Just Friends or Something More, Best Places to Relax in Gruene, TX

Gruene, TX is an excellent day trip from Austin and less than an hour away

Gruene, Texas… you can’t get lost, but you can vanish for a few hours. It makes for one of the best day dates and is located only about an hour from Austin.

Make a lasting impression with your weekend sweetheart by taking the short drive and checking in on a few of the following digs.

Fickle Pickles

Feel like kickin’ the day off with a sweet little spice? Try out Fickle Pickles. Tucked behind a vine-filled trellis, you will discover a family-owned jewel that offers a proper Texas welcome. After more than a quarter of a century of pickling, Fickle Pickles product is now produced in their kitchen located in Boerne, TX.

Well settled into written fame, the late Billie A. Shaw, who was fondly referred to as “The Pickle Lady,” began jarring these savory, crunchy gems and quickly made a big name for her family recipe. Still using one single and successful family recipe, Fickle Pickles has swooned the pages of Southern Living, Texas Monthly and has even graced the stage at a live episode of The Martha Stewart Show.

Today, you can find samples and jars of the spicy and sweet slice, right in the heart of Gruene.

Jars of crunchy goodness

Bonus insight that will make your day trip date a definite score: during the busiest and most beautiful time of year, park in the free lot where Fickle Pickle and many other businesses are located.  It’s down the block from the center of town and you can find, coffee, smoothies, antiques and much more before you take the walk down the street.

1720 Hunter Road

Boho Bites

As you know. I don’t do much without finding food. That being the case, beyond the pickles and the perfect parking spot, down the quaintest alleyway you might ever come across, is Boho Bites. Surrounded by a beautiful, shady courtyard with a sea glass trail and brilliant green leafy ceilings sits a very small and outdoor kitchen and bar. This space stirs up just the right amount of humble Texas romance and gritty conversation from every visitor.

The alleyway to Boho Bites

While you’re there, you can enjoy ice cold wine and beer selections, grilled goodies, salads and sandwiches. Make sure to save room for the homemade pies, made fresh daily. Bring the kids, the dogs and enough time to catch one of the live music acts.

Bonus insight: take advantage of free WiFi to charge the battery, take photos and post them online. While you’re at it, don’t forget to tag Boho Bites on Facebook to stay in tune with their seasonal specials.

1706 Hunter Road

Gruene Hall

Gruene Hall, the oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas

At Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall, you can do a few things to make your visit more accommodating to you and your date! Here are a couple of Gruene Hall tips that’ll make you look like a Texas hero…

You can come and go from the dance hall all day, until approximately 30 minutes prior to show time. So, as the line forms outside, you can stay inside and enjoy the well-seasoned venue from the interior. Watch the crowd disperse, walk, strut, and dance around on the creaky floors that have welcomed some of the most amazing acts to travel through Texas.

Once they clear the hall for show time, you can join the line outdoors before quickly finding your way to one of the benches lining the exterior of the dance floor. From here, you’ll be able to stand atop the bench and gain a bird’s eye view of the main act. Meanwhile, you can stash purses and coats right below your feet. Texas hero, through and through.

Bonus insight: spend some time outside this landmark for photo ops. While you’re at it, pause long enough to watch traffic and all of the people file through the tiny and congested intersection – it’s brilliant. The bar is cash only at the Hall. However, if you forget the cash, there is a Chase Bank ATM just across the street. It’s a wonderfully cold beer and wine venue only, to enjoy on hot Texas days.

1281 Gruene Road

Since I am in the mood to dole out bonus info today, I’ll briefly add two additional Gruene settings that offer moxie and perfect date appeal.

The Grapevine

Amazing setting at The Grapevine

The Grapevine: Wine and beer by the glass or bottle. Cheese plates available. 

Live, outdoor music in a courtyard draped with Texas Live Oaks and plenty of picnic style seating. Indoors you can enjoy tables, fans, and a wine tasting bar. Friendly staff make it all well worth it!

1612 Hunter Road

The Gristmill

Upstairs loft at The Gristmill in Gruene

The Gristmill is a trademark Texas riverside restaurant that needs no introduction from me, but makes for a beautiful place to peruse, dine, or just grab a cocktail and enjoy the view or the occasional live music. 

Portions are big enough for two, don’t doubt that. Create a little additional romance by dining directly riverside or in the upstairs loft, which holds only a few tables.

1287 Gruene Road

With these suggestions and the discoveries you make for yourself, you can easily spend a full day in Gruene, or enjoy a romantic weekend with help from one of the many bed and breakfast options in the area.

@CrisMueller asks:

What is your favorite thing to do in Gruene?