more texas: new braunfels and san marcos

When Bryan and I checked into our New Braunfels hotel, we hurried up to the room, knowing it was going to be a great one!

You see, I had a free night with Marriott that was set to expire if I didn't use it, so I had booked us a really nice hotel for that 1 night.

They gave us the corner room with wonderful views and a large balcony overlooking the turquoise river.

River off the back of our hotels property

We grabbed some sushi and 2 bottles of champagne and came back to our hotel to enjoy our balcony view.

Then we moved our relaxing evening down to the patio... Great fireplace. Too bad it was 95 degrees out!

Ice on a hat? Totally normal.

Then a wild thunder and lightening storm blew in...

And Bryan got really weird... that's an ice bucket

This really was the relaxing night in that we needed after our shinanigans in San Antonio just days earlier.

***

I had read a lot about the Gruene Historic District, and because Bryan and I love to explore historic towns, we decided to make a night of it!

The water tower is the centerpiece of town and can be seen from miles away
Grapevine Winery
Positioned underneath the water tower, the Gristmill restaurant is a rustic converted cotton gin with multi-level patio seating overlooking the turquoise river below.
the Gristmill property is large and beautiful
men's bathroom
Our direct view from our dinner table. Below the river was rushing through...I may or may not have found myself at the most incredible outlet mall I've ever encountered... 3 times!

And a VS outlet? Who knew they even existed!

Neatest gas station ever!
Texas State vs. Nichols tailgate and stadium

These kids know how to party!