Home + Design

Farm-Fresh Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Create stunning Thanksgiving centerpieces with Creeksouth Farms, featuring seasonal florals, greenery, and rustic accents for a beautifully festive and natural holiday table. Article by Samantha Bowers | Photography by Chelsea James Chelsea James, the creative force behind Creeksouth Farms, has crafted stunning Thanksgiving centerpiece arrangements that capture the beauty of the fall season. Drawing inspiration from her farm's seasonal offerings, Chelsea used flowers like zinnias, celosia...

Food + Beverage

Sotol’d Fashioned

A bold Texas twist on a classic cocktail, balancing earthy, citrus, and sweet flavors perfectly. Article by The Villa November Drink Special This Texas-inspired old-fashioned blends the earthy, herbaceous flavor of Desert Door Sotol with sweet honey, bitters, and citrus. A dried orange wheel and Luxardo cherry add bright and rich fruit notes, while an ice ball keeps it chilled and smooth. It's perfect for slow sipping. 2oz of Desert Door Original Texas Sotol Ice Ball Sugar cube 2 dashes...

Life + Culture

Grateful for the GVTC Foundation’s Impact

Enhancing lives through donations, scholarships, and local events. Deeply rooted in Texas, profoundly impacting future generations. Article by Samantha Bowers Stretching far and wide is a local organization that has shaped many lives in 11 counties across our region. It is the GVTC Foundation, established in 2006. During our interview with Sonia, a representative of the foundation, we explored the foundation's history, mission, and how it makes a difference through charitable donations...

Local Services

Lifelong Mentorship Bonds

Big Brothers Big Sisters empowers youth as it did with Desiree Ansley, fostering confidence, resilience, and lasting relationships through mentorship. Article by Samantha Bowers Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), founded in 1904, has grown into one of the most impactful youth mentorship programs in the U.S. By pairing children, often from single-parent or low-income households, with adult mentors, the program offers guidance, support, and friendship. These relationships help young people build...

Travel

Technicolor Texas Trees

Discover the state’s top spots for vibrant autumn colors Article by Samantha Bowers Garner State Park Garner State Park offers stunning fall foliage experience. Set along the Frio River, this park is home to towering cypress, oak, and maple trees that transform the area into a kaleidoscope of fall colors. The reflection of the autumn leaves on the clear waters of the Frio River creates a breathtaking scene from late October to early November. McKinney Falls State Park McKinney Falls...

Entertainment

What Wurstfest Means to You

A Celebration of Flavor, Fun, and Tradition! Article by Samantha Bowers Crissy DeArmond - "Omg. I LOVE Wurstfest!!! It’s my favorite holiday!! I’d have to say my favorite part of Wurstfest is opening day. We love to go in to Wurst Halle for a beer, then go find our brick, head over to grab some potato pancakes then head to the Big Tent to watch Alex Meixner!"  Jennifer Blaske - "My favorite part of Wurstfest is volunteering at the Jaycees booth with my sister and our friends to raise money...

Food + Beverage

Bourbon Street Nightmare

Experience the Nightmare on Bourbon Street Article by Casey Frank | Photography by The Villa - Drink Lokal Experience the Nightmare on Bourbon Street: a concoction of bourbon, lemon, apple cider, maple syrup, ginger, and cinnamon. Shake it all up and pour over ice, then finish each glass with a top-off of sparkling hard cider. It's the essence of fall in a glass—just the right amount of sweetness, infused with apple and cinnamon, and made extra refreshing with a fizzy touch of sparkling...

Food + Beverage

A Night to Remember

Gruene Studios & The Villa Launch the Songwriters Showcase Article by Casey Frank On the evening of August 19, 2024, the heart of Texas music pulsed with renewed energy as Gruene Studios and The Villa joined forces to launch the Songwriters Showcase. This bi-monthly singer-songwriter competition was designed to spotlight and elevate the region's thriving musical talent, offering a platform where emerging artists could shine. The inaugural event drew a crowd of over 200 enthusiastic attendees...

Food + Beverage

Guide to the Best Local Food Trucks

Discover the Culinary Treasures on Wheels in Our Community Article by Samantha Bowers The New Braunfels community thrives on our local food trucks' vibrant and diverse flavors, each adding a unique touch to the town's culinary scene. These mobile kitchens offer more than just food—they create connections. These trucks foster a sense of community, bringing neighbors together over shared meals. While there are many offerings in town, here are a couple you really must try! UBP Burgers ...

Health + Wellness

The Power of Food as Medicine

Key Nutritional Strategies for Gut Health, Inflammation, Energy, Insulin Support, and Sleep. Article by Troy Green Your body is a temple and nobody knows that better than a functional medicine doctor. Blue Agave Functional Medicine in New Braunfels is committed to a holistic approach to health, emphasizing the healing power of food. By incorporating specific foods into your diet, you can improve gut health, reduce inflammation, support insulin sensitivity, boost energy, and promote better...