amenities and added points of interest that will increase the quality of life for the Mayfair residents and the people of New Braunfels as a whole.

Q: What are you most excited about in this development?

I am excited about the emphasis being placed on the parks and trails. With one of the first projects being delivered, including a pump track and a disc golf course, I think it will add so much to the community right away.

Q: What innovative amenities or features are planned at Mayfair that will make the community stand out?

The way Southstar has planned the phases of Mayfair is unique. A seamless integration of parks, commercial property, and residential space makes Mayfair stand out from other developments in the region.

Q: What do you foresee the lasting impact of Mayfair being on New Braunfels?

The commercial opportunities, the parks and trails, and the variety of residential housing options will all contribute to the City of New Braunfels, producing that small-town feel that will be accessible to everyone in New Braunfels.

Q: What does being a part of a project like Mayfair mean to you?

We get to create a brand new community from scratch. The excitement and vision for a project like this is a “can’t miss” opportunity, and being part of that means a new adventure every day.

To keep up with Mayfair, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter! 

New Braunfels, Texas, represents a vibrant tapestry where the spirit of small-town America and the aesthetic charms of old-world Europe are woven into the diverse cultural fabric of the area. New Braunfels can take you back centuries with its unique architectural touches, and in the next moment serve as a gateway to the vast natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. The result is a beautiful and distinct hometown culture that is the perfect setting for various celebrations, events, and festivals year-round. Perhaps none of these is as iconic as Wurstfest, New Braunfels’ annual celebration of all things Bavarian. 

The following is a decade-by-decade look at the history of this incredible festival to show what makes Wurstfest the best.

Wurstfest in the 1960s: Birth of a Sausage Celebration

In 1961, Ed Grist, the city meat inspector, dreamt up a one-day festival to celebrate New Braunfels, its unique heritage, and delicious sausages. He got the city on board with his destiny-tinged vision, leading to the first-ever Sausage Festival. That’s right—it wasn’t even officially Wurstfest in its first year! 

At the time, Grist and his collaborators imagined the event as a typical, small-town festival. They may have nurtured a pipe dream of someday expanding it from a single-day affair to a whole weekend if it should catch on. However, in 1963, two years after the festival’s official inauguration, events were scheduled for every night of what had already become “Wurst Week.” 

In the latter days of the 1960s, Wurstfest had become its final name and had its first big relocation, getting a dedicated home at the “Wursthalle” in beloved Landa Park. Before the end of the festival’s first decade in existence, Wurstfest had already expanded to 10 full days and proven capable of drawing thousands of visitors to New Braunfels each year, with attractions and entertainments now including top touring musicians and nearly 50 different food vendors, with inspired options ranging from Wurst tacos to Sauerkraut pizza. 

By the time the 1960s ended, Wurstfest was already a key fixture of the New Braunfels economy. The 1969 festival saw a record 75,000 attendees. 

Wurstfest in the 1970s: A Festival Flourishes

In the 1970s, Wurstfest continued its expansion, adding restrooms, security, event staff facilities, and the iconic Biergarten, ensuring that festival-goers could appreciate authentic Bavarian brews and sausages. In fact, the decade saw over 7.5 additional acres acquired for Wurstfest expansions, effectively tripling the size of the festival grounds by the end of the decade.

Wurstfest in the 1980s: Sausage Hits Its Stride

Wurstfest entered the 1980s looking for unique and memorable ways to expand the festival and its offerings, acquiring fun exhibits like the world’s largest beer bottle collection. The famed collection, purchased from New Braunfels local Jerome Nowonty, contains over 15,000 beer containers. After meticulous curation, only the best 3,000 of them make it into the Wursthalle. 

Another unusual exhibit marked the Wurstfest 25th anniversary celebration in 1985: a temporary post office! While a pop-up postal station might seem like an odd installation for a 10-day festival, guests used it to acquire special cancellation stamps bearing the Wurstfest name. 

Throughout the second half of the 80s, Wurstfest was gaining notoriety as one of the best festivals—not just in Texas but in all of North America—thanks to positive media coverage and word of mouth. This peaked in 1989, with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany giving the media a special appetite for all things German.

Wurstfest in the 1990s: The Best of Times, The Wurst of Times

Wurstfest continued strong through much of the 1990s, with expansions and more great memories. Then, in 1998, Wurstfest encountered major adversity. 

New Braunfels had another great festival planned for 1998, with Grammy winner Jimmy Sturr slated to headline the entertainment with his world-renowned orchestra. However, disaster struck less than two weeks before the festival’s opening day. The New Braunfels area was hit with torrential rain and massive flooding. Much of the Wurstfest grounds were left underwater, and several Wurstfest expansions, some only two years old, were washed away entirely. 

Wurstfest officials surveyed the vast damage and decided to continue with Wurstfest as planned. The rain continued on as well but could do nothing to dampen the spirits of festival-goers, who helped Wurstfest raise $50,000 for flood victims.

Wurstfest in the New Millenium: Wurstfest 2000 and Beyond

The first significant change to come to Wurstfest in the 21st century occurred in 2002 and involved a generous gift from JPMorgan Chase & Co.: a key half-acre property on Landa Street to be used for improved parking and future expansion.  

In the mid-00s, the sale of a local power plant impacted the Wurstfest landscape, requiring some of the facilities to be moved. Undeterred, Wurstfest continued growing. Expansion through this era included the Kinderhalle, a special children’s entertainment area built in collaboration with the New Braunfels Parks and Recreation Department. 

The 00s finished strong, with Saturday, November 7, 2009, going down as the single biggest day in Wurstfest history. This set the stage for Wurstfest’s 50th anniversary blowout in 2010, which welcomed a very special guest: Graf Johannes von Oppersdorf, a direct descendant of Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, the city’s founder. 

Wurstfest continued rolling strong through the 2010s, with a new website, more facilities expansions, and the addition of an offseason Craft Beer Festival in May. This last bit was an instant success, with tickets to the Craft Beer Festival selling out the very first year.  

In 2019, however, started a challenging run for the festival. Mere days after another great Wurstfest wrapped up in 2019, the festival grounds saw a devastating fire, which wiped out the marketplace area used by vendors and also damaged the iconic Wursthalle. Rebuilding began immediately in hopes of a strong return in 2020, but unfortunately, a 2020 festival never took place due to COVID-19. This marked the first cancellation in Wurstfest’s 50-plus-year history as an annual celebration. 

While 2019-2020 was a difficult period for Wurstfest, the nearly quarter-million visitors who showed up in 2021 seem to indicate that the festival is as resilient as ever!

Mayfair: Your Home Near All the Best of Wurstfest

If you’re a Wurstfest fanatic, why not put yourself in the middle of the fun by moving to New Braunfels? Mayfair is a modern residential development conveniently located near all the best New Braunfels has to offer, featuring top home designs from a variety of the area’s most reputable builders. 

Nestled within America’s amber fields and independent farms lies a timeless autumn treasure. The pumpkin patch is where magic and nostalgia intertwine, and every pumpkin has its own tale, waiting to be told through you, your imagination, and your best efforts with a carving knife. Aside from being the perfect place to choose the perfect jack o’ lantern for Halloween, a great pumpkin patch might also have games, face painting, a corn maze, hay rides, hot cider, and any number of other treats. Texas tends to do everything a little bigger, and the pumpkins — and their patches — are no exception in terms of both size and fun!

If you’re looking for pumpkin patches in New Braunfels, look no further than the annual New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch conveniently located at the popular Rockin’ R tour operator in Gruene, TX. Carve out your perfect day on the farm with your family.

New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch Details

Where: The Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R takes place at Rockin’ R Gruene, located at 1405 Gruene Road, nestled along the scenic banks of the Guadalupe River. 

The Rockin’ R’s main business is operating river rides and other tours, but they put this family-oriented customer service experience to great use running their Pumpkin Patch event. Consider coming back during the summer months to try out one of their hugely popular Guadalupe River tubing packages, with prices as low as $25 for a basic tube. 

Local newspaper readers recently voted The Rockin’ R Best of New Braunfels 2023, so you know your New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 2023 experience is in good hands with them. 

Please note that there are three other Rockin’ R locations along the Guadalupe River alone and others on the Comal River. The Rockin’ R facility you want to visit for fall pumpkin patch fun is the Rockin’ R in Gruene, once again located at 1405 Gruene Road. 

When: The Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R is usually a month-long event, but the exact details can vary from year to year. For example, in 2023, the Pumpkin patch opened September 30 and lasted through November 18, Wednesdays through Sundays, with operating hours of 10 AM to 8 PM, while the 2024 event tightened up a bit, going to a Thursday through Sunday schedule spanning September 28 through November 3 and closing doors at 6 PM instead of 8.

The pumpkin patch typically operates throughout October and extends into both September and November, giving you a generous window for planning your visit. You may want to plan your visit around other special seasonal events taking place in the area.

What: Rockin’ R’s more than month-long pumpkin patch has a full complement of traditional and unique pumpkin patch amenities, including: 

• Awesome fall photo opportunities 
• Fall decor 
• Various activities for the kids 
• Seasonal treats and drinks 
• The pumpkin patch itself, of course! 

The New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R has a great reputation, with online reviews to match. Here’s what real New Braunfels visitors and residents are saying about the pumpkin patch and its host, Rockin’ R River Rides:

• “It was amazing!”
• “Will definitely be visiting again, for years to come.”
• “Awesome place at a great price!”
• “They care about people and offer the best experience possible!”
• “The family area was kid-friendly, and there were plenty of pumpkins available to buy.”
• “Setup was great!”
• “Excellent customer service.”
• “The pumpkins were pretty cheap, and good quality!”
• “It was awesome!”
• “There’s a large area with kids’ bounce houses and a corn pit. The kids have a lot of fun.”
• “Plenty of things for the kids to do.”

Other Local Fall Fun

While the Rockin’ R Pumpkin Patch is our annual go-to, there are plenty of other fall activities and events around Gruene and New Braunfels, ranging from the spooky to the serene. While offerings and specifics will vary from year to year, be on the lookout for:

• Stahlman’s at Bear Creek – If you’re looking to grab some pumpkins to carve at home, along with a few groceries, and maybe even get in some Christmas shopping, it’s hard to beat a trip out to Stahlman’s at Bear Creek, just north of New Braunfels.
• Braune Farms Fresh Produce – For those who just can’t get enough fall fun, another highly regarded pumpkin patch option in the local area is located at Braune Farms.
• Farmers Market – The local New Braunfels Farmers Market is a great way to spend a Saturday, and it remains open into the autumn months.
• New Braunfels Holiday Market – It is almost an understatement to call this annual gathering a mere craft fair. Kick off your holiday season with amazing offerings from over 100 merchants and local artisans at this multi-day event.
• Wurstfest – When another Halloween wraps up, you know New Braunfels’ world famous Bavarian bash, Wurstfest, is right around the corner! If you’re planning a Halloween-time trip to New Braunfels, why not extend your stay and plan to take in a day or two of this Oktoberfest-style cultural celebration?

Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch – Young Children’s Pumpkin Patch New Braunfels, TX 

For the younger kids, Rockin’ R maintains a separate installation called “Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch.” While the standard pumpkin patch is free to enter, Little Pumpkin’s requires a modest entry fee. Children under two are free, however, and there is also no charge for parents who are only supervising and not partaking in the fun. However, entry fees may vary from year to year.

So, what exactly does your little pumpkin get for their admission fee? A full day of fall fun, including: 

• Unlimited playtime in the corn pit (think a vintage fast food restaurant ball pit, but full of corn kernels instead of plastic balls) 
• Unlimited playtime on the jump pad 

• Up to two “make and take” fall crafting projects 
• Access to the bubble station 
• Access to a variety of fun kids’ games, including “dress the scarecrows” 
• Watch out for new additions from year to year!

Fall Field Trips to the New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 

A field trip with the whole class is a great way to experience the Pumpkin Patch at Rockin’ R and make lifelong memories with friends, teachers, and classmates. 

If you’re an educator considering a Texas pumpkin patch for a fall field trip destination, consider the package Rockin’ R has to offer you: 

• $8 per child discounted admission rate for schools (versus the normal $10 admission fee for Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch) 
• Access to the standard Pumpkin Patch 
• Admission to Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch (corn pit, jump pad, bubbles, crafts, etc.) 
• Special field activities

In addition to simply being a fun time for kids of all ages, a seasonal trip to a functioning pumpkin patch offers all sorts of potential for educational experience in areas like: 

• Biology – Pumpkin plants make a great prop for many a biology lesson, whether you’re focusing on their beautiful flowers and the pollination process, their edible seeds and flesh and the role they play in the ecosystem, or the various parts of the pumpkin itself that make them an awesome natural model of a cell.
• Weather – Pumpkins, like any crop, need certain weather conditions to grow well. An in-person visit to a working pumpkin patch is a great way to bring this lesson to life.
• Farming – A trip to the pumpkin patch is a great way to punctuate lessons about science and agriculture.
• Business – Get a behind-the-scenes look at a rewarding seasonal business model that enriches the local community.
• Physical fitness – Kids can get a great workout hitting the various activities at the Little Pumpkin’s Play Patch.
• Art – Various craft activities are also available for those who prefer to flex their artistic muscles. 

Please note that food is not included in the field trip package, but you can access picnic facilities for eating packed lunches.

Mayfair, TX – Your Year-Round Home in New Braunfels 

Instead of visiting New Braunfels for the excitement of pumpkin patch season, why not consider making it your new home? With various floor plans, styles, and ownership options being developed right now, Mayfair is a world-class residential development in New Braunfels that makes a perfect home base for year-round fun in the Texas Hill Country and beyond. Much like you might circle the pumpkin patch for hours before selecting the perfect orange gourd that speaks to your unique aesthetics, Mayfair offers various unit types and purchasing options to fit every style. 

There is no better time to move to New Braunfels, TX, by way of Mayfair than right now. After all, as soon as pumpkin patch season wraps up, another postcard-perfect Christmas in New Braunfels is just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss it. 

The main roads are paved in the first phase! It’s exciting to see the roundabout take shape and roads now lead the way to the future first park, builder models, elementary school and Midtown Mayfair.

DNT will finish this phase of construction on the main roads by early September, and CC Carlton plans to begin laying base for the first neighborhood next month with paving slated for early November. DNT will then gear up for construction to begin in September on the second neighborhood of homes. 

5 Star is now clearing the way for the community’s Waste Water Treatment Facility on the eastern border with the Cloacina plant estimated to arrive in November. Southstar and J&A Wastewater are overseeing this effort and coordinating electrical, structural and civil engineering as well as construction by 5 Star.

A new regional storm facility is well underway by D&D Construction with completion of the dam expected for November.

And an exciting highlight for future home and business owners – Centric Gas and Fiber contractors are now onsite installing natural gas lines and high-speed fiber for the Mayfair community!

This all leads the way for builders to begin new home construction in early 2024 with models expected in late Spring/early Summer.

Watch it all take shape.

The residents of New Braunfels continue to enjoy their thriving and culturally diverse community. Thanks to our efficient economy in the New Braunfels and San Marcos, TX, areas, many individuals are looking into furthering their education. That means college students who have taken residence in the area may wonder which universities or community colleges in New Braunfels are worth the cost and time investment. 

Colleges and Community Colleges in New Braunfels 

Our team at Mayfair continues to find ways to innovate and expand our community, and we achieve this by working with smart and passionate individuals. If you’re a student looking to attend one of the local colleges in New Braunfels, there are several options to consider.

Howard Payne University

Located directly in New Braunfels, Howard Payne University (HPU) aims to educate students in a Christ-centered environment and thriving community. HPU offers master’s degrees in theology, MBA, sport and wellness leadership, and minors in business, art, science, mathematics, and Christian studies. For students in New Braunfels looking for a convenient location to attend, HPU may be the best option for you. 

Texas State University 

Located in San Marcos, Texas State University (TXST) is one of the largest college campuses in the state. Home to nearly 40,000 students across 200 different programs, there’s a wide range of activities to participate in. For more than a century, many individuals near San Marcos have gone on to have successful careers, including Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States. 

TSU also performs frequent research in the medical and scientific fields, always striving to learn more about our community and the rest of the world. Similarly to TLU, TSU provides several resources to ensure everyone on campus feels safe and healthy. TSU takes mental health concerns seriously and is prepared to help those with difficulties navigate their issues and complete their degree. 

Wayland Baptist University 

Wayland Baptist University (WBU) has multiple locations throughout Texas, including New Braunfels. WBU is known for accepting work experience, credits from other universities, and military experience when admitting students. WBU is also regarded as one of the top Christian universities in the United States, having educated students and seen them launch successful careers for over a century. There are roughly 18 students per faculty member at WBU, with just over 1,100 students enrolled. While the staff is focused on providing an academically challenging environment, they also intend to prepare you to serve God, family, and the community. 

Texas Lutheran University 

Focused on faith, learning, and inclusivity, Texas Lutheran University (TLU), located in Seguin, TX, is only a short drive from New Braunfels. Unsurprisingly, a university focused on growing and connecting the community is home to many residents in the New Braunfels area. 

TLU offers various academic programs, including business administration, nursing, psychology, education, music, and more. Most classes average around 19 students, allowing students to fully socialize with their professors, staff, and other students. You’re not required to practice a certain religion or have certain political views, either, as TLU is committed to offering a safe and inclusive space for everyone on campus.  

Northeast Lakeview College 

A public community college based in Universal City, Northeast Lakeview College (NLC) focuses on partnering with several communities to ensure residents all across Texas have the academic resources they need. New Braunfels specifically is home to the Central Texas Technology Center (CTTC), hosting several programs for biology, nursing, math, and education majors. They also provide higher education and technical training essential to securing a high-demand job. 

NLC tends to keep class sizes small like TLU, allowing students in the community to feel connected to those around them. The price of admission is typically lower than other colleges throughout Texas, so students on a strict budget may have an easier time finding the educational resources they need. With a location close to home in an economically-stable area, NLC and CTTC are great options for students in the New Braunfels area. 

Austin Community College District 

With 11 locations across Central Texas, Austin Community College (ACC) offers plenty of educational programs and research labs to help students succeed in their field of study. All locations are northeast of San Marcos, and the entire district is popular among residents in New Braunfels and San Marcos. 

Students can choose from various academic programs, including computer science, culinary, liberal arts, digital media, and more. Because of the multiple campuses, each focused on a different area of education; students have a better chance of finding the right fit. 

The University of Texas at Austin 

One of the top universities in the world, The University of Texas at Austin (UT) is known for the McCombs School of Business, consistently ranking in the top ten business schools across the nation. Of course, UT also offers exceptional fine arts, nursing, architecture, geoscience programs, and many more. Known for its vibrance and positive atmosphere, UT is not only a great university to consider but a great one to reside in or nearby. Because of the evolving economy in Texas, many students have not only found success in academics but enjoyed memorable recreational activities and attractions.     

Preparing for College  

In addition to figuring out which college to attend, you’ll want to adequately prepare for this life-changing adventure to get the most out of the experience. Consider the following steps: 

• Practice time management. You’ll have much more independence on college campuses than in high school, so practice balancing your schedule and keep track of everything you need to via your phone or journal. 
• Do research. Many colleges and community colleges in New Braunfels offer similar programs, but you’ll want to research further than that. If a university has goals and values that conflict with yours, you may want to look elsewhere. 
• Gather your dorm or apartment necessities. If you live away from home, write down everything you’ll need for your dorm or apartment. It can be easy to overlook something, so think carefully and allow plenty of time to plan. 
• Refresh your memory. Before taking advanced courses in college, refresh your memory from your high school courses relevant to your area of study. 
• Ask for help. You may have coasted through high school without much difficulty, but college can become more challenging when you least expect it. Remember, asking for help is always acceptable, so practice doing that. 

Above all, remember that your studies come first. It can be exciting to meet new friends and form connections, but the priority should be to learn what’s necessary to live a successful future. There are times when you’ll experience social pressures, and it’s essential to practice standing your ground. 

Students Are Welcome in New Braunfels

When moving to a new state and community, finding a place to integrate into can seem intimidating. Students wanting to complete a degree to improve their odds of finding a job need the right resources and academics, and our community is proud to work alongside various colleges in New Braunfels to make it possible. 

Mayfair continues to work toward improving our community, from implementing safer technology to constructing new homes. We value connection and hope to provide students with what they need to feel included.