Shopping

Holiday Gift Guide for Everyone's Perfect Picks

Discover thoughtful and unique gift ideas for everyone on your list this holiday season, from stocking stuffers to special surprises. Article by Samantha Bowers This holiday season, shopping local is a wonderful way to find unique, thoughtful gifts while supporting the small businesses that make your community special. Whether you're looking for handcrafted goods, festive décor, or something creative and personal, local shops offer one-of-a-kind items that reflect the care and craftsmanship of...

Life + Culture

Joyful Traditions for a Merry Season

Discover festive ways to celebrate the season, from timeless traditions to creating new family memories. Article by Samantha Bowers Gruene is the perfect holiday destination for anyone looking to experience a truly unique and festive Christmas. One of the highlights is a visit with Kowboy Kringle, who greets families from his saddle, spreading holiday cheer with a Texas twist. Kids can share their Christmas wishes while parents snap memorable photos. Another exciting event is the annual Ride...

Entertainment

Dancing Through Tradition

Celebrating The Nutcracker and the School of Classical Ballet's Legacy Article by Samantha Bowers | Photography by Lara Photography The School of Classical Ballet and Dance (SCBD), in Gruene Lake Village, has been a cornerstone of the New Braunfels arts community since its founding in 2010. Under the direction of Elizabeth, SCBD’s mission is to "Celebrate children and the arts by bringing the art of dance into the heart of New Braunfels and its families." Classical ballet is at the core of...

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...

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...

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...

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...