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If you’ve recently started looking for a change in scenery, vibe, and weather, New Braunfels, Texas, has something to offer for everyone. Don’t just take our word for it: more and more people are moving to New Braunfels to take in all of the Texas Hill Country charm that the city has to offer. New Braunfels offers unique vibes, a wholesome small-town feel, and many things to do within the community with the family or in the great outdoors.

A few of the iconic things to do in New Braunfels, TX include:

Natural Wonders and Summer Fun

Landa Park

The iconic Landa Park, situated along the famed Comal River, somehow squeezes over 50 acres of recreation opportunities and natural beauty into the heart of downtown New Braunfels. Thanks to Landa Park’s miles of well-maintained hiking trails, you can transport yourself from the charming German-inspired architecture of downtown New Braunfels to a serene natural environment with no more than a quick stroll. In addition to its beautiful nature areas, Landa Park also offers picnic facilities, a mini-golf course, a pool, and even a miniature train ride.

Texas Hill Country

In addition to the many wonderful parks and natural areas available in and around New Braunfels itself, the San Antonio/New Braunfels area also serves as your gateway to the vast recreational opportunities within the Texas Hill Country. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, paddling, camping, or weekend adventures to out-of-the-way breweries and BBQ joints, it’s all just out your backdoor in the Texas Hill Country after a move to New Braunfels, TX.

Reservations for Enchanted Rock State Natural Area typically book quickly, especially on weekends, holidays and in the spring season. It is strongly encouraged to reserve a day pass prior to traveling to the park. Visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife Reservation System to make a reservation for park entry. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance of arrival.

The Texas Hill Country is as vast and open as its name suggests, and so are its recreation opportunities. Some other fun things to try while in Texas Hill Country include:

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Directly northeast of Landa Park is another New Braunfels icon, the Schlitterbahn Waterpark. The hot Texas weather ensures that Schlitterbahn enjoys a longer splash season than many of its national competitors. The convenient downtown location makes it close to the best eateries and shops making it an ideal family vacation destination.

Some of our favorite Schlitterbahn attractions include:

Like any high-end theme park, Schlitterbahn is always innovating and upgrading, so it’s worth a return trip if you can fit it into your busy summer itinerary.

Festivals and Live Music

If you enjoy music, New Braunfels offers a wide variety to listen to. Be sure you check the following:

Historic music venues

The greater San Antonio area is home to several iconic country-western music venues that thrive to this day. Look to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, for a classic Texas Country concert. Gruene’s musical history is long and illustrious, with many important figures in country, western, and other genres having passed through or held longer residencies in the area. A show at Gruene Hall isn’t just a world class concert but also a chance to be immersed in the history of American music.

Whitewater Amphitheater is a gorgeous riverside venue that is just minutes away from downtown New Braunfels. Whitewater Amphitheater leans into their country western wheelhouse while also making an effort to diversify their bookings to cater to the wider tastes of Texans. In a single season at the amphitheater, you might be able to catch a quintessential Texas country concert from a superstar like Willie Nelson or Eric Church, then an EDM or other electronic music show, and even a classic rock concert from a timeless act like Foreigner.

And if you choose to go 30-minutes west looking for new tunes, Austin has an alternative music scene all its own.

Wurstfest

The single most iconic New Braunfels institution might be the annual fall festival that plays on the area’s German heritage. It is known as Wurstfest, and it’s held in New Braunfels each November. Despite its sausage-inspired name, Wurstfest is hands-down one of the best cultural heritage festivals anywhere, and it serves visitors and locals alike with a world-class combination of food, music, history, and other cultural treats.

If you’re interested in planning a trip to check out New Braunfels that coincides with Wurstfest, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to the annual festivities.

Enchanted-Rock-State-Natural-Area-Photo-Mar-30,-9-20-19-AM-(Credit-Fredericksburg-CVB)Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Image Credit: Fredericksburg CVB

New Braunfels, TX – Infrastructure and Community Resources

Of course, moving to the Texas Hill Country isn’t all about finding great food and entertainment. This is especially true if you’re bringing children with you. Thankfully, the New Braunfels, TX area also has great schools and healthcare systems to check those less-fun but still vitally-important boxes on your checklist:

Schools

The Comal Independent School District is a highly rated institution serving over 25,000 students and the New Braunfels Independent School District serves nearly 10,000 students per year. There are also a variety of world-class private schools and specialty educators throughout the greater San Antonio area. Those looking for higher education will find a move to New Braunfels puts them within striking distance of several quality colleges offering a wide variety of programs, including Texas State University San Marcos, Texas Lutheran University, and Northeast Lakeview College.

The diversity of high-quality education options makes New Braunfels a great place to put down roots if you have school- and college-aged kids who will be making the move with you. High-quality schools also reflect well on long-term property values and other important community metrics.

Hospitals

A relocation to New Braunfels will put you within a comfortable distance of several quality health systems and specialized clinics. Resolute Health and CHRISTUS Santa Rosa are two top providers in the area. New Braunfels is also home to a highly regarded PAM Health Specialty and Rehabilitation Hospital, which caters to patients with complex and long-term needs. World-class dentists, optometrists, and specialists of all types are also available throughout New Braunfels and the greater San Antonio area.

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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: 

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:

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: 

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:

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. 

Water conservation during the dry, hot summer months is becoming an increasingly critical topic in many parts of Texas and beyond, including here in New Braunfels. As summer droughts and water restrictions become the expectation rather than the exception, gardeners and lawn care enthusiasts are two groups of Texans who face particular challenges. In fact, the combined watering of millions of lawns (in other words, maintaining acres upon acres of inedible, decorative grasses) is one of the primary contributors to the region’s ongoing water struggles.

The Many Benefits of Native Plants and Grasses

One highly effective way to conserve water while still maintaining an attractive and highly functional property is by incorporating native Texan plants and grasses into your landscaping and gardening plans. Not only do these plants require less water, but they can also help support local ecosystems and even reduce your need for chemical-packed fertilizers and pesticides.

Water Efficiency

Because native plants are already well-adapted to local climates, weather patterns, and soil conditions, they don’t require you to provide them with much extra water–and often none at all, depending on the weather. This is particularly important in a place like New Braunfels, where water conservation has become a perennial summer issue and a large seasonal tourist economy puts an additional strain on resources. By choosing native plants for their yards and gardens, New Braunfels homeowners can significantly reduce their total water usage, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Supporting Local Ecosystems

Your own backyard can make a great home for beneficial insects, beautiful birds, and even a range of small native mammals. A well-planned native garden that is thriving and biodiverse will also attract local pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are crucial to the overall health of the ecosystems of the Texas Hill Country.

Low Maintenance

The water efficiency factor of native plants goes hand in hand with another great benefit: less work and more free time for you. Once you’ve established a healthy native garden, it largely takes care of itself, requiring far less intervention than a garden of exotic plants–or even a standard grass law. Native plants are also well-adapted to local pests and diseases, reducing your need for chemical treatments that can have unwelcome environmental consequences.

How to Incorporate Native Plants and Grasses Into Your New Braunfels Landscape

Each individual effort to “re-wild” a Texas lawn or landscape will look a bit different depending on the particular goals, aesthetics, ambitions, and budget of the property owner or landscapers involved–and that’s perfectly okay! There are very few “wrong” ways to incorporate more native plants into your spaces, and you can start as small as you like. Even replacing a few square feet of your lawn or exotic flower garden with beneficial native plants can set you on the path to reduced water usage.

If you’re unsure where to begin, consider this step-by-step approach:

Site Assessment

Before you do any planting, take a moment to survey your property from a plant’s perspective. Map out the sunlight exposure and soil type in each area of your yard. In most residential scenarios, sunlight exposure is largely determined by the shadows your house (and garage, fence, etc.) casts throughout the day.

As for soil type, you might find that it’s fairly consistent throughout your property, or you may be surprised by how much variance you find from one corner of your yard to the other. There are a number of distinct soil types that you could encounter throughout New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country, and no two properties are exactly alike.

Pre-Planning

Using the information gathered in step one, you can begin to map out what types of plants and other features you want in each part of your yard or native plant garden. Visit natural areas like parks and preserves as close to your property as possible and start to research the plants you find. Even an overgrown lot near your house can be useful in this respect, but just be sure to do adequate research to distinguish native plants from invasive species.

Soil Preparation

Like any garden, proper soil preparation can be a huge factor in your native garden. Mixing the existing soil with a small amount of natural fertilizer, such as compost or compost tea, can help your native plants establish themselves and thrive throughout their first season in their new home.

Weed Control

All of the so-called “weeds”–whether they are in the form of invasive species or undesirable native plants–will also need to be dealt with before you plant new ones, just like in any other garden. When it comes to nativizing a lawn, those once-desirable (and water-needy) grasses can now be considered weeds. To fully “reset” a portion of your lawn for nativization, you can cover it with a tarp or other type of sheeting for an extended period. This deprives the grasses and weeds below of sunlight. Once they have died off, you’ll have an open space to start experimenting with native plants.

Planting Native Species

Putting your new plants in the ground is, of course, one of the most exciting parts of this process. Plant the native species in the appropriate areas of your yard based on the information you learned in step one.

Maintenance

A major benefit of a native landscape is that it’s low-maintenance. Exactly how you maintain your native landscape once it has been planted mostly depends on your personal preferences, but that doesn’t mean you should just leave everything to nature.

Continue learning throughout the process to become more familiar with your plants and their needs. Some native plants will benefit from pruning or trimming, while others do just fine without any attention from you.

Beautiful and Beneficial Native Plants to Consider in New Braunfels, TX

Microclimates and soil types can vary quite a bit throughout the New Braunfels area and the Texas Hill Country beyond. Your elevation, proximity to water, shade sources, soil composition, and other factors will have a great deal of influence over which native plants will do best in your space. Trial and error may be necessary, but seeing what works can be a fun and rewarding process.

Here are some suggestions to you get started and spark further research:

Comprehensive Sustainable Living at Mayfair

A beautiful native Hill Country landscape is only one way to reduce your water usage, of course. Another is to consider moving into a new home that has been planned and constructed with energy and water efficiency in mind.

Mayfair, a vibrant residential community in New Braunfels, TX, works with top area builders such as Highland Homes and Toll Brothers, which are known for implementing modern, water saving elements like low-flow fixtures, high efficiency toilets, ENERGY STAR® appliances, tankless water heaters, and zoned irrigation systems that can manage your water use more intelligently than ever before. Visit the Mayfair website to learn about available units.

Mayfair launched its modern take on small town living May 11 with the inaugural Mayfest, an exciting festival featuring live music, local food trucks, family-friendly activities, and tours of the new model homes now open in New Braunfels’ newest master-planned community! Mayfest attracted hundreds of visitors, including future homeowners and enthusiastic local vendors. The vibrant gathering marked the beginning of a new chapter for Mayfair, showcasing the blend of modern living and hometown spirit that the community promises to deliver.

The morning began with a VIP Realtor preview of the new model homes by Highland Homes, Perry Homes, Coventry Homes and Toll Brothers Homes. Real estate agents toured the homes and learned about new floorplans and move-in ready homes underway with much fanfare.

“This new community is just going to be beautiful,” said Cecy Crary with Coldwell Banker D’Ann Harper, Realtors. “Everything you’ve ever wanted and dreamed of – parks, houses of course, playgrounds, commercial development, just everything.”

Never Miss a Chance to Dance

The first of many festivals to come, Mayfest showcased an array of activities and attractions designed to entertain and engage all ages. The atmosphere was electric with live music filling the air, courtesy of local talents including 90s cover band Zoodust, Bicycle Boy, Sound Cynic, and DJ Ango. The performances created a lively backdrop for the day’s festivities and encouraged visitors to kick up their heels on the dance floor.

Food trucks lined the area, serving a variety of delicious cuisines that catered to every palate. From savory snacks to sweet treats and hearty meals, the food truck fare was both diverse and delightful. Families and friends also enjoyed making friendship bracelets, a nostalgic activity that added a personal touch to the day. Additionally, the event featured dozens of market vendors, offering everything from handcrafted goods to unique local products, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy and take home.

New Homes in Mayfair

Visitors also had the chance to explore the newly opened model homes by Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, and Perry Homes. Each model showcased innovative designs and luxurious features, offering a glimpse into the exceptional floorplans available in Mayfair. Additionally, builders such as David Weekley Homes, Toll Brothers, Scott Felder Homes, and Wes Peoples Homes were present with booths, providing detailed insights about their future offerings in the community.

“It’s beautiful, I already know that the area here is a really good area, that you’re really close to the outlets, you’re close to everything in New Braunfels… you’re right off 35,” said Jocelyn Abraham, a prospective homebuyer, in an interview with Realtor Radd Alawan. “We did our research on all the other neighborhoods but the master plan… what this is going to be is what we’re looking for.”

Fun for All in Mayfair

Mayfest in Mayfair games

For younger visitors, the inflatable games and kite flying were big highlights of the event, providing endless fun and entertainment. Kanga Parties Petting Zoo was another favorite, allowing children to cuddle and pet a baby kangaroo, pig, llama, goat, and many more friendly creatures. Kids were also able to take a breather at the story time tent with The Book Haus.

Adding to the festivity was the Bier and Wein Garten, where adults could relax and enjoy a selection of local beers by Meridian Hive and wines by Wanderlust Wine Co. The Garten became a popular spot for socializing and unwinding amidst the bustling activities.

Mayfair Promise

One of the most significant moments of the day was the announcement of the Mayfair Promise by Thad Rutherford, President and CEO of Southstar, Mayfair’s developer. This philanthropic commitment pledges to donate $100 per home sold to each of three local charities – New Braunfels Parks Foundation, Comal Education Foundation, and Headwaters at the Comal – for the life of the community. This initiative underscores Mayfair’s dedication to giving back and supporting the growth and well-being of the New Braunfels area.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Rutherford stated, “The overwhelming turnout and positive response to Mayfest in Mayfair truly highlight the community spirit that we are building here. It’s incredibly rewarding to see so many people come together to celebrate the launch of Mayfair, and we are thrilled to support important local charities through the Mayfair Promise.”

Mayfest was not just a way to showcase new homes opening but a joyous celebration of community, connection, and the promise of a bright future for all who will call Mayfair home. With such a successful start, there is no doubt that Mayfair will flourish as a vibrant and welcoming master-planned community in New Braunfels!

Missed out on the festivities? Our model homes are now open for tours! Visit Mayfair at 5708 Guthrie Trail in New Braunfels and find the model home row located on Cleveland Way. You can learn about new homes underway in Mayfair and see how our community is shaping, including future amenities and Midtown Mayfair, our planned retail district.

As another winter passes into memory and warmer weather begins to set in, this change is echoed outside in countless ways. From new flowers and foliage to different birds coming home for the season and those longer, sunnier days making their comeback, spring announces itself proudly throughout New Braunfels and the Texas Hill Country beyond. When it comes to bringing that sense of springtime renewal into your own home, however, you can’t rely on nature to do it for you.

A major spring cleaning project can be a daunting prospect, even in terms of finding the time to start. Going into this battle with a great plan that zooms in on your key needs and strengths will help ensure that your spring cleaning sessions are productive and focused. Having a concrete spring cleaning strategy in place can help you see the light at the end of the cleaning tunnel from the very first step, which gives you motivation to see the job through.

With that in mind, here are five spring cleaning tips to help you develop–and execute–your own post-winter cleaning list.

1. Streamline Your Spaces

A great first step for those busy, “lived-in” homes is a basic decluttering of each room. This has an immediate visual impact that will help motivate you to keep going. It also serves the practical purpose of making it easier to move through your home as you go about your various cleaning projects. Start by taking care of the following:

Deal with out-of-place items that can be readily put away in their proper place (hanging up jackets, putting dirty clothes in the laundry, etc.)

Toss out any disposable items that are no longer needed. Instead of running back and forth to the trash throughout your spring cleaning process, take this opportunity to get a large lawn and leaf-style trash bag started, then keep it handy as you move from task to task. Remember to properly sort any recyclable items.

Start a donation pile (or better yet, a bin/box) for items that are still useful but which you and your family no longer need. You can also start a resale pile in addition to (or instead of) a donation pile, but be sure to fully consider the extra labor and stress involved in listing items online or organizing a yard sale.

2. A Bonding Experience for the Whole Family

Parents know that trying to get their kids involved in household chores is not always a pleasant or easy task. As the weather gets warmer, there are probably a million things your kids would rather be doing than helping with the spring cleaning, but it’s important to involve everyone.

Giving your children (or roommates, etc.) thoughtfully chosen, age-appropriate, and meaningful tasks can help give them a sense of pride and ownership in their space. Assign each family member specific tasks with achievable goals. Also, allow children to make meaningful decisions about which items they are ready to move on from and put in the donation or resale pile.

If necessary, set up an appropriate reward system to encourage your family to stay engaged. A small gift card for their favorite hobby store or video game system can work wonders to keep easily distracted kids on task. If your spouse is the squeaky wheel in this scenario, promise you’ll take them to Mayfest 2024 this spring if you get a little less whining and a little more vacuuming. (You were already planning to go anyway, but that’s beside the point.)

With some pre-planning and a focus on realistic goals, getting the kids and other stubborn household members involved can help make spring cleaning much easier.

3. Make the Most of Every Inch

Creative storage solutions have an almost magical way of creating usable space. Sometimes, this can be done simply by thinking about your spaces in a different way. Then, you can make adjustments to use them more effectively. In other scenarios, evolving your storage effectively might mean a pretty serious DIY project that extends well beyond the scope of mere spring cleaning.

The way you approach this strategy will be informed by your own individual spaces, goals, needs, and existing furnishings, but here are some ideas to guide you into the right mindset:

Under-Bed Organization – For example, large rolling drawers or purpose-built chests can maximize the use of every vertical inch.

Wall-Mounted Shelves – Cramped kitchens and workshops can also benefit from wall-mounted countertops. These can be folded down to open the area back up for general use when your work is done.

Multi-Functional Furniture – You don’t have to go wild with extravagant (and expensive) custom builds to implement this idea effectively. Think about simple, timeless options as well, such as a footstool or bench with a removable top that can double as a storage chest.

4. Go Green for Springtime Vibes (and for your Allergies)

Today’s social spaces are full of conversations about finding “greener” ways to do things, as public concern for the environment remains high. You can take some simple, practical steps to create a spring cleaning routine that’s a little more eco-friendly.

Use natural cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon wherever they are effective.

When a more serious product is needed, check the label for information about ingredients and their environmental impact.

Clean your air vents and air filters as part of your spring cleaning routine to freshen up the air without spraying artificial chemical scents.

Limiting your spring cleaning’s reliance on harsh chemicals isn’t just good for reducing your environmental impact; it’s also better for your health in a more direct way. “Green” factor aside, gentler cleaning products (and cleaning methods) might help reduce or eliminate some of those spring allergy symptoms you and your family may have been struggling with.

5. Don’t Forget Digital Cluttering

Many people spend a large portion of their lives online, so it’s only logical that some of their spring cleaning should occur in the digital realm as well. Just like your in-home cleaning, this is important to do for both aesthetic and practical reasons.

In between your more physically demanding spring cleaning tasks, block out an hour or two to work on organizing and deleting unwanted items from:

Of course, the key secret to getting the absolute most out of spring cleaning is to have a home that you love in the first place. If you’re looking for a place to call your own in the New Braunfels area, Mayfair offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern living. With a variety of highly inspired new homes in the midst of parks, trails, and a vibrant community, you’ll feel right at home. Check back often for news about the community and information about new units available.

As 2024 continues, now is a great time to explore trends in home design that may be seen during the year. Mayfair has a wide range of experience in home building and can offer key insights into what to look for as you consider building a new home in 2024. Highland Homes builds in the Mayfair community and has designed award winning homes across the state of Texas for nearly 40 years. Let’s take a look at some of the trends that Highland Homes is seeing this year!

Home Design Trends From the Highland Homes Product Team

Biophilic Design & Seamless Indoor/Outdoor Connectivity

Indoor/outdoor spaces can allow you to connect with nature and your surroundings more easily. Having sliders and large windows to bring in natural light, will provide fresh air, and allow for views outside, which is a huge plus. Providing indoor/outdoor connectivity highlights the seasonal changes, sounds, and sensory outputs of nature, and this choice is becoming much more popular. As the world becomes more digital, being in tune with nature and fresh air is even more important for every homeowner.

Multiple Outdoor Living Areas

Many homeowners are now searching for more multi-functional outdoor living areas. You might choose to create outdoor kitchens, dining spots, fire pits, or areas that are dedicated to yoga or meditation. These unique spaces could make your home both special and functional!

Secondary Spaces Grow in Importance

These days, more homeowners are finding themselves in need of extended or secondary spaces like gyms, offices, entertainment centers, and places of rest. You’re likely spending more time at home than you have in recent years, and Highland Homes can provide the space you need with up to six-bedroom houses. Buying a home with extended spaces can be a valuable investment for you and your loved ones.

Highland Homes offers large utility rooms with storage and laundry folding spaces and larger pantries, providing you with the space you need for you and your family. They also offer creative storage options, customized closet and cabinet solutions, and much more. You need places to store all of your valuables, and larger home spaces can make sure that you and your family have both storage and room to live.

Dedicated Work/Study Spaces

Like many families, one large study may not be enough for you and your loved ones. In select plans, you get the option for two study spaces (for example, an office plus an optional pocket office or an office plus an additional second office). While the trend of working from home has started to wane over the past several months, many people still do remote work. With adequate light placement and additional workspaces, you can create a home office environment that can provide enough room for those who need it.

Focus on Health and Wellness

If you’re one of many people with a focus on health and wellness, dedicating a flexible space to be used as a yoga space, gym, meditation, or prayer room could be life-changing. The key to health and wellness starts in the home. Good air quality, no toxic materials, and healthy doses of natural sunlight can give you peace of mind knowing that your health is not being compromised.

Spa-Inspired Bathrooms

Spa weekends have traditionally been reserved for only those who can afford to get away for a luxurious retreat. Now, instead of having to go away from your home for that experience, you can get the spa experience in the bathroom of your own home. With whirlpool-style tubs and enhanced steam shower systems, the home bathroom is becoming more integrated with spa systems, giving homeowners that vaunted spa experience in the comfort of their homes.

Other Popular Home Design Trends

Highland Homes is known for incorporating design trends that resonate with homeowners. This year, warm and neutral colors like beige, off-white, and a rich brown are in style, while previously trendy cool grays and white colors are becoming less popular. As you search for inspiration or a starting point in a new home build, maybe you’ll decide on a more timeless design. More people are incorporating rustic wood elements, arches, and brick into their new, modern homes.

Blending backsplashes is a unique way of making your kitchen stand out even more. The trend involves installing stone or quartz in the kitchen wall behind the cooktop while keeping the surrounding backsplash area as tile, offering a unique blend.

All shades of blue are back and trending, from sky blue to deep-water tints. Blue is expected to be more prominent in decorative materials, housewares, and other art pieces in 2024.

Functionality has always been important aspect of home design, but combining the use of mudrooms with laundry rooms is becoming popular once again. Leaving the mess from outdoors in one designated area can help keep the rest of the home clean and clutter-free. On a related note, you can optimize storage by freeing your kitchen of excess gadgets that don’t get regular use— including an appliance garage is a trend that can help keep your home free of clutter.

In 2024, handmade details for the home are in high demand. Items like handmade tiles, bathroom vanities, and other elements are key in design and can create a unique sense of versatility.

 What’s more, cabinet fluting is yet another trend we expect to see in 2024. Fluting a cabinet creates a vertical wood molding that can add decorative, functional detail to your home.

The Highland Way

The 216 Plan in Mayfair ’60s is the perfect way to highlight the many options for improved functionality or livability. With spacious floor plans and countless options for storage, these quick move-in homes incorporate the latest trends in home design while remaining timeless.

Mayfair works with the most reputable builders in the New Braunfels area, including Coventry Homes, Perry Homes, Highland Homes, Toll Brothers, David Weekley Homes, and Scott Felder Homes. Be sure to stay up to date with the new housing trends in the market and keep an eye out for inspiration for your next home!

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:

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:

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:

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.