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. 

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

Green Bean Casserole

Todd Richert, Broker

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

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

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.

Thanksgiving Dressing

James Tipton, Development Manager

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

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!

Fried Turkey

Chip Mills, Senior Vice President

Ingredients: 

• Turkey 
• Hot grease 

Instructions: 

• Place turkey in hot grease, and don’t burn down the neighborhood—thanks, Chip! 

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!” 
• Stockings (Chip Mills). “I remember the childhood Christmas stockings that my mom and grandmother made. Mine was Frosty the Snowman.” 
• 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.”

Mayfair’s Favorite Holiday Hotspots for Shopping

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.” 
• 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. 

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.

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 2023, 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 New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 2023. It’s 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 2023 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 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 a month-long event, opening September 30 and lasting through November 18. However, it is only open Wednesdays through Sundays, with operating hours of 10 AM to 8 PM. The pumpkin patch operates throughout October and into November, but you may want to plan your visit around the special “Fall Market & Festival” event taking place for one weekend only, on Saturday, October 28, and Sunday, October 29. This is a special event where the pumpkin patch is filled with vendors, face painting, food, and other fun. 

What: Rockin’ R’s 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! 

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 costs $10. Children under two are free, however, and there is also no charge for parents who are only supervising and not partaking in the fun. 

So, what exactly does your little pumpkin get for their $10 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” 

Fall Festival & Market at Rockin’ R’s New Braunfels Pumpkin Patch 

The Rockin’ R pumpkin patch will also host a special Fall Festival & Market event on the weekend of Saturday, October 28. Bring your entire family down to the Rockin R’ and enjoy: 

• All sorts of vendors with fall decorations, foods, handmade goods, crafts, etc. 
• Seasonal cuisine and themed drinks 
• Face painting 

If you are interested in becoming a vendor at the Fall Festival & Market, you can send an application through the Rockin’ R website. 

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.) 
• A special field trip Scavenger Hunt 
• Gumball Machine with prizes 

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 
• Weather 
• Farming 

• Business 
• Physical fitness 
• Art 

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. 

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 
• Plenty of Bavarian and Texan beers 
• 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!

When Is Wurstfest in New Braunfels 2023?

Wurstfest New Braunfels 2023 is coming up fast and will occur November 3-12. Visitors planning a trip to Texas centered on a visit to Wurstfest will have a full 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 can change from day to day. 

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 the acts in the 2023 lineup include: 

• Jodie Mikula Orchestra – Accordionist Jodie Mikula established this beloved family band focusing on traditional Czech polka numbers. 
• 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. 

• Mark Halata & Texavia – Another standard bearer in the proud tradition of Texan-Czech accordionists, Mark Halata’s Texavia hails from the Houston area. 
• 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 change daily, with most days’ tickets being around the $20 mark and some days (11/6, 11/7, 11/8, and 11/9) being free to the public. Children under 12 get free admittance to every day of Wurstfest, making the festival a great choice for families looking for fun 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.

Mayfair, TX – The Ultimate Home for Wurstfest Enthusiasts

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. 

New Braunfels, Texas, continues to bring in new permanent residents and vacationers thanks to its improved economy and memorable attractions. Gruene is a quaint, nearby community popular with tourists and located on the lovely Guadalupe River. For those visiting the tight community, several bed and breakfast locations are available so you can get a good night’s sleep and a great morning meal before you explore the area. 

Many homeowners in the community originally stayed at bed and breakfasts in order to take in the local sights and atmosphere, falling in love with the area. If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast in Gruene, here are the best places to stay during your vacation in the Gruene and New Braunfels area. 

Gruene B&B 

You may see this result pop up when doing research, as the lodging you’re requesting is in the name itself. Gruene B&B consists of a 10-acre property home with five different cottages. All cottages are within walking distance, yet staff have ensured that each one allows guests to feel secure and private. Each morning, this location treats guests to breakfast, including coffee, breakfast bars, fruit, and more. While you can use this area solely for lodging, there are also other amenities such as outdoor grilling and washing machines that you can use as desired. Gruene B&B is only one mile from nearby downtown. 

Comal Inn 

Comal Inn is designed as a getaway for couples, groups of friends, or yourself. Home to several cottages and private rooms, you’re sure to be fully rested before you enjoy a hearty breakfast of various fruits, cereal, beverages, and more. Several different room types are available, each fully furnished with WiFi and cable TV. For a more spacious environment, you can rent a cottage with two king-sized beds, a pull-out sofa, cable TV, WiFi, an outdoor grill, and more. 

No matter if you’re simply taking a break or need a space for a special occasion, Comal Inn can provide the accommodations you need to make long-lasting memories. 

Gruene River Inn 

One of the more recent lodging sites in New Braunfels is the Gruene River Inn. With excellent interior design and worthwhile amenities, this bed and breakfast is excellent, especially for those who enjoy fishing or swimming. This inn is located near the Guadalupe River, one of the most historic locations in the area that spans over 200 miles. Guests are welcome to enjoy the river’s refreshing stream or improve their fishing skills. 

Gruene Mansion Inn Hotel 

Arguably one of the most known B&Bs in the area, the Gruene Mansion Inn Hotel’s quaint design and vast array of amenities allow families and individuals alike to feel refreshed, entertained, and satisfied. Vacations should be memorable and allow you to relax and relieve your daily stresses. With an on-site coffee shop, picnic area, golf course, and more, this inn includes everything you need to enjoy a wonderful trip to New Braunfels. When you need a break from the entertainment and want to relax, Gruene Mansion Inn Hotel offers city and landmark views, which may help you relax and take in the nearby scenery. 

Lamb’s Rest Inn 

For couples in love looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway in New Braunfels, Lamb’s Rest Inn offers a gorgeous inn located near the Guadalupe River. While breakfast, WiFi, and parking are included in your rates, this inn is home to several vivid sights, including colorful gardens, decorative guest rooms, and more. Every amenity needed for a memorable and romantic lodging area can be found at Lamb’s Rest Inn, and it’s no surprise this is one of the most recommended B&Bs in the Gruene area. 

Gruene Homestead Inn 

New homeowners continue to arrive in New Braunfels thanks to its increasing opportunities and beautiful agriculture. This community was first founded in the mid-1800s and continues to be a tourist attraction for many across the globe. If the history of New Braunfels intrigues you, Gruene Homestead Inn offers a historical B&B location. Whether you want to relax and take in the local scenery or explore the Comal River with your raft or inner tube, Gruene Homestead Inn may be the inn of choice for you. 

Kuebler Waldrip Haus Bed and Breakfast 

This B&B is a fantastic option for those interested in history. Here, you can stay in a former one-room schoolhouse built in 1863 that has been authentically restored, as well as a renovated house built by German pioneers in 1847. For a newer option, the B&B has a beautiful cottage on the property built in a vintage style. They have choices for everyone, whether you’re just taking your partner or your whole family. You can choose to rent out one structure, individual rooms, or every building on the property for a family reunion. You also get a delicious, hot breakfast when you stay here. 

Gruene River Haven 

Located on the Guadalupe River, this property is a beautiful option. Choose the Gruene River Haven if you’re planning on taking a large group, as it is a house for rent with nine bedrooms. However, you may be able to rent individual rooms. Here, you can enjoy a number of different outdoor activities. Sit in the backyard and watch the river on the heated patio, make dinner on the grill or wood smoker, make a bonfire to roast marshmallows, or use the kayaks and tubes for a day on the river. If you have more than 22 people in your party, there’s even a luxurious camper available with several amenities.  

Experience Everything Gruene Can Offer 

Gruene includes history, attractions, and a thriving community. Whether you’re looking for somewhere close to shopping, the rivers, or the wilderness, you’re sure to find a quaint, comfortable place to stay.  

If the local B&Bs and attractions have inspired you to relocate to New Braunfels, Mayfair is currently working to construct new homes that could be yours in the future. 

Several attractions make New Braunfels, Texas, a memorable and enjoyable location. From museums to zoos, the New Braunfels community has it all. Other activities like shopping, biking, and sports may be enjoyable, but if the heat is too much or you want something less physical, going tubing is a fantastic alternative. For those who enjoy river tubing or want to experience it for the first time, consider planning a day of tubing at the Comal or Guadalupe Rivers! 

What Is River Tubing? 

River tubing involves riding an inner tube down a river. This can be done in a relaxing or energetic manner, as many people who use river tubes do so for sport. No matter your physique or age, anyone can enjoy Comal and Guadalupe river tubing. 

River tubing is most often a more gentle activity than other water activities. You can either bring your own tube or rent one from a local company. Tubing usually takes place at a part of the water with a strong enough current to let you travel. While you may get wet, you can avoid falling off of the tube entirely. Of course, it’s highly recommended to wear a safety vest in case you do go in the water. 

Comal River Float 

Both residents and vacationers in New Braunfels have enjoyed navigating the Comal River, and for good reason. The river is shorter than the nearby Guadalupe River, and the water is generally more calm. The Comal River spans nearly two and a half miles, with a temperature fluctuating between 70 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. For beginners or those wanting a shorter and more relaxing experience, Comal River tubing may be the activity for you. 

The Comal River tends to get quite busy during the late spring up to early fall. Texas is known for its significant heat in the summer, and the river’s calm and refreshing water may be just what you need. 

Guadalupe River Float

The Guadalupe River is much larger than the Comal River, spanning nearly 230 miles from the San Antonio Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. 

For more experienced swimmers and tubing enthusiasts, the Guadalupe River offers a longer and more scenic view of New Braunfels. If you don’t mind a longer and more involved tubing experience, the Guadalupe River can be a memorable break from the intense Texas heat. 

The Rules of River Tubing 

If you’re considering visiting either the Comal or Guadalupe River to enjoy a day of tubing, there are some ground rules you must be aware of. 

Any disposable items, including cans, cups, bags, boxes, and bottles, are banned from the rivers. A New Braunfels disposable can ban was put into effect in order to keep rivers clean. With clean rivers, more people continue to come to visit the local community and enjoy tubing, swimming, fishing, and more. 

If you still want to bring food and beverages to the river, you’re allowed to bring resealable containers and bottles. Every person is allowed to bring one cooler, which can’t exceed 30 quarts in size. 

There are other rules to keep in mind to protect both the rivers and each other: 

• Any noise devices (stereos, phones, etc.) cannot be audible past 50 feet. 

• No glass or foam containers. 
• No littering. 
• All inner tubes cannot exceed five feet in diameter. 
• Each person is limited to two tubes. 

By adhering to the local law, everyone can enjoy this wonderful attraction without worrying about becoming injured or put in danger. 

How to Prepare for Your Tubing Adventure 

Once you’ve decided which river you’d like to experience and what the rules are, it’s time to prepare for your fun and exciting day! 

There are certain items you’ll want to consider bringing along to either river. While none are required, each can make the tubing experience more enjoyable for everyone. 

• Sunblock – The Texas heat can become intense, and you don’t want to dismiss the sun’s beaming rays, either. Make sure you bring sunblock and apply it before and during your tubing journey. The water may help you cool off, but your skin will gain extra protection from the sun by applying sunblock. This is especially true for anyone looking to experience the Guadalupe River, as these tubing sessions can last much longer than those on the Comal River. 

• Drinking water or beverages – Nothing beats relaxing in a tube navigating gently down the river alongside a cold, refreshing beverage. Keep in mind that your beverage should be kept in a resealable bottle, as disposable bottles and cups are banned from both rivers. If the heat is a bit much, you’ll want to cool off with a cold beverage of your choice. 

• Athletic shoes – Both the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers contain rocks, vegetation, mud, and other elements commonly found alongside water. It’s crucial you wear proper footwear while tubing, as this will protect your feet should you need to get out. If you fall out of your tube, you can walk along the ground without worrying about injury. 

• Waterproof phone case and dry sack – It may seem tempting to bring multiple items along for the tubing journey, but it’s recommended to only bring what you need. If you’re bringing your phone, put it in a sack or waterproof case to protect it. 

Once you’ve gathered all of the necessary items, you’re ready to experience a tubing adventure you can only find in New Braunfels. 

New Braunfels is home to several unique attractions and successful businesses, but there comes a time when you may need a break. Vacations are a great way to unplug from your daily routine and get some much-needed relaxation. However, if your pet can’t come along, or you need a break from your pet as well, there are many pet boarding businesses in New Braunfels to consider meeting with ahead of time. 

Country Cottage Pet Resort 

One of Mayfair’s northern neighbors, Country Cottage Pet Resort, has cared for several different types of pets since 1997. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything back home while you’re on vacation, and Country Cottage Pet Resort aims to keep it this way. This business offers the following accommodations for your pets to ensure they’ll be nurtured and entertained. 

• Tiny Town: If you have a smaller pet, Tiny Town includes everything they need to feel safe and taken care of. This area of the resort comes with a large TV, customized feeding, luxury bedding, daily maid service, and scheduled potty and play times. 

• The Villa: For larger pets, The Villa contains enough space and accommodations for these guests. Along with customized feeding, a daily maid service, and scheduled play and bathroom times, The Villa includes larger doors, private areas for each pet, and raised beds with Mexican blankets. 

• Kitty Condos: For vacationers who need a place for their felines, Country Cottage Pet Resort offers Kitty Condos. These spaces include some of the features of the other two locations while also providing a window and sunning shelf. 

Comal Springs Pet Resort & Spa 

If you’re looking for cat or dog boarding in New Braunfels, Comal Springs provides several different services to keep your pet safe and healthy while you relax wherever you go. 

A unique feature of Comal Springs Pet Resort & Spa is the spa itself. If your dog would enjoy a day at the spa, there are bathing services available for dogs of all sizes. Many pet owners may think a spa is only for fun and not necessary, but this isn’t the case. A day at the spa can help your dog’s skin stay healthy and clean. The spa team also provides other services at the spa, including: 

• Nail trimming 
• Ear cleaning 
• Teeth brushing 
• Blueberry facial 
• Anal gland expression 

Comal Springs also provides what they call “Doggie Daycare,” which allows your dog to socialize with other dogs, increase their physical activity, and experience new sounds, smells, and sights. Before applying for Doggie Daycare, Comal Springs staff recommends doing a Meet & Greet session. This is to determine if your dog is a good fit for the daycare and resort. 

For cat owners, Comal Springs offers unique accommodations for felines. The cat boarding area is kept separate from the dog boarding area so cats can enjoy a more relaxing and quiet environment. For example, the cat boarding area offers the following features: 

• Cat condos with a separate place for their litter box 
• Large playroom with a window for sunbathing and looking at nature 
• Comfortable bedding 
• Catnip and 1:1 playtime with a staff member, per request 
• The ability to leave their condo to walk or run around the cat room 

Bedding and litter boxes are changed out once a day, and staff will ensure cats are fed and content with their surroundings daily. If your cat needs a certain vaccination to qualify for our boarding area, they can provide it. 

Comal Springs staff supervises pets at all times at their resort and spa, and they’re prepared to keep your pet fed, hydrated, clean, and entertained while you enjoy your vacation! 

Jin’s Bed & Biscuits Pet Resort 

Jin’s is another great option for dog and cat boarding while you take a vacation. They provide both boarding and day boarding services, so if your pet sitter  works during the day, they can let Jin’s care for your pets during that time.  

Jin’s feeds all pets the Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin diet, but you can request a special diet and bring your own food to the facility should your pet need it. The same can be done with any medications your pets take. 

Jin’s also includes a playground for running and other activities, though all pets aren’t mingled together unless they come from the same family. The staff at Jin’s are also prepared to provide flea and tick treatment should something occur. The owners of Jin’s work hard to create an environment for pets that feel just like home. This way, your pets feel safe and secure in a clean, inviting atmosphere. 

Enjoy Your Vacation 

New people continue to move to New Braunfels thanks to recent developments and construction. With that comes more pets, and if you need a break from the city, you can do so without worry thanks to several welcoming pet boarding areas in New Braunfels that can protect and supervise your pets while you take time to relax from your hectic daily life. 

At Mayfair, we believe in the power of vision to drive progress and shape the future. Our Mayfair Map serves as a compass, guiding us through the evolving landscape of our project in New Braunfels, Texas. We embrace the idea that visions are not set in stone but rather a culmination of insights, learnings, and innovative thinking. Our Vision encapsulates our dreams, ambitions, and the collective wisdom of our team. It outlines the path we envision for our project and acts as a strategic guidepost, empowering us to make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of our ever-changing landscape.

Welcome to Mayfair, coming to life in New Braunfels, just down the road from historic Gruene. Soon offering a variety of inspired new ways to live in a community filled with parks, connected by trails, energized by events and anchored by Midtown Mayfair — a vibrant shopping, dining and workplace district. Where food, friends and fun are a short walk away.

Here are just a few facts and figures about the small town, big living that we’re building.

Join Chip Mills, Senior Vice President of SouthStar Communities, overseeing the Mayfair development, as he takes us on a tour of the Mayfair property in its early construction phase. 

“New Braunfels is a special place, and what we’re building is going to stand the test of time,” he said.

Watch the video below to see the vision for how a landscape of grass and brush will soon be home to a thriving community full of amenities for residents of varying economic means and lifestyles—and how he’s carrying on a family legacy by bringing this project to life.

Located in the heart of the Austin-to-San Antonio corridor, bisected by I-35, Mayfair will offer 6,000 residential units, 70 acres of commercial development, 120 acres of mixed-use space, and more than 2,000 new jobs in the region. More than 330 acres of public parks will also be added to the area, connected by trails and bike paths connecting to schools, homes, and retail offerings for easy accessibility.

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