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A continuous walking trail from San Antonio to Austin is still years away, but the people behind the ambitious plan say progress is being made and the idea is now closer to reality.

Called the Great Spring Project — and managed by a nonprofit with the same name — the plan envisions a 100-mile trail between the two cities, connecting the San Antonio Springs, Comal Springs, San Marcos Springs and Barton Springs, conserving open space over the Edwards Aquifer’s recharge zone and creating recreational opportunities in the fast-growing Interstate 35 corridor.

Read More: San Antonio Express-News

As New Braunfels continues to grow, its neighborhoods are embracing a fresh wave of design trends that blend modern innovation with the enduring allure of the Texas Hill Country in 2025. This year is shaping up to be one of bold design choices grounded in timeless Hill Country charm.

Homebuyers aren’t just looking for a place to live — they want homes that reflect both modern sensibilities and a deep connection to the land, culture, and lifestyle of Central Texas. Whether a homeowner plans to build from the ground up or is simply dreaming of what’s next, these are the home design trends small-town locals in New Braunfels are gravitating toward this year.

Embracing Organic Modernism

The organic modern style is gaining popularity among New Braunfels homeowners. This design approach combines clean, minimalist lines with natural materials like wood, stone, and linen, creating spaces that feel both contemporary and connected to nature. Think open-concept living areas with large windows that frame the scenic Hill Country views, complemented by earthy textures and neutral color palettes.​

The Return of Warm Neutrals

After years of cool grays dominating interiors, warm neutrals are making a comeback. Beige tones, once considered outdated, are now being reimagined with softer, more refined hues. Colors like Sherwin-Williams’ “Sunbleached” and Benjamin Moore’s “Cinnamon Slate” are popular choices, offering a cozy and timeless backdrop for any room.

These shades pair beautifully with natural materials and are perfect for creating a serene atmosphere in your home. Pair either with​ shaker moss cabinets to complete that organic look.

Sustainable and Locally Sourced Materials

Sustainability is more than a buzzword — it’s a way of life for many in New Braunfels. Homeowners are increasingly interested in eco-friendly materials and locally sourced products.

Incorporating reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and organic textiles not only reduces the impact on the environment but also adds unique character to your home. Supporting local artisans and using materials native to the Hill Country can make your home truly one-of-a-kind.​

Modern Rustic Fusion

The charm of the Texas Hill Country is being reinterpreted through a modern lens. This modern rustic trend blends traditional elements like exposed wooden beams and stone accents with sleek, contemporary finishes. The result is a warm, inviting space that honors the region’s heritage while embracing modern design sensibilities.​

Biophilic Design: Bringing the Outdoors Inside

With the natural beauty of Canyon Lake and Fairway Park, it’s no surprise that biophilic design is resonating with New Braunfels homeowners. This approach integrates natural elements into the home, like large indoor plants, artificial living walls, and ample natural light, promoting well-being and a deeper connection to nature. Incorporating local flora and materials can enhance this connection and create a harmonious living environment.​

Bold Hardware and Fixtures

In 2025, hardware is stepping into the spotlight. Homeowners are opting for statement pieces in aged brass, copper, and polished nickel, moving away from traditional brushed finishes. These bold choices add personality and sophistication to kitchens and bathrooms, serving as the perfect finishing touch to a well-designed space.​

Vintage and Mid-Century Modern Accents

There’s a growing appreciation for vintage and mid-century modern furniture in New Braunfels homes. Incorporating pieces like leather sofas, retro chairs, and vintage cabinets adds character and a sense of history to a space. Mixing these elements with modern accessories creates a balanced and stylish environment that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Where to Find Design Inspiration and One-of-a-Kind Pieces in New Braunfels

Designing a dream home doesn’t start and end with Pinterest boards. New Braunfels offers a variety of local spots where inspiration flows just as freely as the Guadalupe River.  Here are some of the best ways to discover unique décor, finishes, and Hill Country style:

Local Boutiques & Home Stores

Paint, Fixtures & Building Finishes

Hill Country Inspiration Trips: Design Ideas Just a Short Drive Away

Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to step away from the screen and take a drive through the scenic backroads of the Hill Country. New Braunfels is just a stone’s throw from some of Texas’s most charming towns, each offering its own unique take on style, craftsmanship, and architecture. Whether you’re dreaming up your next home build or refreshing a space, these day-trip destinations are full of design gold.

Stay in Style: Design-Focused Airbnbs

Looking for a good source of real-world inspiration? Local Airbnbs and vacation rentals are designed with care. These homes in areas like Canyon Lake, or Blanco often showcase the best of modern Hill Country design. Think exposed wood beams, limestone fireplaces, polished concrete floors, and large glass walls to take in the views.

Visit Mayfair

Designing a home in New Braunfels is about more than following trends — it’s about creating a space that reflects the lifestyle and the unique charm of the Hill Country. When visiting Mayfair for their annual Mayfest, you’ll find a budding community boasting a collection of move-in-ready homes that embody bold design trends adorned with Hill Country charm.

By embracing organic modernism, warm neutrals, sustainable materials, and local craftsmanship, you can build a home that’s both stylish and deeply rooted in the local culture.

Springtime in Texas is all about those big, sunny skies, blooming wildflowers, and getting excited for another wild Texas summer. The weather is getting warmer, the days are getting longer, and those proverbial winter blues are drifting away on a warm breeze. Sounds to us like the perfect excuse for a lively outdoor community festival!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 10th, 2025, because you’re invited as Mayfair in New Braunfels hosts its highly anticipated annual community event, Mayfest. This fun, multi-faceted, family-friendly celebration is open to Mayfair residents, all of our New Braunfels neighbors, and curious visitors alike. The Mayfest celebration brings the community together for live music, delicious food, exciting activities, and exclusive home tours showcasing the finest work of some of the region’s most talented builders.

Mayfair 2025 Fast Facts

Date: Saturday, May 10th, 2025

Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Location: Mayfair (New Braunfels, TX)

Admission: Free, all ages, and open to the general public

Festival Features: Music, food, vendors, outdoor activities, and exclusive home tours

A Fun-Filled Festival for All Ages

Centered around Mayfair’s beautiful new Fairway Park, the 2025 incarnation of Mayfest will feature a diverse mix of entertainment, shopping, eating, and interactive experiences or just a pleasant afternoon mingling with neighbors and new friends.

Mayfest 2025 Activities

Some of the activities you can expect to find available at this year’s Mayfest will include:

The above is just a small sample of the activities and sponsors that will be on hand for Mayfair 2025. Other planned activities include an interactive bubble artist, face painting, rock wall climbing, Euro Bungy and a life-size “Hungry Hippos” style game! (If your business is interested in participating in next year’s Mayfest, please contact us.)

Mayfest Model Home Tours: Explore Stunning Mayfair Homes

If you’re looking for a dream home in a dynamic and welcoming community, Mayfest 2025 is also the perfect opportunity to check out some beautifully designed model homes at Mayfair. We work with a range of the area’s most reputable and sought-after builders, including:

Mayfest 2025 Music Line-Up

No community festival is complete without a legendary music lineup, so Mayfest 2025 is bringing you some of the best acts from New Braunfels and beyond! (The music schedule is subject to additions and changes.)

Eat, Shop, and Connect at Mayfest 2025

Mayfest 2025 is also a fantastic opportunity to support some great local businesses and vendors and discover everything that Mayfair and the greater New Braunfels area beyond have to offer. Festival goers will have the opportunity to browse a variety of vendor booths, including:

Whether you’re looking for that unique local gift for your Mom for Mother’s Day or you want to find some mouth-watering Texas Hill Country style BBQ, Mayfest at Mayfair has your shopping and dining needs covered.

Mayfair – Your New Home in New Braunfels, TX

If Mayfest sounds like fun, imagine living here year-round! From the brand-new Fairway Park to a brand-new Costco, Mayfair is only getting bigger and better with each passing year. Making your way to Mayfair for the spring festival is a surefire recipe for a great time, but living here in the heart of it all is even better.

Bookmark the Mayfair website or contact our team today to learn about new homes that will be available in the near future.

A home is more than just four walls — it’s a retreat from the everyday hustle, a place to recharge and connect with the people who matter most. Just as important is the community that surrounds it, a neighborhood where you can build meaningful relationships and find a true sense of belonging.

Mayfair in New Braunfels is more than just a master-planned community, it’s a thoughtfully designed small town. Connected by scenic walking and biking trails and brought to life through events that foster genuine connection, Mayfair even includes over 2,000,000 square feet of mixed use commercial space for shopping, dining, and building your business.

Read More: San Antonio Express-News

A new 18-acre park opened within the Mayfair development—a master-planned community located within New Braunfels’ extraterritorial jurisdiction—on March 22.

Fairway Park, located at 137 Ransom Drive, brings various amenities to Mayfair and New Braunfels residents including an 18-hole disc golf course, bike pump track, playscape and walking trail, according to an email from Kristi Robinson, vice president of marketing & communications relations of SouthStar Communities.

The disc golf course totals over 4,000 feet with multiple elevation changes with holes ranging from 119 to 400 feet. The bike pump track was designed and constructed by Avid Trails—which has an asphalt track for bikes, skateboards, scooters, rollers and berms, Robinson said.

Read More: Community Impact

Mayfair is proud to announce the first donation checks have been awarded to the three local nonprofit beneficiaries of The Mayfair Promise initiative! This milestone marks the beginning of a project-long commitment to organizations dedicated to conservation, education, and community well-being in New Braunfels.

With every new home sold at Mayfair over the course of its development, an estimated 15 years, a $100 donation is made to each of three local organizations:

The first donation, $2,800 per organization, is based on the initial 28 home closings in late 2024. As Mayfair continues to grow, so will the impact of these contributions. With four homebuilders currently active and four more joining the community this year, The Mayfair Promise is just getting started.

A Lasting Commitment to New Braunfels

Mayfair isn’t just about building homes – it’s about building a stronger community. The Mayfair Promise ensures ongoing support for organizations that align with our vision of conservation, quality education, and wellness. This commitment will continue annually, with donations awarded each spring based on home closings from the previous year.

“The Mayfair Promise is our way of giving back to these amazing organizations who are doing so much to support the New Braunfels community, not just in a one-time donation but in a commitment for the life of Mayfair’s development,” said Thad Rutherford, CEO of Southstar, developer of Mayfair. “While there is no shortage of great charities here, we felt these three encompassed Mayfair’s vision for conservation, quality education, and healthy living. These groups are important to the region’s success, and we strongly support their efforts.”

We are honored to support these organizations and look forward to seeing their continued impact on the New Braunfels community. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how The Mayfair Promise helps shape a brighter future for our hometown!

Nestled between the Northeast corner of the San Antonio metro and the heart of the Texas Hill Country, New Braunfels, TX, is a city that thrives on tradition, community, and that indomitable Texas spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, New Braunfels offers year-round celebrations of culture and community, with a calendar packed full of events that showcase the area’s rich heritage, diverse culture, and vibrant business climate. Celebrate our shared passion for food, fun, history, music, art, nature, and more.

First Friday

When: The first Friday of every month (March through October)

Where: Downtown New Braunfels – Main Plaza

Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Kick off your month with some excitement through this beloved New Braunfels tradition. From March to October, the heart of downtown New Braunfels transforms into a lively hub of late-night shopping, live entertainment, and unique local experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Stroll through the courtyard to enjoy awesome local bands, watch real Texas artists create on-the-spot masterpieces in awe-inspiring demonstrations, or even try your hand at some favorite local activities–axe throwing.

The 2025 First Friday season is set to kick off on March 7th at 5:00 PM. Visit the Downtown New Braunfels website for more information about First Friday and any other events organized or sponsored by the New Braunfels Downtown Association.

Folk Fest and Kindermasken Parade

When: Saturday, April 12, 2025

Where: Heritage Village – 1370 Church Hill Drive

Step back in time to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of the New Braunfels area at the annual Folkfest, an action-packed weekend festival dedicated to early New Braunfels lore and Texan history. Held on the picturesque grounds of the New Braunfels Heritage Village and the Texas Handmade Furniture Museum, Folkfest brings the region’s rich past to modern visitors through living history exhibits where historians bring the past to life through demonstrations of traditional crafts and trades and a variety of reenactments.

One highlight of Folkfest is always the coinciding Kindermasken parade and Ball, a cherished local tradition dating all the way back to 1856. Founded by one of New Braunfels’ first educators, Hermann Seele, the parade was initially imagined as a May Day celebration to help local children connect with their German roots. Today, the event continues to honor that heritage, with local youth and families donning traditional Bavarian attire and participating in parades and dancing.

For more information about Folkfest or the Kindermasken Parade, head to the event webpage on the New Braunfels Heritage Society website.

Spring Fashion Plate

When: April

Where: Krause’s Cafe – 148 S Castell Ave

Tickets: Starting around $60 (includes lunch and wine)

Fashion enthusiasts in New Braunfels quickly mark their calendars whenever the details for the annual Spring Fashion Plate are announced. The Spring Fashion Plate is the area’s premiere style showcase, highlighting great spring and summer looks from a range of downtown boutiques. Held at the iconic Krause’s Cafe, this ticketed event is more than just a fashion show; it’s a full experience that includes door prizes, swag bags, and a delicious lunch spread complete with wine and dessert. Best of all, the proceeds from the Spring Fashion Plate go towards community beautification projects, making it a most stylish way to support New Braunfels.

Check the Downtown New Braunfels events schedule or the Krause’s Cafe website to find up-to-date information on plans for Spring Fashion Plate 2025 as they are finalized.

Saengerfest

When: Saturday, May 3, 2025

Where: Downtown New Braunfels – Main Plaza

Time: 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM

Admission: Free (drink tickets and souvenir glasses available for purchase)

An epic celebration of New Braunfels’ love for culture, community, and cool tunes, Saengerfest is one of the city’s most anticipated annual events. Originally known as “Wein & Saengerfest,” this festival is another long-standing local tradition that has evolved over the years but continued to thrive, much like New Braunfels itself. Today’s Saengerfest strives for a broader cultural appeal while still holding firmly to its roots in local heritage and music appreciation.

Saengerfest, which translates to “Singing Festival” in German, brings together the best of area music, food, art, shopping, and all sorts of family-friendly activities. Guests can sample Texas Hill Country wines and regional craft beers or hit up the local food trucks for an unforgettable feast. The festival’s early May date also makes it one half of a pair of great bookends for the perfect extended New Braunfels summer, with the other, of course, being the autumnal Wurstfest.

Visit the City of New Braunfels’ Saengerfest website for more details.

Mayfest

When: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Where: Mayfair

Time: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Mayfest is one of New Braunfels’ newer annual traditions, and is hosted by the emergent Mayfair neighborhood. This single-afternoon event is jam packed with fun for the whole family, including live music, crafts, tours of Mayfair model homes, kids activities, and booths from lots of great local vendors and artists, which makes Mayfair’s Mayfest the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique Mother’s Day gift. For all the details on Mayfest, head over to our dedicated webpage all about the 2025 festival.

New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch

When: Autumn (2025 details TBA)

Where: Rockin’ R, 1405 Gruene Rd.

For your annual pumpkin patch experience done right, head towards the historic Gruene area and stop at the Rockin’ R tour operator along the Guadalupe River for fall-time festivities the whole family is sure to remember. This annual pumpkin patch experience includes a dedicated kids’ area, arts and crafts, awesome fall color photo ops, and–of course–high quality pumpkins for all your autumnal jack o’ lantern carving and pie-making needs.

Check out the Rockin’ R website for 2025 pumpkin patch details as they become available.

Wurstfest

When: November 7 – November 16, 2025

Where: Wurstfest Grounds – 120 Landa St

Admission: Around $20, but ticket price varies by day

Any list of annual New Braunfels events would be shamefully incomplete if it failed to include the 10-day experience known as Wurstfest, a beloved annual celebration that is nearly synonymous with New Braunfels itself. This iconic festival is like an Oktoberfest celebration cranked up to 11.

While this long-standing tradition is another rooted in celebrating the area’s rich German heritage, it has become so much more and is now a lively blend of foods, music genres, and fun activities that draws enthusiastic visitors of all different backgrounds. Whether you’re here for the sausages, the polka, or the beer, it’s nearly impossible not to have the best time at Wurstfest.

If you want to experience Wurstfest on a budget, be sure to check the schedule for Free Admission days, and you’ll be happy to know that children under 12 are always free. Visit the official Wurstfest website for full details.

Wassailfest

When: First weekend of December

Where: Downtown New Braunfels – Main Plaza

By now, you may be noticing a pattern where a lot of events here follow the naming convention of German word plus “fest,” but that’s just how we roll here in New Braunfels, where reminders of our old world roots are very literally built into the city’s architecture and are a part of daily life. Wassailfest is the last of our big Bavarian festivals for the year and is the New Braunfels version of a hometown Christmas fair.

Kick off your holiday season with a heartwarming event that celebrates the spirit of the season and the good cheer we’ve found in our community all year long. Come see the New Braunfels downtown transformed into a veritable winter wonderland of lights, carols, and seasonal treats.

Wassailfest has an official event page on Facebook if you want more details.

Christmastime in New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country

When: The Holiday Season

While this final entry isn’t for a specific fair or festival, we felt we needed to give a shout out to the many other great wintertime and holiday themed activities occuring in the area. If you think of Wassailfest as the star atop the tree, you can think of these many other “Hometown Christmas” style events as the ample ornaments and tinsel. Whether you’re looking for that perfect locally made gift, a chance to support the local arts scene, or even just a memorable backdrop for this year’s family Christmas card photo, the holidays in New Braunfel have it all.

Check out Mayfair’s blog about Christmas in Texas Hill Country for additional details on some of our favorite holiday events. (This post will be updated with details for 2025 as they become available.)

Mayfair, TX – Celebrating Life in New Braunfels Year-Round

If you’re considering relocating, why not put yourself in the middle of all these great annual celebrations? Check out New Braunfels’ up-and-coming Mayfair district, located within easy walking and biking distance of New Braunfels’ biggest celebrations. Mayfair takes applications on new units regularly, so be sure to bookmark our blog and visit often.

Also, visit our events page to stay informed about all things happening in New Braunfels.



































































































































































The Village at Mayfair in New Braunfels from Legacy MCS has officially kicked off.

AUSTIN, TX, UNITED STATES, February 12, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Legacy MCS, a leading general contractor based in Austin with a proven track record in build-to-rent (BTR) developments, is spearheading the construction of The Village at Mayfair in New Braunfels. This project, developed by the Arizona-based Empire Group of Companies, will create 217 rental homes located in the New Braunfels’ community with direct access to IH35. Construction is underway with homes becoming available in late summer or early fall of 2026.

Key Highlights:
The Village at Mayfair will feature cottage-style homes on 20 acres within Mayfair’s 1,900-acre master-planned community. Each unit will average 1,023 square feet, offering either a yard or private patio space. Residents will enjoy modern amenities, including full-size washers and dryers, smart-home technology, premium kitchen backsplashes, stainless steel appliances, and solid-surface quartz countertops.

The community will offer a variety of shared amenities, such as a common open space, barbecue grills, car charging stations, car care station, fitness center, clubhouse, and a central community pool. Additionally, a portion of the site will be dedicated to further amenities like a walking path, open space, and a pond.

As part of the larger Mayfair master plan, which will ultimately include 6,000 residential units ranging from multi-family and single-family homes to rentals and townhomes, this project emphasizes Legacy MCS’s continued commitment to excellence in the build-to-rent sector.

With deep experience in the BTR market, Legacy MCS has completed or is currently developing over 2,000 BTR units since 2016. Their current notable projects in Central Texas include Villas at Creekside, Village at Hutto Station, Urbana at Cottonwood Creek, and Urbana at Hero Way. Legacy MCS also boasts completed BTR developments like Urbana at Plum Creek and Urbana at Goodnight Ranch. Legacy’s portfolio underscores their commitment to the build-to-rent sector to ensure every aspect from construction excellence, maintenance, amenities, technology, safety and the comforts of home are considered.

“This project not only highlights the growth and potential of the build-to-rent market, but also positions Legacy MCS as a key contributor in this evolving sector,” said Greg Cole, Director of Construction for Legacy MCS.

BTR Expertise
By choosing Legacy MCS for The Village at Mayfair project, Empire Group of Companies ensures top-tier construction and innovative sourcing of construction finish-out, leveraging Legacy MCS’s extensive expertise in build-to-rent developments.

Legacy MCS continues growth in the BTR and Multi-Family Rental markets, driven by a mission to create remarkable spaces that serve communities and offer exceptional returns for their clients. With a legacy rooted in quality and service, Legacy MCS is poised to continue as a important contributor in the construction landscape of Texas.

For more information about Legacy MCS and their projects, please visit www.legacymcs.com.

Comal ISD held a groundbreaking ceremony for its ninth middle school, located in the new Mayfair development, on Wednesday morning as the district looks to address rapid growth in the area. 

The school is funded through the 2023 bond. As far as a timeline for the construction of middle school No. 9, the team anticipates receiving a permit within the next 30 days, said Comal ISD Chief Operations Officer Mark Stahl. The project has a 24-month buildout and the campus is anticipated to open in August of 2027.   

Superintendent John Chapman said the groundbreaking is more than a photo-op with a golden shovel, as it represents the continued growth of the community and district. 

[Read More]

As another new year unfolds before us, or behind us, depending on when you read this, many find themselves looking for realistic, practical ways to create healthier lives. One path towards New Year’s Resolutions that can be achieved is through a focus on building better habits and establishing routines rather than setting grandiose goals with no strategy in mind to get yourself there. For example, instead of vowing to lose 50 pounds and save $10,000 before the year ends, make the more simple and concrete resolution to stop Doordashing fast food burgers and start bringing a salad into work for lunch.

Within this framework of attainable goals and healthy routines, there are a variety of different activities you can commit to in your quest to benefit your body and mind. Once again, it doesn’t have to be something epic like skydiving or trying out for the local semi-pro hockey team. For best results, consider starting with small steps. Literally.

Taking the First Steps Towards a Healthier New Year

Walking is not just the default mode of short-distance transportation for most people. It is also one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise available–and is surprisingly effective on multiple levels. The benefits of a good walking regimen are well documented, from a boost in cardiovascular health to an improved sense of mental clarity. A daily walking routine can transform your life in small but meaningful ways, and, best of all, it’s something you can start for free right now with no equipment necessary. Just a comfortable pair of sneakers and a high-visibility shirt or jacket with reflective elements if you plan on walking at night.

Why Walking Works

At first glance, walking might seem too simple to be effective or too mundane to stick with as a daily habit, but you shouldn’t underestimate its power and appeal. Here are a few reasons walking makes an awesome go-to exercise:

New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country: The Perfect Backdrop for a Daily Walk

Living in New Braunfels, TX, is a great first step because it makes starting a walking routine even easier and more rewarding. New Braunfels doesn’t just provide that perfect Texas Hill Country scenery to motivate us while developing this healthy habit, it also has great trail and sidewalk infrastructure to support walkers, runners, and cyclists. The Mayfair residential district alone will be home to dozens of miles of trails and pathways, giving residents access to many unique walking experiences without ever leaving the neighborhood. Another good place to find great walking trails in New Braunfels is along the iconic Guadalupe River.

Building Your Perfect Walking Routine

Committing to any type of new daily routine can feel a little stressful and overwhelming at first but making the resolution to get a few more steps in every day can be simple and stress-free. With a little pre-planning and motivation, you can jump right in to forming an enjoyable and beneficial habit. Try to focus on the following 3 key concepts when planning your own walking routine.

1. Set Realistic Goals

Generic self-help type wisdom usually encourages you to rack up the miles, but if you’re just beginning your first walking regimen, it may be smarter to dial back your initial expectations. It can be really deflating to spend time creating a detailed walking plan with a specific, ambitious goal, only to realize you’re not physically at that level yet. Rather than challenge yourself to walk a certain distance or number of steps each day, it’s perfectly fine to start with a simple, open-ended goal, like going for a daily walk of at least 15 minutes.

If you have an inconsistent or demanding schedule in other areas of your life, you can also plan days off, or set medium-term goals rather than daily goals. For example, committing to 8 hours of walking each month rather than 15 minutes each day can offer more flexibility. By setting modest goals, you also set yourself up for a motivating confidence boost when you routinely meet or exceed them.

2. Plan Your Route(s)

Decision fatigue is a real thing. Just like you can end up making the bad choice to eat a leftover bag of chips at 10 P.M. because you failed to decide on dinner plans, not having a plan ready to go for your afternoon, morning, or evening walk can result in you skipping it entirely if you encounter a day where you feel too mentally worn out to bother choosing a walking path.

Many dedicated walkers take the same route every single day, and this added element of consistency works great for certain people. However, we recommend beginners choose varied paths and schedule different walks for different days to help keep things interesting. This is less challenging than it might sound–for some people, you won’t even have to leave your own neighborhood to find a wealth of different walking path options. The emergent Mayfair neighborhood’s series of trails and parks, for example, will boast a combined 35 miles of scenic, friendly, and well-maintained trails.

It can also help to choose walks that have a built-in destination, either scenic or practical. This could be a local landmark, a favorite Texas Hill Country view, or the local store to pick up a few groceries before you hit the second leg of your walk and head home. To return to the example of Mayfair, many of this charming residential district’s trails are centered around Midtown Mayfair, a vibrant community hub breaking ground this spring that will feature multi-use spaces, a pool with all the amenities, and future plans for shopping and dining options.

For New Braunfels destination walks, don’t just think of your favorite park bench or smoothie shop. There’s always something going on in New Braunfels to turn your simple walk into an exciting event:

Make sure to also prioritize safety when planning out your walking routes. Stick to designated non-motorized-use trails when possible, and surface streets with good sidewalks when not. Avoid taking roads with high-speed limits, lots of blind spots, inadequate lighting, or a lack of basic pedestrian infrastructure like crosswalks. Be aware that services like Google Maps, while extremely useful for motorists, do not always know which paths in your city are legitimately safe and walkable.

Keep It Fun to Stay Motivated

Walking shouldn’t feel like a chore, and chances are, you already have enough of it in your life. By making your daily walk into something you enjoy and look forward to, you ensure long-term success.

Try incorporating passive activities that you enjoy. Listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks is a go-to for many walkers, and if your playlists are getting stale, a daily walking session gives you ample opportunity to sample new songs and shows. For safety’s sake, consider using only a single earbud so that you keep one ear open to hear what’s going on around you–like traffic or other trail users.

Birdwatching, photography, and the use of apps that track and gamify your walking goals are other examples of activities that can be easily incorporated into a walking routine. Whether you track your daily to-dos with a motivational app like Finch, or are active on popular augmented reality games like Pokemon Go, there are lots of ways to integrate your favorite tech with your new favorite pastime.

You can also use your walking time to double-task on more productive activities, such as using a Bluetooth earpiece to catch up on important phone calls or brainstorming work assignments in your head. We strongly suggest linking your walk to more fun and enjoyable activities, however, as this will help you look forward to it as an escape from your day, rather than simply a continuation of your workday where you must work and exercise at the same time.

Make sure your walking plan also includes small rewards for meeting your goals. At the half-year point, you might plan to treat yourself to a night out at the movies or your favorite restaurant if you’re on track to meet your goals. Your rewards can be bigger, smaller, or more frequent than that, too–whatever keeps you motivated and fits your budget and lifestyle!

Looking for an even bigger way to make your daily walk more fun? Why not adopt yourself a walking buddy to bring long-term motivation and companionship? The Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area is conveniently located on Morningside Drive (add it to your next walk) and adoption fees for adult dogs start under $150. Plan to stop in and say hello to some of these good boys and girls.

Embrace the Power of the Daily Walk at Mayfair

We’ve used Mayfair’s parks and trails as an example multiple times in today’s blog, and if you’re intrigued, come see–and walk–them for yourself. Mayfair has excellently built homes in a variety of unit types, with new units available regularly and expansions ongoing. Contact Mayfair today to learn more about making it your new home.