(Pronounced "green") German immigrants established village before 1850; now part of New Braunfels. Historic structures, both ruins and restored, include old homes, stores, art gallery, winery, ice cream parlor, and rustic beer hall, circa 1880, still popular for weekend dances.

If you're in Gruene during the summer, check out the Gruene Country Homestead Inn. The innkeepers at this bed and breakfast inn make their own molasses from sugar cane (grown on the property), actually using the cooker and sugar press obtained from Edwin Hanz, the prior owner of the fachwerk barn and property. For information, 830/606-0216. On Guadalupe River, Gruene Rd. off N. Loop 337.